2026 Ranger
YOUR GUIDE TO OGLE COUNTY EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2026
Experience the great outdoors at Castle Rock
By EARLEEN HINTON Shaw Local News Network correspondent
Boating, fishing, hiking, birding –Castle Rock State Park offers it all as Ogle County’s largest state park.
This 2,000-acre jewel features 7 miles of marked hiking trails, nearly 2 miles of bank fishing, a public boat ramp, picnic areas, shelters, and a wealth of flora and fauna.
And the park’s namesake, Castle Rock, offers visitors a birds-eye view of the scenic Rock River Valley.
Castle Rock is the atypical element of this 47-year-old park. It is a large St. Peter sandstone outcropping on the west side of the Rock River just off of state Route 2, the scenic state highway that passes through the park.
Castle Rock is one of the few places in Illinois where St. Peter sandstone comes to the surface, even though it underlies a large portion of the state.
Hikers can reach the deck at the top of Castle Rock through a series of steps that were installed several years ago to prevent the sandstone from breaking
down from visitor foot traffic.
The overlook is especially popular in the fall, when the trees turn color, and visitors can view the river to the north and south, as well as Lowden Miller State Forest on the opposite shore.
Many bird species can be spotted from the overlook, including bald eagles in both winter and summer. American
redstarts, orioles, bluebirds, turkey vultures and great blue herons can be seen in the spring, summer and fall.
Visitors may see white pelicans as the large white birds pass through the Rock River valley on their migration route.
A parking lot at the base of the overlook provides the starting point to hike
to the top of the overlook.
Near the overlook is the park’s boat ramp with ample parking for vehicles and boat trailers. Due to the shallow river depths throughout the park, kayaks, canoes and flat-bottom boats are best suited for travel on the river.
Pleasure boaters can use the public boat docks along state Route 2, above the Oregon dam, 5 miles to the north, where water depth is more compatible with those vessels.
The Castle Rock boat launch is a favorite for anglers, where they can take their boats out to try their luck at catching catfish and other species that call the river home.
The park’s interior provides hiking trails, picnic shelters, meadows, woodlands, wetlands and a 710-acre nature preserve.
In one of the park’s valleys, 27 types of ferns have been identified.
There are three designated picnic shelters in the park. Two of them can be reserved for a fee. Picnic tables are also
CLINTON AREA SHOWBOAT THEATRE
Shaw Local News Network file photo
The overlook in Castle Rock State Park offers visitors a birds-eye view of the Rock River Valley.
Take a walk on the wild side at Lowden-Miller
By EARLEEN HINTON
Shaw Local News Network correspondent
Hikers, bird watchers and hunters have a great chance to find what they’re looking for at Lowden-Miller State Forest.
With 22 miles of trails through deep woods, this rustic 2,356-acre wooded park encompasses natural beauty and 120-foot bluffs along 3.5 miles of riverfront – all forested with hardwood and pine trees.
In the spring, the forest rings with bird calls as many migratory species make their way back north from their winter homes.
Birders can see a variety of warblers and rose-breasted grosbeaks, and if they’re really lucky, an occasional pilated woodpecker. Great blue herons, turkey vultures, wild turkey, bald eagles and owls also live in the forest.
Wildlife and wildflowers can be found from just about any of the forest’s hiking trails and begin at each of the forest’s six parking lots.
For the past several years, bald eagles have nested near the property. Vigilant birders may get a glimpse of
Visitors to Lowden-Miller State Forest can hike to bluffs overlooking the Rock River from some of the trails. Maps are available at kiosks located in most of the forest’s six parking areas. This vista is about a 1.5-mile hike from parking area 5.
mature eagles soaring in the sky as they search for food.
Bald eagles can be easily seen in the winter months along the Rock River as they snare fish from the open water areas
north and south of the dam in Oregon.
The state forest is located on the east bank of the Rock River directly across from Castle Rock State Park.
Hiking trails vary in length and diffi-
ROCK FALLS, IL STAY - PLAY - EXPLORE
MAY
5/14-17 | ST. ANDREWS CARNIVAL
5/30 | TOUCH-A-TRUCK OF ROCK FALLS
5/30 | ROCK RIVER JAZZ BAND CONCERT
AUGUST
8/1 | GEORGE FEST
8/8 | EATS ‘N’ BEATS @ THE DISTRICT
8/15-16 | AQUA PALOOZA/ROCK FALLS RIVER CHASE
8/22 | ROCK RIVER JAZZ BAND CONCERT
8/29 | ART IN THE PARK SCULPTURE WALK/OUTDOOR ART GALLERY
JUNE
culty. Restroom facilities and drinking water are not readily available.
The park also offers equestrian trails for horseback riders, with ample parking for horse trailers.
The forest also has hunting seasons for squirrel, turkey and deer.
Information boxes with brochures and maps are available at each trailhead to help guide visitors.
