DAYTRIPPERS GUIDE TO FUN IN NORTHERN ILLINOIS
neighborhood
TOURIST FALL 2026
FOODIE REVIEW 10 restaurants to add to your itinerary Page 26
MILES OF AUTUMN Get a running start to the season with these races Page 24
HISTORIC HOTELS
Classy, sometimes spooky, and always at your service Page 12
Fall Festivities & Frights Seasonal events for the whole family or adults' night out Pages 8 and 10
Experience Farm Life HOURS: Grounds open dawn to dusk • Office open M-Sa 8am-3pm
5N726 Crane Road • St. Charles, IL • primrosefarm.org Facility of the St. Charles Park District • Donations Appreciated
NEW! Fall Fun Days
Saturdays • October 3, 10, 17 & 24 10:30am-2:30pm | Ages 2+ • $13 per person Hop aboard a wagon ride to the pumpkin patch, where you’ll choose your very own pumpkin before heading to the decorating station. Enjoy all the charm of autumn with old-fashioned games, tire swing rides, and hands-on farm activities. Help with daily chores and explore the farm while soaking in the sights, sounds, and colors of the season.
An Apple Afternoon
Autumn Hayrides
Barnyard Trick or Treat
Saturday • September 12 • 1-3pm
Friday & Saturday October 23-24 5:30pm, 6:30pm or 7:30pm
Saturday • October 31 10-11:30am or 2-3:30pm
Our apple trees are full, and we need your help to pick some of the juicy fruits! Bring your family out for a custom afternoon of apple picking, historic baking, and tractor-drawn wagon ride around our fields and orchard. Ages 5-15 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Ages 5+ Resident $15/Nonresident $18
Cruise around the fields on a 30-minute tractor-drawn wagon ride. Then make s’mores over an open fire. All Ages $16 per person (Group Rates Available)
Put on your favorite costume and experience Halloween the old-fashioned farm way. Stroll through the farmyard collecting treats, visiting friendly animals, and enjoying festive games and activities at every stop. Ages 2-10 $8 per child Adults and those not participating in the fun must reserve a free ticket.
Tickets available at: primrosefarm.org/events ALL
Ages
Animal Adventures
Feed the Goats Feed the Chickens Hands-on Milking Chicken & Egg Hold Your Horses
10am 10am 9am 11am 2pm
Tuesday Thursday Wednesday & Saturday Wednesday & Saturday Saturday
RES $2/NR $3 RES $2/NR $3 RES $8/NR $10 RES $8/NR $10 RES $8/NR $10
Activities include interaction with live animals and are subject to the availability and cooperation of said animals. Ages 15 & under must be accompanied by an adult. Advance ticket purchase required.
For more info & to purchase tickets: primrosefarm.org/animal-adventures
OUR CONTRIBUTORS WRITERS ¢ VICKI MARTINKA PETERSEN loves playing tourist right here in the Chicago area. Vicki juggles being a mom with her full-time job as a digital copywriter for a regional hospital system and her side hustle as a freelance writer for local niche publications. When she’s not negotiating with her son to go to bed, Vicki can be found meditating, practicing yoga, cooking and reading. She also volunteers at her son’s school and serves on the board of the AAUW Aurora Area Branch and Moms & More of Oswego. ¢ MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE loves sharing stories and taking time to spotlight the amazing things people are doing in the community. These stories are an inspiration and a reminder of all the good in our world. As a busy mom to three boys she loves being able to escape into the stories she writes and all of the wonderful people she meets along
the way. Melissa and her husband enjoy exploring new places and trying new foods with their three young sons. From delicate sushi rolls to tacos in fresh tortillas there are so many new destinations throughout the state to explore. ¢ DIANE KRIEGER SPIVAK is a lifer as far as writing goes. An award-winning journalist, she’s cranked out literally thousands of articles for newspapers, magazines, universities, and the Web. There’s always something new around the next corner, in her opinion, and sharing that stuff with readers is what makes her giddy. From her first-hand experience taking off at 500 mph with the U.S.A.F. Thunderbirds to her interview with the Archdiocese of Chicago’s exorcist, to learning the finer points of finger painting from a 5-year-old, there’s pretty much no subject she’s not excited about tackling. She also likes anything vintage, off-the-wall, and an expertly crafted ginger beer.
¢ CHRIS WALKER loves stories. He’ll tell you how seeing Jane’s Addiction at The Riv in 1989 changed him, why Noah Baumbach’s “Kicking & Screaming” is his favorite film and why being a dad is one of the coolest things. He has plenty of great stories, but it’s writing and sharing yours that he loves doing most. When he’s not writing, you’ll find him parenting, watching or umpiring baseball, listening to music or reminiscing about his whiffle ball field. ¢ CAYDEN WELLS is a Northern Illinois University student majoring in media studies with a minor in journalism. Cayden balances working at the Northern Star as a videographer with being a freelance writer for various publications. When he’s not writing, Cayden can be found working out, reading or watching a movie.
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It’s that wonderful time of year where trees turn
gilded and a chill whispers across the crisp fresh air. Festivals are in full swing and harvests are ripe for the taking. Now is the time to enjoy a new layer of the magical Midwest by hitting the pavement for a short road trip, finding a quintessential bite of fall flavor or making memories with your family during seasonal celebrations. Don’t miss out on all that Northern Illinois has to offer.
For those who are ready to get up and go or love to exercise outdoors, turn to page 24 and mark your calendars for local races and fitness events. However you spend your fall days, don’t forget to stop and enjoy the true beauty right outside your door. As always, thank you for reading!
If you’re like me and can’t wait for Halloween, check out our family-friendly frights on page 8 or learn more about chilling, thrilling festivities geared toward adults on page 10. Something about fall makes you want to revel in cozy, sometimes spooky local history. Stay at a one-of-a-kind hotel nearby or take a short trip to experience that special inspiration for yourself — and learn more about some legends and lore (page 12).
Kelley White Editor
STAFF LAURA SHAW Publisher Northwest Herald & Kane County Chronicle
JULIE BARICHELLO Designer
on the
COVER
Scarecrow Fest returns to downtown St. Charles Oct. 9-11. Learn more on page 8! Photo by Brigette Burgman Photography
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Additional copies of Neighborhood Tourist are available for $6.99 each. Email your order to TOURIST@shawmedia.com
Visit the I&M CANAL TOWNS Where American Heritage Meets Small Town Charm Rich in history and built on tradition, the Illinois & Michigan Canal Towns are filled with charming places, welcoming people, boutique shopping and dining, and natural recreation.
