Unheard of by most, this tiny village on Illinois’ western river coasts is one of the loveliest places to visit. Preserved in its 19th century condition, it was cut off from the rest of the state and is now like a time machine into the past.
If you love vintage villages, keep scrolling for all the details about one you’ll surely want to visit. Check it out:
Situated right on the Mississippi River in Southern Illinois, the village of Elsah is secluded from the rest of the world. It is west of Alton but overlooked due to how difficult it can be to get there.
Google Maps
Hidden by a valley of bluffs and forests, Elsah was once a vibrant riverside town that lost popularity once railways were invented, as none could be built through the rock formations.
Facebook/Historic Elsah Foundation
Due to being cut off both physically and economically, the town never developed past its 19th-century roots and still maintains the original buildings that accommodated the settlement.
Facebook/Historic Elsah Foundation
The village’s beauty can be attributed to its founder who dictated that anyone who moved there build their residence out of stone, which today adds romantic charm to this riverside wonderland.
Facebook/Green Tree Inn of Elsah
It is beautiful anytime of year and will take you back to a simpler time before cell phones, cars, and fitness classes.
Flickr/welcometoalville
Elsah is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and contains many wonders including several inns and an old-fashioned general store. There are also several museums, a wildlife center, and historic community buildings to tour.
Facebook/Green Tree Inn of Elsah
Illinois’ best kept secret is a village frozen in time that will show you what life was like over a century ago. Take your time meandering through the bluffs and enjoy the lovely scenery around Elsah.
Wikipedia/Nyttend
If you love towns with a lot of history, check out this former Illinois town with a bizarre story.
Google Maps
Facebook/Historic Elsah Foundation
Facebook/Green Tree Inn of Elsah
Flickr/welcometoalville
Wikipedia/Nyttend
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