Visitors can learn about some of the trees in the forest on the Loggers Trail, a self-guided nature trail approximately 1.5 miles long. It is accessible from parking lot 1.
Each of the 35 stations along the Loggers Trail offers information about the woodlands and shows how to identify trees, plants and animal tracks.
The trail honors the legacy of Frank O. Lowden, who originally owned the property.
Lowden was the governor of Illinois from 1917 to 1921. He and his wife, Florence Pullman Lowden, called the tract “Sinnissippi Forest.”
See LOwdEN-mILLER on page 4
6/6 | BELLSON MUSIC FEST/DRUM CLINIC 6/13-14 | SALUTE TO AMERICA 250 6/13 | ROCK RIVER JAZZ BAND CONCERT
SEPTEMBER
9/12 | TASTE OF FIESTA 9/19 | FIESTA DAY PARADE
9/26 | TACO THROWDOWN FESTIVAL 9/27-28 | FALL & FANTASY FESTIVAL
JULY
7/2 | INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
7/11 | ROCK RIVER JAZZ BAND CONCERT 7/18 | EATS ‘N’ BEATS @ THE DISTRICT
OCTOBER
10/3 | LUMBERJACK SHOW 10/27 | SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEEN LIGHTED GOLF CART & UTV PARADE 10/30 | BIZZ BOO TRICK-OR-TREAT
Shaw Local News Network file photo
placed throughout the park, including some along the river at the boat launch and below the overlook.
The picnic areas are Valley View, Old Orchard and Aspen Ridge. Each includes shelters, grills, playground areas and pit toilets. Old Orchard is handicapped accessible.
Located at the southern edge of the park is a small wetland area with a viewing deck.
During the summer months, redwinged blackbirds, wild turkey, geese, frogs, and white-tailed deer are common visitors.
A primitive campsite, accessible only by canoe from the Rock River, offers 10 individual campsites and a group campsite, along with picnic tables, ground grills, and a portable toilet during the summer months.
The campground is closed during the winter months and during periods of high water.
Throughout the park, hikers and cross-country skiers have access to 6 miles of trails that are available yearround.
Hunting of squirrel, wild turkey and deer is allowed in sections of the park during designated seasons. Hikers should check the informational kiosk at the parking lot for hunting hours before heading out on their trek.
The region where the park is now
A white pelican lands on a sandbar as another preens. The large white birds can be seen in the Rock River Valley during spring migrration.
located was once inhabited by Native Americans, centuries before New England colonists moved into the area in the early 1800s.
The Castle Rock area was first proposed as a state park by the Friends of Our Native Landscape in 1921.
In 1964, the Natural Lands Institute, a nonprofit group, conducted a public fundraising campaign to preserve part of the Castle Rock area. It was dedicated as a state park in 1978.
The park is located approximately 3 miles south of Oregon.
For more information, call 815-7327329.
from page 3
Sinnissippi was a Native American term for “rocky river” or “troubled waters.”
The Lowdens embraced proper land usage and believed in reforestation to retard soil erosion.
Lowden’s farming operation incorporated native hardwoods, pasture, and sandy farmland. He also experimented with planting white pines and other tree species on the property.
The earliest plantings of white pines were prior to 1910 and are believed to be the oldest in the state.
The Illinois Department of Conservation purchased 1,186 acres of land from Warren and Nancy Miller, descendants of Lowden, in 1992 to establish the state forest.
Warren’s brother, Phillip, sold another 1,039 acres to the state in 1993.
The state forest is named in honor of the former Lowden and his two grand-
sons, Warren and Philip Miller.
In January 2024, the State of Illinois bought 64 more acres of the former Sinnissippi Forest tree farm to add to the state forest.
The purchase will provide access to the eastern part of the forest. The former retail sales area of the tree farm on Lowden Road was included in the purchase.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources plans to use the buildings for satellite offices and equipment storage.
Camping facilities are not available at Lowden-Miller State Forest, but are available at nearby Lowden State Park and White Pines State Park.
The Department of Natural Resources’ Forest Resources Division has ongoing forestry studies and projects at the park, such as controlling some exotic tree species and planting an oak seed orchard.
Other forestry projects include thinning pines and controlling tree diseases to create an outdoor facility for the public where forestry education can continue.
The cabins at White Pines State Park were constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Each of the cabins offers modern amenities.
Drive through a creek, stay in a log cabin at White Pines State Park
By EARLEEN HINTON
Shaw Local News Network correspondent
Situated along the banks of Pine Creek, the White Pines State Park offers visitors an abundance of natural beauty and a rich history.
Ogle County’s oldest state park is a great place to picnic, hike, fish or just kick back and relax.
The park lies in the heart of Sauk and Fox country and is rich in historical accounts of the warriors who resisted settlers’ efforts to drive them from their beloved Rock River Valley.
The lodge was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, and although it has undergone renovations over the years, the historic character of the log-cabin lodge has been preserved.
