North Utica, IL

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Utica, Illinois, is a testament to the power of community spirit.  This charming town, located near Starved Rock State Park, boasts a thriving downtown district that draws visitors year-round. But Utica's journey to success wasn't easy.  In 2004, a devastating tornado ripped through the town, leaving a trail of destruction.  Nine lives were lost, and the downtown area suffered significant damage. However, this tragedy became a turning point for Utica.

The community rallied together, their spirit unbroken.  They rebuilt their downtown, leveraging their ideal location near Starved Rock State Park, a magnet for over 2.5 million visitors annually.  Utica strategically positioned itself as a welcoming destination for parkgoers seeking additional charm and entertainment.  One critical decision involved rerouting a major highway that had previously run straight through the downtown area. The re-routing of Highway 178 provided an opportunity to re-imagine downtown and allowed village officials to create a walkable area that would better support their local restaurants and retail shops.  While some businesses initially feared traffic loss due to the highway relocation,  the rerouting ultimately proved beneficial.  Mill Street, the heart of the downtown, was transformed into a pedestrian-friendly haven.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented another challenge. Forced to adapt, the town once again displayed its creativity. Mill Street was closed to traffic, allowing restaurants and shops to expand outdoors and creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. This temporary solution proved so successful that it became a permanent feature. Today, Mill Street offers a delightful experience for visitors. Outdoor seating, twinkling lights, stages for live music, and charming retail kiosks line the street. A dedicated beer garden with a concert venue extends the festivities southward, creating a lively hub. Utica's success story also teaches us about collaboration. They've built strong partnerships with local and regional organizations to market their town effectively. From the Play-Utica organization and the Utica Business Association to the Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and the Starved Rock Country regional marketing team, Utica leverages a robust network to spread the word about its unique charm.

These changes have paved the way for their next big project in the form of tiny shops.  They are now in the process of creating a boardwalk of small stores that will bookend the north end of Mill Street and hopefully bring in even more visitors, giving them more reason to spend time in the heart of downtown.