2025 RANGER
YOUR
GUIDE
TO OGLE COUNTY EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS
Friday, May 30, 2025
White Pines offers unique, family-friendly park
White Pines State Park offers visitors an abundance of natural beauty and a rich history.
The park is a great place to picnic, hike, and fish, or relax and spend a few days.
The park lies in the heart of Sauk and Fox country and is rich in historic accounts of the warriors who resisted the efforts of settlers 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 flavor of the log cabin lodge has been maintained.
The original stone and timbers were retained and the new features were blended to enhance the original structure.
The 385-acre park has tall trees, wildflowers, abundant wildlife, with Pine Creek winding through the park along towering limestone bluffs.
One of the park’s most unique features is its fords. Motorists can drive through the creek at two shallow concrete fords on their way to the scenic picnic and camping areas.
The picnic areas have access to water, grills and tables. Four shelters, two of which were built by the CCC and feature limestone fireplaces, are located in the picnic areas.
Playgrounds for the children are near the picnic areas along with ample space for outdoor games.
Two of the four shelters can be reserved online using the ReserveAmerica website, and the other two are first-
Availability is generally not a problem aside from holiday weekends.
There is an alcohol ban in the campground all year round. Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table.
Youth group campgrounds are also available.
While pets are allowed in the park visitors are required to have proof of current rabies vaccination with them, and pets must be leashed at all times and not left unattended.
When early settlers arrived in the 1830s, they found this 700-acre 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.
come, first-served. Reservations are no longer being taken through the park office.
For hikers, the park has seven trails that traverse the park. Each trail has posted levels of difficulties to aid hikers in choosing which trail to fit 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 for the physically challenged.
Fishing is also a popular pastime at
the Pines, and anglers like to try their luck at catching catfish and smallmouth bass.
The park offers 103 campsites with vehicular access and a shower and flush toilet building.
Campsite hosts register guests and advise them of the rules and regulations.
Three sites, which are non-reservable, have electric hook-ups. Sites are also available for the physically challenged.
Campsites may be reserved by visiting the ReserveAmerica website.
Through efforts of Ogle County nature lovers, a bill appropriating $30,000 for 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.
The park is located on Pines Road approximately midway between Oregon and Polo.
To get there, take Illinois Route 2 south in Oregon and turn right onto Pines Road and go 8 miles to the park.
For more information about White Pines State Park, call 815-946-3717 or visit dnr.illinois.gov.
Shaw Local News Network file photos White Pines State Park has two fords where vehicles pass through Pine Creek.
LEFT: There are four footbridges for hikers to use to cross over Pine Creek inside White Pines State Park. ABOVE: The White Pines Lodge was constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Camping, nature, history, Lowden State Park has it all
Natural beauty, camping, picnicking, fishing and a historical statue await visitors to Lowden State Park.
The park’s most well-known feature is the Black Hawk Statue, which was recently refurbished.
Created by sculptor Lorado Taft more than a century ago as a tribute to Native Americans, the statue is made of concrete and reinforced with iron rods. The outer surface is composed of cement and pink granite chips.
The figure is estimated to weigh 100 tons and is thought to be the secondlargest concrete monolithic statue in the world.
The scenic park also offers fishing and boating, hiking, picnicking and camping.
The park’s picnic areas are graced by large spreading oak and maple trees that offer natural beauty as well as refreshing shade.
Conveniently located near the parking lots, the areas include tables, drinking water, park stoves, and outdoor toilets.
Lowden’s 80 Class A campsites include electricity, a shower building, and a sanitary dumping station for trailers.
Another option is the campground cabin which has two sets of bunk beds, a full-sized bed and electricity.
Also available are 38 Class B/S campsites, which do not offer electricity, but do have access to showers.
For the true wilderness experience, there are eight Class D primitive hike-in only campsites.
Contact park staff upon arrival for a
camping permit.
For hikers, almost 4 miles of foot trails lead visitors through the natural wonders and beauty of the park.
