This Friendly Town In Illinois Is The Perfect Day Trip Destination
By Linze Rice|Published February 28, 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.
There’s nothing quite like getting out of the house and discovering a new city you’ve never been to, especially when it happens to be a charming small town. It’s great to experience the local flavor of another community — from trying new family-owned diners and shops to finding new areas to explore outdoors — even if for just a day or two. Another perk? Small towns tend to have lots of friendly locals, always ready to answer a question or make a recommendation. That’s why taking a day trip to Genoa, Illinois is the perfect choice for travelers.
The city of Genoa, Illinois is located along the Kishwaukee River in DeKalb County. As of 2021, its population was just over 5,000 residents — making it the perfect size for small-town charm, while still offering plenty to do.
Visitors will notice several stately, historic homes along Route 72, which is also Main Street in the community's downtown area. Overnight travelers can stay in one that has been lovingly restored as a bed and breakfast called the Genoa Guest House, 231 S. Sycamore St.
Genoa Guest House, 231 S Sycamore St, Genoa, IL 60135, USA
The home showcases a mix of modern and antique features and has three different rooms available for rent, in addition to outdoor space for activities, events, and get-togethers.
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Continuing on down Main Street is an array of historic storefronts that have been converted into modern businesses. One favorite is Prairie State Winery, 222 W. Main St., which serves a large menu of signature wines and cocktails, as well as shareable dishes, sandwiches, and flatbreads.
Prairie State Winery, 222 W Main St, Genoa, IL 60135, USA
Pro tip: Try the winery's Kishwaukee Blue (a white wine), which is named after the Kishwaukee River!
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A little further down the street are several family-owned taverns and restaurants beloved by locals, including Karlsbad Tavern and Grill, which serves up country diner favorites like fried fish, pulled pork, and meatloaf dinners.
Karlsbad Tavern, 413 W Main St, Genoa, IL 60135, USA
At 502 W. Main St. is another beautifully restored home that OpenDoor Coffee now operates from (you can also catch them in their mobile food truck!). Locals love the family-friendly setting, cozy vibe, and delicious coffee.
OpenDoor Coffee, 502 W Main St, Genoa, IL 60135, USA
Once you've had your java fill, stop on over to the Kishwaukee Valley Heritage Society at 622 Park Ave., a museum that features information and artifacts from early life in the Kishwaukee Valley. The museum also has a caboose car from approximately 1950, a park that has a well house from 1902, a mini one-room schoolhouse, and an 1882 Milwaukee Road depot.
Kishwaukee Valley Heritage Society, 622 Park Ave, Genoa, IL 60135, USA
Just steps away is The Warehouse on Park, 662 Park Ave., which has been revamped from a former garden center into a venue and event space, as well as a place for community gatherings. The space now hosts events such as live music, food trucks, and makers' markets.
The Warehouse on Park, 662 Park Ave, Genoa, IL 60135, USA
And don't forget to stop by the scenic Russell Woods Forest Preserve, 11750 IL-72, a 126-acre park and forest preserve with hiking and walking trails, a sledding hill, bridge, picnic areas, and a Natural Resources Center. It's also perfect for fishing, cross-country skiing, canoeing, and of course wildlife photography!
Russell Woods Forest Preserve, 11750 IL-72, Genoa, IL 60135, USA
Have you ever taken a day trip to Genoa, Illinois? Where’s your favorite place to go in this friendly small town? Tell us in the comments! If you’re interested in wandering through, check out the city’s website and Facebook page to learn more and start planning. And while you’re in the area, check out the charming town of Sycamore, Illinois, just a few miles away from Genoa — or stop by nearby DeKalb, Illinois to get some local history with these stunning landmark buildings!
Want to learn more about Genoa? Take a peek at this video!
