10 Charming Small Towns Near Chicago

The 10 Most Charming

Experience

1. LONG GROVE, ILLINOIS

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2. NEW BUFFALO, MICHIGAN

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3. NEW GLARUS, WISCONSIN

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4. KOHLER, WISCONSIN

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5. ST. JOSEPH, MICHIGAN

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6. GALENA, ILLINOIS

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7. OTTAWA, ILLINOIS

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8. MINERAL POINT, WISCONSIN

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9. ELKHART LAKE, WISCONSIN

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10. CEDARBURG, WISCONSIN

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The 10 Most Charming

Small Towns Near Chicago

Experience

historic architecture, local wineries and lake views galore at these picturesque small towns near Chicago.

1. LONG GROVE, ILLINOIS

This town has an old time feel thanks
to its historic covered bridge, cobblestone walkways and colorful clapboard buildings.

COURTESY OF LONG GROVE

2. NEW BUFFALO, MICHIGAN

Aside from the beach there’s plenty to do, from watersports on Lake Michigan to hiking.

NEW BUFFALO EXPLORED

3. NEW GLARUS, WISCONSIN

For maximum old-world flavor, sample the town’s unrivaled beer and cheese offerings.

GREEN COUNTY TOURISM AND NEW GLARUS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

4. KOHLER, WISCONSIN

Kohler is the one place in Wisconsin where you can experience small-town charm and a five-star resort at once. The century-old American Club is the place to stay.

KOHLER, CO.

5. ST. JOSEPH, MICHIGAN

With its red-and-white lighthouse, ample shoreline and brick streets, St. Joseph is a little bit of Nantucket in the Midwest.

JEANNINE W. | PURE MICHIGAN

6. GALENA, ILLINOIS

Visiting Galena might be the closest you can get to time travel. 80% of its historic district’s buildings are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

VISIT GALENA

7. OTTAWA, ILLINOIS

Home to amazing views of the Fox and Illinois rivers, historic mansions & statues marking the site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate.

OTTAWA VISITORS CENTER

8. MINERAL POINT, WISCONSIN

Wander among the 25 galleries and studios, and you’ll meet potters, painters, weavers, woodworkers, glass artists, jewelry makers and more.

SV PHOTOGRAPHY

9. ELKHART LAKE, WISCONSIN

The town’s history as a birthplace of 1950s road racing and its continued race events today offer plenty of adrenaline.

CHRIS MILITZER

10. CEDARBURG, WISCONSIN

Your to-do list should include a visit to Cedar Creek Winery, the Cedarburg Art Museum & the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts.

EDMUNDS STUDIO

for more local travel ideas visit

PureWow Travel

The 10 Most Charming

Small Towns Near Chicago

Experience

historic architecture, local wineries and lake views galore at these picturesque small towns near Chicago.

1. LONG GROVE, ILLINOIS

This town has an old time feel thanks to its historic covered bridge, cobblestone walkways and colorful clapboard buildings.

COURTESY OF LONG GROVE

2. NEW BUFFALO, MICHIGAN

Aside from the beach there’s plenty to do, from watersports on Lake Michigan to hiking.

NEW BUFFALO EXPLORED

3. NEW GLARUS, WISCONSIN

For maximum old-world flavor, sample the town’s unrivaled beer and cheese offerings.

GREEN COUNTY TOURISM AND NEW GLARUS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

4. KOHLER, WISCONSIN

Kohler is the one place in Wisconsin where you can experience small-town charm and a five-star resort at once. The century-old American Club is the place to stay.

KOHLER, CO.

5. ST. JOSEPH, MICHIGAN

With its red-and-white lighthouse, ample shoreline and brick streets, St. Joseph is a little bit of Nantucket in the Midwest.

JEANNINE W. | PURE MICHIGAN

6. GALENA, ILLINOIS

Visiting Galena might be the closest you can get to time travel. 80% of its historic district’s buildings are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

VISIT GALENA

7. OTTAWA, ILLINOIS

Home to amazing views of the Fox and Illinois rivers, historic mansions & statues marking the site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate.

OTTAWA VISITORS CENTER

8. MINERAL POINT, WISCONSIN

Wander among the 25 galleries and studios, and you’ll meet potters, painters, weavers, woodworkers, glass artists, jewelry makers and more.

SV PHOTOGRAPHY

9. ELKHART LAKE, WISCONSIN

The town’s history as a birthplace of 1950s road racing and its continued race events today offer plenty of adrenaline.

CHRIS MILITZER

10. CEDARBURG, WISCONSIN

Your to-do list should include a visit to Cedar Creek Winery, the Cedarburg Art Museum & the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts.

EDMUNDS STUDIO

for more local travel ideas visit

PureWow Travel

This town has an old time feel thanks
to its historic covered bridge, cobblestone walkways and colorful clapboard buildings.