Illinois
The Best Small Towns in Illinois for a Weekend Retreat
The best towns in Illinois for a weekend retreat welcome visitors with some of the best wines in the state and local festivals that celebrate everything from Groundhog Day to European heritage. If you’re a history buff, you can explore a Dutch windmill in Fulton or a Viking ship in Geneva. If you are a nature enthusiast, Ottawa and Makanda have you covered with the sandstone canyons of Starved Rock State Park and the forested trails of Giant City State Park in the Shawnee National Forest.
Galena
Galena, located near the Mississippi River at the borders of Iowa and Wisconsin, attracts visitors with a variety of offerings. The Dowling House, constructed in 1826, offers insight into the 19th-century lifestyles and trades of Galena’s residents. The Ulysses S. Grant Home was presented to Grant by the locals in appreciation for his service as both president and general during the American Civil War. From the summit of Horseshoe Mound and other ceremonial mounds at Casper Bluff, you can enjoy stunning views of three different states, or take in the sights from above during the Great Galena Balloon Race in the summer. Don’t miss the Galena General’s Parade on St. Patrick’s Day, a cherished local event. For those interested in experiencing Galena’s charming designs, consider reserving a room at the Hotel Galena.
Princeton
Princeton offers the ambiance of a vibrant city within a quaint town setting. With attractions like the stunning Hornbaker Gardens and the Barn Quilts of Bureau County, its agricultural and horticultural ties have helped the town flourish into a lively and impressive community. It also holds a strong sense of patriotism, showcased by its four Flags of Freedom, honoring the sacrifices made by many military personnel. Visitors from Chicago, Quincy, and Burlington frequently arrive via Princeton’s Amtrak Train Station, a key transportation hub connecting larger cities in Illinois and beyond. Explore historic residences such as the Owen Lovejoy House or enjoy Festival 56, featuring a variety of Broadway and Shakespeare-inspired performances by the Princeton Theatre Group. Celebrated for its charm, Princeton offers delightful accommodations like the Historic Knox Hotel for an even more memorable stay.
Woodstock
About 50 miles from Chicago lies the charming small town of Woodstock, known for its role as the filming location for the iconic time-loop movie, Groundhog Day. While the film refers to it as Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, the actual scenes were shot in Woodstock’s quaint town square and its historic Opera House. Every February 2, the locals celebrate the Groundhog Day festival, focusing not on the movie but on the critter itself that announces the arrival of spring. They also partake in the Lighting of the Square at Thanksgiving. If you’re looking to experience life free from the burdens of the past and without fear of the future, consider staying at places like the Cherry Tree Inn B&B.
Fulton
Fulton is filled with attractions and elements that harken back to the European country of the Netherlands. Highlights include the iconic De Immigrant Windmill and the Dutch Days celebration that takes place on the first weekend of May. This charming town, situated on the Mississippi River and approximately 50 miles from Galena, truly reflects the essence of a vibrant European nation. In addition to its Dutch cultural heritage, Fulton is surrounded by several attractions, including Heritage Canyon, where visitors can explore limestone mines dating back to the 1800s, appealing to those interested in geology. The Andresen Nature Center, meanwhile, is dedicated to the conservation and protection of the local wildlife in the Fulton area. For accommodations during your visit, consider the delightful AmericInn Hotel & Suites or the Wild Rose Casino & Resort located nearby in Clinton.
Nauvoo
Nauvoo embodies the long-held dream of settlers seeking a homestead. This charming riverside destination along the Mississippi River has been home to the Sauk and Fox Native Americans, as well as Mormon and Icarian immigrants from various states and Germany. Just across the river, visitors can explore the historic grounds of Fort Madison, while the Joseph Smith Historic Site highlights the Latter-Day Saint movement that took place in Nauvoo during the early 1840s. The Rheinberger House Museum is filled with fascinating artifacts, and Jonathan Browning’s workshop showcases a collection of historic Browning firearms. For those intrigued by inventions, the Webb Blacksmith Shop features a replica of a traditional smithy. When it comes to accommodations, Hotel Nauvoo, the Inn at Old Nauvoo, and Nauvoo Vacation Villas offer excellent options.