The original stone and timber were retained, and new features were integrated to enhance the historic structure’s unique character.
The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with dinner theaters from March through December. Learn more at visitwhitepines.com
or call 815-655-2400.
Thirteen log cabins are located near the main lodge, offering visitors an historic setting complete with modern-day amenities.
Each cabin has a shower and a gaslog fireplace, and is air-conditioned and heated. Reservations can be made online at visitwhitepines.com.
Outside, the 385-acre park is filled with mature trees, wildflowers and an abundance of wildlife, with Pine Creek weaving its way through the scenic park, flowing past the towering limestone bluffs that line its banks.
And the park’s most unique features are its fords, which allow motorists to actually drive their vehicles through the creek – when water levels permit.
Two shallow concrete fords are open for vehicles to pass through while on their way to the scenic picnic and camping areas.
Picnickers have a wide variety of places to enjoy their favorite summer foods, with four shelters and plenty of See WHITE pINES on page 6
THE 65TH ANNUAL 2026 SEASON
TIMBERLAKE PLAYHOUSE 8215 BLACK OAK ROAD
CARROLL, IL 61053 (815) 244-2035 BOX OFFICE HOURS: TUESDAY - FRIDAY 10:00AM - 5:00PM (815) 244-2035
Continued from page 5
picnic tables throughout the park.
Two of the park’s shelters were built by the CCC and feature limestone fireplaces. Both are located in picnic areas with access to water, grills and picnic tables.
The other two shelters are more modern in their construction, but are also located in close proximity to parking and water. They also offer grills and picnic tables.
A playground for children is located near the picnic areas between the first and second ford. The park also has ample space for outdoor games.
Two of the four shelters can be reserved online using the ReserveAmerica website, and the other two are firstcome, first-served.
The park has seven hiking trails that traverse the park. Each trail has posted difficulty levels to help hikers choose the trail that best fits their skill level.
The trails range in length and are color-coded to assist hikers with orientation.
A nature trail with a limestone-screened path is accessible to people with physical disabilities.
Fishing is also a popular pastime at the Pines, and anglers like to try their
luck at catching catfish and smallmouth bass in the creek.
The park offers 106 Class B campsites with vehicular access and a shower and flush-toilet building. There are two electric hook-up campsites, which are reservable online at exploremoreil.com.
There are also six campsites available for people with physical disabilities.
Campsites may be reserved by visiting the ReserveAmerica website. Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table.
Youth group campgrounds are also available and can be reserved by using the ReserveAmerica website.
When early settlers arrived in the 1830s, they found a forest of untouched pines extending for a quarter of a mile along the east bank of Pine Creek.
With a view to preserving one of Illinois’ last stands of native white pines and one of the southernmost stands of white pines in the United States, a movement was started in the early part of the 20th century to set the area aside as a state park.
Through the efforts of Ogle County nature lovers, a bill appropriating $30,000 for the purchase of land was passed by the legislature in 1903, but the measure was vetoed.
In 1927, however, they had more success, and the forest was acquired as an Illinois state park.
• WHITE PINES
Shaw Local News Network file photo
There are two fords through Pine Creek which autos can use to access the interior of White Pines State Park.
Enjoy camping, hiking, and history at Lowden
By EARLEEN HINTON
Shaw Local News Network correspondent
Lowden State Park offers camping, picnicking, hiking and fishing all under the watchful eye of Lorado Taft’s Eternal Indian – commonly known as the Black Hawk Statue.
Created by the Chicago sculptor in 1910 and unveiled in 1911, the now historic landmark was a tribute to Native Americans. It stands high on a 125-foot bluff on the west edge of the 207-acre park, overlooking the Rock River.
The statue, commonly associated with Chief Black Hawk, stands 48 feet tall at the top of the bluff and is constructed of concrete, reinforced with iron rods, with an outer surface composed of cement and pink granite chips. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009.
Time and weather have prompted numerous repairs to the 115-year-old statue, with its last restoration being completed in 2023. A new plaza at its base was added after the restoration.
Visitors can stand at the base of the statue to admire the Rock River as it flows south to Oregon, or view the statue from the pull-off on the west bank of the river, along state Route 2, directly across from the statue.
The best viewing time is when the sun is setting, but the view is good any time of day and during all seasons –especially in the fall when the leaves change color.
This scenic state park also offers the largest camping area for visitors, as well as fishing, boating, hiking and picnicking.
Lowden’s 80 Class A campsites include electricity, a shower building, and a sanitary dumping station for rec-
Eagles’ Nest was a popular home for creative people, including Taft, for almost 50 years until the early 1940s.
After Gov. Frank O. Lowden, an Oregon resident, died in 1943, the state legislature appropriated $25,000 toward the cost of a memorial to him. The citizens of Oregon and the vicinity, with help from what is now the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, matched that amount so that the former Eagles’ Nest land could be purchased as a memorial park.
