The 7 Coziest Towns In Illinois To Snuggle Up In This Season

Woodstock may be cozy year-round, but it's especially so during the winter. With its historic district and charming town square, there's plenty to explore even when it's cold outside. Make sure to book a stay at the iconic Cherry Tree Inn Bed & Breakfast which was featured in the movie Groundhog Day.

Consistently ranked as one of the top towns to visit in the state, Galena is as enchanting in winter as it is the rest of the year. With 85 percent of the town listed on the National Register of Historic Places and a bustling downtown area with over 100 restaurants and shops, there's just so much to explore. And once you're done exploring for the day, head back to your hotel or inn. Perhaps you'll book a stay a the Irish Cottage Inn & Suites, Chestnut Mountain Resort (the perfect place to stay especially if you love to ski), or Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa.

Nauvoo is a historic small city with just under 1,000 residents. Established in the 1840s, it was originally settled by Mormons and, today, visiting Nauvoo is like stepping back in time. During the colder months, you'll find plenty of peace and quiet as you take either a self-guided walking tour or a horse-drawn carriage tour around town.

Located in the heart of the Illinois Amish Country, Arthur is home to the largest and oldest Amish community in the state. With its quaint, charming feel, history, and small downtown, it's the perfect place to spend some time during winter. Just make sure you stop by for a meal at Yoder's Kitchen that serves plenty of comfort food that will make you feel cozy when it's cold outside.

The small city of Ottawa is located close to some of the best state parks in Illinois and turns into a veritable winter wonderland this time of year. What better way to spend some time this winter than to explore a trail or two at Starved Rock State Park, take a tour of the historic Reddick Mansion (pictured here), stroll around Old Town, and then retire to your cozy accommodations, perhaps the historic Starved Rock Lodge?

Located in Southern Illinois, Lebanon is home to a historic shopping district known as Brick Street. Enjoy a casual day of boutique shopping, try the cuisine at some of the charming restaurants, and tour the historic Mermaid House Inn that was built in 1830.

The small city of Princeton offers a 2.5-mile Main Street where you can spend an entire day popping in and out of a variety of quaint stores, antique shops, and cozy restaurants. A trip to the picturesque Captain Swift covered bridge, especially after a snowfall, is also a must when visiting during the winter.