Enjoy the eclectic atmosphere, fantastic coffee shops, and great local food during your visit. Uptown Winnetka is great and so is Hubbard Woods. If youre into interesting history, it doesnt get better than Nauvoo. While in town, don't forget to head to 10th Street to check out. Tree lined streets, diverse walks of life, public parks everywhere, huge gardens, shops and locally owned businesses for days. The schools are top-notch, too. 150 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars. Love Illinois? There's nothing more delightful than spending a day in one of the Land of Lincoln's myriad small towns, whether it's taking a historic tour or checking out the best downtown shopping areas in Illinois. Enjoy the 19th Century architecture and small town charm of Galena. Downtown Urbana has been revitalized, with some great restaurants, including a killer barbecue joint. Elmhurst takes our pick for the best balance between entertainment, dining, and shopping. Talking about my experience, it was pretty good. Boston has been "lit" ever since Paul Revere looked for lantern light in the tower of the Old North Church way back in 1775. St. Charles is a great day trip from Chicago. 166 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. Kohler is the one place in Wisconsin where you can experience small-town charm and a five-star resort at . If shopping is your thing, then Aurora is an excellent location for you. It is a convenient location in regards to restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops, fitness studios and so forth. If youre visiting in June, be sure to check out the annual Great Galena Balloon Race. Lincolnshire is a top-rated family resort ideal for families traveling with toddlers or infants. The Arlington Ale House is a great place to get a delicious meal and some great drinks. 8. Its really a rather dramatic oasis in the midst of the flat Midwestern plans. 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." Home Travel Guides United States Illinois (IL) 15 Best Small Towns to Visit in Illinois. . Pro Tip: Here are eight other things to do in Mitchell. Naperville, IL 60540. 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. As with all Chicago suburbs, Oak Park has a lot of fine dining options. Old meets new at Modern Theatre, which first opened in 1876 and underwent a rebuilding in 2010, keeping the original faade. Last Updated: July 3, 2021 at 5:55 p.m. Elmhurst College has a reputation as a progressive liberal arts school, and the reputation spills over into town. 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. Its a wonderful town. Select Dates for Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North, opens new tab. There are historic locations, boutiques, art stores, and traditional shopping options. It is a beautiful town with much to do for all ages. Easy commute right into the city. 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. Well, according to Attraction of America's numerical list, this city has the best pizza in America (their words), the deep dish. Or perhaps youlike so many othersare considering making a permanent move out of the city to take advantage of more space, breathtaking nature and cheaper cost of living. Wheaton has seen some explosive growth in recent years. Wilmette was hailed by Business Week as the 7th best place to raise a . Small town vibe in and around a big bustling city. 30 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars. Neighborhoods.com does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of information or assume any liability for its use. Nauvoo attracted both the Mormons and then later a group of French communists, and Bishop Hill attracted a group of Swedes hoping to form a utopian society under the guidance of Erik Jansson. This is Illinois OG college town: McKendree College is the oldest in the state. Charles Perkins, director of planning and community development, told the Daily Heraldthat the influx in activity in downtown Arlington Heights is a result of a strategic long-term plan that is finally taking shape. The downtown area even hosts a farmers market on Thursday nights. You can enjoy beautiful walks along the river here as well. Spend the day walking about town and soaking up the relaxation. Capri of Downer's Grove is one of the most famous in the area. There are plenty of cool suburbs of Chicago, but which have the best downtowns? Naperville. The town was hugely influential to Orson Welles, a famous resident. Every year for Labor Day weekend, Buffalo Grove Days is hosted, which actually is located a block away from my house which makes it easy for me to walk and meet up with my friends or family. Glen Ellyn is ripe with locally-owned boutiques, and it offers some of the best shopping in Chicago. These towns sit blessed with natural beauty and replete in downtown sights for the best weekend getaway from the city. I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. It's especially desirable to families. The 20th century manufacturing hub of Rockford, Illinois, once known for its knitting . Nearby Starved Rock State Park may steal the spotlight from Ottawa, but its well worth trekking into town after youve finished your hike. There is great shopping alongside a nostalgic and yet buzzing atmosphere. You'll find loads of high-end boutiques, electronics stores, specialty stores, and more. Opening Hours. Discover more cool places to visit in the Chicago area by signing up to our newsletter here. 