While Illinois certainly has its share of big cities, the Prairie State was so named for a reason – we still have a lot of thriving rural towns, too. Take a look at these delightful rural towns in Illinois. You’ll see quaint Main Streets, river views, historic homes, and even a Dutch windmill. Here are some of the most wonderful small towns in the state of Illinois.
- Dixon, Lee County
David Wilson/flickr The birthplace of former President Ronald Reagan is an adorable town with art galleries, a performing arts theater and many museums. It hosts multiple festivals throughout the year. Dixon’s nearly 16,000 residents enjoy the winding Rock River that runs right through the small town. Enjoy the rich history and plenty of lovely parks in this town, too! Dixon, IL 61021, USA
- Elsah, Jersey County
Eric Beuneman/flickr Elsah’s rural setting is a popular spot for photographers who enjoy snapping pics of both the historic architecture and the bald eagles found in the area. The village is small enough that everyone knows their neighbors and roots run deep. At just 519 residents, Elsah is one of the most quaint rural towns in Illinois. Elsah, IL 62028, USA
- Fulton, Whiteside County
Dennis Carson/flickr There’s a lot of Dutch influence in this charming little town. It’s famous for its windmill, “De Immigrant,” which was built on the banks of the Mississippi River. People travel from all over to experience the friendly community and picturesque scenery. In fact, Fulton is considered one of the best rural towns to live in Illinois. Fulton, IL, USA
- Greenville, Bond County
Brad/flickr Settled in 1815, Greenville is one of the oldest towns in Illinois. Around 7,000 people call Greenville home. The town’s huge 775-acre lake attracts boaters and watersport enthusiasts from all across the state! Peaceful and quiet, Greenville, Illinois comprises of a farming community, history, and Greenville University. Greenville, IL 62246, USA
- Marion, Williamson County
OZinOH/flickr Marion is a home town with a lot of history and a strong work ethic. First founded in 1839, today it’s home to around 17,000 people. Many folks in town work for the auto parts plants, the Pepsi manufacturing plant and the hospitals there. Outside of work, however, there’s plenty of fun things to do including the majestic Shawnee National Forest. Visit Marion to see why it’s one of the most steadfast quaint rural towns in Illinois. Marion, IL, USA
- Nauvoo, Hancock County
Ryan Ballantyne, CC BY-SA 2.5 , via Wikimedia Commons This area was once occupied by as many as 500 dwelling of the Saux and Fox people. White settlers came along in 1827, and the Mormons bought the town in 1837. The town is now home to around 1,100 people. The beautiful small city sits on the Mississippi River and is home to many Mormon historic sites today. Towns like Nauvoo are simple yet relaxing like many of the rural areas in Illinois. Nauvoo, IL, USA
- Paxton, Ford County
Dual Freq/Wikimedia Paxton is the county seat of Ford County and has around 4,700 residents. The Illinois Central Railroad ran right through this rural town. Because of its slightly higher elevation, the railroad dug down below the city to place its tracks. Several bridges in town allow cars to pass over the resulting gullies. Paxton, IL 60957, USA
- Pontiac, Livingston
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/flickr This little town is so bucolic and charming that it was featured in the 1984 movie “Grandview, USA.” Today, it’s a thriving little town along Route 66. Visit Pontiac, Illinois for its many museums as well as the impressive historic Livingston County Courthouse. Pontiac, IL 61764, USA
- Red Bud, Randolph County
Nyttend/Wikimedia Home to Southwestern Illinois College, this little town has about 3,700 residents. It was first settled in 1820, and got its name from the redbud tree, which grows there. Visit the old-fashioned town of Red Bud, Illinois for friendly smiles and caring neighbors in this quiet low crime area. Red Bud, IL, USA
- Sycamore, DeKalb County
Jim/flickr With its quaint Main Street and over 200 homes on the National Register of Historic Places, this little town is a real gem. Sycamore, Illinois is located in what is considered the heart of the Midwest. Don’t let the small-town vibes fool you! Visitors to Sycamore will find plenty of fun things to do, including the museums, food, and entertainment. Sycamore, IL, USA
These are just some of the wonderful small rural towns in the amazing state of Illinois. While cities like Chicago draw tourists from around the world, smaller communities in Illinois help to shape the Midwestern state in many positive and wonderful ways.
David Wilson/flickr
The birthplace of former President Ronald Reagan is an adorable town with art galleries, a performing arts theater and many museums. It hosts multiple festivals throughout the year. Dixon’s nearly 16,000 residents enjoy the winding Rock River that runs right through the small town. Enjoy the rich history and plenty of lovely parks in this town, too!
Dixon, IL 61021, USA
Eric Beuneman/flickr
Elsah’s rural setting is a popular spot for photographers who enjoy snapping pics of both the historic architecture and the bald eagles found in the area. The village is small enough that everyone knows their neighbors and roots run deep. At just 519 residents, Elsah is one of the most quaint rural towns in Illinois.