Downtown Lemont, IL
Molly Hebda Photography
Downtown Lockport, IL
True North, Morris, IL
Heritage Harbor, Ottawa, IL
I&M Canal Trail
Uptown Grill, La Salle, IL
HCDestinations.com NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST
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WHAT'S INSIDE ¢ THRILLS AND CHILLS 8 FAMILY-FRIENDLY FRIGHTS Celebrate the season at festivals and events 10 HAUNTS & HAPPY HOUR These chills are for the adults
¢ THE GREAT GETAWAY 12 HISTORIC HOTELS Classy, sometimes spooky, and always at your service 14 FALL FOLIAGE AND FOREST BATHING Discover tranquil trails and scenic nature
16 FILM, FOOTAGE AND FABLES Visit the places and spaces touched by Tinseltown 18 AUTUMN AT STARVED ROCK LODGE Plan a minivacation soon 20 AMONG THE FIELDS This 1920s town is home to special craft and vendor markets
¢ KEEP IT COOL 22 LITTLE ESCAPES Check out two options for cozy cabins and spaces 24 MILES OF AUTUMN Get a running start to the season with these races and events
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¢ COZY IN THE COMMUNITY 26 FALL FOODIE REVIEW 10 restaurants to add to your itinerary 28 SOUTH ELGIN’S SWEET BERRY CAFE Breakfast beyond the basics 30 A DOG’S DAY Bring the pooch for adventuring through Starved Rock Country
STARVED ROCK COUNTRY
WELCOME CENTER AN ILLINOIS MADE GIFT SHOPPE
Featuring gifts from Illinois artisans, makers and attractions
248 W. Canal Street, North Utica, IL • Open 12:00PM - 6:00PM every day! Located in Village Hall, between Downtown Utica and Clarks Run Antiques.
Thrills and Chills
Family-Friendly
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Frights By Vicki Martinka Petersen • Photos provided by Naper Settlement, Scarecrow Fest and by Brigette Burgman Photography
If the only shivers you’re looking for are a cool breeze on a fall day, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the season of frights that also are family-friendly. So gather up your goblin crew and prepare to adjust your fright level as needed at these fun fall activities.
Celebrate the season at festivals and events Mayhem on McCoy
Pumpkin Festival
Awarded third place in the City of Aurora’s Haunt Your Home contest last year, Mayhem on McCoy was formed through one family’s love for Halloween. The walk-through display in their yard features a series of animatronics, skeletons and other things that go bump in the night. For a less scary experience, families with younger children are welcome to come during the day when the displays are turned off. Older kids and adults can get the full scare when Mayhem on McCoy is open from dusk until 9 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays at 3012 Anton Circle in Aurora. Admission is free, but attendees are asked to bring new men’s socks, gloves, hats and toiletries to support veterans through Featherfist. Follow Mayhem on McCoy on Facebook for more information.
For 70 years, the Pumpkin Festival has provided a creative outlet for the community to flex their pumpkin decorating skills. The event kicks off with an opening ceremony on Oct. 21 and concludes with a parade on Oct. 25. The courthouse lawn is the center of activities including thousands of entries in the Lions Club Decorated Pumpkin Display. This year’s theme is “A Patriotic Pumpkin Festival.” The event also features a carnival, art and craft shows, house walk and pie-eating contest. Visit www.sycamorepumpkinfestival.com to learn more.
Oct. 7-31 in Aurora
Scarecrow Fest
Oct. 9-11 in downtown St. Charles
For more than 40 years, handmade scarecrows have been showcased around St. Charles during Scarecrow Fest. Stroll the streets while viewing these creative scarecrows and be sure to vote for your favorites. There’s plenty to do over at the Activity Zone including festive photo ops, Scarecrow-to-Go and other family activities. You can also stop by Pottawatomie Park for the Autumn on the Fox Craft Show. Visit www. scarecrowfest.com for more information.
Oct. 21-25 in downtown Sycamore
Family Spooktacular
Oct. 24-25 at Naper Settlement in Naperville
Enjoy a magical trick-or-treat journey with stops for candy at the historic homes from the 1800s. Afterward, enjoy your favorite Disney tunes performed by The Little Mermen & Princess Pals. Or jump around in the themed inflatables, including Frankenstein’s bounce house and slide and the Dragon’s Skull obstacle course. There’s also a frightfree haunted house adorned with friendly ghouls, grinning ghosts and playful spooky décor. Tap into your creativity by painting a tiny pumpkin or stopping by Ghoul School to make custom slime. Learn more about this not-so-scary celebration for ages 3-12 by visiting www.napersettlement.org.
Pumpkin Patch
Now through Oct. 31 at Heaps Giant Pumpkin Farm in Minooka
For six generations, the Heap family has maintained a homestead on the land that is now home to Heaps Giant Pumpkin Farm. Catch a hayride out to the 25-acre pumpkin patch where you can pick from 90 varieties of pumpkins, gourds and squash. The farm also specializes in giant pumpkins – the largest weighed over 731 pounds in 2013. Milo’s Castle offers a unique castle-themed playground. The corn maze doubles as a scavenger hunt to find checkpoints in the maze for a chance to win a giant pumpkin. Thrill-seekers ages 12 and older who dare for a scare can check out Heaps Haunted Corn Maze after dark. For more information about the pumpkin patch, visit www.heapsgiantpumpkinfarm.com. To learn about the haunted corn maze, visit www.heapshauntedcornmaze.com.
Fall Harvest Festival
Now through Nov. 1 at Kuipers Family Farm in Maple Park
This year, Kuipers is celebrating its 25th season with its Fall Harvest Festival. Enjoy a day of fall fun complete with apple picking and warm treats like apple cider doughnuts, available for purchase inside the Orchard Shop. There are more than 30 attractions to explore at the Pumpkin FunFarm where you can make your way through the corn maze, play various games and visit the farm animals. Live music and a ride on the Farmview Railway round out the fun on weekends. For more information, including hours and price of admission, visit www.kuipersfamilyfarm.com.
Pumpkin Daze
Now through Nov. 1 at Abbey Farms in Aurora
Forty acres of pumpkins and one of the largest corn mazes in Kane County await visitors at Abbey Farms. The Activity Park features corn cannons, tractor tires and hayrides. On weekends, youngsters can mingle with the farm animals at the petting zoo. If you’re looking to up the scare factor, bring your flashlight on Saturday nights for the corn maze. Visit www.abbeyfarms.org/pumpkin-daze/ for more information, including admission and hours. NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST
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Thrills and Chills
HAUNTS W
& HAPPY HOUR
hen the sun dips below the horizon, the spooky season comes to life at haunted houses. For adults who prefer their spirits to come in beverage form, there are several events with spooky sips to toast the season. So grab your thrill-seeking friend for a night of haunts, then raise a glass to your “survival” at a seasonal bash.
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HAUNT 31
WITCHES ON THE FOX
A childhood love of Halloween morphed into Haunt 31, which has been serving up neighborhood scares for more than 25 years. Named one of the nation’s top home haunts, this spooky yard features animations, special effects and, on many nights, live actors to add to the bump-in-the-night drama. The display is open 6:30-9:30 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 6:30-10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is free. To learn more, visit www.haunt31.com.