In 1945, the 63rd General Assembly designated the site as Lowden State Park.
Six years later, the 66 acres that comprised the actual Eagles Nest Colony were transferred to Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.
reational vehicles.
Another option is the campground cabin, which has two sets of bunk beds, a full-sized bed and electricity.
Reservations for the campsites and cabins can be made online at exploremoreil.com.
Also available are 38 Class B/S campsites that do not offer electricity, but do have access to showers.
There are also eight Class D primitive, hike-in-only campsites, located across River Road on the east side of the park.
The park’s picnic areas are situated among large oak and maple trees that offer natural beauty and refreshing shade on a hot, summer day.
Conveniently located near the parking lots, the picnic areas include covered shelters, a playground area, picnic tables, drinking water, grills, and pit toilets.
Nearly 4 miles of hiking trails lead visitors through the park’s natural areas. For the more adventurous hiker seeking a workout, wooden stairs located just south of the statue provide access to the scenic Rock River 125 feet below.
The river flows below the park and offers ample opportunities for fishing and boating. A public boat ramp and large parking area are located on the west side of the Rock River along state Route 2, one mile north of Oregon.
The history of the state park began when land that is now the park was purchased in 1898 by Chicago attorney Wallace Heckman and his wife, Mary.
The couple had a great love of the outdoors and were patrons of the arts as well, and created an artists’ colony on their property called Eagles’ Nest, a reference to a tall, dead cedar tree clinging to the high riverbank.
The site, called the Lorado Taft Field Campus, was renovated by NIU’s Industrial Arts classes and used year-round for natural science classes in an outdoor setting, as well as for an outdoor teacher education program and camps for schoolchildren across northern Illinois.
NIU discontinued that program in 1999, and in September 2024, officials announced that the university would close the campus due to aging infrastructure and rising operational costs.
The 141-acre campus, which includes a dining hall that overlooks the Rock River, outdoor trails and several other buildings and dorms, permanently closed in December 2024.
Together for Taft, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit grassroots organization, was founded in 2024 to try to raise funds to resurrect the now-shuttered campus.
For more information on Together for Taft, visit togetherfortaft.org or join the Together for Taft Facebook group.
Shaw Local News Network file photo
The plaza area at the Black Hawk Statue in Lowden State Park offers visitors a view of the Rock River north of Oregon.
OGLE COUNTY 2026 FAIRS, FESTIVALS, EVENTS
June 5-7
Leaf River Daze – downtown Leaf River; car show; parade; tractor pulls; fireworks; craft show; K9 demonstration; Kidz Zone, filled with games and fun activities for all ages; leafriversummerdaze.org
Sundays, June 7-Sept. 27
Oregon Farmers Market – Sarah Phelps Plaza, 418 W. Washington St., Oregon; weekly market features fresh fruit and vegetables; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; facebook.com/ OregonILAreaChamber
Wednesdays, June 10-July 29
Kable Band Concerts – Bandshell in Mt. Morris; featuring guest performers; concessions at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m.; mtmorrisil.net/events/kable-band-concerts and encoremtmorris. com
Fridays, June 12-Aug. 28
Friday Night Jamboree – Historic Warren G. Reckmeyer Bandshell, Mt. Morris; concessions at 6 p.m., free concerts at 7 p.m.; donations welcome. encoremtmorris.com and mtmorrisil.net
Morris on Aug. 29, 2025. The free concerts are held every Friday night through the summer in downtown Mt. Morris.
June 12-28
Old Sandstone Art Gallery Fine Art Show – Old Sandstone Gallery, 122 S. Wesley Ave., Mt. Morris; visit the gallery on Wednesdays from 7-8:45 p.m. and Fridays 6:30-9 p.m.; encoremtmorris.com
Porchfest – Mt. Morris; festival invites all genres of musicians to perform; see website for map of locations; 1-5 p.m.; encoreporchfest.info
June 16
Concerts in the Park – Oregon Park West, 1402 Koontz Place; free; bring a lawn chair, blanket; food truck vendors on site; 6:30 p.m.; rain location Oregon Coliseum at Franklin and Fourth streets; oregonpark.org
June 19
Cut the Square Cruise Night – Flag Rochelle Museum Parking Lot, 518 Fourth Ave., Rochelle; check out the vehicles in the cruise night and enjoy food trucks, music and entertainment; 4-8 p.m.; cityofrochelle.net
June 19-21
June 13
Ford Fest – Rochelle Municipal Airport, 1201 E. Gurler Road, Rochelle; third annual all-Ford car show and watch skydivers jump from Chicagoland Skydiving Center; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; cityofrochelle.net
Town and Country Days – Polo; entertainment, car show, craft show, parade, fireworks, beer garden and food; polodays.org and Facebook
Shaw Local News Network file photo
An estimated crowd of 2,500 turned out to listen to The Fortunate Sons, a Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band, during the Jamboree Concert Series in Mt.
