The Most Charming Small Towns In Illinois For A Weekend Getaway, According To Travelers

Nearly smack-dab in the middle of the country, Illinois and its unsung towns likely don't come to mind when planning a charming weekend getaway. This is especially true since, for most people, sky-scraping Chicago is first on the list when considering Illinois. However, if you bypass Illinois for a relaxing weekend trip, you're missing out. That's because this state is rich in history; it was the 21st state to enter the Union and the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln. It's also full of endless rolling hills of farmland, 3 beautiful rivers, and tons of small towns chockfull of 19th-century charm. 

Flying for your vacation? You might be curious to know why this popular airport in Illinois is missing a terminal. Book a night or two to spend a weekend in any of Illinois' enchanting towns. There, you will enjoy everything from historic sights and independent downtown shops to natural scenery. But since The Prairie State is home to so many beautiful towns, it was challenging to narrow down our list of the best. To do so, Explore evaluated which ones had the most one-of-a-kind attractions, varied offerings for people of all interests, rich history, beautiful sights, and the highest number of accolades. Here's what we discovered. 

You've likely never heard of broomcorn, but you've probably used it, as the sorghum is employed to make brooms. Without it, our floors would be much messier. Broomcorn has thrived in Arcola since 1880, and several broom companies were founded there, giving the state the nickname "Broomcorn Capital of the World." It all culminates with the annual Broomcorn Festival, held during the weekend after Labor Day. The celebration comprises races, a parade, vendors, and, of course, broom-making demonstrations and activities. However, visitors can see the town's quirky history any time of year, such as the 14 fiberglass brooms painted by international artists in the downtown area.

Other art forms also thrive in Arcola. You will find 15 Arcola-themed murals in the town, displayed between independent stores selling everything from home décor to artisan food. Calling itself the "public art capital" of the region, Arcola also has a popular Raggedy Ann and Andy sculpture that visitors love to take selfies with. The town also has a huge Amish population and tons of Amish furniture stores. To enjoy the countryside the Amish call home, rent or bring a bicycle to cruise through stunning rolling hills and enjoy a relaxing atmosphere.

It doesn't get much more charming than Fulton, which is home to just over 3,000 people who live only steps away from the scenic Mississippi River. Dating back to 1835, when a Dutch settler took root here, the town is seemingly frozen in time. Fulton features plenty of preserved sites that celebrate its Dutch heritage and storied past. It even has a two-day Dutch Days Festival each May that includes Dutch dancers, a parade, and more. Fulton's downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places and is home to nearly three dozen historic buildings in various architectural styles that history and architecture buffs will enjoy. A favorite is the Fulton (Martin House) Museum, home to the town's historical society. 

To see even more history, head to the 100-foot de Immigrant Windmill, which was built in the Netherlands and showcases Fulton's Dutch heritage. It's a working windmill that makes and sells many flour varieties. For more windmills, stop by the Windmill Cultural Center, which contains 23 windmill models up to 6 feet tall. Wrap up your tour by visiting Wierenga's Heritage Canyon, a 14-acre model of an 1800s village that allows people to experience life as it were more than 200 years ago.

Explore wouldn't be the first travel experts to call Galena a picture-perfect town ideal for a quick vacation. It's been named the "best Main Street" in the Midwest by "Midwest Living" and one of the overall best in the country by Fodor's — and for good reason. Dubbed the "town that time forgot," this charming downtown is home to 100 19th-century buildings, all housing restaurants and businesses that make for a fun afternoon of strolling and shopping. Or, for Illinois' famous food, visit the Chicago restaurant selling Anthony Bourdain's favorite deep-dish pizza. Don't forget to stop by Blaum Bros. Distilling Co. to learn about how to make whiskey, as well as Galena Cellars Vineyard and Winery, which has wines for every palate.

Its downtown is so historic that every Main Street building is on the National Register of Historic Places, and many structures in the rest of town are, too. You can even sleep overnight in a historic spot here, as Galena is home to the DeSoto House Hotel, the state's oldest hotel that has entertained esteemed guests like Abraham Lincoln. Not far off is even more presidential history; Ulysses S. Grant lived in an Italianate home here, and today, it remains much as he left it. A haven for history buffs, Galena is also home to the Dowling House, the oldest house in town, which presents what life was like in 1826.