The scenic Rock River flows beside the park offering ample fishing and boating opportunities. A launching ramp and boat docks across the river from the park on Illinois Route 2 give boaters an ideal spot to get into the water for fishing or water skiing.
The boat launch is in its fifth year and has proved popular.
Boat fishermen can expect to catch largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, crappie, channel catfish, northern pike, walleye, bullhead, carp, sucker and drum.
What is now the park had its beginnings in 1898 when Chicago attorney Wallace Heckman and his wife Mary purchased the land where it now sits.
The couple had a great love of the outdoors and were patrons of the arts as well. They combined these two interests as an artists’ colony established on their Rock River property. The colony was called Eagles’ Nest, referring to a tall, dead cedar tree that clung to the high river bank.
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 the now Illinois Department of Natural Resources,
matched that amount so the former Eagles’ Nest land could be purchased as a memorial park.
In 1945, the 63rd General Assembly designated the 273-acre site as Lowden State Park. Six years later, the 66 acres that composed the actual Eagles’ Nest Colony were transferred to Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, for use as a outdoor teacher education program.
The site, called the Lorado Taft Field Campus, was renovated by NIU’s Indus-
trial Arts classes and used year-round for conducting natural science classes in an outdoor setting until NIU announced its closure in 2024.
A local effort has been launched to try and save the area as an outdoor education facility as the sale of the property is pending.
The park is located on River Road, northeast of Oregon. For more information about Lowden State Park call 815732-6828 or visit dnr.illinois.gov.
Shaw Local News Network file photos
A new plaza at the base of the 113-year-old Black Hawk statue was completed in 2024.
ABOVE: A vintage campter and station wagon make their way through the campground at Lowden State Park. RIGHT: The park offers electric and primitive camping sites that tend to fill up quickly.
River overlook just one perk of Castle Rock State Park
Castle Rock is Ogle County’s largest state park at 2,000 acres. It offers 6 miles of marked hiking trails, nearly 2 miles of bank fishing, a boat ramp, picnic areas, shelters, and plenty of flora and fauna.
And the park’s namesake, Castle Rock, offers visitors a birds-eye view of the Rock River Valley.
Castle Rock, the atypical element to this 28-year-old park, is a large sandstone bluff on the west side of the Rock River just off of Illinois Route 2 – the scenic state highway that passes through the park.
Hikers can reach the deck on the top of Castle Rock by a series of steps, where they are treated to a view of the Rock River and surrounding parklands.
The overlook is especially popular in the fall when the trees turn color.
From the overlook, visitors can view the river to the north and south and Lowden Miller State Forest, located on the opposite shore of the river. Many bird species can be viewed from the overlook including eagles in the winter and American redstarts, orioles, herons, bluebirds and turkey vultures in the summer months.
In the spring, visitors may also see white pelicans as they pass through on migration.
A parking lot at the base of the overlook is a good starting point to hike to the top of the overlook.
The boat ramp is open anytime the river is safe to enter. Parking for vehicles and boat trailers is available at the boat launch.
Many anglers take their boats out in the river to try their luck at catching catfish and other species that call the river home.
On the other side of Illinois Route 2 are hiking trails, picnic shelters, meadows, woodlands, wetlands and a 710-acre nature preserve.
There are three designated picnic shelters in the park. Two of them can be reserved for a fee. Picnic tables are also placed throughout the park, including some along the river at the boat launch and below the overlook.
The picnic areas are Valley View, Old
See CASTLE ROCK, page 5
Shaw Local News Network file photo
The overlook at Castle Rock State Park allows visitors to see the Rock River as it winds between the park and Lowden-Miller State Forest.
• CASTLE ROCK
Continued from page 4
Orchard, and Aspen Ridge. Each include shelters, grills, playground areas and toilets. Old Orchard is handicapped accessible.
