These Illinois, Missouri towns are among ‘most beautiful in the US,’ travel magazine says
Travel and Leisure magazine recognized 20 localities as the “Most Beautiful Small Towns in the U.S.” in a Jan. 29 article, and a town from Illinois and one from Missouri made the list.
Galena, Ill., came in 18th place and Hermann, Mo., followed in 19th place. The northwest Illinois town has received similar recognition in the past, in part due to its walkability, bustling main street and historic features.
“Quaint riverside town” Hermann is located in the Missouri River Valley and is part of the state’s wine country.
20 Most Beautiful Small Towns
Each town included in the ranking has a population of fewer than 20,000 people. Here’s the full list, from Travel and Leisure:
Girdwood, Alaska
Sedona, Ariz.
Avalon, Calif.
Palisade, Colo.
Little St. Simons Island, Ga.
Lanai City, Hawaii
Wallace, Idaho
Bardstown, Ky.
Camden, Maine
Fishtown/Leland, Mich.
Taos, N.M.
Medora, N.D.
Joseph, Ore.
Leavenworth, Wash.
Bayfield, Wisc.
Cody, Wyo.
Edenton, N.C.
Galena, Ill.
Hermann, Mo.
Cape May, N.J.
Visiting Galena, Ill.
About 330 miles, or 5 hours and 30 minutes by car, from Belleville, Galena “looks like a town straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie,” Travel and Leisure says, and there’s plenty to do outside of the holiday season, as well.
The town’s historic Main Street boasts more than 125 independent restaurants, stores, bed-and-breakfasts and inns, and you can also enjoy hiking and biking.
You can take a narrated trolley tour through the landscape and stop by the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site or the Chicago Great Western Railway Depot Museum.
Don’t forget to peruse Main Street and enjoy the diverse architecture on your way to a wine tasting or a spa.
Round out your day with a visit to the pottery studio at the Artists’ Annex or check out the Galena Center for the Arts, where you can explore exhibits and participate in hands-on workshops.
Visiting Hermann, Mo.
About 97 miles, or 1 hour and 45 minutes by car, from Belleville, Hermann is known for its wineries along with its German history. The small town also hosts a variety of special events and festivals throughout the year.
Wurfest celebrates “all things sausage,” including professional and amateur sausage-making competitions, kraut-making classes, a “Wiener Dog Derby” and German dancing. The 2023 Wurfest will take place March 25 and 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Even if you don’t make it over to Hermann for a festival, there are plenty of entertainment options. History buffs can visit the Historic Hermann Museum, Hermannhof Winery or Hermann Fire Company Museum.
For outdoor recreation, take a trip to Graham Cave State Park, the Katy Trail State Park or Village Dog Park.
Check out a First Friday Art Walk or stop by the Showboat Community Theatre for an onstage production, movie or concert.