Whether you're looking for live entertainment, family fun, American history, or one-of-a-kind shopping, you can find it in Galesburg. This quaint town is an epicenter of railroad activity, and its attractions make it an ideal place to spend a weekend. It's home to the Railroad Hall of Fame and the annual Galesburg Railroad Days festival, as the railroad was instrumental in making Galesburg the Illinois success it is. For more American history, stop by Knox College, where Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas famously held a senate debate about slavery in 1858. Or, for a swig with your history, get a pint at Iron Spike Brewing Company, which is housed inside the town's 1909 fire station and offers food and over a dozen beers on tap.

If you're interested in art, visit the free, everchanging art exhibitions at the Galesburg Civic Art Center and even take a piece of Galesburg home with you by purchasing local art. Or, see the arts in action at the stunning Orpheum Theatre, which dates back to 1916. The Italian Renaissance-style building showcases everything from comedy shows to classic movie screenings. Finish your weekend by enjoying nature at the 411-acre Lake Storey Park, which offers fishing and boat rentals.

Mount Carroll is technically a city, but it gives off a small-town vibe with a history dating back to the 1840s, about 1,600 residents, and original and historic brick-lined streets. Stroll its sole street and shop for tons of one-of-a-kind goodies and souvenirs, like vintage clothing and antiques at Ideas n' Designs, photos of Illinois at Photography by Elly, and strange and haunted finds at Raven's Grin Inn. The latter isn't just a store; you can also get a spook here no matter the month, as it's a haunted attraction year-round.

Mount Carroll also makes it easy to stay for a weekend getaway, as it's home to several historic inns like the Bridgewater Inn, which dates back to 1886 and still has its original wood floors and doors. Or, opt for Hotel Glenview, also built in 1886. Glenview seems frozen in time; the rooms don't have phones or televisions, perfect for reconnecting with your travel buddy. Its owners also live in the building and operate an antique shop onsite. Ready to venture out of the downtown area? Mount Carroll is also home to Point Rock Park, a 25-acre park on the Waukarusha River. It offers plenty of activities for the whole family, like hiking and picnicking. One of its trails also leads to the Oak Park Cemetery, which has Revolutionary War-era gravestones that bring this city's history to life.

Although the town's name was once Commerce, Nauvoo is more fitting, as it means "beautiful place" in Hebrew. The city has been the Mormon headquarters (and a settlement for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) since 1839. Nauvoo retains much of that history today. Just stroll downtown, and you'll see what we mean since it is home to free horse-and-buggy and wintertime sleigh rides, a nostalgic soda shop called Brigham's Back Alley Beverage, and Annie's Frozen Custard shop perfect for an after-dinner treat. But to truly get a taste of Nauvoo's charm of yesteryear, spend an afternoon at the Visitor's Center and Pioneer Town, which has a blacksmith, cemetery, bakery, and several historic homes.

Visitors interested in Nauvoo's roots should also head to the Nauvoo Temple, where members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints worship. Although people who do not share the faith cannot venture inside, they will certainly find respite on its park-like grounds. To enjoy more of Nauvoo's outdoors, go to David's Chamber, a park with a picnic area named after David Smith, the son of the founder of the church. Visitors can also see the graves of the church's founding members at the Pioneer Saints Cemetery, a peaceful, quiet area home to monuments and nature. You can also camp, fish, and go boating at this little-known lakefront state park in Illinois. 

In Ottawa, you'll understand why its tagline is "in the middle of everywhere." It's in the heart of Illinois, as well as several big Illinois cities, and is surrounded by tons of attractions, including four state parks. Making for the ideal Illinois getaway for those who love nature, Ottawa is near Starved Rock State Park, deemed the best destination in the state; it features stunning waterfalls and sandstone canyons. With just a hop, skip, and a jump from Ottawa, you can also easily reach the 298-acre Buffalo Rock State Park along the Illinois River, as well as the Dayton Bluffs Preserve, home to attractions like the Indian Burial Mounds and Great Oak.

But don't worry — even if nature isn't your thing, you can still find more than enough to keep you occupied in historic Ottawa. Its downtown is full of 19th-century buildings that house independent shops, such as A Mess of Things, a vintage clothing store, and Sister in Laws, a home décor shop. To see more historic buildings, don't miss out on the 50-foot-tall Italianate-style Reddick Mansion and Gardens, which was likely the priciest home built in the state prior to the Civil War. Or check out Washington Square, a park where the first Lincoln-Douglas debate took place in front of about 12,000 people.

