The heart and soul of a state can truly be found in its small towns. 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. Read on to learn about seven towns and small cities that also happen to have some of the best downtown areas in Illinois.

1. Mount Carroll
Mount Carroll, Mt Carroll, IL 61053, USA
David Wilson/Flickr
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. Head downtown and explore the Historic District. You can even pick up a self-guided tour map of the area from one of the local businesses.
2. Effingham
Effingham, IL 62401, USA
Experience Downtown Effingham/Facebook
In the heart of Effingham's downtown, you'll find fascinating museums, a brewery, galleries, and several restaurants and bars. If you desire to get out in nature, on the outskirts of town, you'll find a lake and hiking trails. And don't forget to marvel at the 198-foot cross located at the junction of Interstates 57 and 70 - it's hard to miss!
3. Long Grove
Long Grove, IL, USA
enjoylonggrove/Facebook
Did you know that the first designated historic district in Illinois is Long Grove? This village is steeped in historic charm with gas lamps and a one-lane covered bridge. Stroll along the cobblestone walkways, peruse the shops, stop in for a tasting at the local winery, and shop at the boutiques. This is a must-visit downtown in Illinois!

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4. Galena
Galena, IL 61036, USA
PickStock/E+ via Getty Images
We couldn't have a list of the best small town downtowns without including Galena! Recently given the distinction as one of the coolest small towns in America, Galena has one of the best downtown areas in the state. With over 125 restaurants and shops, all housed in historic buildings along its main drag, it's easy to see why.
5. Alton
Alton, IL, USA
Alton Main Street/Facebook
Downtown Alton offers river views, public art, clothing boutiques, antique stores, a general store, sweets shops, and plenty of restaurants to try. Discover this incredible town along the Mississippi River!
6. Fulton
Fulton, IL, USA
Boscophotos/Wikimedia Commons
Head to 4th Street to explore Fulton's Commercial Historic District with 31 historic buildings as well as a war memorial. While in town, don't forget to head to 10th Street to check out de Immigrant Windmill, an iconic landmark that celebrates the town's Dutch heritage.
7. Downers Grove
Downers Grove, IL, USA
David Wilson/Flickr
The village of Downers Grove is a Chicago suburb that was founded in 1832. Its downtown area is not to be missed as it is home to numerous shops, restaurants, and the historic 1928 Classic Cinemas Tivoli Theatre. This downtown provides the perfect setting for a night out.

Explore the best downtown areas of the small towns in Illinois. It’s where the heart and soul of the state truly lie! What’s your favorite small town around the Prairie State? Tell us in the comments!

Looking for more impossibly charming Illinois towns? These towns in the Land of Lincoln all fit the bill!.

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best downtown areas in Illinois

Sarah M. | September 20, 2022

What's the most charming small town in Illinois?

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. But in the interest of picking just one and answering the above question, we'd have to go with Galena. Widely considered to be one of the best small towns in the country, Galena is your quintessential, all-American small town. If you love shopping, eating at fantastic restaurants, and visiting spas and ice cream shops, you'll love strolling along Galena's main drag. Its thriving downtown boasts over 125 shops and restaurants, most of which are housed in 19th-century buildings. 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. 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!

What are some fun small town day trips in 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. One of our favorite small-town day trips in Illinois is Fulton, a town with strong Dutch roots (there's even an authentic Dutch windmill in the middle of town!). Each May, the town hosts "Dutch Days," a festival celebrating its Dutch heritage. The downtown is quaint, with some excellent shopping and fine dining opportunities if you're looking for things to do in Illinois.

Another town in Illinois perfect for a day trip is Woodstock. 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." The town was hugely influential to Orson Welles, a famous resident. There is an opera house and also tons of live music to choose from in this delightful Illinois town.

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