Underrated Illinois Towns You Need to Spend More Time In

When looking for getaways from Chicago that keep you within state lines , everyone knows about low towns like Galena or bigger cities like Champaign - Urbana , Springfield , and Peoria . Which are all great , in their own ways . But when you ’re looking for something dissimilar , it ’s fourth dimension to gas up the Ford Fiesta and hit the loose road to discover some of the lesser - know gems the Land of Lincoln is hide in patent lot .

Mt. Carroll

Why it ’s so great : eff as “ The New England of the Midwest , ” Mt. Carroll is a beautiful minuscule township backpack with historical internet site like the Carroll County Courthouse ( in continuous use since 1858 ) and the Nathaniel Halderman House , build in 1854 as the home of the town ’s first city manager . But you ’re not depart here without checking out the witching outlandishness that is Raven ’s Grin Inn , which some have called ( that mean us ) themost flakey building in the province .

Side misstep : Eagle watching around nearby Savanna while exploring the limestone caves and ancient cliffs of Mississippi Palisades State Park is a must , as is a slip to place back - biker bar Poopy ’s to take down the monolithic Big Poop burger , which isway better than it go .

Grafton

Why it ’s so dandy : Founded near the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers in 1832 , Grafton is not only “ The Winter Home of the Bald Eagle , ” it ’s also a fun town with a floating winery in a marina they call “ The Key West of the Midwest . ” Rent pontoons to explore the beleaguer river , take your motorcycle along the scenic Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail , which run parallel to the Mississippi River , or drive theGreat River Roadwith some CCR blasting through the subject window .

Side trip : Nearby Alton is not only the site of both the Lincoln / Douglas debateandtheHistoric Museum of Torture Devices , it ’s also the family of the fabled Big Elwood on a Stick at Fast Eddie ’s Bon Air , one of thebest bars in the land .

Nauvoo

Why it ’s so great : Once the heavy city in Illinois ( like , in 1844 ) , Nauvoo is famous as the original home of the Mormon Christian church , and today you could chatter the home of Joseph Smith , as well as the effervescent Nauvoo Temple . But even if you ’re not intoBook of Mormonhistory , the Nauvoo Historic District is definitely worth tick out before strike up the Wine Barrel bar at Baxter ’s Vineyards , Illinois ’ honest-to-god winery founded in 1857 .

Side head trip : Stroll the shores of Lake Horton in Nauvoo State Park , crash at the historic Nauvoo Grand B&B , and be sure to say hi to co - owners Estel and Cecel Neff of Neff ’s Old House Bookstore .

Metropolis

Why it ’s so great : Perched at the southern backsheesh of Illinois along the Ohio River , Metropolis is most famous for its Superman Statue , Super Museum , and yes , Superman Celebration held every June . you may also ride a horse and carriage through historical Fort Massac State Park , Illinois ’ first state park founded in 1908 and current playground for activities such as diachronic reenactments and disc golf ( not at the same time , of course ) .

Side stumble : Shawnee National Forest and the majesticGarden of the Godsis just a ready railroad car drive away , as is theunderwater petting zooof Mermet Springs in nearby Belknap .

LaSalle

Why it ’s so bully : Taken together with nearby Peru , Utica , and Ottawa , the Illinois Valley is home to some of thehighest assiduousness of bars per caput in the nation . pick apart back a few with locals at area joints like Duffy ’s Tavern and Waterstreet Pub as a toast to LaSalle ’s intemperately - partying bequest when it was known as “ Little Reno ” in the forties . you may also take mule - pull boat ride along the I&M Canal , tour historic sign of the zodiac and , of course , angle back more booze at area winery like August Hill and Illinois River .

Side trip : Did we mention Starved Rock State Park is right here ? Because it is , along with other lesser known but every bit cool four flush - side attractions likeMatthiessen and Buffalo Rock State Parks .

Carbondale

Why it ’s so with child : While Evanston and Champaign - Urbana hog the lion ’s share of the land ’s care , Carbondale is quite content to sneak under the radar as one of the land ’s best college Ithiel Town . While The Strip near Southern Illinois University was Ground Zero for the ill-famed Halloween riot of the ‘ 80s/’90s , these days Carbondale is a friendly and restful townspeople to grab a potable at places like The Cellar , PK ’s , and repair shed 9 while enjoying the surrounding nature thanks to an astounding 14 parks in the vicinity .

Side head trip : Nature is great and all , but when you ’re looking to feed the animal a slip to nearby Murphysboro is a must … for one reason and one reason alone : 17th Street BBQ , thefinest BBQ joint in the state .

Geneva

Why it ’s so great : While Galena gets all the tourist laurels , beautiful small Geneva is just an time of day west of Chicago on the Metra and begging to be explored . Take a bar / restaurant crawl through 3rd St Downtown , chill with birds at the riverside Island Park , or take in a breezy venial league baseball game game with the Kane County Cougars . Whatever you do , Chicago will feel like it ’s in another state by day two .

Side trip : If you ’re look for more of a “ big city ” vibe , walk along the Fox River until you wreathe up in nearby St. Charles , where you’re able to grab dinner party overlooking the river at locals joints like Salerno ’s on the Fox or take in a show at the historic Arcada Theater .

Woodstock

Why it ’s so great : Most famous as the Ithiel Town Bill Murray could n’t break away duringGroundhog Clarence Shepard Day Jr. , you’re able to tour famous cinematography locations from the film or watch screenings during the Ithiel Town ’s annual Groundhog Day festival . But there ’s much more to this town located just an minute northwest of Chicago on the Metra , include the iconic Blue Lotus Buddhist Temple and a palmy local medicine scene at spot like Liquid Blues , one of thebest bars in the province .

Side trip : For a penchant of farm living , go one more Metra period until the line ends at Harvard and get suffer in rolling hills surrounding the country ’s only apple snarl at Royal Oak Farm Orchard .

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Shawnee National Forest’s Garden of the Gods