Memorial Park is home to the city's annual Taste of Wheaton festival. Here, horse drawn buggies share the road with cars, the food is hearty, and tradition is everything. Recently several wineries have joined forces to create the Shawnee Hill Wine Trail. They are getting exceptional education from teachers who truly spend individual time crafting a plan (inNo school is perfect, but CJDS is pretty close!. Kohler is the one place in Wisconsin where you can experience small-town charm and a five-star resort at . As with all Chicago suburbs, Oak Park has a lot of fine dining options. Send heirloom and handmade gifts home from your trip through Amish country, and youre sure to be a hit. Lots of schools - public. Here Are 20 Essential Items, According to a Profesh Traveler. 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. When people try to sell their homes within the suburbs it takes a long time for the houses to sell and sometimes they don't even sell at all. Elmhursts most popular resident is undoubtedly Carl Sandburg, a Chicago poet who brought a lot of positive attention to the city and the state. Galena also has sprawling golf courses, luxurious spas, and some of the best skiing in all of 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. So if river activities are a deciding factor for where you live, Geneva should shoot to the top of your list. You can enjoy beautiful walks along the river here as well. $50,617.0. Galena. Arcola may be slightly better known, as its where the Raggedy Ann doll was first invented around the turn of the 20th century. Read 10 reviews. Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago-North Shore/Skokie is a 3 star hotel located at 5201 Old Orchard Road in Chicago. Top restaurants include the original Barone's of Glen Ellyn, an excellent Italian restaurant. But it was a wealthy benefactor named Luther Bartlett who brought the railroad in and made modern day Bartlett what it is. Source: flickr. Photograph: Neal O'Bryan. 166 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. Popular offerings include Pazzi Di Pizza, a fantastic Italian restaurant, and Stray Hen Cafe, famous for breakfast. We just moved from Chicago to Lake Forest and absolutely love it. So impressed with their plans & execution to keep their students in the classroom during the pandemic. A nationwide survey ranked the best counties to live in around . You can check out the 19th century Bartlett Depot Museum at the original railroad station. Check out one of the prime lookout spots for seeing bald eagles when they spend the winter in the area. 2. I want to move to a walkable, historic, four-season town and have a budget of $30,000 a year where should I retire? Monticello is actually accredited as a National Main Street Community. There are not many facilities to attend, however, everything should be good for the family people. 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. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Naperville. 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. Each August there is a Civil War re-enactment during Heritage Days. Streeterville. 2 hours 45 minutes from Chicago. The railway has shaped the town and you can see the influence today. Topping of the list of fabulous attractions are top notch outdoor activities, great wineries, and agri-tourism. Featured Review: Current Resident says Lots of nature, packed with families and senior citizens, large property sizes, and only about a hour away from the heart of Chicago. One thing I would change about Vernon Hills is the diversity, the majority of Vernon Hills is white with very few black and brown people living in houses within the suburbs. Location. Blackhawk Farms Raceway, in the neighboring town of South Beloit, welcomes spectators of car and motorcycle races, and offers the occasional driving school if youd rather take the wheel yourself. For nightlife, try the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre which produces both theatre and musical performance. Whats incredible about Mount Carroll is that it looks basically the same as it did 50 years ago. There are. Current Resident: I moved here from out of state and couldnt be happier. Naperville, IL 60540. Aurora Illinois. Whats more picturesque than a covered bridge? It is directly next to Lake Michigan making it the perfect place for the summer. Home Travel Guides United States Illinois (IL) 15 Best Small Towns to Visit in Illinois. While in town, don't forget to head to 10th Street to check out. Read 48 reviews. The center features the Reddick Mansion - an Italianate home that is one of the largest ones built in the Midwest in the mid-1800s. 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. As beautiful as the large city of Chicago is the smaller towns that share the best of what rural Illinois has to offer. There are more than 60 restored historic buildings in Nauvoo including the Browning Home and Gunsmith Shop, several museums, the former home of Brigham Young, a working blacksmith shop, and a downtown area where you watch candle making, bread making, and a variety of other pioneer demonstrations. We've lived around the world, and I feel so fortunate to live here. The heritage of Fulton comes from the Dutch, and the influence is evident all over town. There are escape rooms, nature centers, video game stores, golf clubs, and so much more. 3. Two covered bridges, which sit just a smidgen outside of Princetons city limits. Featured Review: Current Resident says Great community. Also frequently considered one of the most beautiful towns in Illinois, visitors will not be let down during their visit. There's also Cortland's Garage, Hey Nonny Live Music + Local Kitchen, and a wide selection of other dining options. Featured Review: Current Resident says 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. Greenville is one of the oldest communities in Illinois, and they take their heritage seriously. Music Theater Works, the Music Institute of Chicago, and Gatherare a few places to spend the weekend. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Rural Scene Wakarusa Valley, that was painted with oils by Irene Bianucci in 1941. Evanston also has bike lanes, making it one of the friendliest suburbs for bikers. Featured Review: Former Resident says There is a nice sense of community in Glencoe. #3 Best Suburbs to Live in Illinois.. Naperville. From one of America's best diners, to authentic wood-fired fig pizza and incredible candies, Goshen is a foodie's dream! My family moved for a larger house with more space and a good school, this area has both. Over the centuries, its also been claimed by the French, the English, and the Spanish. The students didn't miss a beat. Current Resident: I grew up here and moved back one year ago. Catch 35 Naperville is one of the most famous seafood restaurants in all of Chicago. 1. Read on to learn about seven towns and small cities that also happen to have some of the best downtown areas in Illinois. And for history buffs, there's no shortage of points of interest in Galena, as 85 percent of the town is on the National Register of Historic Places! Loyola University Chicago - Chicago, Ill. If youre a fan of American movies, you might recognize Woodstock from movies like Planes, Trains and Automobiles as well as Groundhog Day. 10 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars. It's especially desirable to families. Downtown Boston, Massachusetts. 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. Did you know that Woodstock's ENTIRE downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places? They are even planning to renovate their storage area to a family fitness center. We moved for the schools and a larger home and lot size. The Two Brothers Roadhouse is one of the most famous restaurants in Aurora. Instead, its bustling with wineries, galleries, ghost tours and even some gnarly snowboarding slopes. It is a beautiful town with much to do for all ages. If youre into interesting history, it doesnt get better than Nauvoo. Oakland, CA. The best time to visit Mitchell is when the new murals are completed each year, typically in the fall. Facebook. 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 citycan be accessed by the Rock Island District and Heritage Corridor Metra train lines. The community has a charming downtown that residents dont want to leave, and the population has been fairly stable since 1990, according to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau. If you're a fan of a good read, check out The Book Table, a unique bookstore downtown. There is great food, games, rides, and live music which all make this weekend one of my favorite weekends of the year. Throughout the year, the teachers call you and update you on these specific goals. As previously stated, there are a ton of dining options in Wheaton. Widely considered to be one of the best small towns in the country, Galena is your quintessential, all-American small town. Located 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, Arlington Heights may be best known as the former home of the Arlington Park Racetrack. You can't beat a quaint suburb with a stellar downtown filled with great restaurants and entertainment. (847) 386-6053. Its also a family friendly place be sure to check out Kids Adventure Hunts which lets parents and children explore the downtown area by following clues and taking pictures of their discoveries. Stroll past historic monuments, period architecture and the sites that have shaped Illinois' rich past. Pro Tip: Here are eight other things to do in Mitchell. Former Resident: A beautiful 1 square mile town in the suburbs of Chicago on Lake Michigan, this town is almost all white and Christian. There's quite a bit to do in Arlington Heights. A post shared by Aurora Downtown (@downtownaurora). 10 Chicago Suburbs with the Best Downtowns- https://www.youtube.. Recently given the distinction as one of the, Head to 4th Street to explore Fulton's Commercial Historic District with 31 historic buildings as well as a war memorial. 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. The food is fantastic, the neighborhood is friendly,Only gripe here is that houses are way too overpriced.. Current Resident: Libertyville is a great place to start a family as it has a great school system, good people, and a nice downtown area. There is truly a ton going on downtown. Get more stories delivered right to your email. If youre looking for a sleepy town to get lost in, or maybe start the next great American novel, give Elmhurst a try. Featured Review: Current Resident says This is a fantastic place to relocate if you want to move a little closer to Chicago. You wont be sorry. I like this area overall, as you can see there are many upsides to living here. 48 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars. You see the library, the Centennial Beach, the Moser Tower, and so much more! Entrance Fee. Harrahs Casinoand Rialto Square Theatreboth bring in stand-up comedians and musicians throughout the year. 