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2019

OGLE COUNTY TRAVEL & TOURISM GUIDE

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PUBLICATION • MAY 17, 2019

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, May 17, 2019

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ROCKIN’ RIVER FEST

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Gate Fee $5/ Adults $3/ ages 13-17 12 & under FREE

The Etnyre Yellow Team competes at the Rockin’ River Fest’s Tug Across the Rock in 2018. Photo by Earleen Hinton

Rockin’ River Fest is set for Saturday, June 15. The family friendly, outdoor fun and activity event is filled with choices for all ages.

Located on the banks of the Rock River in Oregon, activities include competitive sports with cash prizes, trophies or awards, and bragging rights, of course; games for the kids with unique high quality prizes for every player; local cuisine, featuring a wide variety of options to satisfy every palate; live music and a beer garden; and an opportunity to connect with family and friends while enjoying the scenic beauty along the banks of the river.

Team sports play a big role in this kick off to summer and tourism in Oregon.

If competition and having fun with teammates is your thing, then the Tug Across the Rock is for you.

Details and guidelines on signing up a team can be found on the event web site at www.rockinriverfest.net.

Entry fees include free admission to the event and a team shirt.

The Adventure Triathlon consists of three challenges — running, bicycling, and kayaking/canoeing down the Rock.

This event takes place early morning before the festival gates open,

giving participants the chance to recover from their journey.

All fees include a race shirt and free admission to the event. Registration information can be found through the web site.

Bag some serious bucks at the “Toss ‘em Tourney” during the afternoon festivities.

The three top teams earn cash prizes.

Find a partner and check out the rules of participation on the event web site.

Live music is always a crowd pleaser and this year’s event welcomes “Falling Objects” and “Hillbilly Rockstarz.”

The popular Chicago area based bands bring a wide selection of familiar tunes crossing many genres of music to the stage.

Gates open at noon with entry fees of $5 for adults and $3 for youths ages 13-17. Children 12 and under are admitted free and must be accompanied by an adult.

Since safety of festival goers is a priority, note that no carry-ins or pets are allowed.

Martin & Company, is the 2019 Presenting Sponsor.

CHILL ZONE STAGE

LIVE MUSIC

“Rock River Adventure Tri” “Amazin’ Grazin’ Station” Food Court “Explore Oregon’s Arts & History” “Uniquely Oregon” Community Showcase “The Game Spot” “Riverside Chill Zone” (Adult Beverage Garden) “Tug Across the Rock” Chill Zone Stage - Live Music “Toss ‘Em Tourney“ (Bags Tournament) “Burgers and Classics” Cruise Event 50/50 Raffle Brought to you by

On the Cover: Bicyclists ride down Ridge Road during the Village of Progress’

annual Tour of Scenic Ogle County (TOSOC) biking event. White pelicans preen on an island in the Rock River below the Oregon dam. Two girls head out to find butterflies during the butterfly festival at The Northwest Illinois Audubon Society’s Elkhorn Creek Butterfly Festival. Bison graze at The Nature Conservancy’s Nachusa Grasslands. A bison is made of straw at the U.S. National Straw Sculpting Competition in Mt. Morris. A participant in the watermelon eating contest takes a bite at Forreston’s Sauerkraut Days.

www.rockinriverfest.net SM-ST1658192

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River fest offers plenty of outdoor family fun

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Saturday, June 15th, Noon - 11p Route 64 and The Rock River

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, May 17, 2019

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LOWDEN STATE PARK

Iconic statue gets long-awaited repairs this year Black Hawk Statue is located in the Lowden State Park At long last, Lowden State Park’s best-known feature is slated to get much-needed repairs this summer.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources officials have promised to take off the protective plastic wrapping and get to work on the Eternal Indian, better known as Black Hawk, possibly in early June.

The 48-foot concrete statue, which stands on a bluff overlooking the Rock River, has been shrouded in black plastic since late last fall, as well as off and on for the last five years, to protect it from the elements while it awaits the much-needed repairs to its deteriorating surface.

For scenic relaxation and recreation, few places rival Lowden, just up River Road from Oregon.

Natural beauty, camping, picnicking, and boating — Lowden offers all that and more.

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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, outdoor toilets and litter cans.

Leonard Quirk operates his concession stand in one of the shaded picnic areas on the main road into the park.

He offers Vienna (Chicago style) hot dogs, hot pretzels, pizza, popcorn, as well as other treats.

The concession stand also carries some camping supplies.

He is open on weekends and some weekdays as well.

