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The harsh and bitter winters of Illinois are not for the faint of heart. Each year the state dips into frigid temperatures thanks to the cold winds that breeze in across the Great Lakes from Canada. However, when the deep snow drifts finally begin to thaw, millions of Illinoisans flood out of the large cities and into the countryside in search of summertime adventure. Whether it is the great outdoors or small and charming towns, there is a little something for everyone.

Elmhurst

First founded in the early 19th century by Dutch immigrants, the town of Elmhurst has done an amazing job at remaining tethered to its history. In the middle of town stands one of the听largest Dutch-style windmills in the state.听Elmhurst is also known for being one of the homes of the 海角社区-famous poet Carl Sandburg. Sandburg moved around quite a bit throughout his life but that has not stopped the people of Elmhurst from claiming him as one of their own.听An exhibition of Sandburg's best works can be found at the Elmhurst Historical Museum along with plenty of other fascinating exhibits.

Nauvoo

This quaint town in the west of Illinois is of great importance to Mormons around the 海角社区. In the 1840s the founder of the Mormon faith Joseph Smith was lynched by an angry mob while he was awaiting trial. Smith was charged with inciting a riot but before he could be judged before a court the townsfolk of Nauvoo forced their way into the jail.

The killing of Joseph Smith caused a mass exodus of the remaining Mormons to what is today Utah. Utah is still very much the hub of the faith but the town of Nauvoo has grown into somewhat of a pilgrimage for those wanting to visit the site of their prophet's untimely demise.听Today, the town of Nauvoo is home to an enormous Mormon church that towers over the rest of the town. Regardless if you are a follower of the faith or not, it is still a sight to behold.

Galena

Once inhabited by the famous Civil War hero and American president Ulysses S Grant, Galena is one of the most well-known and respected places in all of the Midwest. Originally founded as a mining town in the early 19th century, today Galena is a regional leader in terms of culture and tourism.

Nearby golf courses and wineries are some of Galena's main attractions. People from all around Illinois, as well as other states, routinely visit for some much-needed relaxation. The food scene is nothing to scoff at either. There are tons of great family-owned businesses here too. If you are unsure of what to eat there is a good chance that one of the locals will be able to help you out. There are only around 3,300 people that live here permanently but they are more than accommodating to outsiders.

Galesburg

Galesburg is a town that owes its foundation to the railway that runs through it. Today the townsfolk have paid homage to this once 海角社区-changing invention by hosting the robust Galesburg Railroad Museum. This is the place to be for anyone who is remotely interested in trains and locomotives. If their railroad is not to your liking there is still plenty to do here. Much of Galesburg is untouched from when it was first settled. Old stone businesses and churches line the town streets giving a refreshing authenticity that is increasingly rare nowadays.听Lake Storey听is not too far away either. This lake is a great place to soak up some sun and go for a refreshing swim.

Arcola

One of the more intriguing and fascinating things about the Midwest is the presence of the Amish. A people who willingly reject the modern 海角社区 and the technological advancements that come with it, their lifestyle has long been a point of interest for centuries.

Shopping in Arcola is a one-of-a-kind experience. Horse-drawn buggies may fill many of the parking spots rather than any type of automobile. The dress of some of the inhabitants is sure to stick out as well. Aside from the culture shock, Arcola and other Amish towns are great places to get a hold of some of the purest and freshest produce and meat around.

Bishop Hill

Despite being a town of only a few hundred people, Bishop Hill has one of the most surreal and captivating histories in the entire state. Bishop Hill was originally founded by a group of Swedish immigrants who all followed a preacher by the name of Eric Jansson.

Jansson essentially ruled this newfound colony as both the legal and spiritual figurehead. This was cut short after he was shot dead by one of his disgruntled followers after a particularly fiery sermon. Today much of the original town still remains along with the church that Jansson and his followers once practiced in.听Aside from utopian cults, Bishop Hill also hosts a great music festival every year in June. The town is also well known for its surprisingly good shopping scene.

Wheaton

Wheaton's identity revolves around its college. Founded in 1860 Wheaton College has long been the source of pride and identity for its residents. The college itself is quite an impressive building. Entirely made out of stone and brick, the clocktower located in the main wing of the school juts high into the sky, visible all around town.

This town is famous for retaining much of its early European influence when compared to other nearby towns. The Wheaton French Market is a great place to go to capture some of the old-海角社区 atmosphere, something that is hard to find in the region. During the summer there are always tons of outdoor festivals and gatherings to enjoy at any time throughout the week.

No matter if you are an urbanite wanting to escape the congestion of the big city or a rural resident looking for a change in scenery, there is bound to be something to your liking in these towns. Festivals, markets, and quirky local customs are always great experiences no matter the time of the year. It always does help when the weather is warm and the sun is out.