These 2 Towns in Illinois, Wisconsin Named ‘Coziest to Visit’ in U.S

When I think of the elements that would make a village feel "cozy" some of the things that come to mind are quaint shops and cafes, unique architecture, and just an overall atmosphere of warmth on a cool fall day.

And with the weather about to turn colder, we've found some of the coziest communities in the Midwest that are less than a day trip away.

Best Cozy Towns to Visit When Temperatures Drop

Using several different factors from visitor opinions to ratings from several trusted travel publications, Stacker has given us a list of "50 favorite small-town destinations" that offer some of the best elements of a cozy community.

READ MORE: Most Scenic Drive in Illinois Takes You Along 2 Beautiful Rivers

With small-scale shopping and pedestrian-friendly streets and walkways, here are some of the Best of the Midwestern Cozy Towns, including a couple in Illinois and Wisconsin:

Bloomington, Indiana

According to Stacker, Bloomington "shines" in wintertime with "elaborate lights and holiday decor, and the surrounding hills, forests, and lakes are blanketed in pristine snow."

Traverse City, Michigan

With cold weather activities like "night skiing at Timber Ridge Recreation Resort, or take a fat bike for a spin on Traverse City's Winter Sports Singletrack Trail," it feels like a Midwestern version of a Colorado ski town.

Green Bay, Wisconsin

Stacker says the "Cheese curds, ice fishing, and chilly camping" bring people into town, even if they're not Packer fans. And if you can stand the bitter cold, there's plenty to explore in the Titletown District.

Galena, Illinois

No one who has been through Galena will be surprised that it's one of the coziest towns in America. With dozens of quaint shops, cafes, and historic architecture, there really is no community that can say they are cozier than this one.

CLICK HERE to see Stacker's 50 Coziest Towns to Visit in the Winter