Grab your crew for an evening of spooky sips and shopping in downtown Oswego. Participating venues include Fox Valley Winery, Nash Vegas Saloon and Bay 54. At 7 p.m., stop by Fox Valley Winery for a witch costume and cackle contest. Whether you’re a glamorous good witch or a wicked enchantress, costumes are highly encouraged. Admission is free. Visit www.foxvalleywinery.com for more information.
Oct. 3-31 in Lake in the Hills
Oct. 10 in downtown Oswego
THE MANSION IS NOT HAUNTED TOUR
Oct. 22-24 at Hegeler Carus Mansion in La Salle Explore the macabre aspects of death in the Victorian era during this fully immersive experience. As you move through the main floor, costumed guides will share customs and superstitions unique to the Gilded Age, such as who you might find lurking in a Victorian cemetery. Guests are invited to wear Victorian dress. Adults must accompany those under 18. Since the tour content is related to Victorian funeral and Halloween traditions, it might be too ghastly for youngsters. Learn more at www.hegelercarus.org.
By Vicki Martinka Petersen | Photos provided by Howlin' at the Moon
HOWLIN’ AT THE MOON
HELLSGATE HAUNTED HOUSE
Enjoy thrilling performances and attractions at this Halloween bash for ages 21 and older. Browse spine-chilling blacklight paintings, a 15-foot werewolf sculpture and a menacing gargoyle sculpture. Other fun activities include a moonlight market with Halloweenthemed vendors, fire dancers and a costume contest. Be sure to grab a bite to eat at the Food Truck Graveyard & BOOze Bar while enjoying live entertainment from bands both nights. Visit www.napersettlement.org to learn more.
This immersive experience begins when you park your car and board a shuttle to reach HellsGate that drops you off at the trailhead. The moment you step off the shuttle, the entertainment begins as you make your way through the woods, then the Lost Souls Cemetery toward the haunted mansion. This multi-level mansion is filled with secret passages, giant slides and undead abominations. HellsGate is open Thursdays through Sundays until Oct. 11, then Wednesdays through Sundays until Nov. 1. This experience is recommended for ages 12 and older. Adults must accompany children younger than 16. For more information, visit www.hellsgate.com.
Oct. 23-24 at Naper Settlement in Naperville
Now through Nov. 1 in Lockport
ENTERTAINING SINCE 1929
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Chills and thrills for the adults
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135 N. 2ND STREET•DOWNTOWN DEKALB, IL FOR TICKETS VISIT
WWW.EGYPTIANTHEATRE.ORG BOX OFFICE: 815-758-1225
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Historic By Diane Krieger Spivak | Photos provided by Cherry Tree Inn Bed & Breakfast, Knox Hotel and by Sandy Bressner
I
f you’re looking for a day trip, a change of scenery, or just something out of the ordinary, how about a stay at a historic hotel?
Check out the following, all either nearby or within a day’s drive, and many of which are on the National Register of Historic Places. Each is unique in its own way, offering a glimpse into the past — some even with a spooky past.
The Great Getaway
Hotel Baker, St. Charles
Known as the Crown Jewel of the Fox, the hotel is still outfitted in its luxuriously historic trappings. It offers an air of old money with updated amenities. Built in 1928, the famously haunted hotel will celebrate its 100th birthday in a couple of years. The venue has hosted some famous guests over the years, including presidents and stars of the entertainment industry. However, the hotel’s eerie legend starts about midway through its lifetime, in the 1970s. According to the tale, a chambermaid ended her life in the Fox River after being jilted by her fiance. Stories from guests who have stayed at the hotel over the years, as well as from hotel staff, note strange noises and occurrences coming from the sixth floor, which formerly served as lodging for staff members. Others have reported seeing and hearing apparitions in period clothing that disappear. Book a night and see if you, too, experience moaning, footsteps, doors opening by themselves, cold spots or flickering lights.
Oscar Swan Country Inn, Geneva
The 8-acre estate, completed in 1902, has been referred to as a “hidden gem.” The mansion, built by Chicago financier Oscar Swan, is in the Colonial Revival style, replete with elegant furnishings of the period. A stay in one of its vintage rooms is an antique lover’s time machine. There’s even a secret passage to one of the suites that is hidden in the closet of another room. Stroll the grounds, swim in the pool,
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and take a trip to a slower, simpler time, but note that the hotel has a history of paranormal activity, including sightings of Mr. Swan himself, as well as cold spots, doors opening and closing randomly, and disembodied footsteps.
Knox Hotel, Princeton
The Knox Hotel was built solely as a result of innovative transportation — the railroad train. Entrepreneur William Knox built the hotel near the train depot when the railroad came to Princeton, in 1854. In 1893 it underwent a major renovation in time for the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, where the Ferris wheel was first introduced in the U.S. The Knox even has a ballroom, reimagined from its original 1800s dance hall. The hotel is still near the Amtrak depot today, so book a room, take a ride, and stay in a unique vintage room, appointed in genuine antiques.
Cherry Tree Inn Bed & Breakfast, Woodstock
The famous inn, built as a residence in 1894, was featured in the movie “Groundhog Day” where actor Bill Murray’s character, Phil Connors, stayed. The historic Victorian structure is located in a city with a rich history. Woodstock was home to the former Borden Dairy plant, at one time one of the largest in the world. Not only that, but by 1922 almost half of the world’s typewriters were produced here. Secondary to the inn’s cinematic fame is its 1910 Cherry Branch Guest House, right
Cherry Treen Inn Bed & Breakfast
Hotels around the corner, which is known for paranormal activity, with flickering lights mysteriously determined to be normal by an electrician, doors opening and closing themselves and shadowy figures. The newly installed latch to the basement door also worked itself loose. Oh yes, items in the basement move around by themselves.
The Homestead 1854, Plano Hotel Baker
Also known as the Old Homestead, the two-acre estate was built by local businessman, politician and philanthropist Lewis Steward, and remained in his family for 100 years. The estate is unique in that it is known for its hedge maze and paved fivecircuit labyrinth. Often described as “enchanting,” the hotel’s 19th-century Midwestern architecture affords a quiet, intimate setting. Common spaces include the library, barroom and foyer, all of which lead to the front lawn for visiting.
Herrington Inn & Spa, Geneva
The former creamery, built in 1874, was renovated into a boutique hotel overlooking the Fox River. How many hotels serve warm chocolate chip
The classy, the spooky, and always at your service cookies with small glass milk bottles during nightly turndown service? This one does. And, in a nod to its roots, the time-honored cow is included in its logo.
Shabbona Hotel, Shabbona The historic two-story brick building opened in 1899 was named after Potawatomie Chief Shabbona. It was built near the rail line and originally catered to railroad workers and travelers. Converted to residential apartments in the 1930s, today it is once again a hotel and serves visitors of Shabbona Lake State Park.