Continued from page 8
June 23, 30
Concerts in the Park – Oregon Park West, 1402 Koontz Place; free; bring a lawn chair, blanket; food truck vendors on site; 6:30 p.m.; rain location Oregon Coliseum at Franklin and Fourth streets; oregonpark.org
July 1-4
Let Freedom Ring Festival – Mt. Morris; includes live music, children’s activities, and on July 4, a parade and fireworks at dusk lfrmtmorris.com and Facebook
July 3
Independence Day Fireworks – Davis Junction Community Park, fireworks show begins at dusk; facebook.com/davisjunctioni
July 4
Independence Day Celebration – Atwood Park, Rochelle; parade, band concert and fireworks; 1 p.m., fireworks at dusk; cityofrochelle.net and 815-5626161
July 7
Concerts in the Park – Oregon Park West, 1402 Koontz Place; special concert featuring The Vodka Boys to celebrate the 250th anniversary, along with the park district’s 60th anniversary; free; bring a lawn chair, blanket; food truck vendors on site; 6:30 p.m.; rain location Oregon Coliseum at Franklin and Fourth streets; oregonpark.org
July 10-12
ByronFest – downtown Byron, featuring a gospel concert, carnival, car show, quilt show, vendor show, bags tournament, 5K run, entertainment, parade, beer garden and food; byronfest.org
July 11
Village Garden Tour – Mt. Morris; visit locations to see gardens in Mt. Morris and the surrounding countryside; register for locations; admission is $15; encoremtmorris.com/page-30/2019.php
Hib Reber Memorial Car Show – 701 W. Second St., Byron; registration 8 to 11:30 a.m., awards at 2 p.m.; music, concessions; Facebook
See EVENTS on page 10
Shaw Local News Network file photo
Stiltwaker Jason Kollom gets a high-five from a parade watcher during the German Valley Days parade on July 19, 2025.
Continued from page 9
July 14
Concerts in the Park – Oregon Park West, 1402 Koontz Place; free; bring a lawn chair, blanket; food truck vendors on-site; 6:30 p.m.; rain location Oregon Coliseum at Franklin and Fourth streets; oregonpark.org
July 17-19
German Valley Days – German Valley, Ben Miller Park; family fun events; 5K run, kiddie tractor pull; basketball shooting contest; parade; fireworks at Lake Baalton. Organized by community volunteers, German Valley Lions Club and businesses; germanvalleydays.com
July 21
Color Run – Park West, 1402 Koontz Place, Oregon; join the fun for the color walk/run with multiple color stations along the route; after the race, stay to enjoy Concert in the Park, food trucks will be on-site; register early for a T-shirt; $15 resident and $18 nonresident; 6 p.m.; oregonpark.org
Concerts in the Park – Oregon Park West, 1402 Koontz Place; free; bring a lawn chair, blanket; food truck vendors on-site; concert at 6:30 p.m.; rain location Oregon Coliseum at Franklin and Fourth streets; oregonpark.org
July 29-Aug. 2
Ogle County Fair – Ogle County Fairgrounds, 1440 Limekiln Road, Oregon; exhibits, entertainment, demolition derby, truck and tractor pull, rodeo, carnival and
Friday, Aug. 14
Saturday, Aug. 15
Sunday, Aug. 16
FRIDAY, AUGUST 14
*LITTLE MISS PEANUT 6-7 P.M.
*MEMBERS ONLY 80’S BAND 8-10 P.M.
food; oglecountyfair.com
July 30-Aug. 2
Forreston Sauerkraut Days – Forreston; multi-day festival filled with a parade, food, entertainment, craft show, car show, sports, family movie night and more; schedule; Facebook
August – Date TBD
Polo Car Show – Car, truck and motorcycle show, plus trivia competition and music; date not set as of press time;
CELEBRATING AMERICA’S HERITAGE
SATURDAY, AUGUST 15
*8:00 AM CAR SHOW REGISTRATION 10:00 AM-3:00 PM FREE KID ZONE FOR KIDS 12 & UNDER
*10:00AM-11:00AM RISE UP DANCE COMPANY
*11:00AM-8:00PM MAGIC MATT’S FAMILY FUN SHOW
8 a.m.-3 p.m.; polochamber.org
Aug. 7-23
Straw Sculpting Competition & Straw Fest Day Aug. 23 – Mt. Morris; walk through town to see how straw can be used to create works of art as part of a national competition; encoremtmorris. com and strawusa.com
Aug. 14-16
Lincoln Highway Heritage Festival – Rochelle; Little Miss Peanut pageant, car show, entertainment, beer garden, parade and more; lincolnhighwayheritagefestival.com or Facebook
September – Date TBD
Chili Cook-Off – downtown Polo; sample the variety of chili and help select the best; date not set as of press time; check website and Facebook for schedule of events; poloil.gov
Sept. 13
Tyler Smith 5K – Atwood Park in Rochelle; race to fund high school scholarships in honor of Tyler (Smitty) Smith; 9 a.m.; rochelleparkdistrict.org
See EVENTS on page 11
*12:00PM-1:00PM RUNAWAY CLASSIC
*1:00PM-1:45PM BALLET FOLKLORICO XCHIQUESTZAL
*2:00PM-4:00PM THE BEAUX BAND
*4:00PM-4:45PM STUDIO C DANCE
*5:00PM-7PM INIZIAL
*8:00PM-10:00PM HI INFIDELITY
*FIREWORKS @ DUSK
SUNDAY, AUGUST 16
*11:00AM-6:00PM MAGIC MATT’S FAMILY FUN SHOW
*11:30AM-12:15PM BURN-N-BUSH
*1:00PM-3:00PM MISSING LINKS
*4:00PM-6:00PM JERRY CRISS BAND
JOIN US FOR 3 DAYS OF NON-STOP CARNIVAL FUN!