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. Trains run below ground so its very safe. Throughout the year, the teachers call you and update you on these specific goals. Explore the best places to live in the U.S. based on crime, public schools, cost of living, job opportunities, and local amenities. Aurora constantly pops up on lists for cool suburbs in Chicago.It's home to award-winning theatres, the newest outdoor concert venue, and some fantastic shopping. youtubeembedcode.com/de/ People look out for each other and come together whenever tragedy strikes one of their neighbors. Sports are improving every year. The Two Brothers Roadhouse is one of the most famous restaurants in Aurora. For high school they offer soccer, basketball, volleyball, wrestling, esports; middle school volleyball, basketball and wrestling. It is a very safe and welcoming neighborhood. 48 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars. Includes average property values, inventory, market changes, and demographic data. During the summer months, RiverEdge Parkand Millennium Plazahost locally and nationally recognized artists. Read on to choose your next travel destination. You get quick answers from the Village when you call and the streets are always in great shape when there is a snow storm. You will find over 4.5 miles of paved trails downtown, and you can try your luck at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino. Even though Vernon Hills is a great place to raise families and send kids to school, there are still a few things the suburb could work on improving like diversity, affordability, and the housing market. Read 128 reviews. Nearby is Shawnee National Forest and many huntsmen come here in season for turkey, goose, and bear hunting. On the Galena River you can boat, canoe, or kayak, and just 13 miles from town flows the mighty Mississippi. Galena, Illinois 61036. There are restaurant's, but the scene will inevitably shift Southward. . It is truly a mix of old (really old, like the courthouse and opera house) and new. Need something other than treats to stir up some excitement? Theres also rare bird watching available and an annual rattlesnake migration which isnt so much something you want to go and watch, but rather something to be fascinated by. The Metropolis Performing Arts Centre is one of its most famous locations for live performances. Had your fill on murals and snacks? A post shared by Downtown Oak Park (@downtownoakpark). 1. You can check out the 19th century Bartlett Depot Museum at the original railroad station. It has a very historic feel, as Lebanon is one of the oldest towns in Illinois. Thank you! The area now known as the Village of Bartlett was once a settlement for Potawatomi, Ottawa, Miami, and Cherokee tribes. The historic downtown district, with the courthouse, lift bridge and Main Street, takes you back through Minnesota's 166-year history. Looking to start a family very soon as well so would like to find a suburb that is a good mix of young families, growing, and a nice downtown area. From one of America's best diners, to authentic wood-fired fig pizza and incredible candies, Goshen is a foodie's dream! Since the city is so wealthy, there's a vibrant shopping scene. Tell us in the comments! Honestly, a lot of north shore suburbs have pretty decent downtown areas: Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, and Lake Forest come to mind in particular. 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 . Provides auto-suggestions when entering text, Niche requires Javascript to work correctly. It has been a wonderful experience for all of us. Read 150 reviews. The suburb hosts year-round art festivals, summer concerts, food festivals, and much more. Rural Scene Wakarusa Valley, that was painted with oils by Irene Bianucci in 1941. Everything you could ever need. From lively food and beverage scenes to artisan shops and glimpses of the culture of faraway lands, these towns provide the chance to discover and explore. Just ten miles from the Mississippi River is Mount Carrol. The downtown area isn't large in size, but it does offer a number of Tudor-style buildings. Consistently ranked as one of the best places to visit in the American Midwest, Galena is a big draw for honeymooners, foodies, and city dwellers who need a little rest and relaxation. Burlington is also naturally scenic. Lots of village traditions and a lovely library. 