Awesome Towns In Illinois You May Not Have Heard Of

Sometimes it’s not all about Chicago. Like New Yorkers, Illinois residents can get so caught up in the city that they don’t consider the rest of the state. But while it’s true that Chicago exceeds every other Illinois city by far in population and square mileage, there are several compelling reasons to venture out to the many charming small towns that dot the state. Read up on a few great ones from northern, central and southern Illinois that are sure to charm the inquisitive tourist. Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Leland Grove

Population: 1,545

This tiny town in central Illinois is sectioned out from the state capital, Springfield, putting it in a prime location. According to AreaVibes, Leland Grove has a high liveability score of 87 with access to great amenities, employment opportunities and low crime rates. It gets all the benefits of the Springfield metropolitan area whilst maintaining a small-town feel. It’s almost exclusively residential but does lay claim to the popular 100-year old Illinois Country Club and golf course.

Leland Grove, IL, USA

Elmhurst

Population: 45,556

Elmhurst is a western suburb of Chicago that doesn’t get enough recognition. Its high livability score of 86 speaks to its terrific school districts and real estate market, but the community is bigger than the numbers. They are known for Elmhurst College, their impressive city parades on Memorial Day and St. Patrick’s Day, and the Wilder Park Conservatory. There’s enough to do around the picturesque town to warrant a lengthy stay.

Elmhurst, IL, USA

Teutopolis

Population: 1,530

Teutopolis in southeastern Illinois has a unique name, and it refers to the City of Teutons, e.g. Germans. German immigrants founded the small village in 1839 and its current residents still largely come from European descent. It’s a tiny place with an old school feel that prides itself on its education system and low crime rates. According to their website, ‘T-Town’ is ‘a place where people and neighbors still look after each other’s kids, watch over each other’s houses, and share laughter and good times together.’ Visit their monastery museum or the TREC Recreational Trail.

Teutopolis, IL, USA

Edwardsville

Population: 24,663

Edwardsville has been an official Illinois town since 1818, making it the third oldest in the entire state. It’s home to SIUE: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, one of the largest college campuses in the country in terms of area. Devoted to higher education, the town also hosts state-of-the-art community sports facilities and a thriving business market. The Wildey Theatre is one of the most beloved places in town and houses local art, theatre and music performances.

Edwardsville, IL, USA

Oak Lawn

Population: 57,073

With one of the larger suburban populations, Oak Lawn has always had a close relationship with Chicago. It borders the city and residents have a lot of crossover to neighborhoods Mount Greenwood and Beverly. It has a substantial nightlife and entertainment scene as well as Advocate Christ Medical Center, a major Chicagoland hospital. Though an urbanized suburb, its Wolfe Wildlife Refuge is a welcome tree-lined escape to nature. Residents take advantage of the 45 acre green space, pond, park and picnic area all year round.

Oak Lawn, IL, USA

Forsyth

Population: 3,581

The village of Forsyth sits just north of Decatur in central Illinois. It has the Hickory Point Mall, the Hickory Point Golf Course, and enough different species of trees around town to earn the title of USA Tree City for 20 consecutive years. Forsyth is nestled between hundreds of acres of farmland, making it the quintessential Midwest farm town – where the people are kind and the plains are open wide.

Forsyth, IL, USA

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.