Illinois' 'Best Small Town For Adventure' Is A Charming Destination Full Of Outdoor Fun

When you think of top destinations worth visiting in Illinois, Chicago often leads the list — and rightfully so. Its award-winning restaurants, acclaimed museums, and friendly, down-to-earth community make it an icon of the Midwest. But beyond the bright lights of the big city, Illinois also shines through its charming small towns perfect for a weekend getaway. One of those towns is Savanna, a riverside gem that blends natural beauty with outdoor adventure.

This small but vibrant town is located in Carroll County, along the Mississippi River in northwest Illinois. Founded in 1828, Savanna is among the oldest towns in the state and is home to just over 2,783 residents. Its deep connection to the outdoors has earned it recognition from USA Today, which named Savanna "The Best Small Town for Adventure" three years in a row — a fitting title for a place where hiking, biking, and kayaking are part of daily life. Once you arrive, it's easy to see why Savanna keeps earning that praise.

Savanna sits within easy reach, and getting to this small corner of Illinois is as simple as falling in love with it. It's about 150 miles from Chicago, roughly a three-hour drive. International visitors can fly into either Chicago Midway International Airport or O'Hare International Airport. From O'Hare, you can take a connecting flight to Dubuque Regional Airport, and from there, Savanna is just about an hour's drive away, with fares ranging between $150 and $190. However you get here, the town welcomes you with open arms and the promise of outdoor adventure.

When a town is called "the best small town for adventure," you can expect plenty of outdoor thrills — and Savanna delivers from the moment you arrive. The heartbeat of its outdoor scene is Mississippi Palisades State Park, an expanse of nearly 2,500 acres where rugged beauty takes center stage. The park features more than 15 miles of trails, and according to TripAdvisor, favorites include the 1-mile Sentinel Trail and the 2.9-mile Aspen Trail – both offering sweeping views of the Mississippi River and forested hills. For seasoned hikers, the 4.8-mile Sentinel, Sunset, and Pine Trail loop offers a tougher challenge and quiet escape. Beyond the trails, the park is alive with opportunities to fish, hunt, picnic, and watch wildlife, from pileated woodpeckers to deer and squirrels. Rock climbers will also find designated climbing spots in the park, but it's important to review tips on rock climbing safety before heading up, as the park does not monitor these areas.

Beyond the park, adventure flows right through town. You can cycle or walk along the Great River Trail, a 60-mile stretch that hugs the Mississippi River and highlights the region's natural beauty. Nut Outdoors rents e-bikes for $60 and kayaks for $35 for a two-hour ride, giving you the chance to explore both land and water at your own pace.

For some slower-paced fun, stop by the Savanna Museum & Cultural Center (open on weekends), where more than 120 mannequins bring Civil War stories to life. Then, stroll to the Savanna Veterans Memorial to pay tribute to local heroes, before ending your day at the Savanna Times Theater, a historic landmark showing films since the 1940s, with tickets starting at just $6.

Savanna is one of those towns perfect for a romantic getaway for lovers, and a visit to Havencrest Castle with your partner feels like stepping into a fairy tale. This six-story mansion features 63 elaborately themed rooms, each designed by artist Alan St. George and his late wife, Adrianne. Of the 27 rooms open to the public, every corner reflects beauty, devotion, and imagination. Havencrest welcomes visitors only on weekends in May and October, with general admission priced at $25 and VIP tours at $149, offering a rare glimpse into a story of art and enduring love.

Of course, one adventure you can't miss here is camping. You can set up at Seven Eagles Campground or Spring Lake Campground, but the best spot is within Mississippi Palisades State Park itself. The park offers 241 campsites with electrical hookups and restrooms, and there's nothing quite like falling asleep to the gentle sound of the Mississippi River, one of the world's largest river systems. Camping season runs from May 1 to October 31, giving visitors a chance to experience Savanna's outdoors at its finest. Savanna Inn & Suites is also a welcoming spot to rest, with rates starting around $159 per night. It's well-rated on TripAdvisor for its spacious rooms and helpful staff.

Savanna is one must-see small town year-round. Summers are warm and ideal for hiking or kayaking, while winters bring cross-country skiing and sledding to Mississippi Palisades. Whether you're camping under the stars, biking along the river, or exploring castle halls, this small town proves that adventure here never really stops.