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Permit No. 440 Sterling, IL 61081 P.O. Box 498 Sterling, IL 61081
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Published by Sauk Valley Media
A guide to activities in Northern Illinois and Eastern Iowa
V
2018-2019
oyager
things to do with a river view
Share System Clinton, Iowa
www.visitclintoniowa.com
@visitclintoniowa
Voyager 2018-19
Inside Bureau County
Calendar of events...... 9-10 Tourist attractions...... 11-12
Carroll County
Calendar of events.... 13-15 Tourist attractions...... 16-18
Clinton, Iowa
Calendar of events.... 20-21 Tourist attractions...... 24-27
DeKalb County
Calendar of events.... 28-30 Tourist attractions...... 30-32
Index ~ 1
Grundy County
McHenry County
Henry County
Ogle County
Kane County
Quad Cities
Lake County
Rockford
Lee County
Whiteside County
Calendar of events........... 33 Tourist attractions....... 34-35 Calendar of events.... 36-38 Tourist attractions...... 39-41 Calendar of events.... 42-43 Tourist attractions...... 44-46 Calendar of events.... 47-48 Tourist attractions...... 49-51 Calendar of events.... 52-57 Tourist attractions...... 58-63
Calendar of events.... 64-65 Tourist attractions...... 65-69 Calendar of events.....70-75 Tourist attractions.......76-81 Calendar of events.....82-84 Tourist attractions.......85-89 Calendar of events.....90-92 Tourist attractions.......93-95 Calendar of events...96-101 Tourist attractions...102-112
The information in this guide is believed to be accurate, however, Shaw Media cannot and does not guarantee its accuracy. Shaw Media cannot and will not be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services provided by advertisers listed in any portion of this magazine.
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Voyager 2018-19
Map ~ 3
Welcome
to
northwest Illinois ...
Welcome
Voyager to
Articles and advertisements are the property of Shaw Media, P.O. Box 498, Sterling, IL 61081, 815-625-3600 or 815-284-2222. No portion of “Voyager� may be reproduced without the written consent of John Rung, CEO of Shaw Media. Ad content is not the responsibility of Shaw Media.
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We Invite You to
n o x i D r e v o c s Di
Illinois
t w
For more information on where to stay and things to do, visit www.discoverdixon.com or the Dixon Welcome Center at 87 South Hennepin Avenue.
815.284.3361
Voyager 2018-19
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h s u R E N I L A N E R D A R YOU
S T I A W A
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WolfHollow GolfCourse
~ WHERE GOLF IS A BREATH OF FRESH AIR ~ Outings • Banquets • Lessons • Practice Range • Bar & Banquet Facility Wolf Hollow’s 18 Hole Championship Course named from the folklore of the Blackhawk Indian War in the surrounding hills & valleys.
4 Golfers, 18 Holes & Cart
100
$
2018 Season Only!
Weekends after 2 p.m. & Mon.-Fri.
Rt. 20 to IL 73 North to the North edge of Lena, look for the Wolf Hollow sign.
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AFTER 1PM SPECIAL Mon-Fri $25 Sat., Sun. & Holidays $35 *Coupon must be presented and cannot be used with any other offer. Expires Sept. 17, 2018
Golf Course
SUMMER SEASON RATES & TWILIGHT RATES MONDAY - FRIDAY 9 hole with cart $25 18 hole with cart $36
SATURDAY, SUNDAY & HOLIDAYS 9 hole with cart $34 18 hole with cart $47
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SINGLES RATE $1025 with a Cart
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Saturday, Sunday and Holidays (after 5pm) $20 with cart www.golflakecarroll.com 2911 Ironwood Dr., Lanark For more information, call the Lake Carroll Golf Course ca 815-493-2808
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577 US Highway 52, Sublette, IL (Located on Rt. 52 Between Amboy & Sublette) SM-ST1534565
C.J. Wade, Manager (815) 849-5424
Voyager 2018-19
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Good Olde Fashioned Savings and Heartfelt Hospitality White Pines Resort is Nestled within White Pines Forest State Park and less than 2 hours west of Chicago near Oregon, IL in White Pines State Park. An award winning destination that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Whites Pines is the perfect Sanctuary for family, friends and loved ones seeking a boutique resort experience. Enjoy our famous Sunday Buffet in our landmark log cabin Lodge Restaurant with delicious home style cooking meals.