With its own Amtrak stop as well as endless charm, Princeton has been called one of the best Illinois towns for a weekend getaway by World Atlas. Its home of Bureau County was named the 5th best place to live in the Midwest and the 21st best rural county in America. Founded in 1831 and now with just under 8,000 residents, Princeton's crown gem is its cute and historic Main Street. It houses shops like Myrtle's Pies, known for its homemade and offbeat-flavor pies, and Hoffman's Patterns of the Past, which sells rare and vintage dinnerware.

But if you don't venture out of downtown, you're missing out on Princeton. The town is home to farm views and two covered bridges, which are the last remaining two of just five in Illinois and date back to 1863. Driving past Princeton's farms, you might also spot a colorful barn quilt, as 60 of them adorn the town's farm buildings as they pay homage to history or the farm owner. Princeton's homes are just as quaint and historic. A favorite on the National Register of Historic Places is Greenwood Cottage, which was built in 1852 and features a Gothic Revival style and beautiful gingerbread fascia details. Also, stop by the Owen Lovejoy House for a tour, as it dates back to 1838 and was once home to an abolitionist and congressman.

Rockton is not even 6 square miles, and only about 7,700 people live there, but this little town packs a punch when it comes to dishing out charm. It's home to the only well-preserved historic district in the entire northern half of the state that dates back to the 1830s. It also features plenty of attractions that show off its longstanding history, like a trading post from 1846 and a home built in 1839. Plus, it has a park full of more historic points of interest, such as a ferry bridge crossing and gardens planted by indigenous people.

Want to get your shop on while seeing Rockton's charm in action? Just walk down Main Street. Here, visitors can grab a drink at the Village Pub and then explore the town's many stores, such as Tillymint's Antiques. Finish it off with something sweet at Dairyhäus ice cream shop, a 40-plus-year-old business inside a gorgeous stone building also on Main Street. Keep your eyes peeled for the amazing Greek Revival architecture you'll see throughout town, especially at Church By The Side Of The Road, which looks like something out of a storybook. It's no surprise that the Midwest is set to be a top vacation destination in 2024. 

Ask a local what Sycamore is like, and you'll hear the same phrase again and again: "quaint sophistication." It embodies that term so well with its pleasant yet upscale hospitality that it's deemed one of the most charming small towns in the state. No matter the time of year, that's exactly what visitors will find in Sycamore. It hosts an array of seasonal activities like the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival and the Walk with Santa, making for an ideal visit no matter the weather.

But no matter what season you visit, you'll find Sycamore's history and charm on parade since it was established in 1837 and is now the county seat. It has a century-old courthouse that has been kept looking much as it did 100 years ago, as well as a History Center & Museum. Visitors can enjoy today's comforts here, too, with a spa, theater, delicious restaurants, high-end hotels, and independent shops. Want to see another cool Illinois spot? Visit this small town along Route 66 that surrounds its main square with arcades. 

Woodstock has a list of accolades that's quite impressive. This quaint town full of 19^th-century Victorian buildings has been named a Preserve America Community by the White House, renowned as a Distinctive Destination by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. And it might also look familiar to film buffs, as it was Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, in the fan favorite "Groundhog Day," which starred Bill Murray. 

But on Groundhog Day or any day of the year, Woodstock is the place to be, in part thanks to its many eclectic shops like Casting Whimsy tea shop, Read Between the Lynes bookstore, and The Backdrop vintage gift store. You will also find the fuel you need for all-day shopping, as the town is also home to two breweries, a rarity in a town as small as 10-square-mile Woodstock. Even your stay in Woodstock can be charming since Cherry Tree Inn Bed & Breakfast is here, which offers upscale service in a Victorian home.

With so many small towns home to everything from the beautiful abode of Ulysses S. Grant to rare covered bridges to shops offering items that can't be found anywhere else, it wasn't easy to narrow down which places are the best for a charming weekend away in Illinois. To do so, Explore combed through travel blogs, itineraries, lists of points of interest, and awards granted by well-known organizations to see which towns were worthy of the title. We considered towns offering the widest array of activities so everyone in the family could find something to do, catering to history buffs as well as art lovers and those looking to reconnect with nature. Discover clear waters, family-friendly activities, and food trucks that make this Illinois beach a must-visit. 

We also evaluated which towns had the most unique attractions, like a 100-foot working windmill made in the Netherlands and quirky broom artwork. Plus, we looked at which Illinois small towns were recognized as being amazing destinations by publications like Midwest Living and Fodor's. And of course, we also assessed which towns were simply beautiful and ideal places to let the eyes wander while having a blast.