Social media sometimes reveals incredible gems amidst the noise—stories of individuals who embark on unique, inspiring journeys. One such story is that of Jacob Lusinski, also known as the Illinois Enjoyer. His mission? To visit all 1,299 municipalities in Illinois, spanning cities, towns, and villages. With 268 already visited, Jacob’s journey is a tribute to the beauty of small-town life and the charm of the overlooked corners of the state.
A U.S. Army Reserve officer, Jacob often travels across Illinois as part of his work with the Funeral Honor Program. His travels inspired him to explore the places he passed through more deeply, and two years ago, he turned this curiosity into a structured goal. Armed with a camera, a love for coffee shops, and a passion for history, Jacob documents his adventures on his X account, Illinois Enjoyer, offering a unique glimpse into the state’s towns and their architectural and cultural treasures.
📸 The Journey: Capturing the Heart of Small-Town Illinois
Jacob’s approach is meticulous. He carefully plans his trips, often following state highways and ensuring he doesn’t miss municipalities tucked away from major routes. His dedication is evident in the hundreds of photos he takes—of historic downtowns, quaint diners, neon bar signs, and civic buildings. Many of these towns, as Jacob explains, have roots in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with beautiful but sometimes neglected architectural “bones.”
Recently, he visited Flanagan (pop. 1,010), Roanoke (pop. 1,960), and Benson (pop. 412) — many of them full of the town treasures like bowling alleys, taverns, and the ubiquitous water towers and grain elevators that rise above them.
While Jacob is clear-eyed about the challenges facing many small towns, including population decline and economic hardship, he also highlights stories of revitalization. Places like Oregon and Morris have thriving downtowns, while others, such as Bloomington-Normal, feature vibrant coffee scenes and cultural landmarks. Jacob’s photography captures not just buildings but the essence of these communities—their resilience, history, and charm.
📍The People and the Places
Beyond the scenery, Jacob values the people he meets along the way. Whether it’s striking up a conversation with locals in diners or connecting with fellow enthusiasts of Illinois history and culture, he finds camaraderie and inspiration in these interactions. In Oregon, Illinois, for example, a chance meeting with a fellow photographer at the iconic Black Hawk statue turned into an exchange of tips and insights—a small but meaningful moment on his journey.
🧐 What Makes a Town Special?
Jacob’s visits often include stops at local coffee shops, diners, and landmarks. His favorite stops include:
• Oregon, Illinois: Highlights include the Black Hawk statue by Laredo Taft, Bela’s Café, Jay’s Drive In, and the Ogle County Courthouse.
• Bloomington-Normal: Known for its excellent coffee shops like Coffee House and Coffee Hound, along with the historic Normal Theater.
• Galena: A consistent favorite for its Civil War history and picturesque downtown. The town almost feels as if it belongs in Virginia, and its tall bluffs and historic architecture transport you to a different era. After his second term, President U.S. Grant called Galena home, and the city draws many history buffs to his beautiful home.
• Morris and Savannah: Praised for their vibrant downtowns and proximity to natural beauty.
🗺️ Mapping Illinois
Jacob is also working on mapping interesting features of Illinois, such as Chicago-style hot dog stands and coffee shops. His goal is to create a curated collection of must-visit places that celebrate the state’s culinary and cultural heritage.
💡 What’s Next for the Illinois Enjoyer?
As winter sets in, Jacob plans to visit Decatur—one of Illinois’s larger municipalities—despite its mixed reputation. He’s determined to give every place a fair chance, regardless of season or weather. His ultimate goal remains ambitious: visiting all 1,299 Illinois towns, villages, and cities.
Tracking Jacob’s Travels: Oregon, Illinois
Places to Eat & Drink
Jay’s Drive In: A Midwestern town without a drive-in is incomplete. Thankfully, Oregon has one in Jay’s, a beloved staple serving up burgers, Chicago dogs, and ice cream for over 35 years. It’s the type of place that hosts car shows on muggy summer nights.
Bela’s Cafe: This place has that lived-in feel of a diner that makes you feel attached to the place. It delivers on the cafe side of things and is a place to get your fix of skillets, pancakes, omelets, and french toast. Frequented by locals and tourists alike, you’ll feel at home.
🥾 Places to Explore
Lowden State Park: Most visitors here come to experience the natural beauty but are drawn by the 48-foot statue of a Native American quietly watching the beauty of the River Rock Valley below. The Eternal Indian Statue, commonly known as Black Hawk, was created by sculptor Lorado Taft in 1911. Taft created the 48-foot tall figure, which weighs 536,770 pounds, with the help of John Prasuhn, a German sculptor who had experience working with concrete, the medium Taft proposed to use. It is said to be the second-largest concrete monolithic statue in the world. On December 20th, 1910, workmen began pouring the concrete. Pouring continued night and day for 10 days with up to 28 men working on the project. It was then left until spring to set. The statue's body is hollow, but the head contains the ends of 24 steel rods and is cast in solid concrete. Although the statue is called Black Hawk, it does not represent any one man. It is a tribute to all Native Americans, especially those who lived along the Rock River.
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