Located at the southern edge of the park is a small wetland. Throughout the year, migrating birds can be spotted here. During the summer months, redwinged blackbirds, wild turkey and whitetailed deer are common visitors.
A primitive campsite, accessible only by canoe, offers 10 individual campsites and a group campsite, along with picnic tables, ground grills and a portable toilet during 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 6 miles of trails that are available year round.
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 located was inhabited by Native Americans for centuries before colonists from New England moved into the area in the early 1800s.
The 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 815-732-7329.
Creek Cabin
Grove, IL
Shaw Local News Network file photo
Two kayakers make their way south on the Rock River toward the Castle Rock State Park boat launch. The depth of the river south of the Oregon dam is a popular paddle for canoeists and kayakers.
Lowden-Miller State Forest offers history and wildlife
Hikers and bird watchers will love the 2,291-acre Lowden-Miller State Forest.
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 and owls also live in the forest.
For the past several years bald eagles have nested near the property and vigilant birders may get a glimpse of a bald eagle chick taking its maiden flight.
Eagles can be easily seen in the winter months as they travel the Rock River snaring 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.
The park offers equestrian trails that vary in length and difficulty.
Ample parking is provided for horse
trailers. Restroom facilities are not readily available.
Trails begin at each of the forest’s six parking lots.
Information boxes with brochures and maps are available at each trail head to help guide visitors.
Visitors can learn about some of the trees in the forest on the Loggers Trail, a self-guided nature trail that is approximately 11/2 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.”
To reach the state forest from Oregon, take Daysville Road south to Lowden Road. Turn right on Lowden Road and then right on Nashua Road.
For more information on LowdenMiller State Forest, call 815-732-7329.
Shaw Local News Network file photo
A white pelican lands in the Rock River. The large migratory birds pass through Ogle County as they head north to their breeding grounds.
Prairie, birds and maybe bison at Nachusa Grasslands
A trip to the Nachusa Grasslands offers modern-day visitors a glimpse at what pioneers may have experienced when their covered wagons ventured over the hills of Ogle County.
The Grasslands started 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, the grasslands 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 is 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, a dynamic
community of volunteer 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 Nachusa Grasslands were reintroduced to an old friend – the American bison. The Nature Conservancy, which operates the Grasslands, brought 30 bison to the preserve and the herd now numbers just over 100 with calves expected each spring.
Sometimes the herd can be seen from the Visitor’s Center. Visitors are reminded that the herd is a wild conservation herd with the ability to graze freely so they may not always be visible.
The grasslands hosts Autumn on the Prairie on the third Saturday in September each year.
The event features various booths, demonstrations, tours of the grasslands and barn, crafts and food.
To reach Nachusa Grasslands, take Daysville Road south from Oregon, then turn onto Lowden Road and continue south approximately 6 miles.
Shaw Local News Network file photo
A bison and her calf watch one of the bison tour wagons pass by the herd during the Nachusa Grassland’s Autumn on the Prairie. The event is held each September.
