This Charming Community Might Just Be The Most Peaceful Place To Live In Illinois
By Linze Rice|Published December 13, 2023
×
Linze Rice
Author
Ope! From the rural cornfields of DeKalb County, Linze is an Illinois native and true Midwestern gal who can make a mean bonfire and whip up a perfect marshmallow salad. Since 2014, her bylines and photography have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and Block Club Chicago/DNAinfo Chicago, Only in Your State, and more. She has interviewed Dolly Parton, written about beloved diners along historic Route 66, visited the last Rainforest Cafe in the Illinois, and reviewed luxurious English manor-inspired hotels. Whether it's writing about a local gem or world-renowned establishment, Linze brings a heartwarming and historical perspective to each story, using facts, wit, and personal experience to impress upon readers the importance of culture, food, travel, and all things local. Her favorite destinations in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, the charming small town of Sycamore, and historic Rosehill Cemetery. When she's not writing or photographing, Linze enjoys gardening, spending time with her husband and pets, cooking, baking, and grilling, and relaxing with trashy TV.
I love living right outside Chicago, but sometimes I need some space from all the hustle and bustle. Don’t get me wrong — every store I could ever need is just a few minutes away, and there are just as many hot dog stands. But sometimes, a quick retreat to relax and recharge is exactly what I need to restore my energy. So when I discovered the peaceful small town of Pontiac, Illinois, I immediately added it to my travel bucket list.
Pontiac is a historic city in Central Illinois. It sits on the edge of the Vermillion River and is often considered one of the most idyllic and serene places to live in the state. In fact, the 1984 movie "Grandview U.S.A." was filmed in Pontiac.
The town is the Livingston County seat, so its stately red brick and terra cotta courthouse is conveniently located. It's also a beautiful historic building that adds to the city's overall wholesome aesthetic.
Surrounded by farmland, including corn and sunflowers, Pontiac offers classic small-town living in rural Illinois. Fields stretch on for as far as the eye can see, setting the stage for scenic drives that offer plenty of time for reflection and admiration for the landscape.
With Old Route 66 running directly through the town, Pontiac is home to the Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame and Museum, the Livingston County War Museum, the Museum of the Gilding Arts, and the Pontiac Oakland Automobile Museum and Resource Center. there is no shortage of homages to vintage cars and auto body shops.
Pontiac is bursting with local history — including historic homes, the Abraham Lincoln Story Trail exhibits, three swinging pedestrian bridges, a look at 1940s home decor at Stage Door Canteen, a 300-acre nature preserve, and much more.
Its downtown area features a number of shops, bars, and theaters that showcase fantastic local food, goods, and entertainment — plus seasonal festivals and car shows. Those who love antique shopping and art will especially appreciate Pontiac, which is known for its hidden treasures and many bright murals.
Much of life here revolves around the stories of yesteryear and the yearning for a simple, old-fashioned way of living. Lawns are green, sunsets are picturesque, stars twinkle easily with no light pollution, and people are friendly.
Whether you're looking for a day trip, weekend getaway, or permanent change of pace, Pontiac is a reliable haven for serenity. With its adorable small businesses, open skies, deep historical roots, and plenty of chances for neighborly encounters, it's a lovely town worth a visit.