Deer Path Inn, Lake Forest
The Deer Path Inn’s history is definitely storied, starting out as a private residence built in the 1860s. The house was eventually relocated and became a small hotel and boarding house. In 1929 it was transformed into the English manor style designed by architect William C. Jones, who modeled the Tudor Revival structure after a 15th-century sovereign manor house located in Chiddingstone, Kent, England. Celebrities Bill Murray, Ray Charles and the Beach Boys have enjoyed the inn’s hospitality. Come for a stay, and for afternoon tea in the English tradition.
We invite you to stop by and enjoy a multi-level shopping experience
307 First Ave., Sterling Monday-Sunday 10am-4pm
Knox Hotel
SM-ST2344509
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E G A I L O F FALL G N I H T A B T FORES The Great Getaway
Discover tranquil trails & scenic nature
By Chris Walker Photos provided by Denise Hatcher, Morton Arboretum and by Scott Anderson
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he in the beauty of Touch grass. Frolic in the forest and bat e of the best trails the nature’s changing colors this fall at som efits, including better state has to offer. You’ll enjoy many ben up and get up and go! physical and mental health. So lace ’em
Bliss Woods Forest Preserve 5S660 Bliss Rd., Sugar Grove • www.kaneforest.com
Situated on 235 acres in Sugar Grove, Bliss Woods has such outstanding ecological and geological features that portions of the forest preserve have Illinois State Nature Preserve status. You can see the last remnant of the Kaneville Esker and soak in the changing fall colors on the Virgil-Gilman Bike Trail, which also connects to the Hanford Woods-Nickels Farm Forest Preserve and Waubonsee Community College. Johnson’s Mound Forest Preserve 41W600 Hughes Rd., Elburn • www.kaneforest.com
Serenity now! Well, at least this fall you can get away for a while by visiting this heavily wooded preserve whose maple trees will display vibrant colors this fall. The preserve features two trails. Matthiessen State Park Rte. 178, Utica • www.dnr.illinois.gov
Regardless of the season, hikers are afforded the opportunity to capture panoramic views of the Vermilion River while making their way through Matthiessen’s five miles of winding trails featuring cascading waterfalls, rock formations and the everchanging colors of fall foliage. With all these natural marvels, you’ll wonder why you didn’t visit sooner.
Sag Valley Yellow Trail Loop at Swallow Cliff Woods S. La Grange Rd., south of 119th St., Palos Park www.fpdcc.com
Morton Arboretum 4100 IL Route 53, Lisle • www.mortonarb.org
Fall is one of the most popular seasons at the arboretum as the unique spectacle of thousands of tree species and their golds, reds, purples and oranges provide a Mother Nature treat for the eyes that’s beyond compare. Featuring 16 miles of paths and trails throughout its woodlands, gardens and prairies, the Morton Arboretum also hosts a number of seasonal events in the fall, including a Fall Color 5K Run and Walk on Oct. 24. Mount Hoy Trail at Blackwell Forest Preserve Main entrance: north side of Butterfield Rd., 0.25 mile west of Winfield Rd., Warrenville www.dupageforest.org
Soaking in the beauty of nature doesn’t require a strenuous workout, but for those looking for both, consider the Sag Valley Yellow Trail Loop and a little more than eight miles of an adventure. And for your efforts, the fall foliage will take your breath away well before your exercising will. And save some energy for the Swallow Cliff stairs. No visit is complete without a trip up and down the 125 limestone stairs. Plus, the bluff-top view is second to none. Starved Rock State Park 2668 E. 875th Rd., Oglesby • www.starvedrocklodge.com Exploring the majestic bluffs and canyons may be the primary attraction of the 13 miles of well-marked trails at Starved Rock State Park. And now there’s no better time to capture vibrant displays of red, yellow, gold and orange leaves while hiking. Consider booking a guided hike, which is the best way to learn about Starved Rock State Park and its seemingly endless offerings.
Soak in the majestic, beautiful oaks and late fall colors with a quick visit to this 1,368-foot gravel path trail within the Blackwell Forest Preserve. Visitors love to hike to the top of Mount Hoy for a bird’s-eye view to catch fall colors at their best.
n o i t a n i t s e n D o r s u a o e Y S y r e v E r o f ing – Summer - Fall
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The Great Getaway
FILM, FOOTAGE AND FABLES Visit the places and spaces touched by Tinseltown By Cayden Wells | Photos provided by Woodstock Groundhog Day and by Gary Middendorf
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Northern Illinois doesn’t often get enough credit for its Hollywood resume, but this region of the country was the home of a number of films and books throughout the years. This fall, that history makes for a road trip worth taking. From a small-town square that became eternally stuck in February to a 19th-century prison wall immortalized by two brothers in black suits, these landmarks offer visitors a chance to walk straight into movie history.
More towns touched by Hollywood BRAIDWOOD “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” (1987)
Steve Martin and John Candy’s “they’re not pillows” scene was filmed at the Sun Motel, 140 S. Hickory St., then known as the Braidwood Inn. The roadside stop sits along I-55, about 45 miles southwest of Chicago, making it an easy add to a day trip. WAUKEGAN “Something Wicked This Way Comes”
Ray Bradbury based the fictional “Green Town” from his novel on his hometown of Waukegan, and the connections live throughout several of his books. Ray Bradbury Park, in the neighborhood where he grew up, was named a Literary Landmark in 2019, giving fans a real-world destination tied to the novel. PLANO, YORKVILLE, OSWEGO “Man of Steel” (2013)
"Groundhog Day"
Long before it became shorthand for repeating the same day forever, Woodstock Square was just another quiet town in McHenry County. Then, more than 30 years ago, director Harold Ramis decided it was exactly the small town his film needed. More than 80% of “Groundhog Day” was filmed in and around that square. Walk it today and the movie hasn’t really left. A plaque marks “Ned’s Corner,” the intersection where Phil Connors gets ambushed by insurance salesman Ned Ryerson every morning. On Cass Street, another plaque marks the exact spot where Connors keeps stepping into the same puddle. The Opera House itself still towers over the square, and the central gazebo is instantly recognizable from the film. Fall is an easy time to see it without the crowds of the town’s February Groundhog Day festival – just the brick streets, independent shops and small-town charm that convinced Ramis to cast Woodstock as Punxsutawney in the first place. The map for a self-guided walking tour is available online at www.woodstockgroundhog.org.
"The Blues Brothers"
Long before Jake and Elwood Blues rolled up in the Bluesmobile, Old Joliet Prison had already spent 144 years as one of Illinois’ most notorious addresses. Built in 1858 by the very inmates who would be locked inside it, it housed prisoners until its closure in 2002, its Gothic towers and quarried stone walls giving it a look more suited to a European castle than a Midwestern penitentiary. In late August 1979, that history collided with Hollywood. Over just two days, a film crew shot the opening sequence of “The Blues Brothers” outside those walls, the scene where Jake Blues, freshly on parole, reunites with his brother Elwood. It’s a five-minute stretch of screen time that turned the prison into a pilgrimage site for Mother Road fans and comedy buffs alike. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places as of 2023, the prison opens for guided walking tours from April through October – making a fall visit, with its 90-minute walk through the cellblocks, the chapel and the yard, a fun day trip to Joliet. Two towns, two very different films, and both prove that in Northern Illinois, the best fall road trip might be one you’ve already seen on the big screen.