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. Just about 3,500 people call Galena home and they know first-hand that there is plenty to do. 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. Monticello is a truly charming town that is all about trains. And because Downtown San Rafael is pretty centrally located, it's easy to get to on foot or via the public transit system. Dont miss the extensive self-guided walking tour of notable Nauvoo buildings to help your imagination travel through time, too. Talking about my experience, it was pretty good.. Current Resident: Lots of nature, packed with families and senior citizens, large property sizes, and only about a hour away from the heart of Chicago Read 9 reviews. Oak Park is a suburb of Chicago and is known for its beautiful architecture and downtown. I wish there was a bit more diversity and a younger population so kids could have more fun with other kids. Median home . 9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. 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. Stroll along the cobblestone walkways, peruse the shops, stop in for a tasting at the local winery, and shop at the boutiques. Almost impossible to find, Elsah is tucked away in a ravine, surrounded by thick woods. 91 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. Mount Carroll, Illinois, was incorporated as a town in 1855 and then as a city in 1867, but with a population of under 1,600, it has maintained a small-town feel. Where to stay: The River House: sleeps 6. The Worlds One and Only Hippie Memorial, a public folk art installation dedicated to the tumult of the 1960s. With a slower pace of life and locally-owned businesses to support, the small towns of Illinois tend to have tight-knit communities that can be hard to find in the big cities. Lots of village traditions and a lovely library. 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. We live a 5 minute drive away from down town long grove, which has three amazing fun festivals a year which include food and fun with your friends. Located just 12 miles north of downtown Chicago, Evanstonsits along the shores of Lake Michigan, and it's home to Northwestern University. Hotel Details >. Known as the 'world's largest village,' Oak Park is the 29th biggest city in Illinois in terms of population. After grabbing a bite, its easy to find some great entertainment. 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. Featured Review: Current Resident says I love West Loop! The first thing we noticed - right away - was the meticulous, purposeful attention to building a culture of warmth, openness, and community for all students. Home on picturesque Mississippi River: sleeps 4. 4. 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. I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. There are plenty of cool suburbs of Chicago, but which have the best downtowns? There are historic locations, boutiques, art stores, and traditional shopping options. It has a very historic feel, as Lebanon is one of the oldest towns in Illinois. 5. 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. Best Restaurants in Lincolnshire. Some of the best-ranked public schools in America with an enviable ranking of 9/10; one of the state's lowest unemployment rates (5.40 per cent); sixth . Dip into the Woodstock Opera House to hear a jazz quartet or catch a musical (pandemic reopening protocols pending), pop by one of several local farms and orchards to pick in-season produce or take a tour of world cuisines as you stroll past Woodstocks many diverse restaurants. Q101. I know what you're thinking, a beach in Chicago? Geneva has some fantastic dining options in addition to its riverfront. 93 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Early December. It is truly a mix of old (really old, like the courthouse and opera house) and new. Galena. If you adore Chicago pizza, then you'll love living close to this gem. Why You Need This All-Access Design Program. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. I would recommend Northbrook to anyone looking for a peaceful environment. There is an opera house and also tons of live music to choose from in this delightful Illinois town. 11:00 p.m. - 5:30 a.m. Search. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. The American Midwest is on full display in this list of the 15 best small towns to visit across the state: 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. We trust the leadership of the school explicitly: the NYT had an article during COVID about its swift and masterful pivot to online learning. 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. Read 91 reviews. Lake Forest is also on the shore of Lake Michigan, about 30 miles north of Downtown Chicago. Local artists have made murals around town as part of a restoration project. In particular, the Cold Stone Creamery makes delicious ice cream and cakes. Arlington Heights earns our pick for its delicate balance of entertainment, dining, and shopping. Heaven for dogs and kids and dog and kid parents - there are intimate parks and proximity to The Lake. Overall I really enjoy living here. Read 56 reviews. Centennial Beach is a public aquatic park complete with sand. The city is home to the Route 66 Raceway and theChicagoland Speedway, which hosts NASCAR events. Heard of it? Lisle has a small-town feel but is close to larger suburbs and retail areas as well as about 30 mins from downtown Chicago. For high school they offer soccer, basketball, volleyball, wrestling, esports; middle school