50/50 RAFFLE TICKETS PLUS OTHER PRIZES
Shaw Local News Network file photo
The grandstand was packed for the Ogle County Fair’s demolition derby on Aug. 2, 2025.
Continued from page 10
Sept. 26-27
Stillman Valley Fall Festival – Car show, tractor show, craft show, bags tournament, parade, music and food; parade at 1 p.m. Sunday; stillmanvalleyfallfestival.com or Facebook
Oct. 3-4
Autumn on Parade – Oregon; farmers market, arts and crafts fair, entertainment, Olde English Faire, car show, tractor show, 5K walk/run, parade, food and more; parade at 1 p.m. Sunday; autumnonparade.org or 815-732-3465
October – Date TBD
Halloween on the Prairie – noon-4 p.m., Jarrett Prairie Center, 7993 N. River Road, Byron; hayride, games, face-painting; byronforestpreserve.com or 815-2348535
December – Dates TBD
Candlelight Walk – downtown Oregon; horse-drawn carriage rides, reindeer, visits with Santa, holiday gift fair and
more; 3-8 p.m.; candlelightwalk.org and oregonil.com
Christmas Walk and Lighted Parade – downtown Rochelle; lighted Christmas parade, visits with Santa, tree lighting and more; enjoyrochelle.com, cityofrochelle. net or 815-562-6161
Festival of Trees & Miracle on Second Street – Byron Museum, 110 N. Union St.; holiday trees decorated by local businesses and organizations throughout the museum; 6 p.m.; byronmuseum.org
Polo Christmas Festival – Polo; celebrate the season with holiday happenings and shop local businesses; events throughout the day from Breakfast with Santa to craft show and entertainment and tree lighting; polochamber.org and Facebook
Christmas on the Village Square – downtown Mt. Morris; pancake breakfast, craft fair and holiday bake sale, children’s Christmas party, story time with Mrs. Claus and lighting of the village square; mtmorrisil.net, “Mt. Morris Christmas on the Village Square” on Facebook
– Earleen
Hinton
Explore native prairie and bison at Nachusa
By EARLEEN HINTON Shaw Local News Network correspondent
The Nachusa Grasslands offers modern-day visitors a glimpse into the past.
The Grasslands was formed almost two decades ago, with less than 700 acres of partially over-grazed pastures. It has now grown to more than 4,100 acres of native prairie plants and wildlife.
Located on Lowden Road on the OgleLee County line, this unique site has been restored as a native prairie largely through the efforts of volunteers who remove non-native plants and gather and sow the seeds of desirable wildflowers, bushes and grasses.
Owned by The Nature Conservancy, the grasslands are the home of more than 100 species of birds and 500 native plants. The preserve consists of large remnant prairie, woodlands and wetlands being reconnected through habitat restoration to create one of the largest and most biologically diverse grasslands in Illinois.
Working hand–in–hand with the Nature Conservancy staff, volunteer
conservation herd; the large mammals can graze freely on the prairie, so they may not always be visible.
The Grasslands are open every day from dawn to dusk. Visitors can hike on or off the trail anywhere outside the fenced bison units. Motorists must park in designated lots or pull completely off the roads if pausing to see bison.
Do not block the gates or climb over any fences; enter the trails only through the designated fence openings.
The Grasslands Visitor Center, 2075 Lowden Road , offers views of the preserve, informative interpretations of the native landscape and restoration efforts, and the starting point for a short prairie trail walking loop.
stewards collect and plant seeds, manage invasive species, repair wetlands and conduct controlled burns in order to preserve, protect, and share this precious endangered ecosystem.
In October 2014, The Nature Conservancy brought 30 American bison to the Grasslands preserve.
Bison help maintain grassland ecosystems in many ways by providing the
much-needed disturbance that healthy grasslands depend on to thrive.
Their selective grazing creates floristic balance and structure, and is vital to the creation of a mosaic of habitats within the grassland ecosystem.
The herd now numbers more than 100, with calves expected each spring.
