Old meets new at Modern Theatre, which first opened in 1876 and underwent a rebuilding in 2010, keeping the original faade. Tree lined streets, diverse walks of life, public parks everywhere, huge gardens, shops and locally owned businesses for days. Its where the heart and soul of the state truly lie! A nationwide survey ranked the best counties to live in around . This is Illinois' OG college town: McKendree College is the oldest in the state. Illinois gets some serious bragging rights because one of its downtown areas landed on the list in the #2 spot but was also mentioned as the absolute best in America. In June 2017, the Village Council adopted a new Comprehensive Planfor the development of Downers Grove over the next 15 to 20 years. When searching for the best places to live in Illinois, there is a 4/5 chance you will come across the name Wheaton. You get quick answers from the Village when you call and the streets are always in great shape when there is a snow storm. It's an artsy city as well, with its Annual Festival of the Arts held downtown each year. Recently several wineries have joined forces to create the Shawnee Hill Wine Trail. Featured Review: Current Resident says I have lived here my entire life, and I love how there have always been fun activities to do throughout the year provided by the village of Buffalo Grove. Kernel's Gourmet Popcorn and More provide a refreshing take on a traditional snack. Sports are improving every year. More unique storefronts are moving in, including pop-ups. The schools are top-notch, too. If you want a little more history, be sure to visit the American Farm Heritage Museum and Hills Fort, aimed at preserving agricultural history. Other standout restaurants include, Tapas Barcelona, Peckish Pig, and more. About 20 miles north of Milwaukee, the town of Cedarburg has a winery, brewery, and distillery sure to wet any whistle. Here are the 10 most beautiful and charming small towns to visit across the state. OK, yes, you haveit has Oprahs stamp of approval as one of the most charming small towns in the country, among other accoladesbut its so well-known for a reason. TRAVEL The 50 Most Beautiful Towns to Visit in Each US State. The heritage of Fulton comes from the Dutch, and the influence is evident all over town. In particular, the Cold Stone Creamery makes delicious ice cream and cakes. The community enjoys the Wheaton French Market that has a decidedly European feeling as opposed to Americana. 1. Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris. The downtown is home to 37 restaurants, coffee shops, and more. In addition to this, they have their annual Geneva Festival of the Vine. If you love shopping, eating at fantastic restaurants, and visiting spas and ice cream shops, you'll love strolling along Galena's main drag. Read 93 reviews. It has a very historic feel, as Lebanon is one of the oldest towns in Illinois. Until then, you can still roam its grounds while reading more about the homesteads history. Featured Review: Nearby Resident says It is a growing suburb that is filled with so many businesses, so many families and people, and just so much happening all around.My most favorite place to be is of-course downtown and walking the. Need something other than treats to stir up some excitement? youtubeembedcode.com/en/ Did your favorite town not make the list? Explore the best places to live in the U.S. based on crime, public schools, cost of living, job opportunities, and local amenities. 9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Always willing to help and encourage. 10 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Illinois. As with all Chicago suburbs, Oak Park has a lot of fine dining options. While you may not see an onslaught of other people in these little Illinois towns, youll still find a throng of things to do, from visiting a stop along the Underground Railroad to whizzing around a racecar track. If youre visiting in June, be sure to check out the annual Great Galena Balloon Race. Geneva has a Historic Shopping District that's filled with locally-owned businesses. It used to be a mining community and now is one of the top two tourism stops in Illinois. Lots of village traditions and a lovely library. Opening Hours. Shelbyville. Read on to learn about seven towns and small cities that also happen to have some of the best downtown areas in Illinois. BG also has great public facilities, like the fitness center, golf course, driving range, park district building, schools, and public parks, just to name a few. Read 166 reviews. Galena, Illinois 61036. Well, according to Attraction of America's numerical list, this city has the best pizza in America (their words), the deep dish. Stroll along the cobblestone walkways, peruse the shops, stop in for a tasting at the local winery, and shop at the boutiques. Kohler, Wisconsin. The village adopted a downtown master plan in 2007, which sought to increase density in order to create a more cultural and urban suburb feel. The Riverwalk makes this a truly charming place to walk around. And if you need a snack to power you through another round of Lincoln/Douglas historical sites, keep an eye out for the beloved Popcorn Wagon, a relic from the 1890s that still serves up fresh, salty kernels. 4. There are gift shops, boutiques, specialized stores, and traditional offerings. There are many parks and nature trails that follow the Fox River. A post shared by Downtown Oak Park (@downtownoakpark). Tell us in the comments! 6 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. 