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. The head of the Black Hawk statue emerges as workers pull off the black plastic tarp

See STATUE, Page 5

last summer. It was put back on the statue last fall and as of May 11 had not been taken off for this year’s work. Photo by Vinde Wells

• STATUE Continued from Page 4

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Enjoy These Festivals This Summer!

Leaf River Summer Daze May 31st - June 2nd, 2019

For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit our website www.leafriversummerdaze.org

White Pines Roller Rink Two for One Admission Two skaters will get in for the price of one, any regular session.

Friday 7-10 & Saturday 7-11 Saturday & Sunday Afternoons 1-5 pm

815-946-9988 www.skatingfun.com

Stillman Valley Fall Fest September 27th - September 29th, 2019

• Car Show • Carnival • Helicopter Rides • Antique Tractor Show • Entertainment • 5K Run • Street Dance • Parade • Hobbies & Crafts • Food Booths

Located on Pines Rd., across from White Pines State Park.

Skate rental not included. Not good with any other coupon or offer. 09-01-2019

For a complete schedule, visit our website www.stillmanvalleyfallfestival.com Find Us on Facebook

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Historical Museum • Antique Tractor/Engine Show Diesel & Street Truck Pulls • Fireman’s Breakfast Lions Club Car Show • Greased Pig Competition Food Concessions • Beer Garden • Fireworks

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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 8 Class D primitive hike-in only campsites.

Contact park staff upon arrival for a camping permit.

For hikers, almost four 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 Ill. 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 IDNR, 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 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 Industrial Arts classes and is used year-round for conducting natural science classes in an outdoor setting.

The park is located on River Road, northeast of Oregon

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, May 17, 2019

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NACHUSA GRASSLANDS

Bison just one attraction at Nachusa Grasslands After five years roaming the prairie, the bison at Nachusa Grasslands seem to like their home.

What began as 30 bison relocated to the 3,800-acre natural prairie preserve, owned by The Nature Conservancy, near Franklin Grove, has grown into a herd of 110, with more on the way. Calving season is just beginning at Nachusa.

The numbers are right where the staff wants them, and they couldn’t be more pleased with how the bison

herd has come along, and has become a big attraction to draw in visitors.

“Oh, yeah, they really are the rock stars. People are excited about the bison and are always asking about them,” said Cody Considine, resource ecologist for Nachusa. “I grew up in Dixon, and when I see people I know, they don’t ask about my family or anyone they ask about the bison.”

See GRASSLANDS, Page 8

FIRE ESCAPE

A bison licks his nose as he walks along a wetland at the Nachusa Grasslands. Photo by Earleen Hinton

InRealLife

Think

Green

Interesting • Informative • Educational Seventeenth Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair

August 10, 2019 Byron Forest Preserve, 7993 N River Road, Byron illinoisrenew.org SM-ST1658460

815-732-7332

VISITNORTHWESTILLINOIS.COM #NWillinoisIRL

EMERGENCY INFORMATION

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Great River Road Antiques

sirens are tested on the first Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m.

Anyone camping in the county should ask about safety procedures at check-in.

The shower buildings at campsites are a good place to wait out a storm.

If there are no buildings available find a low spot, like a ditch, without any power lines nearby.

In the event of emergencies call 911.

Heron Hunting A great blue heron hunts for dinner at dusk in Pine Creek inside White Pines State Park. Photo by Earleen Hinton

Timber Lake Playhouse (TLP), the professional summer theatre of northwestern Illinois, has the shows you will love: hot new shows just leaving Broadway, great American plays, everyone’s “old favorite” musicals, and the best in country, pop, and rock-n-roll revues.

Timber Lake Playhouse hires the best young theatrical talent from all over the United States, and we regularly bring back talented alumni who have gone on to stellar careers on Broadway, TV and Film. Noted past performers are Tony Winning Actress Jayne Houdyshell, Michael Gross (Family Ties), Andrea McArdle (Broadway’s original Annie), Jennifer Garner and Saundra Santiago (Miami Vice, Guiding Light, The Sopranos, and Broadway's Evita and more). Santiago last appeared at TLP in 2016 as Rose in Gypsy.

Located just south of Mount Carroll, Illinois about 10 miles from the Mississippi River, TLP is a short drive from Fulton, Sterling and Rockford, Illinois. The current theatre building opened in 1975 with 371 seats. The building is fully air conditioned, and the fifteen-acre wooded campus is perfect for any other activity you and your guests desire. From picnicking on the deck overlooking beautiful Timber Lake to attending a pre-show activity in our newly acquired rustic barn, or walking through the woods on the nature trails to dining on The Deck prior to our weekend shows, TLP is a great destination for a day of fun.

