10 Underrated Illinois Towns That Deserve A Second Look
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
Most people outside Illinois can’t name a city within it other than Chicago. Beyond that, everyone in Illinois has heard of Rockford, Springfield, and the big college towns, but there are some lesser known cities that deserve a visit.
Keep scrolling to find which towns in Illinois are the most underrated. Maybe one is your hometown.
Most forget about this town because it is so close to the city. An hour outside Chicago by Metra, you'll feel a million miles away from any big city as you stroll along the Fox River or enjoy a downtown bar crawl.
This quaint little town sits in the northern half of the state near the Mississippi River. It is known as "The New England of the Midwest" for its historic houses, odd attractions, and other sites.
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This town is so beautiful it has been nicknamed "The Key West of the Midwest" and is full of scenic drives and cliff-side wineries. It was built up near the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers making it an ideal destination for boating, fishing, and swimming lovers.
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How could anyone pass up a trip to a town most only thought existed in comic books? This little town along the Ohio River features many Superman-themed displays, including this large statue. Be sure to get a shot of you striking your best superhero pose.
Another river town, this historic location sits right on the Mississippi River and is filled with limestone bluffs and scenic drives. You can visit the site of the last debate between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas or see a statue of the world's tallest man. You won't want to miss a visit to this haunted mansion before you go.
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You may not find a huge rock festival, but this beautiful Illinois town is so full of another kind of history it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Enjoy the opera house, the amazing downtown area, and many unique 19th century, Victorian-style buildings.
This town is like Chicago without the skyscrapers. It is located along the coast of Lake Michigan, just north of Chicago, so most people forget about it. Still, it has some amazing beaches, is home to Northwestern University, and has a charming downtown that is known for its diverse dining options. You'll want to stroll along the riverfront to see all the amazing, historic houses.
This town is best known for its history relating to Abraham Lincoln. The town sometimes puts on Civil War reenactments and has preserved many of the old buildings from that time. You can even explore some of the old houses and hotels in which the 16th president stayed.
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As part of the Illinois Valley, this town is best known for its bars. It was once named "Little Reno" due to the party atmosphere many tourists sought there. Visitors can also enjoy beer and wine tours, historic mansions, and boat rides.
This little town is the original home of the first Mormon church. You can still visit Joseph Smith's home as well as this stunning temple. The town has taken care to preserve how it looked in the early 1800s when it was the largest city in the state.
If you love interesting places like these, check out these 10 charming Illinois river towns.
Do you live in or near any of these towns? Tell us your favorite things about them in the comments below!
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