Popular Illinois Destination Named State's Best 'Must-Visit Small Town'

Illinois is full of stunning cities, towns, and landscapes praised by travelers around the world, so to be named the "best must-visit small town" in the entire state is a pretty big deal.

Be it close-knit community feels or bountiful local activities, something about this charming location landed it on Thrillist 's list of the best small towns to visit across the country, and today, we're going to discuss why.

Per the list, the best small town to visit in Illinois is Galena . Galena houses 3,308 people and is known for its cobblestone streets and historic mansions among other stunning qualities.

Here's what Thrillist had to say about the best must-visit small town in the entire state:

"Drive 10 minutes east of the mighty Mississippi and you'll tap right into the quirky small-town vibes of Galena. Once the home of Ulysses S. Grant, Galena boasts cobblestone streets and historic mansions, plus an old-school blacksmith shop and the P.T. Murphy Magic Theater. A free trolley ride will drop you downtown, where you can stroll Main Street’s restaurants, antique shops, galleries, and boutiques bursting with kitsch. If you’re feeling active, book a rafting trip, hit up the nearby ski resort, or try the 40-acre Horseshoe Mound, known for its winding bike trails and scenic views all the way to Iowa and Wisconsin."

For a continued list of the best must-visit small towns in each state visit thrillist.com .