The Most Charming College Town In Illinois Is Home To Delicious Dining, Shopping, And More
By Linze Rice|Published August 28, 2023
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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.
Growing up in a college town area, I always found it interesting how the university students and the local residents blended together. Long-timers in the area show up at the crack of dawn to grab a cup of coffee at The Junction, while students grab a 2 a.m. are just leaving Molly’s after a long night of bar hopping. While the town has deep historical roots and longstanding traditions, the student population keeps the area fresh and ever-evolving. So while there is no shortage of adorable small towns in the Prairie State, I truly believe that DeKalb is the best college town in Illinois.
DeKalb is a small college town in DeKalb County with a population of just over 40,000 residents. Part-rural small town and part-modern college town, the area is defined by miles of farmland surrounding historic buildings, local shops, restaurants, and parks.
It's home to Northern Illinois University, one of the top 10 largest colleges in the state. With an expansive campus that includes castle-like buildings, an idyllic lagoon, access to parks, and lush landscaping, the university is a significant part of the town's history and everyday life.
Living in a college town, the population goes down noticeably in the summer. I always knew when classes at NIU were back in session when droves of families would be at the local Walmart and Target buying dorm necessities. "Must be move-in weekend," we'd say.
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The university's East Lagoon is a beloved spot by locals and students, who kayak, fish, and reflect at the relaxing pond.
However, beware of the population of sometimes volatile geese.
The lagoon is located just off the historic Lincoln Highway, which cuts through town and serves as a main street lined with places where locals and visitors can dine, see live entertainment, grab a beer, and boutique shop.
A major perk of the area is its walkability — you can get to dozens of restaurants, shops, and businesses by foot, though there is also a university bus line and plenty of parking for drivers.
Downtown DeKalb is also home to a number of historic buildings, including the gorgeous (and supposedly haunted) Egyptian Theatre, which dates back to 1928. Today, the theater shows movies, hosts a variety of live performances, and offers tours to the public.
Another must-visit destination in DeKalb is the stunning Ellwood House Museum — an 1879 mansion with deep roots in the city's history with barbed wire. Today it's an incredibly preserved museum and campus that can be toured.
Fun fact: Barbed wire was invented in DeKalb! It's a huge part of the city's identity.
When it's time for food and drink, one of the most popular places in town for students and locals is Fatty's Pub and Grille, a sports bar known for its bloody Marys, outdoor patio, and delicious food. I recommend any sandwich paired with Fatty's famous potato salad.
However, before you leave DeKalb, make sure you've stopped to grab a bag of beer nuggets — a local snack of fried dough hunks dipped in marinara sauce. These are a staple of the area dating all the way back to the 1960s.
You can get these at nearly any DeKalb restaurant — but Vinny's Pizza, Pizza Villa, and Pizza Pros are three of my go-to's.
In addition to rolling hills of corn and soybeans, there are a number of forest preserves, arboretums, parks, and gardens throughout town. Prairie Park is a small arboretum with walking trails along the Kishwaukee River.
So, does DeKalb rank as the best college town in Illinois to you? Have another favorite college town? Tell us in the comments! Start planning your trip by checking out the City of DeKalb’s website and the City of DeKalb’s Facebook page. And while you’re in the area, why not make it a weekend getaway? This pet-friendly, 4-bedroom/3-bathroom rental home can fit your whole crew and is ideally located for convenient exploration.
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