Elsah, IL 62028, USA
Dennis Carson/flickr
There’s a lot of Dutch influence in this charming little town. It’s famous for its windmill, “De Immigrant,” which was built on the banks of the Mississippi River. People travel from all over to experience the friendly community and picturesque scenery. In fact, Fulton is considered one of the best rural towns to live in Illinois.
Fulton, IL, USA
Brad/flickr
Settled in 1815, Greenville is one of the oldest towns in Illinois. Around 7,000 people call Greenville home. The town’s huge 775-acre lake attracts boaters and watersport enthusiasts from all across the state! Peaceful and quiet, Greenville, Illinois comprises of a farming community, history, and Greenville University.
Greenville, IL 62246, USA
OZinOH/flickr
Marion is a home town with a lot of history and a strong work ethic. First founded in 1839, today it’s home to around 17,000 people. Many folks in town work for the auto parts plants, the Pepsi manufacturing plant and the hospitals there. Outside of work, however, there’s plenty of fun things to do including the majestic Shawnee National Forest. Visit Marion to see why it’s one of the most steadfast quaint rural towns in Illinois.
Marion, IL, USA
Ryan Ballantyne, CC BY-SA 2.5 , via Wikimedia Commons
This area was once occupied by as many as 500 dwelling of the Saux and Fox people. White settlers came along in 1827, and the Mormons bought the town in 1837. The town is now home to around 1,100 people. The beautiful small city sits on the Mississippi River and is home to many Mormon historic sites today. Towns like Nauvoo are simple yet relaxing like many of the rural areas in Illinois.
Nauvoo, IL, USA
Dual Freq/Wikimedia
Paxton is the county seat of Ford County and has around 4,700 residents. The Illinois Central Railroad ran right through this rural town. Because of its slightly higher elevation, the railroad dug down below the city to place its tracks. Several bridges in town allow cars to pass over the resulting gullies.
Paxton, IL 60957, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/flickr
This little town is so bucolic and charming that it was featured in the 1984 movie “Grandview, USA.” Today, it’s a thriving little town along Route 66. Visit Pontiac, Illinois for its many museums as well as the impressive historic Livingston County Courthouse.
Pontiac, IL 61764, USA
Nyttend/Wikimedia
Home to Southwestern Illinois College, this little town has about 3,700 residents. It was first settled in 1820, and got its name from the redbud tree, which grows there. Visit the old-fashioned town of Red Bud, Illinois for friendly smiles and caring neighbors in this quiet low crime area.
Red Bud, IL, USA
Jim/flickr
With its quaint Main Street and over 200 homes on the National Register of Historic Places, this little town is a real gem. Sycamore, Illinois is located in what is considered the heart of the Midwest. Don’t let the small-town vibes fool you! Visitors to Sycamore will find plenty of fun things to do, including the museums, food, and entertainment.
Sycamore, IL, USA
What are your favorite small towns in Illinois? Be sure to comment below to let us know!
There are many other small towns to see in Illinois! We’re just getting started!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
rural towns in Illinois September 16, 2022 Christina Arrascaeta What is the most scenic town in Illinois? Illinois is filled with picturesque beauty in its towns. Whether you’re looking for an urban feel, famous cities like Chicago are a must-see! For a more rural vibe, then head to Galena for stunning greenery and a quaint historic downtown. What are the most beautiful places in Illinois? Described as having it all, Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby, Illinois is considered one of the most beautiful places in the state. Is Illinois a great place to live? Illinois is a great place to live due to its variety of living styles. With both bustling cities and tranquil rural towns, a resident of the state has the option to settle down in either. However, many consider a downside to living in Illinois is the weather, particularly in the winter when the forecast can seem unpredictable.
The OIYS Visitor Center
rural towns in Illinois
September 16, 2022
Christina Arrascaeta
What is the most scenic town in Illinois? Illinois is filled with picturesque beauty in its towns. Whether you’re looking for an urban feel, famous cities like Chicago are a must-see! For a more rural vibe, then head to Galena for stunning greenery and a quaint historic downtown. What are the most beautiful places in Illinois? Described as having it all, Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby, Illinois is considered one of the most beautiful places in the state. Is Illinois a great place to live? Illinois is a great place to live due to its variety of living styles. With both bustling cities and tranquil rural towns, a resident of the state has the option to settle down in either. However, many consider a downside to living in Illinois is the weather, particularly in the winter when the forecast can seem unpredictable.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Illinois is filled with picturesque beauty in its towns. Whether you’re looking for an urban feel, famous cities like Chicago are a must-see! For a more rural vibe, then head to Galena for stunning greenery and a quaint historic downtown.
What are the most beautiful places in Illinois?
Described as having it all, Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby, Illinois is considered one of the most beautiful places in the state.
Is Illinois a great place to live?
Illinois is a great place to live due to its variety of living styles. With both bustling cities and tranquil rural towns, a resident of the state has the option to settle down in either. However, many consider a downside to living in Illinois is the weather, particularly in the winter when the forecast can seem unpredictable.