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. If youre travelling with a family, youll love the Galesburg Railroad Museum and the Discovery Depot Childrens Museum. This pretty small town is located in northern Illinois and is most famously known as a filming location for the ever-popular movie, Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray. Downtown Aurora overlooks the Fox River, and it's the last Metra stop on the BNSF line. The historic, quaint jewel of northwest Illinois. Most People Dont Know That This Charming Small Town Was Named After Ancient Egypt, The Best Breakfast In Illinois Is Served At This Iconic Hole-In-The-Wall Restaurant, This Friendly Town In Illinois Is The Perfect Day Trip Destination, The Red Barn Restaurant & Brewery In Illinois Sits In A Stunningly Restored Gothic Barn, Galena, Illinois Is Being Called One Of The Best Small Town Vacations In America, How This Small Illinois Town Quietly Became The Coolest Place In The Midwest, The One Illinois Town Thats So Perfectly Midwestern, Plan A Trip To Galena, One Of Illinoiss Most Charming Historic Towns. Most People Dont Know That This Charming Small Town Was Named After Ancient Egypt, The Best Breakfast In Illinois Is Served At This Iconic Hole-In-The-Wall Restaurant, This Friendly Town In Illinois Is The Perfect Day Trip Destination, The Red Barn Restaurant & Brewery In Illinois Sits In A Stunningly Restored Gothic Barn, 10 Slow-Paced Small Towns in Illinois Where Life Is Still Simple, The 10 Most Underrated Cities In Illinois You Should Check Out, The Tiny Town In Illinois With The Most Scrumdiddilyumptious Restaurants, Here Are The 10 Cheapest Yet Greatest Places To Live In Illinois. TRAVEL The 10 Most Beautiful Counties In Wisconsin, USA. Visit Lake Storey Recreational Area for swimming and picnicking in the summer, and in winter try ice skating and cross country skiing. Its thriving downtown boasts over 125 shops and restaurants, most of which are housed in 19th-century buildings. Here you can find the Graffiti Car Show, the county fair, the World Powered Parachute Championships, and the Agape Music Festival point of town pride for almost 40 years. Events are in abundance in the area and surrounding areas, however, it would be tough for commuters to the city of Chicago since it is pretty far North. And because Downtown San Rafael is pretty centrally located, it's easy to get to on foot or via the public transit system. As the above list of best downtown areas in Illinois indicates, it's hard to pick just one or two (or 10) charming small towns in the Prairie State. The information on this page is aggregated from third-party sources and presented as-is for your convenience. There are gorgeous high rises, fabulous restaurants, bike lanes, and more. Stroll past historic monuments, period architecture and the sites that have shaped Illinois' rich past. It is a beautiful town with much to do for all ages. Downtown of Galena, Illinois . Within Northbrook, there are also many businesses for both shopping and eating. These towns in the Land of Lincoln all fit the bill!. The best antipasti, pizzas and pasta. Every year they organize a school wide science fair and the winners go to the CONCEF that is organized by Concept Schools where students showcase their knowledge, also they hold STEM-EXPO for demonstrations. Our real estate brokerages: Neighborhoods.com, Neighborhoods Home Source, Inc. CA BRE # 02003453 | (855) 744-2846. $50,617.0. The city of Elmhurst boasts more than 40 unique dining options. 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. Free shipping for many products! Widely considered to be one of the best small towns in the country, Galena is your quintessential, all-American small town. Galena. Read 30 reviews. In this video we go over the 10 Chicago Suburbs with the Best Downtowns Book an appointment with Rafael- https://bit.ly/3qtvpxk Book an appointment. Very pretty village and neighborhoods. Read 19 reviews. If you want to stay longer than a day, you can book a room at a vintage riverfront hotel. St. Charles has a lot going on, including two theaters, great restaurants, and lots of boutique shops. The historic downtown center hosts a summer farmers market, the Joliet Area Historical Museum, and the Rialto Arts District. A nationwide survey ranked the best counties to live in around . Shopping is another factor that Evanston gets just right. My children received. Current Resident: I love where I live. 4. #8: Aurora. Galena, Illinois. Glen Ellyn has a nice downtown area just off of the Metra, featuring some cute shops like a candy store and a movie theater that plays more artistic films. Read 10 reviews. 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