Plano’s Main Street stood in for Smallville, where Superman battled various foes throughout the movie, with fake storefronts built for the shoot. The town leaned into it, later launching a Smallville Superfest, which lasted for multiple years afterward. Various other parts of the surrounding towns were used for various shots, including places in Yorkville and Oswego. BARTLETT/WAYNE “Munger Road” (2011)
This low-budget horror film drew on a long-standing local legend: that a railroad crossing near Stearns Road on Munger Road is the site of supernatural activity, tied to a story of a school bus struck by a train. No historical record confirms the bus accident occurred, so the story lives on in legend.
ABOUT THE PHOTOS Opposite page, top left: Jim Belushi and Dan Aykroyd perform at the Blues Brothers Con 2022 at the Old Joliet Prison. Opposite page, lower right: Woodstock Square served as the site of Gobbler's Knob in the movie "Groundhog Day."
Above: The Woodstock Opera House was the Pennsylvania Hotel in "Groundhog Day." The opera house is seen here from Woodstock Square. NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST
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Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center One Lodge Lane, Oglesby 815-667-4211 www.starvedrocklodge.com
A atUStarved TU M N Rock Lodge W
hile saying goodbye to summer can be bittersweet, there’s something exciting about the arrival of fall, especially with fun events just around the corner at Starved Rock Lodge in Oglesby!
The Great Getaway
Chef Charlie has crafted a special Oktoberfest menu, the German band is booked and the kegs are ready to be tapped. It’s almost time for the annual funfilled celebration in the historic Great Hall. The first of three Oktoberfest events will be a dinner on Sunday, Oct. 18, at 5 p.m. Matinees will take place on Monday, Oct. 19, and Tuesday, Oct. 20. Fall colors create a beautiful backdrop outside the windows of the Great Hall while you enjoy music played by the Dusseldorfers band. If you have the strength, sign up for the “Stein Hoisting” contest! Tickets for Oktoberfest include a delicious buffet, a souvenir stein, tasting tickets (must be 21 years or older for beer or wine) and musical entertainment. If you’d like to enhance your autumn adventure,
consider adding a river cruise or guided hike during the most colorful month of the year. Land and Water Cruises run at 11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday in October. The tour begins with lunch in the historic dining room at the Lodge, followed by a relaxing riverboat ride aboard The Eagle I, where you’ll experience the beautiful fall foliage of Starved Rock State Park as you travel along the Illinois River. The tour concludes with a trolley tour explaining the history and legends of the area.
hike to scenic Council Overhang and Ottawa Canyon. Lunch will be served before or after the tour, depending on the tour’s departure time. Guided Hikes run at 10 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday through November. Explore Starved Rock and discover canyons, bluffs and seasonal waterfalls on this 4-mile round-trip guided hike. Listen as the guide tells stories of how Starved Rock got its name, along with other legends of the area. A sack lunch and souvenir drawstring backpack are included.
Historic Trolley Tours run at 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday in October. Learn about the National Historic Landmark known as Starved Rock State Park and Lodge. Travel to the Lock and Dam, the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center and through historic downtown Utica. You’ll also stop by the Starved Rock Visitor Center.
Visit a Canyon & a Boat Ride is October’s premier tour, departing every Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. Board a trolley with a guide and head to the entrance of one of Starved Rock’s most scenic canyons. The walk is less than a mile and takes about 45 minutes. The hike is followed by a relaxing boat ride on the picturesque Illinois River. A snack, bottle of water and souvenir drawstring backpack are included.
Fall Colors Trolley Tours run on select Saturdays and Tuesdays in October. This tour includes a trolley ride with lunch in the Lodge's restaurant, followed by an approximately 45-minute guided
River Wildlife Cruises depart at 1 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in October. Board a trolley outside the Great Hall of the Lodge for a one-hour boat ride. The trolley will return you to the Lodge.
n For reservations and details, please call the Activities Department at 815-220-7386 or get tickets online at www.starvedrocklodge.com. Reservations for the Thanksgiving Buffet open on Aug. 26.
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the
1920S TOWN
among the fields
The Rusty Halo's annual craft and vendor markets take place in a model 1920s town on a rural Ottawa farm owned by John and Diana Krug. Shown here is the Rusty Halo Snowman Express Market, which features holiday decor and gifts.
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John and Diana Krug host special craft and vendor markets in their farm's unique setting
The Great Getaway
By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske | Photos provided by Diana Krug and Julie Barichello
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he Rusty Halo Autumn Market, operated the last eight years by John and Diana Krug on a family farm near Ottawa, is a dream for those who love to shop among vendors and artisans. But this is no ordinary vendor market in a barn, tent or school gym.
and built by John Krug. When Rusty Halo isn’t hosting markets, the structures serve as garages to house the couple’s collection of Model T Fords.
Each year, the Rusty Halo hosts two weekendlong markets: The Autumn Harvest Market the second weekend in September, and the Snowman Express Market the second weekend in November. Instead of selling from tents, vendors arrive to set up their wares in small buildings that are part of the property’s model 1920s town. Each structure faces a gravel “main street” where shoppers can stroll through what appears to be a town from time gone by.
With John’s creativity, it wasn’t just a garage or shed. He designed the outside facade to look like a building set in a tiny town from the 1920s. It started with a general store, then a jail. And the idea kept growing.
There’s a general store and a bookstore, a print shop and a church, among others, each designed
As of July, the couple owned 21 Model T vehicles. “We needed someplace to store them, so John built these houses,” Diana Krug explained.
“He’s pretty talented,” Diana said. In total, there are more than 30 buildings on the farm, which include a few pieces the couple saved and collected, such as the Metamora Train Depot, which had been disassembled and, over the course of nine trips, brought to the couple’s property where John reassembled it.