Sometimes the herd can be seen from the Visitor’s Center because it is a wild
There is also a map to orient visitors to various hiking options throughout the preserve, self-composting toilets, and a hand pump for water.
The grasslands host Autumn on the Prairie on the third Saturday in September each year.
The event features booths, demonstrations, tours of the grasslands and wagon rides to see the bison.
Shaw Local News Network file photo
A bison walks with the herd at the Nachusa Grasslands during the 2025 Autumn on the Prairie. Wagon rides out to the prairie to see the bison were offered during the annual event.
Step back in time with Ganymedes base ball
By EARLEEN HINTON Shaw Local News Network correspondent
If you love baseball and history, you are going to want to catch a game of the Ganymedes – Oregon’s vintage “base ball” team.
The Ganymedes Vintage Base Ball Club is an educational outreach program of the Chana School Museum that has offered historic base ball games since 2005.
Vintage rules base ball (spelled as two words in the 1800s) is played with authentic wool uniforms, no gloves, underhand pitching and gentlemanly conduct.
Other rule differences include outs for balls caught on one bounce, no called balls or strikes unless the batter swings three times and misses and a requirement that players call themselves out on close plays.
Base paths are 90 feet, there are three outs per inning and games are nine innings.
Admission to the games is free. Spectators should bring their own chairs.
Home games are held at the Chana School Museum’s Iron Chest Field located at Oregon Park East, just off of River Road, east of Oregon.
2026 Schedule
(Home) Sunday, May 17, 1 p.m. vs. Plowboys BaseBall Club of DuPage County
(Away) Saturday, June 6, 1 p.m. vs. Milwaukee Grays Base Ball Club of Milwaukee at Estabrook Park and Beer Garden, Milwaukee
(Away) Saturday, June 13, 1 p.m. vs. Plowboys Base Ball Club of DuPage County at John Deere Historic Site, Grand Detour
(Away) Saturday and Sunday, June 27-28, TBA vs. base ball clubs from five states at the fourth annual Portage Vintage Base Ball Festival, Ramona Park, Portage, Michigan (Away) Sunday, July 12, 1 p.m. vs. Geneseo Historical Museum Picked
The volunteer club plays by the earliest rules of base ball from the years 1858 to 1867 to educate and entertain guests about America’s first team sport.
Oregon Ganymede first baseman Tim Strohecker reaches for a ground ball against the Lah-DeDahs at the World Tournament of Historic Base Ball at the Henry Ford Museum’s Greenfield Village on Aug. 10, 2025.
Nine doubleheader at Richmond Hill Park, Geneseo (Home) Sunday, July 19, 1 p.m. vs. Regulator Base Ball Club of Creston –doubleheader
(Away) Sunday, Aug. 2, 1 p.m. vs. Regulators Base Ball Club of Creston at Lions Park, Malta (Away) Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 8-9, TBA vs. 11 vintage base ball clubs
from five states at the 23rd annual Henry Ford Museum Greenfield Village World Tournament of Historic Base Ball, Dearborn, Michigan (Away) Sunday, Sept. 13, TBA vs. Regulators Base Ball Club of Creston and Plowboys BaseBall Club of DuPage County at Creston Booster Days Event at Creston Elementary School Field, Creston
OGLE COUNTY DESTINATIONS
BYRON
Byron Museum of History and Lucius Read House
The museum offers exhibits on local history. The Read House, built in the early 1840s, is one of the oldest structures in Byron. The Reads were active in the abolitionist movement and provided a safe haven for runaway slaves being smuggled north through the Underground Railroad.
Address: 110 N. Union St.
Phone: 815-234-5031
Online: byronmuseum.org or Facebook
Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, February through December; open January by appointment
Admission: Free
Heritage Farm Museum
Learn about early country life at this restored farm dating from 1843.
Address: 8059 N. River Road
Phone: 815-234-8535, ext. 217
Online: byronforestpreserve.com
Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily through Oct. 31; by appointment November through March
Admission: Free
Jarrett Prairie Center
The educational center and museum are on one of the county’s highest points, overlooking 450 acres of restored prairie. Habitat exhibits, dioramas and audio interpretation help visitors understand the nature of the area. There is a gift shop and hiking trails.
Address: 7993 N. River Road
Phone: 815-234-8535
Online: byronforestpreserve.com
Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Admission: Donation
J. Weiskopf Observatory
The observatory, with its 11-foot Celestron reflecting telescope, is available for public viewing and special programs.
Address: 7993 N. River Road
Phone: 815-234-8535, ext. 200
Online: byronforestpreserve.com
Hours: Public viewing begins at sunset and lasts three hours, Saturdays year-round and Tuesdays in June, July and August
Admission: Free
GRAND DETOUR
The John Deere Historic Site
This 19th-century prairie village features
an archaeological site, a blacksmith shop, and John Deere’s home, as well as a visitor’s center, gift shop, and natural prairie as it existed more than a century ago.