Ottawa
Ottawa is a hidden gem and a perfect getaway just 80 miles from Chicago, offering a wealth of delightful attractions and recreational spaces for relaxation and enjoyment. With numerous engaging parks and preserves, including Dayton Bluffs Preserve, Buffalo Rock State Park, and Starved Rock State Park, you’ll find plenty of options to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. For those seeking a real adventure, Skydive Chicago provides a breathtaking aerial view of Illinois as you leap and float back down to earth. If you’d rather stay grounded, consider visiting the Reddick Mansion, once the residence of Illinois State Senator William Reddick. Plus, you won’t have to worry about where to stay, as Heritage Harbor and other accommodations will ensure a comfortable and convenient home base.
Arcola
Arcola, situated along the Okaw River and approximately an hour and a half from Springfield, was originally called Bagdad in the mid-1800s before undergoing a name change a few years later. Today, the town exudes a distinct artistic charm, showcased by its 15 Walldog murals that illustrate various periods of the town’s history. For many years, Arcola has been a key stop on the Central Railroad and a leading producer of broomcorn, which is celebrated every September during the Broomcorn Festival. There’s much more to discover in Arcola, so consider staying at cozy places like the Arcola Inn or Quality Inn.
Geneva
The town of Geneva is about 45 miles west of Chicago, and features a charming Dutch windmill at the Fabyan Forest Preserve and even more delightful attractions at Island Park. The Geneva History Museum offers insights into the town’s early history, while the Fabyan Villa Museum & Japanese Garden highlights both cultural and botanical treasures from Asia. You can also discover stunning plants at City Hall’s Prairie Garden or take a look at a Viking ship from the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. If you’re visiting in June, make sure to check out the annual Swedish Days Festival. From July to August, there are Classic Car Shows, and the Geneva Arts Fair takes place each July. You’ll feel right at home in Geneva, especially when you relax and dine at welcoming spots like the Herrington Inn & Spa.
Alton
Alton left its mark when Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas held their final debate during the 1858 Illinois senatorial campaign. It is also notable for being the childhood home of famous jazz musician Miles Davis and the world’s tallest man, Robert Wadlow. For those interested in the paranormal, Alton boasts some of the most haunted places in Illinois, with eerie vibes found in McPike Mansion, Mineral Springs Hotel, The First Unitarian Church, and Milton School. Beyond its ghostly reputation, Alton is a strong supporter of local arts, showcased by the Alton Little Theater, the Alton Museum of History and Art, the Jacoby Arts Center, and the Elijah P. Lovejoy Monument. If you’re looking for an elegant stay in a historic home, consider booking a night at the Beall Mansion.
Makanda
The village of Makanda, whose name has historically evolved from Markanda, Markands, and Markauda to its current form, honoring a Native American chief, is a picturesque hamlet almost reminiscent of a fairytale. Yet, Makanda is indeed a real location, boasting numerous remarkable attractions in the Shawnee National Forest. Visitors can truly enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Giant City State Park by exploring various notable paths, including the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, the Stonefort Nature Trail, and the River to River Trail. In October, Makanda kicks off Vulture Fest, which celebrates the arrival of autumn with the migration of vultures. Whether you indulge in the delightful wines from Blue Sky Vineyard or take a refreshing dip in Cedar Lake, you’re sure to have a memorable experience. And when you’re ready to relax after all your adventures, you can unwind in the cozy accommodations at the Makanda Inn.
Sycamore
Sycamore trees are awe-inspiring and carry deep significance for many around the globe. Just 60 miles from Chicago lies the quaint town of Sycamore. Embrace the town’s quirky charm by attending one of its annual events, such as Witches Night Out in October. Enjoy laid-back picnics at Sycamore Lake Rotary Park, and discover fascinating insights into the town’s history at the DeKalb County History Center or the Blue Moon Bikes Vintage Sting Ray Museum. For a comfortable stay right in the midst of it all, consider the Country Inn & Suites, which offers all the comforts of home.
