Where is "the middle of nowhere"in Illinois? (Chicago: college, camping)

[LUCKYLARRY]

I am thinking of relocating to rural Illinois.Im from the Chicago area,and while driving to Atlanta from Chicago I became quite intrigued by people that lived in small towns that i stopped in.I dont know,its just something about this type pf living that interests me.So please tell me,if wanted to place in Illinois that was away from big cities,away from small college towns,and the locals had maybe a hint of a Southern accent,where should I move to?Thanks

[thePR]

Vauguely, I would say that it is South of Route 50 outside of the St. Louis Metro.

[Drover]

There's a whole lot of "middle of nowhere" in Illinois.

[LUCKYLARRY]

Exactly what town/city?

[Drover]

They're dotted all over the place. I dunno, maybe try Strawn or something.

[linicx]

You can find a hint of a southern accept in ,amy places in Illinois. Is there something in partincual you are looking for? Illinois is the #2 corn producing state in Ameria. We also produce a large amount of soybeans, beef and hogs. You cannot escape it.

I am partial to central Illinois. Mason County - depending upon where you live is about 50 miles from Peoria, Springfield and Bloomington-Normal. There is nothing in between them except miles and miles of farms and ranches, forested areas, very small towns, wetlands and the longest river in Illinois. It is in the middle of nowhere near the center of the state. .

[lincolnparker]

north of evanston, south of hyde park, west of bucktown. there you have it!

Originally Posted by LUCKYLARRY

I am thinking of relocating to rural Illinois.Im from the Chicago area,and while driving to Atlanta from Chicago I became quite intrigued by people that lived in small towns that i stopped in.I dont know,its just something about this type pf living that interests me.So please tell me,if wanted to place in Illinois that was away from big cities,away from small college towns,and the locals had maybe a hint of a Southern accent,where should I move to?Thanks

[ImaloneJill]

Originally Posted by linicx

You can find a hint of a southern accept in ,amy places in Illinois. Is there something in partincual you are looking for? Illinois is the #2 corn producing state in Ameria. We also produce a large amount of soybeans, beef and hogs. You cannot escape it.

I am partial to central Illinois. Mason County - depending upon where you live is about 50 miles from Peoria, Springfield and Bloomington-Normal. There is nothing in between them except miles and miles of farms and ranches, forested areas, very small towns, wetlands and the longest river in Illinois. It is in the middle of nowhere near the center of the state. .

When I was a teen, I thought Joliet was on the other side of the world. And that if you went 50 miles outside of Chicago, people talked with a truck stop twang.
Now, you have to go a bit further.
I went camping a few times around Clinton and Weldon Springs, seems very nice there.
But if you are looking for "nuthin'" I think the name Onarga says it all.

[Capt. Dan]

Take a weekend drive south on US Hwy 51 or 45 and you will get that "southern" vibe as you get further away from Cook County! Good luck!

[linicx]

Old US 51 that was a N-S route thrugh the mid section of Illinois is now 1-39. It continues through Illinois as far North as Canada.

If you want to do something similar on a more scenic route IL 29 begins at Princeton and ends at Pana, IL. If you are tired of rolling hills and communitis by the time you get to the intersection of US 136, take a left to I-39. Turn right and you are on your way to Southern Illinois.