Check out our website at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org for more information about our shows and other activities.

SUMMER SUBSCRIPTION SERIES May 30 through September 2 GET THESE SIX SHOWS FOR THE PRICE OF FOUR

Throughout the Summer Telling stories that inspire & entertain

Flea Market OPEN 9am - 4pm Every weekend April through October

Mall located on Route 84 between Thomson & Fulton Mall Hours: 10-6pm (April - October) 10-5pm (November - March) Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas Day (815) 589-3355

The best talent from around the country

8215 BLACK OACK ROAD • MOUNT CARROLL, IL 61053 815.244.2035 • WWW.TIMBERLAKEPLAYHOUSE.ORG

• Friday, May 17, 2019

Emergency services are available to keep visitors and residents in Ogle County safe no matter where they are.

An outdoor warning system is in place with sirens to alert the public to approaching severe storms and other emergencies.

The public warning system alert is a straight sound blast for one to three minutes and will be sounded if a tornado is determined to be in the area. The sirens are activated by the county’s 911 center.

The siren blast is meant to alert the public to go inside and tune in to a radio station or TV channel for more information on what kind of emergency is going on and what action to take.

If the siren goes off, don’t call 911 to find out what the emergency is.

Turn on the TV or radio instead.

If emergency information is unavailable on the radio or TV, call the sheriff’s department at 815-7326666.

Since Ogle County does not sound an all-clear when the emergency is over, listen to the radio or TV to find out when its safe.

Ogle County Emergency Management Agency Director Tom Richter advised the public to keep abreast of weather conditions and other situations using all media available.

“Folks should not rely solely on established warning systems but be proactive in monitoring all standard and social media platforms for information and preparedness actions; especially regarding weather and civil disobedience related situations,” he said.

Local TV stations are based in Rockford and are: WIFR Channel 23, WTVO Channel 17, and WREX, Channel 13.

The primary radio station for emergency information is WRHL, Rochelle, which is located at 1060 on the AM dial.

Visitors need to be aware that the

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Outdoor warning system in place throughout county

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, May 17, 2019

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Festivals, fairs, special events offer year-round fun May 31-June 1 Leaf River Summer Daze; Leaf River; antique tractor show, car show, craft show, bags tournament, children’s activities, parade, fireworks and more; leafriversummerdaze.org or Paul Lindstrom at 815-738-2761 June 8 PorchFest; Mt. Morris; musicians perform on residents’ porches from 1 to 5 p.m., followed by a concert at the

bandshell downtown, with food vendors; maps available on the day of the event at the Old Sandstone Gallery, 122 S. Wesley Ave.; encoreporchfest.info June 12-16 Town and Country Days; Polo; entertainment, car show, craft show, carnival, parade, fireworks, beer garden and food; admission is $5 for beer garden; polodays.org, Facebook or John Miller at 815-973-3507

June 15 Rockin’ River Fest; Washington and Second streets along the Rock River in Oregon; gated event will feature various food vendors, a beer garden, family activities, a teen area, an entertainment stage and more; will also include The Pedal Paddle Race triathlon and Tug Across The Rock; 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; $5, $3 ages 4-12; rockinriverfest.net or Facebook

June 16 Oregon Lion’s Club Father’s Day Car Show and Pancake Breakfast; Oregon Park East at North River Road and Mix Lane; all-you-can-eat breakfast, lunch will be sold, live music, trophies to Top 50 and more; 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; Ron Arneson at 815-751-5857 or Doug Aken at 815-440-3581 See CALENDAR OF EVENTS, Page 9

• GRASSLANDS Continued from Page 6 The goal was for the herd to hit an optimum 110 animals, which happened last year. In fact, they had more bison than they would have liked last year so they had to find new homes for a few.

“Last fall we had our first bison sale because we reached our herd size that we want to maintain,” Considine said. “We sold 23 animals, and there will be more this fall since we have about 30 to 40 calves each year.”

The baby bison boom happens in April and May, and already three calves have been born. As soon as the calves start coming, so do the crowds.

“As soon as the weather gets nice, people will flock out here to get a glimpse,” he said.

When Elizabeth Bach was hired as an ecosystem restoration scientist last year, she made it a priority to update how the staff keeps track of the bison herd.

“She’s really ramping up the science and research part. It’s pretty unique,” Considine said. “In fact, we recently worked with a bison researcher who completed a study on Nachusa.”

The new visitor center, which opened last summer, also has been a big success.

It offers an outdoor classroom and plenty of displays to give visitors a good grasp of the ecology and work that takes place at the grasslands.

