Learn about and locate the most historic main streets in Illinois. So if river activities are a deciding factor for where you live, Geneva should shoot to the top of your list. More unique storefronts are moving in, including pop-ups. Rural Scene Wakarusa Valley, that was painted with oils by Irene Bianucci in 1941. It has not been verified or approved by the developer or association. The historic downtown district, with the courthouse, lift bridge and Main Street, takes you back through Minnesota's 166-year history. Because of the wonderful location and amazing schools- taxes are very high and the price of homes goes up each year. It used to be a mining community and now is one of the top two tourism stops in Illinois. 211 S Bench St, Galena, IL 61036, USA. Its really a rather dramatic oasis in the midst of the flat Midwestern plans. They are even planning to renovate their storage area to a family fitness center. According to the most recent census, Chicago makes up about a quarter of the population of Illinois. Read 93 reviews. Old meets new at Modern Theatre, which first opened in 1876 and underwent a rebuilding in 2010, keeping the original faade. The civic pride is on full display during the Prairie Path Clean-up, when the entire town gathers to take care of a 61-mile stretch of highway through town. 44 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars. Other top-rated spots include Parker's Restaurant and Bar and the Brick House Tavern + Tap. Plenty of sports, activities & clubs for students to participate in. Thisfull service brewpub restaurantserves noteworthy craft beer, regularly features live entertainment, and hosts a three-day summer festival. Theres a large stone memorial that marks the exact spot where both Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln made speeches while they were running for president in 1858. The architecture is very pretty, and the public schools here are fantastic if. Current Resident: This is a community that provides a safe and secure environment. Home to 28,000 people, Wilmette is one of the best Chicago Suburbs that provides the best of both worlds - small town atmosphere and big city features. In the warmer months, enjoy your theater experience . It also has a lot of entertainment options. Galena. There are more than 60 restored historic buildings in Nauvoo including the Browning Home and Gunsmith Shop, several museums, the former home of Brigham Young, a working blacksmith shop, and a downtown area where you watch candle making, bread making, and a variety of other pioneer demonstrations. The Fox River Trolley Museum is a cool place to visit in St. Charles. Whether you're with a family or are looking for solo entertainment, Elmhurst has something for everyone. The city is home to the Route 66 Raceway and theChicagoland Speedway, which hosts NASCAR events. Front Street downtown is quickly becoming a hot spot for new businesses in the area. The only thing is that it is quite a bubble and sheltered place, not exposing kids to very much and allowing them to live a more privileged life. Read 42 reviews. Just ten miles from the Mississippi River is Mount Carrol. There are many parks and nature trails that follow the Fox River. View. This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. The neighborhood is calm and silent. Truly authentic upscale Italian restaurant and bar located in the heart of the North Shore in Winnetka's Hubbard Woods district. Downtown Aurora overlooks the Fox River, and it's the last Metra stop on the BNSF line. St. Charles has a lot going on, including two theaters, great restaurants, and lots of boutique shops. Honestly, a lot of north shore suburbs have pretty decent downtown areas: Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, and Lake Forest come to mind in particular. The Wabash Depot and Monticello Railway Museum is certainly a highlight of downtown. Clarendon Hills is an extremely well run town. Chester is a true Illinois small town and thus there are a not a ton of accommodation options here, but you can find comfort at the Best Western Chester. Its mix of a city and suburban environment make it a great location for anyone. Featured Review: Current Resident says I love where I live. Everyone here says hello and knows one another. The affluent suburb is also known for its beautiful homes, plus you can take the Metra train right to Downtown Lake Forest. In the summertime, locals can often be found catching a Slammersbaseball game at DuPage Medical Group Field, located right in downtown Joliet. There are not many facilities to attend, however, everything should be good for the family people. The hottest shopping areas include Arlington Town Square Condos, the Annex of Arlington, and the Town & Country Center. Front Street is the shopping hot spot in Wheaton. Visit Lake Storey Recreational Area for swimming and picnicking in the summer, and in winter try ice skating and cross country skiing. Estimated tuition and fees for 2014-15 (per semester): $19,131. 116 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. youtubeembedcode.com/de/ General Ulysses S. Grant once occupied the city during the Civil War, establishing . Often overlooked due to its neighbor Naperville, Aurorais home to about200,000 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Most People Dont Know That This Charming Small Town Was Named After Ancient Egypt, The Best Breakfast In Illinois Is Served At This Iconic Hole-In-The-Wall Restaurant, This Friendly Town In Illinois Is The Perfect Day Trip Destination, The Red Barn Restaurant & Brewery In Illinois Sits In A Stunningly Restored Gothic Barn, Galena, Illinois Is Being Called One Of The Best Small Town Vacations In America, How This Small Illinois Town Quietly Became The Coolest Place In The Midwest, The One Illinois Town Thats So Perfectly Midwestern, Plan A Trip To Galena, One Of Illinoiss Most Charming Historic Towns. Best Restaurants in Lincolnshire. You hardly ever have power outages and never a problem with flooding. If you love shopping, eating at fantastic restaurants, and visiting spas and ice cream shops, you'll love strolling along Galena's main drag. 1. Each May, the town hosts "Dutch Days," a festival celebrating its Dutch heritage. It was manufactured in the Netherlands and then shipped to Fulton in 2000. It is attractive enough to bring tourists from all over, who love to stroll through downtown. But it's true. Downtown Oak Park, Illinois. Downtown keeps getting bigger and bigger. These towns sit blessed with natural beauty and replete in downtown sights for the best weekend getaway from the city. The 10 Most Charming Small Towns Near Chicago. Pete's Fresh Market is a staple of the area, as are DuPage County Historical Museum. Wilmette was hailed by Business Week as the 7th best place to raise a . It is directly next to Lake Michigan making it the perfect place for the. Former Resident: Overall, good. 9. You can't beat a quaint suburb with a stellar downtown filled with great restaurants and entertainment. If you want more outdoor activities theres Giant City State Park, the Trail of Tears State Forest, the Ozark Hills, and Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge. Aurora constantly pops up on lists for cool suburbs in Chicago. For high school they offer soccer, basketball, volleyball, wrestling, esports; middle school volleyball, basketball and wrestling. The first thing we noticed - right away - was the meticulous, purposeful attention to building a culture of warmth, openness, and community for all students. 