FAIRS, FESTIVALS, EVENTS
May 31 – June 1
Railroad Days – Rochelle Railroad Park, 124 N. Ninth St., Rochelle; railfans enjoy a weekend of trains, food, historic displays and games; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday; rochellerailroadpark.org and Facebook
Thursdays, June - July
River’s Edge Farmers Market – Behind Oregon Fire Department; 123 N. Second St., Oregon; fresh, locally grown produce, flowers and handmade crafts; live music on select dates; 5-7:30 p.m.; cityoforegon.org/rivers-edge-farmers-market and Facebook
June 6-7
Leaf River Daze – Free events include car show, June 7; antique tractor & engine show, June 6-8; fireworks, June 6; grand parade, June 8. The 14th Annual Forreston FFA Alumni Tractor and Truck Pull is Saturday, June 7, behind the River Valley Complex. The pull begins at noon with antique tractors, followed by farm stock tractors at 2 p.m., MTTPA trucks at 4 p.m., and finally MTTPA and ISP Trucks and Tractors at 7 p.m. Admission for that event is $15 for an all-day wrist band,
children ages 5 and younger get in free. All proceeds from the truck and tractor pull go to the Forreston FFA Alumni which supports the Forreston FFA Chapter. leafriversimmerdaze.org
June 11
Kable Band Concerts – Bandshell in Mt. Morris; featuring guest performers; concessions at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m.; mtmorrisil.net/concerts and encoremtmorris.com
June 13
Friday Night Jamboree – Mt. Morris; concessions at 6 p.m., concert at 7 p.m.; encoremtmorris.com and mtmorrisil.net
June 13-Aug. 24
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
June 14
Oregon Lions Club Father’s Day Car Show – Oregon Park East, 120 River Road, Oregon; 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; Facebook Porchfest – Mt. Morris; festival invites all genres of musicians to perform on porches, lawns; see website for map of locations; 1-5 p.m.; encoreporch-
fest.info
Davis Junction 150th Celebration – Davis Junction, join the community celebration. For details, visit davisjunction.com
June 17
Concerts in the Park – Oregon Park West, 1402 Koontz Place; free; bring a lawn chair, blanket; food truck vendors onsite; 6:30 p.m.; rain location Oregon Coliseum at Franklin and Fourth streets; oregonpark.org
June 18
Kable Band Concerts – Bandshell in Mt.
Morris; featuring guest performers; concessions at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m.; mtmorrisil.net/concerts and encoremtmorris.com
June 20
Friday Night Jamboree – Mt. Morris Bandshell; concessions at 6 p.m., concerts at 7 p.m.; encoremtmorris.com
June 24
Concerts in the Park – Oregon Park West, 1402 Koontz Place; free; bring a lawn chair, blanket; food truck vendors onsite; 6:30 p.m.; rain location Oregon Coliseum at Franklin and Fourth streets; oregonpark.org
June 25
Kable Band Concerts – Bandshell in Mt. Morris; featuring guest performers; concessions at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m.; mtmorrisil.net/concerts and encoremtmorris.com
June 26-29
Town and Country Days – Polo; entertainment, car show, craft show, carnival, parade, fireworks, beer garden and food; polodays.org and Facebook
Continued on page 9
FAIRS, FESTIVALS, EVENTS
June 27
Friday Night Jamboree – Mt. Morris Bandshell; concessions at 6 p.m., concerts at 7 p.m.; encoremtmorris.com
June 28
The Cypress House Outdoor Market – 718 10th Ave., Rochelle; visit Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. to find local produce, honey, farm eggs, fresh flowers and breads; cypresshouse.net
South Side Reverse Super Triathlon –Spring Lake Aquatic Park, 120 S. Seventh St., Rochelle; run, bike and then swim in this reverse order event for ages 12 and older; advance registration required; 8 a.m.; rochelleparkdistrict.org
July 4
Independence Day Celebration – Atwood Park, Rochelle; parade, band concert and fireworks; 1 p.m., fireworks at dusk; cityofrochelle.net and 815-562-6161
July 4-5
Let Freedom Ring Festival – Mt. Morris; includes a parade, live music, children’s activities, and fireworks at dusk July 4; lfrmtmorris.com and Facebook
July 7
Movies in the Park – Polo; grab blan-
kets and enjoy an outdoor movie; dusk; polochamber.org
July 8
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 9
Kable Band Concerts – Bandshell in Mt.