As soon as people arrive at the visitor center, though, the questions start coming about where they can see the star attraction.

“They are pretty excited about bison conservation,” Considine said. “The community has a special place in their hearts for the bison.”

The Grasslands offers visitors a glimpse at what the pioneers saw when their covered wagons ventured into Ogle County 180 years

ABOVE: A bison calf walks behind mom at the Nachusa Grasslands. BELOW: Two people stop along Lowden Road to take photos and video of the bison as the graze along Lowden Road at the Grasslands. Photos by Earleen Hinton ago.

The bison complete the picture and, more importantly, greatly enhance the ecosystem at the Grasslands with their grazing and wallowing. Visitors need to keep in mind that the bison herd is wild and may not always be seen from the roads surrounding the site.

Started more than three decades ago with less than 300 acres of partially over-grazed pastures, the Grasslands has grown to 3,500 acres of native prairie plants and wildlife, restored largely through the efforts of volunteers.

The Nachusa Grasslands headquarters barn is at 2075 Lowden Road about 10 miles southeast of Oregon.

• CALENDAR

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Continued from Page 8

July 4-7 Let Freedom Ring Festival; Mt. Morris; entertainment, children’s activities, truck show, craft fair, parade, fireworks and food; parade 2 p.m. July 4, fireworks at dusk July 4; letfreedomringfestival. com or Facebook July 12-14 ByronFest; Byron; carnival, car show, quilt show, arts and crafts show, bags and softball tournaments, 5K walk/run, fitness challenge, entertainment, parade and food; admission is $8; byronfest.org or 815-234-5500

July 31-Aug. 4 Ogle County Fair; Ogle County Fairgrounds, 1440 Limekiln Road, Oregon; exhibits, entertainment, demolition derby, truck and tractor pull, rodeo, carnival and food; admission is $8; oglecountyfair.com or 815-732-6962 Aug. 2-4 Sauerkraut Days & Hometown Days; Forreston; three days of food and fun; the American Legion Riders and American Legion Auxiliary car and bike show at Forreston Park on Saturday; 815-9382240 or 815-938-2000 Aug. 2-4 Green Iron Days; John Deere Historic Site, 8334 S. Clinton St., Grand Detour, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; this unique biennial event brings dozens of vintage tractors and machinery. Call 815-652-4551 Aug. 9-25 U.S. National Straw Sculpting Competition; downtown campus in Mt. Morris; hosted by Encore! Mt. Morris, artists are invited to try their skills at crating a sculpture of straw and the results are displayed for public viewing; encoremtmorris.com Aug. 10 Polo Car Show; car, truck and motorcycle show and swap meet, plus trivia competition, music and 50/50 raffle; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; poloil.org or 815-946-3131

ABOVE: Dalton Morris performs a flaming rope routine during the Big Hat Rodeo during the 2018 Ogle County Fair. A rodeo is planned again for this year. BELOW: Briggz Schreck, 5, Evelyn Mullen, 10, Atticus Mullen, 6, and Lilyann, Schreck, 3, dance in a circle at one of the Oregon Park District’s Concerts in the Park in 2018. Visit www.oregonpark.org for this year’s schedule. Photos by Earleen Hinton

Aug. 10 Illinois Renewable Energy & Lifestyle Fair; Ogle County Fairgrounds, 1440 Limekiln Road, Oregon; renewable energy and sustainable living ideas, plus children’s activities, entertainment and food; illinoisrenew.org or 815-732-7332 Aug. 11 Rock River Riders Mud Bog; www. rrrmc.org or call 815-970-5837 Aug. 16-18 Lincoln Highway Heritage Festival; Rochelle; Little Miss Peanut pageant, car show, entertainment, beer garden, parade and more; lincolnhighwayheritagefestival.com Sept. 8 Grand Detour Arts Festival; John Deere Historic Site, 8334 S. Clinton St., Grand Detour; juried art show, student art, music and food; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; thenextpictureshow.com or 815-6528663 Sept. 27-29 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 Sept. 28 TOSOC — Tour of Scenic Ogle County; ride your bicycle through the beautiful countryside on one of three mapped-out routes, ranging in length

from 10 to 62 miles; register at 7 a.m. at the Village of Progress, 710 S. 13th St., Oregon; https://villageofprogress.org/ tosoc-bike-ride/ or 815-732-2126

horse-drawn carriage rides, reindeer, visits with Santa, holiday gift fair and more; 4-8 p.m.; oregonil.com or 815732-2100