% 20OFF One night in a cabin
Sunday-Thursday OR
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“Beautiful scenery, wonderful lodging and excellent food!” resort WPR
Sunday Buffet
for up to 2 guests** * Coupon good thru 7/31/18. Must present coupon at time of service. **Beverages not included.
www.GotGoodNatured.com | 815-946-2400 Nestled within White Pines Forest State Park
Good Olde Fashioned Savings and Heartfelt Hospitality
2018
Polo Town & Country Days20%
White Pines Resort is Nestled within White Pines Forest State Park and less than 2 hours west of Chicago near Oregon, IL in White Pines State Park.
OFF
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Historic Places, Whites Pines is the perfect Sanctuary for family, friends and loved Society ones seeking boutique resorttours experience. Polo Aplington House & Polo Historical will beaopen for guided on Friday 3-6pm & Saturday 12-5pm a cabin Enjoy our famous Sunday Buffet in our landmark log cabin Lodge Sunday-Thursday Mega Passes (ride the carnival rides allwith weekend) Friday June 15th - Kid’s Day Restaurant delicious home style cooking meals.
on sale until Thursday at noon $40 on sale at: First State Bank Shannon-Polo-Mt. Carroll Knie Appliance scenery, Armbands $20 - 12-5pm “Beautiful Friday & Sunday
lodging Merchandise Bingowonderful All Weekend
Beer Garden
50/50 raffle all weekend with drawing Sunday atfood!” 2pm and on excellent
Bags Tournament Sat. 12-5pm
Wednesday June 13th
Swimming Games and Races at Polo Pool 5-7pm
Fireworks - Thursday 9:30pm Volleyball Tournament Sat. at 9:00am
OR
% 20OFF
Fri (5-midnight) & Sat (5-midnight) Alumni Night on Friday Sat. 5pm Lyle Grobe • 9pm “Route 38”
Saturday June 16th
Sunday Buffet
Car Show r e s&oSwap r t Meet at 8:00am for up to 2 guests** Talent ShowWPR Sponsored by PACT 1pm * Coupon good thru 7/31/18. Fire Dept. Kids Water Fights at 10am Must present coupon at time of service. Dunk Tank 12-8pm **Beverages not included.
Sunday June 17th
www.GotGoodNatured.com |2pm815-946-2400 Pedal Tractor Races at Little Miss & Mr. Contest 5pm Thursday June 14th
Quartermania (new this year) 6pm Nestled
Parade at 12:30pm
Pig Scramble 3pm State Park within White Pines Forest
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GO AHEAD – walk barefoot around this historic inn. Indulge in a locally-sourced breakfast, relax by the outdoor fireplace or with yoga, spa services, or the sauna. Embrace destination experiences.