Illinois is home to a wide array of small towns perfect for a weekend getaway. With festivals, historic landmarks, wineries, and an abundance of natural wonders, there is no shortage of activities and attractions to fill a few leisurely days. Explore windmills and Viking ships, tour a haunted hotel, or simply stroll the streets and see what adventures unfold in these welcoming retreats.
Tornadoes rip through Michigan just hours after deadly tornado in Oklahoma
Destructive tornadoes wreaked havoc hundreds of miles apart from March 5-6, as severe storms roared through the middle of the U.S.
Central Illinois is expected to be hit with tornado alerts Tuesday afternoon and evening, with the highest risk between 6 and 10 p.m.
The National Weather Service announced on X that a Tornado Watch is 95% likely in east-central Illinois through 4:30 p.m. The potential storm is forecast to reach a peak intensity of 2-3.5 inch hail, 55-70 mph winds and 120-150 mph tornadoes.
Here’s how to stay updated on weather alerts in your area.
How to sign up for weather alerts in Illinois
Most residents throughout Illinois will automatically receive Wireless Emergency Alerts on their mobile phones from the NWS, warning them of potentially dangerous weather in their area. These will look like normal text messages and will typically show the type and time of the alert, any action you should take and the agency issuing the alert.
Other sources of information include NOAA Weather Radio, the Storm Prediction Center’s live map of nationwide tornado watches and the Emergency Alert System on radio and TV broadcasts.
Residents can also sign up for text alerts through their local county emergency management agency, such as NotifyChicago.
Sign up for USA TODAY Network weather alerts
Illinois residents can sign up for alerts from the USA TODAY Network to receive texts about current storms and weather events in their area.
Tornado watch vs warning
The NWS explains the difference between the varying tornado alert terminology on its website.
A tornado watch means tornadoes are possible in the area, while a tornado warning means a twister has been sighted or indicated by the weather radar. A tornado emergency is the most severe alert, meaning a violent tornado has touched down in the area.
The website uses the phrases “be prepared,” “take action” and “seek shelter immediately” to summarize the three alerts.
Central Illinois weather radar
Chicago weather radar
A record share of Illinois university employees opt-out of pensions for a 401(k)-style plan, lawmakers should give other state employees the same flexibility.
More retired state university employees are opting for a 401(k)-style plan rather than a traditional pension than ever before. They want more choice and flexibility in their retirement benefits. Lawmakers should expand the option to all state workers.
SURS published its annual actuarial evaluation for 2025. With only 47.1% of what they need to pay retirees, they are the second-highest funded state pension in Illinois, beaten only by the Teachers Retirement System with a funded ratio of 47.8%. That shouldn’t be a source of pride, however.
Experts say 60% funded is dangerous and 40% funded or lower is past the point of no return, so 47% is far too low. Illinois’ pension crisis is the worst in the nation.
But the system stands apart because it offers a way out for employees who don’t want to be stuck in the outdated, one-size-fits-all pension model or a pension system that might become insolvent.
SURS gained 1,314 new employees last year, 725 to the traditional and portable pension plans while 589 opted into the Retirement Savings Plan. Nearly half, 45%, of all new members joining are opting out of a traditional pension.
The numbers show 18.2% of all active employees opted into the Retirement Savings Plan, the highest ever since it started in 1998.
It’s a defined contribution plan, similar to a 401(k), rather than the typical defined benefit pension available in most state retirement systems. That’s up from 17.7% of active employees in 2024.
Actuaries expect this pattern to continue, projecting a growing share of active employees opting into the plan until it reaches around 30% of all active employees who are on a defined contribution plan.
Academic hires such as professors are expected to opt-in to the Retirement Savings Plan at a rate of 45%. Non-academic employees such as administrators are expected to opt-in at a rate closer to 25%.
In both cases, employees seem to enjoy getting more choice over how to invest their retirement benefits, but the difference highlights why this option is so important. Currently state university employees are the only ones with this defined contribution option.