Te Ogle County Fair
after paid gate admission. Ages 4 & under free
July 30-August 3, 2025
Morris; featuring guest performers; concessions at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m.; mtmorrisil.net/concerts and encoremtmorris.com
July 11
Friday Night Jamboree – Mt. Morris Bandshell; concessions at 6 p.m., concerts at 7 p.m.; encoremtmorris.com
July 11-13
ByronFest – multiple locations in 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 12
Christmas in July Bags Tournament –Flight Deck, 1207 Gurler Road, Rochelle; show bags skills and bring a new in box toy for the toy drive; advance registration $40; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; rochelleparkdistrict.org
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
July 15
Concerts in the Park – Oregon Park West, 1402 Koontz Place; free; bring a
lawn chair, blanket; food truck vendors onsite; 6:30 p.m.; rain location Oregon Coliseum at Franklin and Fourth streets; oregonpark.org
July 16
Kable Band Concerts – Bandshell in Mt. Morris; featuring guest performers; concessions at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m.; mtmorrisil.net/concerts and encoremtmorris.com
July 18
Mt. Morris Jamboree – Mt. Morris Bandshell; concessions at 6 p.m., concerts at 7 p.m.; encoremtmorris.com
July 18-20
Glory Days Vintage Drag Race, Car Show & Swap Meet – 7287 N. River Road, Byron; schedule TBD; byrondragway. com
July 22
Concerts in the Park – Oregon Park West, 1402 Koontz Place; free; bring a lawn chair, blanket; food truck vendors onsite; Color Run at 6 p.m.; concert at 6:30 p.m.; rain location Oregon Coliseum at Franklin and Fourth streets; oregonpark.org
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SCHEDULE SCHEDULE
July 23
Kable Band Concerts – Bandshell in Mt. Morris; featuring guest performers; concessions at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m.; mtmorrisil.net/concerts and encoremtmorris.com
July 25
Friday Night Jamboree – Mt. Morris Bandshell; concessions at 6 p.m., concert at 7 p.m.; encoremtmorris.com
July 26
Outdoor Market – Cypress House 718 10th Ave., Rochelle, combination farmers market and artisan market; 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; enjoyrochelle.com and Facebook
July 29
Concerts in the Park – Oregon Park West, 1402 Koontz Place; free; bring a lawn chair, blanket; food truck vendors onsite; Color Run at 6 p.m.; concert at 6:30 p.m.; rain location Oregon Coliseum at Franklin and Fourth streets; oregonpark.org
July 30
Kable Band Concert – Bandshell in Mt. Morris; featuring guest performers; concessions at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m.; mtmorrisil.net/concerts and encoremtmorris.com
July 30-Aug. 3
Ogle County Fair – Ogle County Fairgrounds, 1440 Limekiln Road, Oregon; exhibits, entertainment, demolition derby, truck and tractor pull, rodeo, carnival and food; oglecountyfair.com
July 31-Aug. 3
Forreston Sauerkraut Days – Forreston; multi-day festival filled with a parade, food, entertainment, craft show, car show, sports, family movie night and much more; schedule TBD; Facebook
Thursdays, August-September
River’s Edge Farmers Market – Sarah Phelps Plaza, Oregon; the market moves to a new location and time for the second half of summer with fresh, locally grown produce, flowers; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; cityoforegon.org/rivers-edge-farmers-market and Facebook
Aug. 1
Friday Night Jamboree – Mt. Morris Bandshell; concessions at 6 p.m., concert at 7 p.m.; encoremtmorris.com
Aug. 8
Friday Night Jamboree – Mt. Morris Bandshell; concessions at 6 p.m., concers at 7 p.m.; encoremtmorris.com
Friday, Aug.15
Saturday, Aug. 16
Sunday, Aug. 17
Aug. 8-24
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. 9
Polo Car Show – Car, truck and motorcycle show, plus trivia competition and music; 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; polochamber.org
Aug. 15
Friday Night Jamboree – Mt. Morris Bandshell; concessions at 6 p.m., concert at 7 p.m.; encoremtmorris.com
Aug. 15-17
Lincoln Highway Heritage Festival –Rochelle; Little Miss Peanut pageant, car show, entertainment, beer garden, parade and more; lincolnhighwayheritagefestival.com or Facebook
Aug. 22
Friday Night Jamboree – Mt. Morris Bandshell; concessions at 6 p.m., concert at 7 p.m.; encoremtmorris.com
Aug. 29
Friday Night Jamboree – Mt. Morris Bandshell; concessions at 6 p.m., concert at 7 p.m.; encoremtmorris.com
Aug. 30
Outdoor Market – Cypress House 718 10th Ave., Rochelle, combination farmers market and artisan market; 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; enjoyrochelle.com and Facebook
Sept. 7
Grand Detour Arts Festival – John Deere Historic Site, 8334 S. Clinton St.; juried art show, student art, music and food; free admission; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; nextpictureshow.org/event/76thgrand-detour-arts-festival and Facebook
Continued on page 12
*FOOD COURT 4-10 P.M.