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The Krugs, married 55 years, share a love for antiques and history. While John is creative with architectural facades, Diana enjoys her own style of crafting she calls cycling up — taking old pieces and creating new features, such as turning an old coffee grinder into a new piece of home décor. Diana’s shop name is the Rusty Halo, inspired by an old Mahalia Jackson song, she said. The farm is their full-time work, where they grow corn and soybeans. John comes from a farming family. In a romantic gesture, he planted an acre of sunflowers for Diana on the property. “They were beautiful,” Diana said. In 2018, the couple decided to pull out the Model Ts and invite fellow artists to sell their designs in a market on the property. The first year they had five vendors, Diana said. This year's Autumn Harvest Market expected almost 50 vendors. “We have antiques, vintage items, garden art, candles, jewelry,” Diana said. At the annual Autumn Harvest Market, shoppers can buy pumpkins, kettle corn, mums and fall decor. During the Snowman Express Market, shoppers can find an abundance of holiday crafts, seasonal decor and gifts. Along with the array of vendors, visitors can check out the couple’s Model T collection, including the crowd favorite: the fire truck. If weather cooperates, John will offer rides to guests. The market has grown through the years. Diana’s son-in-law brings his
John & Diana Krug culinary skills and passion to the event; he prepares soups, smash burgers and Italian beef. Diana said the lines for food are a testament to the delicious options and his creative culinary skills. “We really made it an event that’s different than other fairs,” Diana said. The market draws people from a large area, with many visitors traveling many miles to rural Ottawa to enjoy the experience. The Snowman Express Market is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, and Sunday, Nov. 15, on the couple’s property at 3277 E. 18th Road in Ottawa. Admission is free, but the Krugs are grateful for donations to help cover costs of hosting the event. “Most people are very generous,” Diana said. The Krugs occasionally host Rusty Halo Mini Markets throughout the year. For the latest news about upcoming events at the farm, follow Rusty Halo on Facebook.
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Escapes Little
Keep It Cool
Where to stay for a relaxing getaway
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By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske Photos submitted by Kishauwau Cabins and Avery House Bed & Breakfast
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oasting marshmallows outside a rustic cabin, retreating into the cozy parlor in a historic Victorian or letting worries float away in bath bubbles while escaping the daily to-do lists. A reset and refresh are just a short drive away with these destinations. Whether traveling solo, as a couple or bringing the children and family dog, these are a couple of the locations that offer a retreat within their walls and a short walk or drive as well.
Avery House Bed & Breakfast 606 S. Prospect St., Galena 815-201-3825 averybedandbreakfast.com If the idea of sleeping in a historic home filled with delicious food and a warm, inviting setting sounds appealing, then visit Avery House Bed & Breakfast in downtown Galena. The home’s construction dates back to 1948. After serving as a private residence for more than 100 years, the Victorian home was turned into a guest house 40 years ago. Last year Shane Wilkinson and Dawn Gardner purchased the property and spent months restoring its Victorian-era feel. Guests stay in one of four cozy rooms, each with their own ensuite bath as well as character and design. The common rooms are the perfect place to sit and read on a rainy day, or to relax and chat with fellow guests after enjoying a day in Galena. Set the alarm to rise and shine for breakfast, which features seasonal, local produce and ingredients. Staff enjoy shopping at the Jo Daviess Local Foods Market in Elizabeth or the nearby farmers markets. And it isn’t just breakfast. Let the team prepare a picnic basket as an addition to the reservation or book an afternoon tea for two and enjoy tea, sandwiches and sweets.
Private, Recreational, Camp Resort
Pools & Beach, Lakes, Trails, Recreational Programs
Kishauwau Cabins 901 N. 2129th Road, Tonica 815-442-8453 kishauwaucabins.com Enjoy the escape into a cozy cabin, perfect for couples or a family, just a short drive from Starved Rock State Park, Matthiessen State Park, Buffalo State Park and Illini State Park. These parks offer hikes and walks, and even in winter, enjoy cross-country skiing or eagle watching. The location is also near the communities of Oglesby and North Utica with quaint downtowns with cafes and shopping. The Kishauwau Cabins is a family-owned and managed property that has welcomed guests seeking an escape from daily life for the last 40 years. They welcome returning guests each year and those making their first reservation to retreat from the busy days. Tall mature trees surrounding the cabins mean less Wi-Fi and more time spent unplugging from phones and electronics to enjoy some front porch sitting. The property is home to 17 nostalgic vacation cabins, with rustic charm and modern comforts. The cabins have full kitchens, as well as central air and furnace heaters, providing comfort year-round. There are indoor wood stoves, perfect for a cozy feeling. There are even pet-friendly cabins. The property also offers great add-ons, from a S’mores package that includes the firewood for outdoor marshmallow roasting, to the Bed & Breakfast package that features farm fresh eggs.
Sublette IL | 815-849-5209
www.woodhavenassociation.com
Call us for a tour!
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MILE o f au t u m n
Get a running start to the season with these races By Cayden Wells Photos provided by Oswegoland Park District and St. Charles Park District
Keep It Cool
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here’s a kind of clarity that comes with a crisp autumn morning: cool air, changing leaves and a trail that seems to invite you to run just one more mile. From riverside 5Ks to sound baths in the woods, park districts and race organizers across the suburbs are lining up an event calendar built for that exact feeling.
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Along the Fox River, the St. Charles Park District is hosting two events that couldn’t be more different. Sip & Stroll turns Jazz Fest Weekend into a slow wander through a sculpture exhibit with live music. It runs 3-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Mt. St. Mary Park and costs $40 per person. The Tiny Tots Track Meet, a semi-competitive scramble through four running events and one field event for the 3- to 7-year-old, hits Reid Field at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, and costs $13.
In Oswego, trail runners can chase the twists and elevation changes of the Saw Wee Kee Fall Trail Run on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 3 p.m., while distance runners have a longer tradition, the Gobbler Hobbler 10K and Mashed Potato Mile, a staple since 1985 that winds through downtown Oswego on Sunday, Nov. 8. Register early and you'll walk away with a hooded sweatshirt, though prices climb the closer race day gets. For something slower, Community Yoga in the Park meets at the Oswego Country Market on Sunday, Sept. 20, at Hudson Crossing Park. Tiny Tots Track Meet
Downtown Naperville will host the Naperville Half Marathon, 10K and 5K on Sunday, Oct. 18. It’s a certified route past the city's historic sights and along the riverfront, with aid stations every couple of miles to carry first-timers and personal-best chasers alike across the same finish line.
Deep in Moraine Hills State Park, the Friends of Moraine Hills are gearing up for the Run for the Hills race: 5K, 10K and half-marathon distances, in person or virtually, starting Saturday, Sept. 26.
Saw Wee Kee Fall Trail Run
The course threads the Leatherleaf Bog Trail past Lake Defiance before half marathoners push on toward the McHenry Dam, with support crews staying out until 12:30 p.m.
DeKalb's Corn Classic starts downtown, tracing the water through Prairie Park, cutting across NIU's campus and through Huskie Stadium before heading back downtown. The 10K goes off at 8:15 a.m. and the 5K at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27.
Whether it's a competitive 10K or a slow walk through the woods, autumn in the suburbs isn't short on reasons to get outside. Lace up, grab a friend and see where the trail leads.
Gobbler Hobbler 10K
Community Yoga in the Park
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FALL FOODIE REVIEW
IVY OF WHEATON
HARNER'S BAKERY, RESTAURANT & CATERING
WHITE FENCE FARM
10 restaurants to add to your dining itinerary By Chris Walker | Photos by Shaw Media
Cozy in the Community
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ll you need are some tasty eats and cool vibes, and you’ll be more than fine at any of these unique cafes and restaurants. So what are you waiting for? Let’s go eat and drink!