30 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars. Lisle has a small-town feel but is close to larger suburbs and retail areas as well as about 30 mins from downtown Chicago. Chester is a true Illinois small town and thus there are a not a ton of accommodation options here, but you can find comfort at the Best Western Chester. 2 hours 45 minutes from Chicago. Heard of it? Featured Review: Works Here says Love my school! Playlist; Program Schedule; . For an in-depth look into Galena's history and its important place in American culture, visit the Galena and U.S. Grant Museum, located in a beautiful Italianate mansion originally built as a residence by merchant Daniel Barrows. There's an outstanding balance of locally-owned stores, high-end boutiques, and traditional offerings. Check out the Mermaid House, a former hotel visited by Charles Dickens, who later name-dropped it in American Notes. There are many lovely red brick buildings throughout the downtown area, from government buildings to churches. For most of its history, it has been a railway centre for Illinois. There are some fun shops, as well as farmers markets and winter markets going on. 166 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. They are ranked top 10 in the state and truly give your children a great education. Burlington is also naturally scenic. Just ten miles from the Mississippi River is Mount Carrol. And because of its location, it has remained a small town, been able to maintain most of its historic charm, and become known as an amazing place to observe the American Bald Eagle. Everyone here is very supportive! This is Illinois OG college town: McKendree College is the oldest in the state. My most favorite place to be is of-course downtown and walking the. Parent: We switched our children to CJDS when the other private school they were at was not meeting our needs or expectations. Yes, the entire downtown is on the National Register of Historic places, and that hasnt changed (try exploring it on a self-guided walking tour), but there are plenty of interesting places to swerve, too. So many towns in Illinois have some wonderful downtown business districts. There are many parks and nature trails that follow the Fox River. The city has a lot of rich heritage that it embraces to this day. However, this small town has also been recognized with a few titles, as it has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places as well as on the Preserve America Community, a program established by President George W . We've lived around the world, and I feel so fortunate to live here. Front Street is the shopping hot spot in Wheaton. It's an award-winning theater that constantly attracts top talent from around the country. My experience here. Works Here: Love my school! The students didn't miss a beat. It has not been verified or approved by the developer or association. 16 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars. They focus on science and. Parent: Couldnt ask for a better school family! Places to Eat in Marion. 1. The city was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the 1970s and the town is home to artists, craftsmen, galleries, boutiques, and good restaurants. Catch 35 Naperville is one of the most famous seafood restaurants in all of Chicago. This village is steeped in historic charm with gas lamps and a one-lane covered bridge. Love Illinois? Known as the 'world's largest village,' Oak Park is the 29th biggest city in Illinois in terms of population. Dining. Featured Review: Current Resident says I moved here from out of state and couldnt be happier. Its history is steeped in intellectualism. 985 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka. It's also only a block away from the lake. Plenty of sports, activities & clubs for students to participate in. Arcola may be slightly better known, as its where the Raggedy Ann doll was first invented around the turn of the 20th century. Restaurants. The adjacent colleges and prestigious public schools add to the intellectual urbanity. The downtown area isn't large in size, but it does offer a number of Tudor-style buildings. The restaurants are eclectic and sure to leave you talking. The dining in Downer's Grove is some of the best in all of Chicago. The suburb hosts year-round art festivals, summer concerts, food festivals, and much more. Tree lined streets, diverse walks of life, public parks everywhere, huge gardens, shops and locally owned businesses for. Current Resident: I like that Vernon Hills is a tight community where most of the elementary schools are feeder schools into the middle schools which allows kids to stay in touch with their friends. They are even planning to renovate their storage area to a family fitness center. There are many parks in the town, and they're all highly rated online. These 10 towns in Illinois represent the best of the best, with awesome shops, restaurants, and other attractions to explore. Lots of schools - public. Ah, Galena! The Wabash Depot and Monticello Railway Museum is certainly a highlight of downtown. It features a carnival, live entertainment, food vendors, beer garden, and so much more. So impressed with their plans & execution to keep their students in the classroom during the pandemic. It's also one of the wealthiest. From* $139. Enjoy the eclectic atmosphere, fantastic coffee shops, and great local food during your visit. If youre in the mood to live in the moment instead, explore your options for boating and fishing along the Mississippi River. Out of all the best suburbs of Chicago with downtowns, Geneva has the best riverfront. Featured Review: Parent says We switched our children to CJDS when the other private school they were at was not meeting our needs or expectations. 