*AMUSEMENTS 4-10 P.M.
*BEER GARDEN 4-10 P.M. SPONSORED BY LISA’S PUB
*LITTLE MISS PEANUT 6-7 P.M.
*ROLLIN’ WHISKEY 8-10 P.M.
FUN IN THE PARK
FRIDAY AUGUST 15 SATURDAY AUGUST 16 *CAR SHOW 8 A.M.- 3 P.M.
*FOOD COURT 11 A.M.- 10 P.M.
*AMUSEMENTS 11 A.M.- 10 P.M.
*BEER GARDEN 11 A.M.-10 P.M. SPONSORED BY LISA’S PUB
*BLUE STEAM NOON-1 P.M.
*BALLET FOLKLORICO XOCHIQUETZAL 1-1:45 P.M.
*VANGUARDIA 2-4 P.M.
*STUDIO C DANCE 4-4:45 P.M.
*THE BEAUX BAND 5-7 P.M.
*HI INFIDELITY 8-10 P.M.
Atwood Park in Rochelle
SUNDAY AUGUST 17
*CRAFT & VENDOR SHOW 10 A.M.-4 P.M. *MAGIC MATT’S FAMILY FUN SHOW 11 A.M.- 6 P.M.
*BEER
FAIRS, FESTIVALS, EVENTS
Sept. 14
Tyler Smith 5K – Atwood Park in Rochelle; race to fund high school scholarships in honor of Tyler (Smitty) Smith; 9 a.m.; rochelleparkdistrict.org
Sept. 20
Autumn on the Prairie – Nachusa Grasslands Visitor Center, 2075 Lowden Road, Franklin Grove; see website for time; event includes guided hikes, food, exhibits and children activities; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; nachusagrasslands.org
Grist Mill Market Day – Franklin Creek Grist Mill, 1893 Twist Road, Franklin Grove. Watch the mill at work with corn grinding; tour the area and gift shop as well as food available for purchase; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; facebook.com/ franklincreekgristmill
Sept. 27
Outdoor Market – Cypress House 718 10th Ave., Rochelle, combination farmers market and artisan market; 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; enjoyrochelle.com and Facebook Chili Cook-Off – downtown Polo; sample the variety of chili and help select the best; see website and Facebook for schedule of events; poloil.gov
Sept. 27-28
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. 4-5
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 815-7323465
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 815-234-8535
Oct. 25
Outdoor Market – Cypress House 718 10th Ave., Rochelle, combination farmers market and artisan market; 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; enjoyrochelle.com
CAN Food Truck Festival – downtown Rochelle, Fifth Avenue and North Main Street. Let the kitchens on wheels prepare a great meal; 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; cityofrochelle.net
Nov. 30
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
December – Date TBD
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
Two great golf courses for golfers of all skill levels in DeKalb, Illinois!
Travel back in ‘base ball’ time with Oregon Ganymedes
The Oregon Ganymedes, a vintage ‘base ball’ team offers you a trip back in history – for free.
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.
“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. Admission to the games are free,” said Ganymedes captain Mark Herman.
But this year’s home games for the Ganymedes will be held at a new location since Oregon Park District workers have put temporary construction fences across the Ganymedes’ Iron Chest Field and spectator area as construction of a new playground, walking trails and other park upgrades are underway.