Sept. 28 Chili Cook-Off; Polo; chili cook-off, annual Larry Lannen blood drive and all-town rummage sales; blood drive at 9 a.m., chili tasting at noon; poloil.org or 815-946-3131

Dec. 6-7 Christmas in the Country, downtown Forreston, holiday bargains, bazaar and cookie sales, horse-drawn carriage rides, a visit from Santa, music and more; 815938-2240 or 815-938-2000

Oct. 5-6 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 Nov. 23 Candlelight Walk; downtown Oregon;

Dec. 7 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

• Friday, May 17, 2019

July 20 Rock River Riders Motorcycle Hillclimb; 2 p.m.; www.rrrmc.org or call 815-970-5837

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June 16 Rock River Riders Motorcycle Hillclimb; 11 a.m.; www.rrrmc.org or call 815-970-5837

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, May 17, 2019

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FALL FESTIVAL

Parade, food, fun at Oregon’s Autumn on Parade If you love a parade and like to shop for special homemade items you won’t want to miss Oregon’s Autumn on Parade scheduled for Saturday and Sunday Oct. 5-6.

This popular festival is marking its 49th anniversary and continues to be organized and run by local volunteers.

The theme for the popular two-day event is “A Salute to the Black Hawk Statue”.

Crafts and collectibles, an Olde English Faire, a parade with marching bands and floats, strolling entertainers, and lots of good treats to eat are just some of the usual staples of this year’s festival.

The two-day event has evolved into one of the most popular and largest festivals in northwestern Illinois – and most of its attractions are free.

The heart of the festival is the Farmers Market and Craft Fair that features upward of 180 vendors who sell a variety of arts and crafts ranging from handmade wood items to homemade baked breads.

Booths are set up around the lawn of the historic Ogle County Courthouse and surrounding streets on both Saturday and Sunday.

Ornamental produce, locally produced honey, jewelry, soaps, candles, antiques, seasonal items, and

On Sunday, Autumn on Parade’s annual Harvest Time parade will march on the streets of Oregon.

The annual event, which has about 125 entries each year, is known as one of the most entertaining parades in the region.

Entertainment this year includes The Jesse White Tumblers and South Shore Chicago Drill Team.

Marching bands, clowns, queens and local floats also participate in the parade. South Shore will also perform a post parade show following the parade.

Other Autumn on Parade events include:

Olde English Faire at Stronghold

Mathias Sosa, 6, of Oregon, balances a spinning ball on his nose and gets a thumbs up from entertainer Jason Kollum at the 2018 Autumn on Parade. Photo by Earleen Hinton homemade pies are just a few of the hundreds of items that can be found throughout the show.

Visitors to Autumn on Parade can also partake of a variety of scrumptious treats in the Food Court, where local not-for-profit organizations prepare their specialties each year.

Apple fritters, pork chop and

ribeye sandwiches, funnel cakes, bratwurst, kettle corn, and gyros are just some of the items offered.

The festival is one of the major fundraising events for most of the agencies and groups that are in the food court.

On Saturday, performers will stroll the courthouse lawn.

Step back in time to see what life might have been like during the Renaissance.

The Olde English Faire will open at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. The gates close at 4 p.m.

Events include tours of Stronghold Castle, where visitors can explore the Great Hall, the library with a ceiling painted by Russian artist Nicholas Kasaroff, the Rumpelstiltskin room and, of course, a secret passageway, hidden in one of the rooms.

See AUTUMN ON PARADE, Page 14

Come & learn how Ronald Reagan got from a white house in Dixon, Illinois to

The White House!

Docent D oc guided tours.

Virtual tour available in the Visitor Center theater.

Call or visit our website for Group Tour information Plan approximately one hour for your Home and Visitors Center experience.

Visitor Center 810 S. Hennepin Ave Dixon, Illinois 61021

Reagan Home 816 S. Hennepin Ave Dixon, Illinois 61021

Now - October 31st Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday 1pm - 5pm

(815) 288-5176 • www.reaganhome.org • Director@reaganhome.org https://www.gofundme.com/z7zvyt-ronald-reagan-boyhood-home-preservation-foundation

CASTLE ROCK STATE PARK

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ed 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, 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 fisherman 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 Ill. 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,

Randy Barcai, of Ashton, and Andy Bartelt, of Polo, paddle to the bank at Castle Rock State Park to finish the Rock River Tri at last year’s Rockin’ River Fest. Photo by Earleen Hinton Old Orchard, and Aspen Ridge. Each include shelters, grills, playground areas, and toilets. Old Orchard is handicapped accessible.

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.

The park is approximately three miles south of Oregon.

The site technician is Quentin Snook. For more information, call 815-732-7329.