Cafe 1888 504 S. Lincoln Ave., Aurora www.atrevetecafe1888.com
People rarely get excited to go to the hospital, but they definitely are excited for the baked goods they enjoy when visiting the former site of Aurora’s original hospital, which was built in 1888. Guests also enjoy soups, salads, sandwiches, espresso drinks and more.
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Bull Moose Bar & Grille 202 S. Main St., Sandwich www.bullmoosebar.com
Come dine like the president of the United States! For one of the more unique dining experiences you will find, head to the Bull Moose which features a restored 1893 Pullman Palace dining car, which President Theodore Roosevelt used during his 1912 Bull Moose Party presidential campaign. Priding itself on being friendly like the popular ’80s sitcom “Cheers,” patrons dig the vibe along with the award-winning food and handcrafted cocktails. Feathered Saddle Coffee Co. 1N583 Gary Ave., Carol Stream www.featheredsaddlecoffee.com
There’s more than just Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks out there — you just need to know where to look to find them! Nestled within the vibrant Barn Owl Garden Center, Feathered Saddle offers high-quality coffee and teas among the botanical beauty of the garden center, where friendly baristas will make you feel at home.
Harner’s Bakery, Restaurant & Catering 10 W. State St., North Aurora www.harnersbakery.com
There are few places that were local favorites in the ‘60s that are still open today, and those that have survived and maintained their standing for good reason — they’re downright awesome! Harner’s is one of those rare places, offering friendly neighborhood service, good old-fashioned recipes and a wonderful location. Harner’s has been familyowned and operated since 1960. Ivy of Wheaton 120 N. Hale St., Wheaton www.ivyofwheaton.com
What was once a funeral home and chapel approximately 100 years ago is now a go-to spot for its steaks, chops and seafood. Guests enjoy the unique ambiance thanks to high vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows. Looking for that special place for a romantic dinner? Ivy of Wheaton strives to provide dining experiences that are unforgettable so that you want to come back and relive them again and again.
The Junction Eating Place 816 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb www.thejunctiondekalb.com
Fresh food, hot coffee and folks who treat you like family. If this sounds like a tasty experience for you and your friends and family, then be sure to visit this family-owned, train-themed diner in DeKalb. Come get your fill of made-from-scratch meals and hospitality beyond compare. Old Route 66 Family Restaurant 105 S. Old Rte. 66, Dwight www.route66restaurant.com
Whistle Stop Cafe 15 E. Grand Ave., Fox Lake www.whistlestopfoxlake.com
This quaint small-town diner that’s just a short walk from the Metra train line in downtown Fox Lake is celebrating 30 years in business this year. With unique daily specials, homemade pies, soups, specialty coffees and more, it’s definitely worth a trip. White Fence Farm 1376 Joliet Rd., Romeoville www.whitefencefarm-il.com
Celebrating its 25th year in 2026, this family restaurant specializes in comfort food and classic American cuisine. From hearty breakfasts to satisfying lunches and dinners, the Old Route 66 menu has something for everyone — from homemade meatloaf and crispy chicken to juicy burgers, ribeye steaks, fish, breaded tenderloin and more. If you’re craving a hearty meal of comfort food in a cozy environment adorned with assorted Route 66 memorabilia, you’ll find it right on the historic route in Dwight.
When Nat King Cole sang about getting your kicks on Route 66, he never mentioned anything about also getting your licks after enjoying what White Fence Farm calls “The World’s Greatest Chicken.” This is the original location, which has been serving family-style meals since the early 1920s. In fact, folks were enjoying the chicken, corn fritters, relishes and more before Route 66 was even completed! Come out and feed the goats and alpacas and visit the car and antique museum before diving into their always hot, crispy and delicious fried chicken.
White Pines Lodge 6712 W. Pines Rd., Mt. Morris www.visitwhitepines.com
Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner or its awardwinning Sunday buffet, there’s plenty of home-style cooking on the menu in the Fireside Room at White Pines Lodge. Signature dishes such as biscuits and gravy, chicken pot pie and peach cobbler are just a few of the menu items that bring back folks year after year for unforgettable family fun and delicious homecooked spreads.
ROCK FALLS, IL STAY • PLAY • EXPLORE
SEPTEMBER 25 - TACO THROWDOWN SEPTEMBER 26 & 27 - FALL & FANTASY FESTIVAL OCTOBER 3 - LUMBERJACK SHOW @ SELMI’S OCTOBER 10 - SAUK VALLEY APPLE CIDER RUN OCTOBER 17 - SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEEN LIGHTED GOLF CART & UTV PARADE NOVEMBER 27 THROUGH DECEMBER 27 HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAY @ CENTENNIAL PARK – EVERY FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
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Sweet Berry
Cafe
Breakfast beyond the basics
By Chris Walker • Photos provided by Sweet Berry Cafe
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or some, breakfast simply doesn’t get any better than a hot plate of eggs, bacon, sausage, toast and pancakes, along with a cup of coffee and maybe some orange juice. For others, the pursuit of filling their bellies is accompanied by a craving for something more than these traditional breakfast staples. Whether you’re looking for an old favorite or something new, you will find both on Sweet Berry Cafe’s expansive menu as the restaurant in South Elgin has become a popular destination for diners of all varieties. “The one thing that makes us stand out from other places is we are constantly rotating specials every four to six weeks, and seasonally,” says Dan Mataragas, owner of Sweet Berry Cafe. One special seasonal item returning in September is pumpkin pancakes, available only three months of the year. They are topped with carved pumpkin caramelized in brown sugar, candied pecans, a dollop of honey butter, drizzled with pumpkin spiced crème anglaise and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. “One of the main things and fun things I like to do is cooking up different and unique breakfast brunch items,” Mataragas said. It often starts by simply adding a new ingredient. “I like to sample creative ingredients and exciting flavor profiles in my travels, and then I incorporate these ingredients in new featured specials,” Mataragas says. “We’ve been working on new features, a Fried Risotto Benny and Persian Date Omelet. One of my favorite parts of the job is working with the chef on new ideas for specials.”
Recently remodeled, Sweet Berry Café strives to brighten your day with the delicious items on its menu complemented by warm service and a pleasant environment. “We remodeled two years ago with a more earthy tone and it’s very bright,” Mataragas says. “Customers notice how bright the place is and how we’re a very clean restaurant. You already feel good from the vibe when you walk in here with the contrasting colors and everyone being so welcoming, so friendly and smiling.” Sweet Berry Cafe caught the attention of America’s Best Restaurants, which visited in June. “They called a year and a half ago and said they wanted to feature us,” Mataragas says. “So they came out and spent three or four hours here. Normally, when they do their show, they have the restaurant show three items off the menu and I asked if we could show more because we had all these specials to feature, so we had a table of food to show off.” The entire menu is worth putting on display and that certainly includes lunch with homemade soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches and more, as well as a seemingly endless list of breakfast items, from smoked salmon avocado toast and chilaquiles verde-pork carnitas to country fried steak, bennys, skilletless skillets, omelets, pancakes, waffles, French toast and crepes. Catering is also an option. “We use high-quality ingredients and cater to all tastes, including vegan and gluten-free options,” Mataragas says. “Our guests know that we deliver unique flavors with highquality ingredients, so they are always open to trying something new here.”