5. Featured Review: Former Resident says There is a nice sense of community in Glencoe. Galena is best known for its amazingly up kept historic buildings, some of the best in all of Illinois. A post shared by Geneva Chamber of Commerce (@genevailchamber). Nearby is Shawnee National Forest and many huntsmen come here in season for turkey, goose, and bear hunting. The schools are top-notch, too. 20 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars. As far as Bay Area downtowns go, San Mateo is one of the more affordable options in terms of housing. Everyone lives their days with enthusiasm, and crime rates are extremely low. There is great shopping alongside a nostalgic and yet buzzing atmosphere. There are. Current Resident: I moved here from out of state and couldnt be happier. While youre in the area, dont forget to hop over the borderjust a couple of miles awayto stock up on New Glarus beer, another treat with a cult following thats sold only in Wisconsin. Monticello is a truly charming town that is all about trains. Home on picturesque Mississippi River: sleeps 4. It's especially desirable to families. Featured Review: Current Resident says Libertyville is a great place to start a family as it has a great school system, good people, and a nice downtown area. Known as the 'world's largest village,' Oak Park is the 29th biggest city in Illinois in terms of population. Love Illinois? Listing information last updated on March 2nd, 2023 at 3:08am CST. Thank you! 10 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. The river is where you'll want to spend most of your time in Geneva. To enjoy the great outdoors, you can always take a stroll through the Willowbrook Wildlife Center. Its where the heart and soul of the state truly lie! Strength is in numbers, and numbers in the community increase safety. Glen Ellyn has a nice downtown area just off of the Metra, featuring some cute shops like a candy store and a movie theater that plays more artistic films. The Fox River is a pretty place for a stroll as you explore one of the best small towns 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!). The area is. Former Resident: There is a nice sense of community in Glencoe. The downtown is quaint, with some excellent shopping and fine dining opportunities if you're looking for things to do in Illinois. Sure, Chicago has a downtown, but it's massive and often out of the way of many suburbs. Harrahs Casinoand Rialto Square Theatreboth bring in stand-up comedians and musicians throughout the year. Read 10 reviews. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, BLS, CDC, and other sources. The neighborhood is beautiful, the schools are great, and the activity and nightlight is exceptional. Also frequently considered one of the most beautiful towns in Illinois, visitors will not be let down during their visit. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. The adjacent colleges and prestigious public schools add to the intellectual urbanity. Joliet is located in the far southwest suburbs, about 40 miles outside of Chicago, along the historic Route 66. Kohler, Wisconsin. Featured Review: Current Resident says Oak Park is a wonderful neighborhood! Did you know that Woodstock's ENTIRE downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places? Home to SIUE, Edwardsville has really made strides to develop and they have been successful. When people try to sell their homes within the suburbs it takes a long time for the houses to sell and sometimes they don't even sell at all. The town was founded in the 19th century and attracts a large number of artists and their wealthy patrons. There are many parks and nature trails that follow the Fox River. If you want to live in a suburb with a little bit of everything, you can't do better than Elmhurst. Read 30 reviews. Where to stay: The River House: sleeps 6. The suburb hosts year-round art festivals, summer concerts, food festivals, and much more. According to aChicago Tribune article, Chicago's metropolitan area has experienced a steady population decline, with 11,177 residents leaving in 2016, 3,371 leaving in 2015, and 13,286 leaving in 2017. If youre travelling with a family, youll love the Galesburg Railroad Museum and the Discovery Depot Childrens Museum. Burlington is both a historic town and a college town, making it's downtown area an attractive mix of hip culture and old-time charm. ET First Published: June 7, 2021 at . You wont be sorry. #3 Best Suburbs to Live in Illinois.. Naperville. It's the home of the Chicago Premium Outlets and the Fox Valley Mall. Downtown of Galena, Illinois . The neighborhood is calm and silent. 206 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars. (Bourbon praline? You'll never be without things to do in Downer's Grove. We are both active people so nice trails and fitness facilities nearby is key. Charles Perkins, director of planning and community development, told the Daily Heraldthat the influx in activity in downtown Arlington Heights is a result of a strategic long-term plan that is finally taking shape. Located just 12 miles north of downtown Chicago, Evanstonsits along the shores of Lake Michigan, and it's home to Northwestern University. 1. The railway has shaped the town and you can see the influence today. Crime rates are extremely low and the educational system is way above average. Whats your favorite small town around the Prairie State? On either side of the ravine are large bluffs with a view down to the Mississippi River. Elmhurst is known as a fantastic place to receive a public liberal arts education. Take yourself on a driving tour of the citys smattering of mid-century modern homes, or follow this guide to public art installations, which also includes tips on where to grab curbside food and drink as you go, so you can create your own combination art and pub crawl. It is a beautiful town with much to do for all ages. Why You Need This All-Access Design Program. 9 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. 16. Lincolnshire Marriott Resort. Both boast excellent reviews online, and they're in the heart of downtown Elmhurst. 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