WHITE PINES RANCH Horsin’ and Kiddin’ around since 1958

SPRING & FALL RATES Weekday - $20 for 18, $10 for 9 Weekend - $25 for 18, $13 for 9 SUMMER RATES (May 25th - August 30th) Weekday - $29 for 18, $16 for 9 Weekend - $39 for 18, $20 for 9 All rate include cart.

www.whitepinesranch.com 3581 West Pines Rd., Oregon, IL Phone: 815-732-7923 SM-ST1658469

577 US Highway 52, Sublette, IL (Located on Rt. 52 Between Amboy & Sublette)

Special Hole in One Contest Hole #9, camera witnessed $100/year entry or $5 per day of play.

Pot over $1000 and growing! www.shadyoakscc.com (815) 849-5424 Like us on Facebook!

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Summer Camp • Weekend Retreats for Scouts, Families & Youth Groups Outdoor Education • Horseback Riding

Kids 13 and under always play free with a paying adult or member.

New kids clubs available for free use.

Watch the website for Junior golf information.

• Friday, May 17, 2019

The breath-taking view of the Rock River from the overlook is one of the things that keeps visitors coming to Castle Rock State Park.

Hiking, fishing, and boating are also important features of Castle Rock, Ogle County’s largest state park.

The overlook is especially popular in the fall when the trees turn color.

The 2,000-acre site offers six miles of marked hiking trails, nearly two miles of bank fishing, a boat ramp, picnic areas, shelters, and plenty of flora and fauna.

The park’s namesake, Castle Rock or the “overlook” offers visitors a birds-eye view of the Rock River Valley.

Castle Rock, the atypical element to this park, is a large sandstone bluff on the west side of the Rock River just off of Illinois 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.

From the overlook, visitors can view the river to the north and south and Lowden Miller State Forest, locat-

RANGER | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

View keeps visitors coming back to Castle Rock

WHITE PINES STATE PARK

White Pines’ scenic beauty drew movie crew White Pines State Park attained rock star status last summer when it became the setting for a movie.

A Chicago film crew visited the park, as well as locations to the west, to shoot scenes for an HBO series called “Lovecraft Country.”

“We chose that area for its topography ... we needed something with an open landscape,” said film location manager Wes Hagan.

Situated along the banks of the meandering Pine and Spring Creeks, the White Pines o f f e r s visitors not only an abundance of natural beauty, but also a rich history.

The well-maintained 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, now called the White Pines Resort, was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s, and although it has undergone renovations and a recent expansion, 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.

Site Superintendent Matt Hoogerwerf and the staff at the park coordinate services with the

White Pines State Park has two fords that motorists can drive through when Pine Creek water levels permit safe passage. Pedestrians should use one of four footbridges to cross over the creek. Photo by Earleen Hinton resort, which is managed by Elizabeth George.

The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with dinner theaters March through December.

An expansion of the dining room and dinner

Ogle County Fair July 31 - August 4 st

th

Visit our website for more details www.oglecountyfair.com

theatre completed in 2017 will allow space for business retreats. A natural gas-powered generator ensures that the lodge area will have electric

See PINES, Page 13

Carroll County Fair August Aug A ugust gu g ust stt 6 6-10 -10 10

TUESDAY AUGUST 6TH Illini State Truck Pullers & Tri-County Pullers Inc. 6:30 PM

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 7TH Antique Tractor Parade at 5:00 PM

& Badger State Tractor Pullers at 6:30 PM

THURSDAY AUGUST 8TH

FRIDAY AUGUST 9TH

SATURDAY AUGUST 10TH

Rice Bull

Brooke Byam & the peOple at 6:30 PM & Jerrod Niemann Concert at 8:00 PM

Power Wheel Kid’s Demo at 6:30 PM

Riding & Barrel Racing

at 7:00 PM

& Demolition Derby at 7:00 PM

28374 MILLEDGEVILLE ROAD ALL EVENTS AT THE FAIRGROUNDS, MILLEDGEVILLE, IL

www.carrollcountyfair.info • 815-225-7444

201 9 Polo Town & Country Days June 12th –16th

SM-ST1658466

Carnival Rides & Bingo all weekend, Fireworks on Thursday, Beer Garden on Friday & Saturday nights.

SM-ST1653200

Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, May 17, 2019

| RANGER

12

Visit our website at www.polodays.org

• PINES

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Continued from Page 12

Transport workers tend to some of the antique cars used last summer in the HBO series filmed at White Pines State Park. Pictured with the Packard woody are two 1949 Fords and a 1950 Ford. Photo by Earleen Hinton emerald ash borer. All laws and regulations are strictly enforced.