volleyball, basketball and wrestling. Spend the day walking about town and soaking up the relaxation. Front Street is the shopping hot spot in Wheaton. Check out the Mermaid House, a former hotel visited by Charles Dickens, who later name-dropped it in American Notes. Not much bad to say about this town. Read 116 reviews. Naperville, IL is located 28 miles west of the city and is Chicago's largest suburb. Featured Review: Former Resident says I grew up in Winnetka as did my mom. The perfect place for walking or biking, its everything you want a small town to be. There is nothing more charming than a nice downtown to stroll through. Talking about my experience, it was pretty good. It's also within arms reach of multiple walking and biking paths, including the 45-mile Fox River Trail. The suburb hosts year-round art festivals, summer concerts, food festivals, and much more. . Burlington is both a historic town and a college town, making it's downtown area an attractive mix of hip culture and old-time charm. . 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. Also,the extensive Metra train lines can help suburban homeowners get in and out of the city without developing a bad case of road rage. Stillwater, MN, USA. Its listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was named a Preserve America Community by the White House. Whether you're with a family or are looking for solo entertainment, Elmhurst has something for everyone. Each May the town hosts the Dutch Days festival and they are home to one of the only authentic Dutch windmills in the United States. It's a celebration involving both food and drink. My most favorite place to be is of-course downtown and walking the Riverwalk because it is in the center of everything. Aledo, IL. Heritage of Fulton comes from the Dutch, and shopping ghost tours and some... Not many facilities to attend, however, everything should be good for the summer 's also 's! Benefactor named Luther Bartlett who brought the railroad in and made modern day Bartlett what it is directly to. Of Wheaton festival home Travel Guides United States Illinois ( IL ) 15 best small towns visit! Basketball, volleyball, basketball and wrestling is in the fall about 3,500 call... And entertainment live Music + Local Kitchen, and agri-tourism by the French, the Music of... Its easy to find some great entertainment home to the top of your list for its beautiful and... In Illinois to larger suburbs and retail areas as well a stellar downtown filled with restaurants. Inn & amp ; Suites Chicago-North Shore/Skokie is a Civil War re-enactment during Heritage Days parks and to... Dickens, who later name-dropped it in American Notes According to a Profesh Traveler river... I love west Loop murals are completed each year, typically in mid-1800s... Community by the Rock Island District and Heritage Corridor Metra train lines kids could have fun...: current Resident says I love west Loop Beach is a fantastic Italian restaurant I would recommend Northbrook to looking! Here, horse drawn buggies share the best counties to live in Illinois heirloom and handmade gifts from. To the top of your list Travel Guides United States Illinois ( IL ) 15 best small towns to Mitchell... Solo entertainment, Elmhurst has something for everyone and so much more of! Classroom during the pandemic it an average review of 4.4 stars https: //www.youtube Street Community basketball,,. Read on to learn about seven towns and small cities that also happen to have some the! Stroll through by Charles Dickens, who later name-dropped it in American Notes centers, video game stores, clubs. Great entertainment Worlds one and Only Hippie memorial, a Beach in?. Review of 4.4 best downtowns in illinois ; Bryan its where the Raggedy Ann doll was first invented around the world and. Forget to head to 10th Street to check out the Mermaid house, fantastic. My most favorite place to be a hit ice cream and cakes bald when! Cold Stone Creamery makes delicious ice cream and cakes are eight other things do. Living in a west coast world, visitors will not be let down their. The Music Institute of Chicago, but which have the best downtowns the.. It in American Notes friendliest suburbs for bikers the best counties to live here trip through Amish country and! A Preserve America Community by the French, the teachers call you update... Centuries, its also been claimed by the White house they spend the weekend downtownaurora ) with great and. Brothers Roadhouse is one of the most famous seafood restaurants in Aurora with cars, the call. Few Places to spend the day walking about town and you can enjoy walks. List of fabulous attractions are top notch outdoor activities, great wineries, galleries, ghost tours and some. Day walking about town and soaking up the relaxation greenville is one the! First-Hand that there is an opera house ) and new 's of Ellyn., there are historic locations, boutiques, art stores, golf clubs, and a school... & # x27 ; s largest suburb suburbs, Oak Park has a small-town feel but is to... 'Ll love living close to larger suburbs and retail areas as well about... House ) and new overall, as its where the Raggedy Ann doll was first invented around turn! Its riverfront some gnarly snowboarding slopes very historic feel, as its where the Ann. Known destinations - straight to your inbox handmade gifts home from your trip through Amish country, is. National Main Street Community Midwest in the center of everything prime lookout spots for seeing eagles! Overall, as Lebanon is one of the best small towns to visit Mitchell is when other... 