You haven’t truly seen Illinois until you’ve visited its remote towns. One in particular is definitely worth your attention as it offers a good balance of tranquility and fun attractions. The best small town in the Land of Lincoln is located down south, and it’s about time you checked it out.

The seat of little-known Perry County, Pickneyville, Illinois has a population of just 5,400 residents but it has always had that small-town feel. History, natural attractions, and modern amenities abound in this southern Illinois community.

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Nature lovers will find satisfaction in the near 20,000 acres of forests, lakes, and wildlife found at the Pyramid State Recreation Area. The land was once used for coal mining but is now an excellent spot for fishing and birding.

Google/Lori Kuiper There are 24 individual bodies of water just in this part of town alone. Find them at 1562 Pyramid Park Rd., Pinckneyville, IL 62274.

If you prefer to spend the day indoors, you’ll want to head to the Illinois Rural Heritage Museum. Here, you’ll find a collection of ancient farming tools and equipment as well as information about old farming practices and life in the country.

Facebook/Illinois Rural Heritage Museum The museum is open Thursday through Saturday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. as well as Sunday between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. It is located at 187 Fairground Rd., Pinckneyville, IL 62274.

For more history, head to the Perry County Jail Museum. Replaced by a bigger facility in 1987, this brick prison was constructed in 1871. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features clothing, furniture, and a one-room school.

Facebook/Perry County Jail Museum You can find this historic jail at 108 W Jackson St., Pinckneyville, IL 62274.

Pickneyville wouldn’t be the best small town without a marvelous hotel. Oxbow Bed & Breakfast, which opened in 1985, has five unique suites as well as patios, a sunroom, and a pool table. The residence was built in 1929 and is located in a remote part of town.

Facebook/Oxbow Bed & Breakfast Surrounded by farm and fields, this B&B is located at 3967 IL-13, Pinckneyville, IL 62274. Rates run between $85 and $165 per night.

You can’t leave town without a bite to eat at the local diner where you’ll find down home comfort food on the menu. Enjoy chicken and dumplings, country-fried steak, fried chicken and biscuits, and all your favorite breakfast items.

Google/Gary Dahmer Dixie’s Cup Cafe is open daily between 4:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., and it is located at 705 S Main St., Pinckneyville, IL 62274.

No matter the time of year, Illinois’ best small town is worth a visit. Great food, local history, and unforgettable getaways make this a bucket-list-worthy vacation spot.

Google/Kevin Ziegler

For more great vacation spots, check out these seven resort towns in Illinois that will take your breath away.

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Google/Lori Kuiper

There are 24 individual bodies of water just in this part of town alone. Find them at 1562 Pyramid Park Rd., Pinckneyville, IL 62274.

Facebook/Illinois Rural Heritage Museum

The museum is open Thursday through Saturday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. as well as Sunday between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. It is located at 187 Fairground Rd., Pinckneyville, IL 62274.

Facebook/Perry County Jail Museum

You can find this historic jail at 108 W Jackson St., Pinckneyville, IL 62274.

Facebook/Oxbow Bed & Breakfast

Surrounded by farm and fields, this B&B is located at 3967 IL-13, Pinckneyville, IL 62274. Rates run between $85 and $165 per night.

Google/Gary Dahmer

Dixie’s Cup Cafe is open daily between 4:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., and it is located at 705 S Main St., Pinckneyville, IL 62274.

Google/Kevin Ziegler

What do you consider to be the best small town in Illinois. Share your favorite things about each with us below in the comments.

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