“This will likely keep the Ganymedes from playing at Oregon Park East for the rest of the summer,”
Herman said.
The Ganymedes received permission from the Oregon Park District for a new temporary field location for their 2025 home games at Oregon Park West, 1402 Koontz Place or 710 Oregon Trail Road. There are parking lots on both sides of the new field location.
“The clubs will be playing a game of 1858 rules base ball on a large grassy area of the park with a nice hill in center field and a prairie on the edge of right field. Home plate will be located just off the walking path behind the houses on 14th Street,” Herman said. “It should be a fun and memorable experience for both teams and fans. There is a large round bronze statue in dead center field at the top of the hill called ‘The Solar Reef’ that looks like something from ‘Star-
gate,’ the movie.”
For more information about the Ganymedes, visit the Oregon Ganymedes Facebook page.
2025 Schedule
• Saturday, June 14, 1 p.m., vs. DuPage Plowboys of Downers Grove at the John Deere Historic Site in Grand Detour
• Saturday and Sunday, June 21-22, TBA, Menomonie Vintage Base Ball Festival vs. teams from Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan at Phelan Park in Menomonie, Wisconsin
• Saturday and Sunday, July 12-13, TBA, 30th annual Akron Cup Tournament vs. 12 teams from Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and beyond at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens in Akron, Ohio
• Sunday, July 20, 1 p.m., vs. Creston Regulators of Creston at Oregon
• Sunday, Aug. 3, 1 p.m., vs. Creston Regulators of Creston at Lions Park in Malta
• Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 9-10, TBA, vs. 12 teams from five states at the 22nd annual Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation Greenfield Village World Tournament of Historic Base Ball in Dearborn, Michigan
• Sunday, Sept. 14, TBA, vs. Creston Regulators and DuPage Plowboys at Creston Booster Days Festival in Creston
Shaw Local News Network file photo
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 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
This farm dates to 1843. The Byron Forest Preserve has restored its buildings to allow future generations to learn about early country life.
Address: 8059 N. River Road
Phone: 815-234-8535, ext. 217
Online: byronforestpreserve.com/ facilities/heritage-farm-museum or find Byron Forest Preserve on Facebook
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 is on one of the highest points of the county, 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/ facilities/jarrett-prairie-center or find Byron Forest Preserve on Facebook
Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Admission: By 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/ facilities/weiskopf-observatory or find Byron Forest Preserve on Facebook
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, 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/en/connect-withjohn-deere/visit-john-deere/historic-site/ Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday and Tuesday
Admission: Free
Continued on page 15
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 a dramatic sloping of land and stunning scenic views.
Address: 5502 N. Silver Creek Road
Phone: 815-234-8535
Online: byronforestpreserve.com/preserves/bald-hill-prairie-preserve or find Byron Forest Preserve on Facebook
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 or find CMAAA on Facebook
Nash Recreation Center
The Oregon Park District is located in this state-of-the-art reccreational 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/facilities/ nash-rec-center/ 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, pickle ball court and seasonal restrooms
Address: 701 N. Fourth St.
Online: oregonpark.org/parks/mixpark/
Oregon Park East
This 23-acre site provides access above and below the Oregon dam 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/park-east 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/park-west
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 from the earliest settlers.
Address: 111 N. Sixth St.
Phone: 815-732-7545
Online: oglecountyhistoricalsociety. com or find The Ogle County Historical Society on Facebook
Hours: Sunday afternoons or by appointment
Admission: By donation
POLO
Polo History Museum
Online: rochellerailroadpark.org Continued from page 14
The building, a gift to the Polo Historical Society from Shaw Printing Co., houses vintage printing machines along with military memorabilia, surveying tools used to plot the Galena Trail in 1833, historic agricultural tools, and many 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
THE 64TH ANNUAL 2025 SEASON
TIMBERLAKE PLAYHOUSE