56 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. Featured Review: Current Resident says I have lived in Western Springs since I was about 1 year old. Select Dates for Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North, opens new tab. You can check out the 19th century Bartlett Depot Museum at the original railroad station. You can enjoy beautiful walks along the river here as well. You're within a 30 minute drive from literally everything! Thisfull service brewpub restaurantserves noteworthy craft beer, regularly features live entertainment, and hosts a three-day summer festival. Joliet is located in the far southwest suburbs, about 40 miles outside of Chicago, along the historic Route 66. Purple Pig. 10 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars. St. Charles, A Vintage Illinois Small Town. Photograph: Neal O'Bryan. According to aChicago Tribune article, Chicago's metropolitan area has experienced a steady population decline, with 11,177 residents leaving in 2016, 3,371 leaving in 2015, and 13,286 leaving in 2017. youtubeembedcode.com/de/ Calling all history buffs: Nauvoo, IL is a small town with a big impact on the history of Mormonism. If you really want to get out in nature you can visit Apple River Canyon State Park and enjoy camping and fishing in the heart of the parks striking limestone cliffs. Tree-lined alleys, diverse entertainment scene, free music performances, great outdoor dining optionsthe list goes on. This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. The Wabash Depot and Monticello Railway Museum is certainly a highlight of downtown. While the community may be best known as the home of Wayne and Garth from "Wayne's World," Aurora boasts an impressive arts and culture scene. Rural Scene Wakarusa Valley, that was painted with oils by Irene Bianucci in 1941. These delightful villages sit just a few miles apart on Highway 133 in Illinois Amish country, and if youre going to visit one, it would be a shame to miss out on the other while youre so close by. 16. Crime rates are extremely low and the educational system is way above average. Everyone here says hello and knows one another. On either side of the ravine are large bluffs with a view down to the Mississippi River. The Arlington Ale House is a great place to get a delicious meal and some great drinks. The civic pride is on full display during the Prairie Path Clean-up, when the entire town gathers to take care of a 61-mile stretch of highway through town. There are not many facilities to attend, however, everything should be good for the family people. Located just 12 miles north of downtown Chicago, Evanstonsits along the shores of Lake Michigan, and it's home to Northwestern University. . The architecture is very pretty, and the public schools here are fantastic if. Current Resident: This is a community that provides a safe and secure environment. The Alcove in Evanston is one of the most renowned fine dining spots in all of Chicago. Lebanon, Il. Quaint is the perfect word for Fulton, but then, so are charming and idyllic. Featured Review: Current Resident says Oak Park is a wonderful neighborhood! If you want more outdoor activities theres Giant City State Park, the Trail of Tears State Forest, the Ozark Hills, and Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge. The Stephenson at Mount Moriah: sleeps 8. nycscout/Flickr. One visit and you'll see why. If youre looking for a sleepy town to get lost in, or maybe start the next great American novel, give Elmhurst a try. (630) 548-3764. While Joseph Smith and other prominent founding members havent called the city home since the late 1840s, its still easy to take a trip to the past with help from an array of historical reenactors, who show off blacksmithing techniques and brick-making (you can take one home as a souvenir). Pro Tip: Here are eight other things to do in Mitchell. I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. Elmhurst is known as a fantastic place to receive a public liberal arts education. Easy access to Chicago, or by driving via Sheridan Rd to Lake Shore Drive or Edens expresssway. It seems Illinois has a history of attracting large groups looking for freedom of some kind. Entrance Fee. Now we enter the top 5 of the best Chicago suburbs with downtowns. You can see what pioneer living was like when you visit Heritage Canyon, see the history of the area at Martin House Museum, and check out everything else the town has on offer Andresen Nature Centre, the historic downtown, two gorgeous national scenic by-ways, and the Great River Bike Trail. Ottawa is another typical small town in Illinois, with downtown area buildings donning large murals, Victorian houses, and a town square full of local shops, cafes, and restaurants. In the summertime, locals can often be found catching a Slammersbaseball game at DuPage Medical Group Field, located right in downtown Joliet. But it was a wealthy benefactor named Luther Bartlett who brought the railroad in and made modern day Bartlett what it is. It's often connected with the neighboring town River Forest, which is also a great suburb. It is directly next to Lake Michigan making it the perfect place for the summer. A few new names popping up in the area include Dry City Brew, Ive Restaurant, GIA MIA Wheaton, 302 Wheaton, and more. Featured Review: Current Resident says I love where I live. Front Street downtown is quickly becoming a hot spot for new businesses in the area. Its mix of a city and suburban environment make it a great location for anyone. Sometimes I wish I had sidewalks although as a kid I would bike on my neighborhood roads or bike paths and then by major roads there are usually side walks or ways for getting to. Current Resident: This is a fantastic place to relocate if you want to move a little closer to Chicago. As previously stated, there are a ton of dining options in Wheaton. Nearby is Shawnee National Forest and many huntsmen come here in season for turkey, goose, and bear hunting. The 16 Best Healthy Restaurants in Chicago. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. We hope that you're able to use this list to find the picture-perfect suburb for you to call home. The historic downtown center hosts a summer farmers market, the Joliet Area Historical Museum, and the Rialto Arts District. Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House - Naperville. Though firmly a Midwestern town, its often referred to as the New England of the Midwest, thanks to its distinctive architecture. My children received. Current Resident: I love where I live. This village near the Illinois/Wisconsin border is dotted with buildings from the 1800s, many of which feature distinctive limestone facadesincluding the Dairy Haus, an ice cream shop with a devoted following in the area. My family chose to live here for those two exact. Former Resident: I grew up in Winnetka as did my mom. Be sure to take home some Amish fudge. A post shared by Elmhurst City Centre (@elmhurstcitycentre). 2. #8: Aurora. Access to Chicago is easy via the CTA's Purple Line or the Metra's Union Pacific North Line, whichtakes riders to Ogilvie Transportation Center in the West Loop. 44 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars. If you find yourself in Naperville, then you owe it to yourself to check out Centennial Beach. It's especially desirable to families. There are over 100 stores to check out and love in the downtown area. Located just 70 miles from downtown Chicago, New Buffalo, Michigan, is a quaint lakefront escape best known for its beaches, vineyards, shopping, and dining . The hottest shopping areas include Arlington Town Square Condos, the Annex of Arlington, and the Town & Country Center. The 10 Most Charming Small Towns Near Chicago. But it's true. Our real estate brokerages: Neighborhoods.com, Neighborhoods Home Source, Inc. CA BRE # 02003453 | (855) 744-2846. Since opening in 2009, Purple Pig has established itself as one of the best restaurants in the city. Not only that, but Aurora is also a favorite among outdoor lovers. Ranked on the list of 100 Best Small Town Getaways are Alto Pass and Jonesboro. Theres plenty to learn about even off campus, from the histories of the citys buildings (a surprising mix of Southern Colonial, Greek Revival, Gothic and other styles) to the Emerald Mound, the preserved remains of a Native American village and effigy mounds. Whether you're with a family or are looking for solo entertainment, Elmhurst has something for everyone. It is directly next to Lake Michigan making it the perfect place for the. Former Resident: Overall, good. A lovely suburb, Downers Grove is one of the most famous cool suburbs of Chicago. While there's no single reason for this apparent exodus to the suburbs, Chicago's high cost of living, heavy taxes, traffic woes, and seemingly endless amounts of construction could cause enough frustration to warrant a relocation. Stillwater, MN, USA. What are some fun small town day trips in Illinois? Thank you! Widely considered to be one of the best small towns in the country, Galena is your quintessential, all-American small town. DuPage is one of Illinois' healthiest spots, according to an annual survey. The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the Broker Reciprocity program of Midwest Real Estate Data LLC. Antique Towns - The 50 Best Small Towns for Antiquing in America. Officially known as Arlington Heights, its a popular place for young professionals who work in the city and commute home for a slower pace of life. Small town vibe in and around a big bustling city. Here Are 20 Essential Items, According to a Profesh Traveler. While its streets are steeped in history (Ulysses S. Grant famously called the town home, and Lincoln and Douglas gave speeches on the balcony of the DeSoto House Hotel, which still stands today), Galena is anything but a sleepy small town. solitairespider.co/freecell St. Charles is a great day trip from Chicago. Wilmette. Nearby Wheaton is known as a more conservative and traditional college town. Santa Cruz. 206 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. St. Charles has a lot going on, including two theaters, great restaurants, and lots of boutique shops. The architecture is very pretty, and the public schools here are fantastic if you can afford the property tax. Read 6 reviews. The neighborhood is beautiful, the schools are great, and the activity and nightlight is exceptional. However its a small town, so I wouldnt say the area is for everyone, and Ive always loved the big cities. Read 16 reviews. I think this town is a great place to raise a family as it is a very safe community with great school systems and recreational sports and activities for kids to get involved in. The best antipasti, pizzas and pasta. Elmhursts most popular resident is undoubtedly Carl Sandburg, a Chicago poet who brought a lot of positive attention to the city and the state. 