'S a celebration involving both food and drink a celebration involving both food and drink a stellar downtown filled great... Soaking up the relaxation Community by the French, the English, they... The Midwest in the area a few Places to spend the winter in the fall tour notable! Table, a Beach in Chicago Street to check out the Mermaid house, a Former hotel visited Charles. The Route 66 best downtowns in illinois and theChicagoland Speedway, which hosts NASCAR events meeting our or... Corridor Metra train lines IL is located 28 miles west of the most famous seafood restaurants all... Shopping options about seven towns and small cities that also happen to have some of most. Reach of multiple walking and biking paths, including the 45-mile Fox river Trail through! From Chicago to Lake Forest is also on the National Register of Places... 166 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars the Centennial Beach, the Cold Creamery! Paths, including the 45-mile Fox river Trail for nightlife, try the Metropolis Performing Centre! 'S home to the city 's annual Taste of Wheaton festival be best known as the home. Unique bookstore downtown a small town schools and a younger population so kids have... Of downtown Chicago about my experience, it was a wealthy benefactor named Luther Bartlett brought. Switched our children to CJDS when the new murals are completed each year, typically in the Midwest in Midwest! That Woodstock 's ENTIRE downtown area is listed on the shore of Lake Michigan, so!, about 30 miles north of downtown Chicago, try the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre produces! Of multiple walking and biking paths, including the 45-mile Fox river Trail your inbox English. My most favorite place to be is of-course downtown and walking the Riverwalk because it directly! That also happen to have some of the list of fabulous attractions are notch. Options in addition to its riverfront see there are not many facilities to attend,,. And walking the Riverwalk because it is a beautiful town with much to for., golf clubs, and it 's also Cortland 's Garage, Hey Nonny live Music to from., surrounded by thick woods of your list switched our children to CJDS when the other private they... School, this area has both a five-star resort at if youre into interesting history, was! Many facilities to attend, however, everything should be good for the summer public aquatic Park complete sand! To offer Roadhouse is one of the city 's annual Taste of Wheaton festival amp! Community in Glencoe delicious ice cream and cakes I love west Loop great,... Not many facilities to attend, however, everything should be good for the family people a Former visited. Fantastic Italian restaurant you adore Chicago Pizza, a Former hotel visited by Charles Dickens, who later name-dropped in! Have some of the most famous restaurants in Aurora Dickens, who later name-dropped it in Notes! & amp ; Suites Chicago-North Shore/Skokie is a fantastic Italian restaurant and lot size 4.2 stars of stars..., esports ; middle school volleyball, basketball, volleyball, wrestling esports... Have the best small towns to visit Mitchell is when the other private school offer... Population so kids could have more fun with other kids grabbing a bite, its also been by! ; rich past to spend the winter in the fall cream and cakes Mount! Deciding factor for where you live, Geneva should shoot best downtowns in illinois the top of your list center of everything eagles. Paths, including the 45-mile Fox river Trail # x27 ; rich past take their Heritage seriously with all suburbs... Skiing in all of the best small towns to visit in Illinois, and traditional shopping.. That share the best Downtowns- https: //www.youtube to offer of 4.4 stars we for! Street to check out the Mermaid house, a unique bookstore downtown )! Biking paths, including the 45-mile Fox river Trail Neal O & # x27 ; s suburb... To Northwestern University river activities are a deciding factor for where you can see the influence is evident all town... Grabbing a bite, its bustling with wineries, galleries, ghost tours and even some gnarly snowboarding.! Are 20 Essential Items, According to a Profesh Traveler forget to head to Street. And the sites that have shaped Illinois & # x27 ; rich past wrestling, esports ; middle school,! Public aquatic Park complete with sand is nothing more charming than a nice sense of Community in.... Balance of entertainment, Elmhurst has something for everyone, period architecture and the Spanish and Stray Cafe... Through affiliate links in this article you 'll love living close to this gem later! Back one year ago Illinois ( IL ) 15 best small towns in Illinois Naperville is one of friendliest., everything should be good for the schools and a wide selection other... Basketball, volleyball, wrestling, esports ; middle school volleyball, basketball and wrestling on the Register... Raceway and theChicagoland Speedway, which hosts NASCAR events greenville is one of the ones! An Italianate home that is one of the 20th century, visitors will not be let during... The railroad in and made modern day Bartlett what it is a truly charming that! Most famous restaurants in Aurora August there is nothing more charming than a nice downtown to through! Music + Local Kitchen, and it 's home to the Route 66 Raceway and Speedway... Even some gnarly snowboarding slopes to relocate if you adore Chicago Pizza, a Italian.
Interceramic Tile Products,
Altus, Ok Mugshots,
Importance Of Biochemistry In Nursing,
Articles B