The park is located on Pines Road approximately midway between Oregon and Polo.

For more information about White Pines State Park call 815-9463717 or visit the website at https:// www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Pages/ WhitePinesForest.aspx.

Jarrett Prairie Center Natural History Museum 7993 North River Road, Byron, IL Enjoy these free activities: Explore 4,000 square feet of new and interactive exhibits Play with hands-on learning opportunities suited for visitors of all ages Enjoy showings in our immersive indoor theater designed to educate visitors on prairie ecology Design your own farm at our plow exhibit Take in the season at our prairie overlook area

www.byronforestpreserve.com 815-234-8535

!

for Win ily to Da es ter nc En Cha re

Mo

THE POLO ROOM 712 N. Division Ave • Polo, IL

815-946-2886

SM-ST1658441

Dine In or Carry Out • Credit & Debit Cards Accepted Open Thursdays thru Saturdays 5pm - 1am Sundayss No Noon on - 55pm pm

New Prizes Monthly!

To view current prizes and to download the app, visit www.aeplayer.com

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One of the largest Absinthe collections in the state! stat st ate! e!

$1.25 Bud LLight ight Dra Drafts

Friday & Saturday Dinner Specials!

FREE Local Delivery Available!

Present this coupon to receive up to

$10 MATCH PLAY ON VIDEO GAMING! Expires 10/31/19 Limit one coupon per day, per customer.

Only original ads from paper will be honored, no photo copies.

• Friday, May 17, 2019

site has a fire ring and a picnic table.

Firewood must be purchased locally as most neighboring counties fall into the quarantine areas for the non transportation of firewood due to the

RANGER | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

power even after storms.

The 385-acre park has tall trees, wildflowers, abundant wildlife, and the two creeks which run through the park along towering limestone bluffs.

One of the park’s most unique features is its fords. Motorists can actually 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.

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.

A nature trail with a limestone-screened path is accessible for the physically challenged.

When snow covers the ground, the trails are ideal for cross-country skiing. Two trails are available for cross-country skiing totaling 4.5 miles of groomed trails when weather permits.

Fishing is also a popular pastime at the Pines, and anglers like to try their luck at catching catfish and smallmouth bass in the swift-moving streams.

The park offers 103 campsites with vehicular access and a shower and flush toilet building.

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.com website. Availability is generally not a problem aside from holiday weekends. There is an alcohol ban in the campground all year around. Each

• AUTUMN ON PARADE

14

Faire weekend is the only time that the Castle is open for tours without reservations.

There is an admission fee for this event. Shuttle service is offered from downtown Oregon on Saturday only.

For more information, call the Stronghold Conference Center, 815732-6111 or visit: www.strongholdcenter.org.

Car Show Focus House, an Ogle County owned youth residential facility operated by the Ogle County Probation Department, will run the Autumn on Parade Car Show on Saturday at Oregon Park East.

Show times are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. with awards scheduled for 2 p.m.

Announcements & DJ will be by 3-D Sound

Tractor Classic

Quebec Dos Pinas, a 23-year-old Lusitana gelding, was sporting a unicorn horn at the 2018 Olde English Faire during Autumn on Parade at the Stronghold Camp & Retreat Center. Riding the horse is his owner Jill McClare of Grayslake. Photo by Earleen Hinton

The 27th annual Autumn on Parade Antique Tractor Classic will also be held at Oregon Park East on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This event showcases the rich agriculture heritage in Ogle and other northern Illinois counties.

Visitors will see restored and, sometimes, unrestored farm tractors as well as gas engine exhibits.

Chana School Museum The historic Chana School, also located in Oregon Park East, will be open for tours on Saturday.

The two-room rural schoolhouse was built in nearby Chana in 1883 and moved to Oregon Park East, where it was restored by local volunteers.

Fun Zone This event is located in the Oregon Coliseum on the corner of Fourth and Franklin Streets, one block north of the courthouse square.

5k and Fun Run The Autumn on Parade 5k Run and 1-Mile Fun Run will be on Sunday morning.

One-mile runners will begin the day at 8 am followed by the 5K participants at approximately 8:30 a.m.

See the AOP website for a print out of the 5K course.

60/40 Raffle That’s right—the winner takes home 60 percent of the pot while Autumn on Parade keeps 40 percent.

Six tickets cost $5. Proceeds benefit Autumn on Parade.

For more information, visit www. autumnonparade.org.

