The Friendly Small Town In Illinois That's Perfect For A Summer Day Trip
By Linze Rice|Published May 17, 2023
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Linze Rice
Author
Ope! From the rural cornfields of DeKalb County, Linze is an Illinois native and true Midwestern gal who can make a mean bonfire and whip up a perfect marshmallow salad. Since 2014, her bylines and photography have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and Block Club Chicago/DNAinfo Chicago, Only in Your State, and more. She has interviewed Dolly Parton, written about beloved diners along historic Route 66, visited the last Rainforest Cafe in the Illinois, and reviewed luxurious English manor-inspired hotels. Whether it's writing about a local gem or world-renowned establishment, Linze brings a heartwarming and historical perspective to each story, using facts, wit, and personal experience to impress upon readers the importance of culture, food, travel, and all things local. Her favorite destinations in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, the charming small town of Sycamore, and historic Rosehill Cemetery. When she's not writing or photographing, Linze enjoys gardening, spending time with her husband and pets, cooking, baking, and grilling, and relaxing with trashy TV.
Summer is the perfect time for day trips in Illinois. Growing up, my mom would pack my siblings and I up in the car and head out to explore new towns and try new experiences. We saw waterfalls, went to local beaches, shopped cute main streets, and saw breathtaking views of the countryside from the car window. For those looking for great local dining, tons of outdoor recreation, and a huge fireworks display, Kirkland is a small town in Illinois perfect for a summer day trip.
Kirkland is a small Northern Illinois town in DeKalb County located near the Kishwaukee River. With a population of just over 1,600, this farming community offers a quaint look at country living.
The area was originally occupied by the Pottawatomie Tribe, and some of their history can be found in the Kirkland Library's Arrowhead collection. In 1882, the town was officially incorporated, and its post office has been in operation since 1875. Original buildings still stand in the area's main street district.
The town is surrounded by lush, rolling hills of farmland, as well as public parks and serene forest preserves, making it a great place to escape into the outdoors.
The open fields make for dazzling Fourth of July fireworks displays. In fact, the Kirkland Lion's Club July 4th celebration is considered one of the best in the state. I grew up in a small town next to Kirkland and we spent many summers pulling the car along the roadside, popping the trunk and getting out folding chairs for seating, and watching as fireworks lit up the sky.
This is definitely one of the best reasons why Kirkland is a small town in Illinois perfect for a summer day trip.
The town's downtown area is small, but architecture and history appreciators will love the rich details buildings and homes offer. You'll also find several yummy eateries here, along with the Kirkland Public Library. Hungry travelers craving burgers, pizza, tacos, or family diner dishes can check out several restaurants on the block.
The Red Brick Inn Bar and Grill, 500 W. Main St., opened in 2019 after its owners renovated the interior of stately downtown building. It has since become a favorite with both residents and visitors for its classic American dishes, refreshing drinks, and modern farmhouse theme.
Stop by Potawatomi Woods and spend part of the day basking in fields of wildflowers. The 300-acre nature preserve is the second-largest in the county and includes a Kishwaukee River canoe launch, access to the Kishwaukee River State Fish and Wildlife area, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and trails. In the distance, you can spot the adjacent MacQueen Forest Preserve!
Potawatomi Woods, Kirkland Rd, Kirkland, IL 60146, USA
MacQueen Forest Preserve was created from a 48-acre former Boy Scout camp. Considered to be "one of the most botanically rich and topographically varied" forest preserves in the area, the landscape boasts a small waterfall, rare birds, endangered Black Sandshell mussels, and access to Potawatomi Woods via a footbridge over Kingsbury Creek.
MacQueen Forest Preserve, 3640 Scout Rd, Kirkland, IL 60146, USA
Do you think Kirkland is a small town in Illinois perfect for a summer day trip? Have you ever been there? What do you like to do during a day trip? Tell us in the comments! Discover more about Kirland, Illinois by visiting the Village of Kirland website and Village of Kirkland Facebook page. Want to turn your day trip into a 2-day weekend getaway? Check out the neighboring small town of Genoa, Illinois and spend 24 hours in each of these charming places! Get an eagle-eyed look at Kirkland from above with the awesome video below.
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