Traditional pensions for new workers at Illinois universities have a vesting period of 10 years. That means if someone leaves their job or the state before they’ve completed 10 years, they won’t be eligible for anything but a refund of their contributions. Not the state match or any interest they could’ve accrued while working.
Early-career academics face higher job uncertainty and are more likely to change institutions than later-career or tenured faculty. Under higher expected mobility, defined contributions are more attractive because you don’t have to worry about losing out on retirement benefits because the vesting period is much lower at 5 years.
Mobility isn’t only important in academia. The ability to change careers is important for a variety of jobs today. Wage and salary workers in the public sector today have a median tenure of 6.2 years. That number is likely skewed because 3-in-4 government workers are aged 35 and older.
Younger workers tend to stay in jobs for shorter periods. Across the public and private sectors, the median tenure of workers 55 to 64 is 9.6 years and 2.7 years for workers 25 to 34. Both figures are far below the 10-year vesting requirement for most Illinois pensions.
There’s no reason to limit flexibility and control to only employees under the State University Retirement System. Senate Bill 3389 offers a step in the right direction by allowing downstate teachers to opt-in to a similar Retirement Savings Plan. But that is only the start.
Illinois should expand this option to all five of its state pension systems so that employees can choose to have more control over their retirement finances. Similar plans have been enacted in Rhode Island and Tennessee, which has one of the best-funded pension systems in the country. A defined contribution plan offers more freedom and security for retirees.
ILLINOIS – Illinois is making it possible for thousands more people with disabilities to set aside money for their needs without losing critical federal benefits.
A new rule, announced this week by State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, raises the eligibility age so that anyone whose disability began before age 47 can now open an ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) savings account.
The change nearly doubles the number of Illinois residents who can use the program, which lets people with disabilities save and invest money tax-free for qualified expenses.
Frerichs called the expansion a “game changer,” estimating that 250,000 additional Illinoisans and about 6 million people nationwide now qualify.
“We’re happy to report that ABLE accounts are now available to anyone who acquired their disability before age 46, and I think this is a game changer for a lot of people,” Frerichs said.
Until this expansion, ABLE accounts were only available to people who acquired a disability before age 26. That restriction left out veterans, accident survivors, and people diagnosed with disabling conditions later in life. The new rule took effect this year after Congress responded to calls from Illinois advocates and families to expand access.
How ABLE accounts work:
An ABLE account functions much like a 529 college savings account. Account holders, friends, and family can contribute cash, which is then invested. The money grows tax-free as long as it is used for disability-related expenses such as housing, transportation, assistive technology, or education. Illinois also offers a state income tax deduction for contributions.
Before ABLE accounts, people with disabilities who received Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid faced strict asset limits. Having more than $2,000 in savings could mean losing those benefits.
“This created a lot of anxiety for families who were preparing,” Frerichs said. “There’s a lot of fear for people who wanted to go out and work. What would happen if my paycheck put me over that threshold? Well, ABLE is the answer.”
The program allows up to $100,000 in savings without affecting federal benefits. Earnings and withdrawals remain tax-free if used for qualified expenses.
Real-life impact:
Frerichs shared stories from families who had to make difficult choices before ABLE accounts existed.
“I talked to parents who had to tell their children’s employer don’t give my kid a raise,” he said. “I’ve talked to parents who talked with their financial advisors, saying, don’t name your child in your will. We created a system that put parents in horrible positions, but now we have a solution that allows them to do more long-term planning and to truly set their kids up for a better life experience.”
Stephanie Cantor, director of the Illinois ABLE program, said the expansion lets her and thousands like her save for expenses that come with disability.
“Living with a disability just costs more, and it makes me think of all the ways an ABLE account could have been useful to me over the years to be able to save money and pay for these expenses,” Cantor said.
What’s next:
Illinois has about 8,500 ABLE account holders who have saved $121 million so far. The state treasurer’s office encourages anyone who thinks they may qualify to learn more and apply at illinoisable.com.
The Source: The information in this article was reported by FOX Chicago’s Terrence Lee.
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