Greenville named among Illinois' top small towns

Published: November 29, 2023

Author: Dave Bell

Greenville was included in a recent list of 11 Illinois small towns that offer a unique holiday experience for travelers in the Land of Lincoln.

“These little-known locations are the state’s best-kept secret,” said a news release from WorldAtlas.com. “The slower pace of life and friendliness in these tight-knit communities guarantee a fresh and exciting experience.”

The release acknowledged that while Chicago is often the primary destination for visitors to the state, the size of the metropolitan area – home to about a quarter of the state’s citizens – can be overwhelming.

“Why would you want to jostle for space with endless crowds,” the article asked, “when there is so much more of the state to experience? The small towns in rural Illinois have a unique charm, and they promise just as fulfilling of a holiday experience as you’d expect from the bigger cities.”

In addition to Greenville, 10 other Illinois communities were listed: Bishop Hill, Elmhurst, Elsah, Fulton, Galena, Lebanon, Nauvoo, Ottawa, Rockton, and Woodstock.

Listed among Greenville’s assets were its storied past (established in 1815, two years before the state of Illinois was formed), its retro downtown, many museums (including the Bond County Museum and the American Farm Heritage Museum), and a “treasure trove of other historical gems.” Greenville University also received a shout out, as the article noted that “even with its old profile, Greenville is a bubbly college town that offers events that you can schedule your trip to coincide with.”

WorldAtlas, publisher of the small-town Illinois list, is owned and operated by Reunion Technology Inc., an online publishing company.