Located at 720 N. McLean Blvd. in South Elgin, Sweet Berry Cafe offers convenient delivery or takeout and is open every day from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, to view the menu or to place an online order, download the Sweet Berry Café app through the app store or visit www.sweetberrycafe.net.
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A Dog's Day State and local parks
The region’s star attraction for tourists is state parks. Dogs are allowed on the trails at Starved Rock, Matthiessen and Buffalo Rock state parks as long as they are leashed at all times. Starved Rock State Park’s trail system features packed dirt, boardwalks and wooden staircases. The River Trail, which can be easily accessed from the Parkman’s Plain lot, is one of the more popular canine hikes at Starved Rock.
Cozy in the Community
Photo by Tom Sistak
Matthiessen State Park offers plenty of fun locations for leashed dogs to explore. Hikes in the dells area feature creek crossings and shallow pools for pets that love to play in water. The park also has prairie-lined trails. Access to the dells area includes several staircases descending into the canyon. Expect muddy feet and paws if exploring the canyon floor.
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hen visiting Starved Rock Country, there’s no need to leave the dogs at home. Canine companions can join the fun at multiple destinations. Here are suggestions to add to your itinerary when traveling with your dog.
Where is Starved Rock Country? This geographic region is a tourism area surrounding Starved Rock State Park, stretching approximately from the city of Morris in the east to Princeton in the west.
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Buffalo Rock State Park has crushed gravel, dirt and grass trails. The park offers sweeping vistas from bluffs overlooking the Illinois River and over 290 acres of scenic prairie. The park's trails wind through massive earthen sculptures, forested paths and open grassy areas. A favorite spot for visitors is walking around the buffalo enclosure where two bison live. Dayton Bluffs Preserve in Ottawa has a trail system through woodland and prairies. The prairie trails are wide, grassy paths that circle restored native grasses and wildflowers. Woodland trails are packed dirt surfaces. Dayton Bluffs does have some fairly rugged hikes in the woods, with some narrow trails, ravines and steep treks (including Heart Attack Hill, with a rope to help hikers ascend or descend the steep grade). Spring Lake Nature Area in Streator features a system of 12 trails, most of which are grass-covered half-mile or shorter loops that offer easy hikes for people and pets. Highlights include the cascading Spring Lake Falls and a short swinging footbridge that is stable enough for dogs to cross.
around Starved Rock Country Photo provided by Megan Byczynski
Compiled by Julie Barichello and Ryan Searl
Dining
For people and pups who work up an appetite after a hike, a prime place to eat is Skoog’s Pub and Grill in Utica. Dogs are welcome on the outdoor dining patio on Mill Street. The restaurant offers a special “Skoogie Snacks” menu for dogs that includes an all-beef patty, a grilled chicken breast cut into strips, mini all-beef wieners and a sweet treat. For human diners, the pub is known for its burgers, sandwiches and locally famous wings.
Other Activities
If a dog needs time and space to burn energy offleash, several dog parks are available around the region. They include: • Tag-A-Long Dog Park, Michael Drive, Morris • Bill's Barking Lot, corner of Lafayette and Guion streets, Ottawa • River Run Dog Park at Heritage Harbor, Ottawa • Hardscrabble Lions Club Dog Park, 820 James St., Streator • Starved Rock Dog Park, East Walnut Street (across from Lehigh Memorial Park), Oglesby • Rotary Dog Park, 2837 E. Fifth Road, La Salle • Wiggley Field Dog Park, 2600 Plank Road, Peru • Barkley Park (inside Zearing Park), Zearing Park Drive, Princeton
Another dog-friendly place to dine is the Starved Rock Lodge Veranda, found at Starved Rock Lodge inside the state park. The Veranda is a casual bar and grill with an al fresco dining terrace. Dogs can join their families at one of the lounge’s outdoor tables overlooking trees and the Illinois River. A “doggy menu” is available.
Photo by Tom Sistak
Court Street Pub in downtown Ottawa provides a shaded patio with plenty of space for a dog to relax while families eat. The patio sits on the extra-wide sidewalk along Court Street. The nearby brewpub The Lone Buffalo on La Salle Street also offers dog-friendly outdoor dining on a sidewalk patio.
A dog-friendly evening activity is a trip to the Route 34 Drive-In in Earlville. Two outdoor movies are shown each weekend from May through October. Dogs must be leashed when they are outside of vehicles. Visitors can walk dogs on the east side of the grounds and must clean up after their pets. For information about tickets and showings, visit www.34drivein.com. SPECIAL EVENT: Families can visit Starved Rock State Park with their dogs over Halloween weekend for Howloween, a special event that includes games, treats, a pet parade and an opportunity to dress dogs in fun costumes. Howloween runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, at Eagle Roost Cabin near the Starved Rock Visitor Center. The event is free, but registration is required. Tickets are available via EventBrite beginning at 8 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 1. To register for this and other Starved Rock events, visit www.eventbrite.com/o/ starved-rock-state-park-28488500269.
Places to Stay
Starved Rock Lodge, located inside Starved Rock State Park, includes the historic lodge and a variety of cabins. People traveling with dogs can book one of the Lodge’s pioneer cabins. For information about the full pet policy, visit www. starvedrocklodge.com/dog-friendly. Kishauwau Cabins, located within a 10-minute drive of Starved Rock and Matthiessen state parks, offers four dog-friendly cabins on its grounds. To view the cabins and for the pet policy, visit www. kishauwaucabins.com/dog-friendly-cabins. A variety of waterside vacation rentals are available at Heritage Harbor in Ottawa. The resort community is built around a marina on the Illinois River and welcomes pets in multiple units. For a full list of available pet-friendly rentals, visit www.visitheritageharborinn.com/pet-friendly. Postcard Cabins Starved Rock sits on 250 acres of woodland in Ottawa and welcomes dogs to participate in a family’s camping experience. The grounds feature 58 cozy, upscale cabins. For information, visit https://bit.ly/PostcardCabins. For those who want to pitch a tent with their pup, Pleasant Creek Campground allows up to two pets at each campsite. Pets are allowed with campsite bookings only; they are not allowed in rental trailers or cabins. For additional pet policies, visit www.pleasantcreekcampground.com/policies. Hickory Grove Campground, situated along the Hennepin Canal in Sheffield, welcomes RV and tent campers traveling with dogs. The grounds include a dog park and easy access to the Hennepin Canal hiking/bike trail. Pets are not permitted in rental cabins. For information, visit www.hickorygrovecamp.com. NEIGHBORHOOD TOURIST
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230 W State St Geneva, IL 630.232.2085 www.statestreetjewelers.com