Address: 8334 S. Clinton St.
Phone: 815-652-4551
Online: deere.com
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday and Tuesday
Admission: Free
MT. MORRIS
Bald Hill Prairie Preserve
This 380-acre preserve between Leaf River and Mt. Morris boasts native prairie plants, two endangered raptor species, rare woolly milkweed, gravel and sand deposits dating back to the Ice Age, and, at 28.5 feet around and 122 feet tall, the state’s Big Tree Champion, an eastern cottonwood estimated to be around 200 years old. At 925 feet above sea level, the preserve is the second-highest point in Ogle County, with dramatic land slopes and stunning scenic views.
Address: 5502 N. Silver Creek Road
Phone: 815-234-8535
Online: byronforestpreserve.com
Mt. Morris Historical Museum
Mt. Morris has a long and vibrant history as a pioneer in higher education, a booming printing and publishing mecca, a thriving rural community, and a re-invented arts destination. The Mt. Morris Museum has fun and fascinating items from all facets of the town’s history.
Admission is free; donations welcome
Address: 16 S. Wesley in the lobby of College Hall, on the Village Square campus
Hours: Open the third Saturday each month, noon-3 p.m.
Phone: 815-734-6425
Online: mtmorrisil.net
OREGON
Coliseum Museum of Art, Antiques and Americana
Collection of art with exhibits and programs, as well as workshops and a room to host events.
Address: 124 N. Fourth St.
Phone: 815-595-5810
Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday Online: cmaaa.org
Featherweight Scooter
At only 37 lbs, this is one of the lightest mobility scooters on the planet — designed
$2,195.00 $1,999.00
Weight (without ba�ery): 37 lbs
Ba�ery Weight: 4 lbs
Weight Capacity: 265 lbs
Range: 7.5 miles
Top Speed: 5 mph
Folds into one compact piece –roughly the size of a carry-on bag
Continued from page 14
Oregon Depot Museum
The Depot is filled with historical information about train travel and details about the Oregon Depot Restoration Project. The Silver View, an original Zephyr railroad car, is being restored alongside the Depot.
Address: 410 Collins St.
Phone: 915-757-9715
Hours: Saturdays 9 a.m.-noon
Online: oregondepot.com
Nash Recreation Center
The Oregon Park District is located in this state-of-the-art recreational center that includes a swimming pool, basketball courts, racquetball courts and fitness center.
Address: 304 S. Fifth St.
Phone: 815-732-3101
Hours: 5:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday; 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday in the summer, re-opens on Sundays in the fall.
Online: oregonpark.org
Mix Park
The 2.5-acre park is home to Lorado Taft’s “Boys with Fish” sculpture and Jeff Adams’ “Paths of Conviction, Footsteps of Fate,” as well as a playground, picnic tables, shelter, pickleball court and seasonal restrooms.
Address: 701 N. Fourth St. Online: oregonpark.org
Oregon Park East
This 23-acre site provides access to the Oregon dam, both above and below, for fishing and canoeing. There’s an observation deck along the east side of the dam, overlooking the Rock River. The park is home to the historic Chana School.
Address: River Road, north of state Route 64
Online: oregonpark.org
Oregon Park West
The park is surrounded by a bike trail that wanders through prairie, pines and oaks on the north end and athletic fields on the south. It has tennis courts, lighted basketball courts, lighted baseball diamonds, soccer fields, sand volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, playgrounds, a
skate park, a splash park and a boardwalk.
Address: 1402 Koontz Place
Online: oregonpark.org
Hours: Splash Canyon Spray Park and Prairie Side Skate Park have separate hours; check the website or call ahead
Ruby Nash Home/Ogle County
Historical Museum
Built in 1878 in Midwestern prairie architecture, the Nash Home and Museum, which opened in 1962, originally was home to Chester Nash and his family. The museum offers artifacts from around the county – some dating back to the earliest settlers.
Address: 111 N. Sixth St. Phone: 815-732-7545
Online: oglecountyhistoricalsociety.com
Hours: Sunday afternoons or by appointment
Admission: Donation
POLO
Polo History Museum
The building, a gift to the Polo Historical Society from Shaw Printing Co., houses a
vintage printing machine, military memorabilia, surveying tools used to plot the Galena Trail in 1833, historic agricultural tools, and other artifacts.
Address: 113 N. Franklin Ave. Phone: 815-946-4142
Online: Facebook
Hours: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and by appointment
ROCHELLE
Rochelle Railroad Park
The park is an ideal spot for train watching, with more than 80 trains passing through each day. It’s the first in the nation built just for visitors to see operating trains. A raised platform allows viewers to see two Class One rail lines crossing at the “diamond.” The park also showcases a Whitcomb locomotive, a replica “hobo jungle” and more. There is a gift shop.
Address: 124 N. Ninth St. Phone: 815-562-7031
Online: rochellerailroadpark.org
– Earleen Hinton