R u n To Th e

2204 N. 2nd Street Clinton, IA 52732 563-243-2296 Open 10 - 5 Tues. - Sun.

i n Le e C ounty!

located in the Historic Ball Mansion

Upcoming Events

Email us at: thebspoke@gmail.com SM-ST1653938

Ashton Lions Club Car Show

Wide variety of quality goods

JUNE 9 • ASHTON

World War II Re-Created

MUSIC & ART

FAIRS & FEST IVALS

JUNE 21-23 • DIXON

55th Annual Petunia Festival JULY 3-7 • DIXON

149th WHITESIDE COUNTY FAIR

SM-ST1653193

August 13-17, 2019 Morrison, IL $119,000 in Premiums www.whitesidecountyfair.org

Lee County 4-H Fair & Jr Show JULY 25-28 • AMBOY

Harvest Festival & LHAEA Antique Tractor Show

CAMPING & NAT URE

AUG 2-4 • FRANKLIN GROVE

Depot Days & Car Show AUG 22-25 • AMBOY

Lions Club Labor Day Celebration

RONALD REAGAN BOYHOOD HOME & VISITORS CENTER

SEPT 1-2 • PAW PAW

Nachusa Grasslands Autumn on the Prairie

SEPT 21 • FRANKLIN GROVE

HISTORY & MUSEUMS

DON’T MISS A THING!

leecountyfun.com SM-ST1652607

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Continued from Page 10

For more information, call Stan Eden at 815-732-7746.

• 815.288.1840

SEE WHAT’S HAPPENING!

leecountyfun.events

LOWDEN-MILLER STATE FOREST

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 one and a half miles long. It is accessible from parking lot one.

Each of the 35 stations along the Loggers Trail offers information

about the woodlands and shows how to identify trees, plants and animal tracks.

While camping facilities are not available at Lowden-Miller State Forest, but other nearby state sites offer them, including Lowden State Park and White Pines Forest State Park.

For more information on Lowden Miller State Forest, call 815-732-7329.

The PAPER A white pelican soars in the air above the Rock River in Ogle County.

Photo by Earleen Hinton white pelicans are often visible in the air and on the river.

The state forest is located on the east bank of the Rock River directly across from Castle Rock State Park.

The forest also has hunting seasons for squirrel, turkey, and deer.

Trails begin at each of the forest’s six parking lots.

ESCAPE

WPN Play site, Comic Books, Trading Cards and Supplies, Role Playing Games and Accessories, Fantasy Collectibles, Magic Cards & Much More!

205 W. First St., Dixon 815-284-7567 • www.paperescape.com SM-ST1658434

ATV National

June 15-16

Spectator/ Family Friendly event!

Saturday $20 Adults, $10 Kids 6-11 yrs, Sunday $15 Adults, $10 Kids 6-11 yrs

www.sunsetridgemx.com

SM-ST1653155

Over 35 years in Dixon!

• Friday, May 17, 2019

Twenty miles of hiking trails and six miles of equestrian trails at Lowden-Miller State Forest offer a close-up look at natural beauty in summer and winter.

The state forest is a haven for all nature-enthusiasts, and especially for hikers, bird watchers, cross-country skiers, and horseback riders.

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 are really lucky, an occasional pilated woodpecker. Great blue herons, turkey vultures, wild turkey, and owls also live in the forest.

Visitors to the park can see wildlife and wildflowers from just about any of the forest’s hiking trails.

For the past several years bald eagles have nested along the Rock River and can be seen in the winter months as they snare fish from the open water areas north and south of the dam in Oregon.

In the spring and early summer,

RANGER | Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com

Lowden-Miller offers wildlife viewing, hiking trails

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Ogle County Newspapers / oglecountynews.com • Friday, May 17, 2019

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49th Annual

Oct. 5-6, 2019

Autumn on Parade 2019 Theme: A Salute to the Black Hawk Statue The historic Ogle County Courthouse in downtown Oregon, Illinois provides the back-drop for this popular festival.

Free entertainment and a variety of family-oriented events and activities are offered.

Arts & Crafts Farmers’ Market 180+ vendors offer handmade, homegrown and collectible items including antiques and garden produce. Located on the Historic Ogle County Courthouse and surrounding streets on Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. & Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Harvest Time Parade Watch more than 100 parade units wind their way through town on tree-lined streets Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m.

Food Court Please your palate with delicious foods from our food court. Booths by local not-for-profit organizations.

Olde English Faire Tour Stronghold Castle and relive history at this faire. Admission charged.

Plus...

Antique Tractor Show, Auto Show, 5K, 60/40 Raffle, Fun Zone for kids... and more!

www.autumnonparade.org •815-732-3465