El Paso (Illinois)

El Paso, Illinois is a charming little town approximately two hours southwest of Chicago. It's in a perfect location for people in the Chicago metro area who want to take a day trip or for people across the state line to visit. It is a town that offers something many towns in the Midwest lack: unique character.

El Paso Carnegie library

The area used to feature a well-known winery, famous for its unique Midwestern flavor as well as miles of unspoiled corn fields. But this town isn't a just another small town out there in the middle of a cornfield. This town offers more for their residents and tourists. Right off of Interstate 39 there are several fast food restaurants, a diner, a Mexican resaurant and some nice pubs for those seeking typical Midwestern style cuisine.

There is a well-kept golf course with dining that is a favorite hangout of the locals and rival many that are seen on TV. Money donated by Andrew Carnegie makes El Paso's library quite an establishment. The library is fully accessible. The depot museum also is a must see for those interested in American history. Numerous parks make this town a great place to take kids just for a weekend romp. This town may be small and is surrounded by unique villages like Panola, Secor and Kappa. This town is the best for people who live nearby who want an escape or who simply want to explore somewhere new.

• El Paso Golf Club, 2860 County Road, ☏ +1 309 527-5225. 600 N. 
• 🌍 El Paso Public Library, 149 W 1st St, ☏ +1 309 527-4360. Built in 1906-07 to house the city's library in a Richardsonian Romanesque design inspired by the Morgan Park Library in Chicago. The two-story building has a buff stone exterior with a brick foundation. Round turrets rise on either side of the library's front entrance; the turrets are linked by a segmental arch above the front door. The building's hip roof features exposed rafter tails all around and dentillated eaves above the entrance. The library was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. 
• South Pointe Park, ☏ +1 309 527-8305. Swimming pool, baseball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, fun playground equipment, a great place.