Travel Pros: You Have To Visit These Off-The-Grid Illinois Towns

Before we start naming Illinois cities and towns, we should point out that there are several definitions to the term "off the grid."

One definition is "not using or depending on public utilities, especially the supply of electricity." I really don't think that sort of place would be really high on anyone's must-visit list.

Another definition is "not having cell service, or turning off your phone to make yourself unreachable." It's fine if you want to turn your phone off, but most of us prefer to avoid places that have no cell service.

The definition for off the grid that I think fits this piece best is "little communication with the outside world, or barely participating in society, choosing isolation."

Let's take a look at where to go in Illinois for that.

A Great Website For Getting Information On Maps, Facts, And Stats About Geography And Travel Just Released Their 2025 Picks For Illinois' Top Off-The-Grid Places

That site is WorldAtlas.com, and I visit them frequently when looking for travel ideas and statistics about travel here in Illinois (and literally anywhere else in the world).

When WorldAtlas.com talks about off-the-grid places in Illinois, they mean places other than Chicago and the Chicago area. Places that fly under the radar, or qualify as being "off the beaten path." Everybody visits Chicago, but many people miss out on Illinois' other gems:

These under-the-radar gems provide an alternative vacation encounter devoid of the city's hustle and bustle, promising a myriad of novel experiences for all types of travelers. Whether a history lover, outdoor thrill seeker, or cultural enthusiast, there is more than enough to go around.

Here Are Some Of Their Picks For Illinois' Top Off The Grid Towns And Why

In no particular order...

Pittsfield (Pike County):  Abraham Lincoln spent time in Pittsfield while practicing law, staying with his good friend, John Green Shastid. Today, you can visit the well-preserved John Shastid Houses for a glimpse of life in the 1830s.

Makanda (Jackson County): Makanda is an isolated getaway, enveloped by the dense woodlands of the Shawnee National Forest. The village is an outdoor lover's haven, providing an entry point to the 4,000 virgin acres of Giant City State Park.

Fulton (Whiteside County): A couple years back, Fulton was named Illinois' most charming town. The Fulton Marina offers a quiet outdoor escape where locals and visitors can commune with nature through picnics while soaking in stunning vistas of the Mississippi River.

Oglesby (LaSalle County): If you are up for an off-beat adventure in the great outdoors, it doesn't get better than this. Oglesby houses some of the best parks in the state, highlighted by the popular Starved Rock State Park.

Click here to check out WorldAtlas.com's full list of 12 off-the-grid Illinois places you need to visit.