‘America’s Favorite Small Town’: 4 IL Communities Vie For Title

Four Illinois towns are among 40 finalists in Parade magazine’s “America’s Favorite Small Towns” contest to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

To mark the nation’s Semiquincentennial milestone, the lifestyle and entertainment media company invited towns with populations under 250,000 to compete for the national bragging rights.

The selection of the 40 regional finalists comes after months of community voting. Parade’s editorial board will evaluate each community’s application and announce five regional winners — one each from the West, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast and Southeast — on June 1. The national winner will be named on June 12.

Galena

The idyllic small town of Galena is among Parade's 40 finalists. Here's what Parade had to say about Galena:

Galena sits tucked into the Bitterroot Mountains, where small streams thread through pine-filled valleys and old mining roads climb the hills. The town is compact, with rustic cabins, local shops, and a few cafes where neighbors stop to chat. Even in winter, the streets and trails are busy with snowmobilers, hikers, and anglers.Life here revolves aroundthe outdoors. Hunting, fishing, skiing, and trail maintenance shape daily routines, and community events bring people together at the town hall, market, or along the creek. Outside of town, the mountains rise quickly. Timbered slopes, rushing streams, and open ridgelines offer short hikes, fishing spots, and wide views of the sky. Galena feels small, but the surrounding landscape is big, and it’s easy to get into it straight from town.

Parade Magazine

Edwardsville

Edwardsville is the third oldest city in Illinois and also home of the Illinois Territory’s first governor, Ninian Edwards. So, it's easy to say the community has played an important role in the region for centuries.

"Once a major stagecoach stop along the Goshen Trail and later a waypoint on historic Route 66, Edwardsville preserves its heritage through landmarks like the West End Service Station and the neo-classic courthouse," Parade Magazine wrote about the small town. "Downtown blends history with modern energy. Quaint boutiques, artisanal shops, and locally owned restaurants like 1818 Chophouse, Bella Milano, and Peel Wood Fired Pizza attract visitors from across the Midwest."

Grafton

The historic town sits where the Mississippi and Illinois rivers meet, which provide for some pretty stunning views.

"Weekenders come for the mix of outdoor fun, riverfront dining, boutique shopping, and that easygoing vibe that makes Grafton feel like a true escape," according to Parade Magazine.

Here's what else the magazine had to say about Grafton:

You can arrive by car or even by ferry along the scenic Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. Once in town, visitors love The Loading Dock Bar & Grill, one of the few places in the state where you can eat right on the riverbank. Aerie’s Resort towers above the town on limestone bluffs and offers gondola rides, a gravity-fed alpine coaster, great dining, and unbeatable sunsets. Down by the water, Grafton Harbor is the hub for cruises, boat rentals, and waterfront shops.

Parade Magazine

Alton

Also located along the Mississippi River, Alton is a town of history, scenic bluffs and community spirit.

From Elijah P. Lovejoy’s anti-slavery activism and Abraham Lincoln’s visits to the birthplace of jazz legend Miles Davis and the home of the World’s Tallest Man, Robert Wadlow, Alton blends remarkable stories with stunning river views. It’s also a hotspot for ghost hunters, wintering bald eagles, and fall leaf-peepers. Downtown Alton centers on Broadway and Third Streets, where historic brick buildings house locally
owned shops, antique stores, cafés, and restaurants. Visitors can enjoy craft beers at Old Bakery Beer Company, sweets at My Just Desserts, or riverside dining while watching the Mississippi flow.

Parade Magazine

Parade said the competition spotlights “the places that make America truly special,” whether that’s through history, culture, natural beauty or neighborly spirit.

Parade said the winning town will receive a branded promotional event as part of its 4th of July festivities, including potential celebrity involvement, sponsor giveaways, and national media coverage.