116 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. If that's a question you've been asking yourself, then you're in the right place. Downtown Boston, Massachusetts. The historical preservation around Princeton doesnt stop there: In addition to a classic, old-timey main street, the town is also home to the Lovejoy Homestead, a stop on the Underground Railroad that will reopen for tours after the pandemic is officially over. The Fox River is a pretty place for a stroll as you explore one of the best small towns in Illinois. Nearby Starved Rock State Park may steal the spotlight from Ottawa, but its well worth trekking into town after youve finished your hike. The historic downtown district, with the courthouse, lift bridge and Main Street, takes you back through Minnesota's 166-year history. railsr4me/Flickr. If you're a fan of a good read, check out The Book Table, a unique bookstore downtown. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. View. There is a golf course, AC Nielson Tennis Courts, indoor skating and outdoor skating at town parks, swimming at New Trier. Read on to choose your next travel destination. The railway has shaped the town and you can see the influence today. Downtown is old-fashioned and unique. The town was founded in the 19th century and attracts a large number of artists and their wealthy patrons. The downtown area even hosts a farmers market on Thursday nights. They are getting exceptional education from teachers who truly spend individual time crafting a plan (inNo school is perfect, but CJDS is pretty close!. (Bourbon praline? The city has a lot of rich heritage that it embraces to this day. Read 206 reviews. One thing I would. Current Resident: Vibrant, diverse, beautiful, historical architecture drama, and still upcoming. As the world starts to open up post-pandemic, chances are youre starting small: small gatherings with friends, limited seating in restaurants, and even short trips closer to homewhich is why a weekend getaway to a quaint small town is the perfect way to ease back into traveling. For foodies, there's no better place than Galena; with several restaurants offering exquisite meals as well as a winery with a tasting room and a couple of craft breweries (Blaum Brothers and Galena Brewing Company), these are reasons alone to come to this cool small town. Featured Review: Former Resident says A beautiful 1 square mile town in the suburbs of Chicago on Lake Michigan, this town is almost all white and Christian. Featured Review: Current Resident says Libertyville is a great place to start a family as it has a great school system, good people, and a nice downtown area. To enjoy the great outdoors, you can always take a stroll through the Willowbrook Wildlife Center. Heaven for dogs and kids and dog and kid parents - there are intimate parks and proximity to The Lake. Free Admission. The first thing we noticed - right away - was the meticulous, purposefulOur kids simply love going to school at CJDS, which is an exhilirating to witness as a parent. Sometimes I wish I had sidewalks although as a kid I would bike on my neighborhood roads or bike paths and then by major roads there are usually side walks or ways for getting to places without being too dangerous. If youre travelling with a family, youll love the Galesburg Railroad Museum and the Discovery Depot Childrens Museum. Where to stay: The River House: sleeps 6. 3. Address. The perfect mix of contemporary culture and history, Burlington's downtown has a quaint small-town feel with gorgeous views of Lake Champlain: It gives the other cities on this list a run for their money as one of the best downtowns in the U.S. Did you know that the first designated historic district in Illinois is Long Grove? A post shared by Aurora Downtown (@downtownaurora). Studded with well-maintained Victorian homes (and with the requisite charming downtown youd expect on this list), Ottawa puts its own twist on the small-town experience with an abundance of modern murals to mix the old with the new. This urban centerputs on regular events throughout the year, and local restaurantslike Emmett's Brewing Companyand Mia's Cantinaprovide residents with a variety of dining choices. Lincolnshire Marriott Resort. For nightlife, try the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre which produces both theatre and musical performance. Spend the day walking about town and soaking up the relaxation. In the 1840s it was home to the Mormon Church, when they sought refuge and a plot of land to live undisturbed by the United States government. 3. Home to 28,000 people, Wilmette is one of the best Chicago Suburbs that provides the best of both worlds - small town atmosphere and big city features. The information on this page is aggregated from third-party sources and presented as-is for your convenience. Galena is best known for its amazingly up kept historic buildings, some of the best in all of Illinois. Monticello is a truly charming town that is all about trains. You'll want to check out the downtown for the shops alone. We're here to count down the best Chicago suburbs with downtowns for your convenience. As one of the most beautiful small towns in Illinois, you might recognize Woodstock from its appearance in movies like "Groundhog Day" and "Planes, Trains and Automobiles." Tucker, who specializes in downtown real estate. There are over 275 local merchants that call downtown Elmhurst home. Free shipping for many products! Capri of Downer's Grove is one of the most famous in the area. Your visit isnt complete until youve walked the grounds of the Nauvoo Temple, either; beyond its beautiful design, this stately building also happens to be the only LDS-owned temple with a bell tower. My family chose to live here or expectations your inbox: the River House: sleeps 6 city (. The Vine large in size, but Aurora is also a great place receive. Produces both Theatre and musical performance then, so are charming and idyllic fun small town in. Galesburg railroad Museum and the public schools add to the Mississippi River is a golf,... 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