409 N. State Street, Franklin Grove, IL 61031 815.456.7700 | lincolnwayinn.com
VERDANT PHOTOGRAPHY
Voyager 2018-19
Bureau County ~ 9
Bureau County Calendar of Events Through August Festival 56 summer theatre festival; Grace Performing Arts Center, 316 S. Main St., Princeton; festival56.com or 815-8795656
June 15 Summer Solstice on Main Street; downtown Princeton; food and wine tasting, music and shopping; 4-8 p.m.; princetonchamber-il.com or 815-875-2616
May 19-20 Illinois River Valley Sales; craft and yard sales in Henry, Marseilles, Seneca, Hennepin, Cedar Point, Standard, Spring Valley, Mark, Granville, Depue, Chillicothe, Mossville, Lacon and more; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. both days; Facebook and illinoisrivervalleysalesride.com
June 15-16 More on 34; along U.S. Route 34 and Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W. Peru St., Princeton; rummage sales and events; 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; moreon34.com, Facebook or 815875-2616 or 815-303-2905
May 27 Memorial Day service; Valley Memorial Park, 13312 state Route 89; 2 p.m.; spring-valley. il.us or 815-664-2753
June 15, 22 and 29 Spring Valley Municipal Band concerts; Mini Park, downtown; bring a lawn chair; 7:30 p.m.; spring-valley.il.us or 815-664-2753
June 1-3 Princeton Sidewalk Sale Days; downtown; special sales at business on North and South Main Street; princetonchamber-il.com or 815-8752616
June 16 Old Wheels Car Show; First Lutheran Church, 116 N. Pleasant St., Princeton; vintage cars, antique trucks and tractors and street rods, music, and food; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Facebook or 815875-1685
June 2 Art in the Park and Sidewalk Chalk Contest; Soldiers and Sailors Park, Princeton; art show, vendors, music, and food; 11 a.m.-4 p.m; princetonchamber-il.com or 815-875-2616
June 22 Down on Main Street Concert; downtown; bring you own lawn chairs, food and beverages will be sold, no outside food or drinks allowed; 5-8 p.m.; princetonchamber-il.com or 815-875-2616
June 3 and 17 Princeton Community Band concert; Soldiers and Sailors Park; bring a lawn chair, refreshments available; 6 p.m.; princetonchamber-il.com or 815875-2616
June 23 Cruise Night: Culver’s, 224 Ace Road; classic car cruise night; 5-8 p.m.; 815-643-2040
June 3 Starved Rock Radio Club’s Ham Fest; Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W. Peru St., Princeton; ham radio, model and computer items for sale or trade; tickets $7 in advance or $8 at the gate; 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; w9mks. org/hamfest, Facebook or 815252-6383 June 8-10 Buffalo Days; LaMoille; buffalo burgers and pork chops, beer garden, live music, 5K run/walk, carnival, tractor show, petting zoo, and more; Facebook
June 30 Neponset Picnic Day; park pavilion; parade, petting zoo, vendors, potluck dinner and live music; Facebook July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 Princeton Community Band concert; Soldiers and Sailors Park; bring a lawn chair, refreshments available; 6 p.m.; princetonchamber-il.com or 815875-2616 July 4 Fourth of July celebration and fireworks; Zearing Park, Princeton; dusk July 7 Sheffield tractor pull; northwest side of town, across from railroad tracks, watch for signs; $10, free for 12 and younger; 10 a.m.; Facebook July 12-15 Wyanet Summer Festival; Memorial Park; live music, beer garden, parade, 5K run/ walk, Little Miss Wyanet pag-
eant, bags tournament, and more; Facebook or 815-3032229 July 13, 20 and 27 Spring Valley Municipal Band concerts; Mini Park, downtown; bring a lawn chair; 7:30 p.m.; spring-valley.il.us or 815-664-2753 July 20 Down on Main Street Concert; downtown; bring you own lawn chairs, food and beverages will be sold, no outside food or drinks allowed; 5-8 p.m.; princetonchamber-il. com or 815-875-2616 July 21 Convoy Against Cancer Big Truck Show; Main Street in Ladd; truck display, food, music, raffles; benefits American Cancer Society Relay for Life; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Facebook continued on
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Spectator/ Family Friendly event!
ATV National
June 15-17
June 23 Beef Days; Soldiers and Sailors Park, Princeton; steak dinners and entertainment; 5-9 p.m., show starts at 6 p.m.; princetonchamber-il.com or 815-875-2616 June 29-July 1 Walnut Days Celebration; Little Miss Independence pageant, 5K run/walk, bags and softball tournaments, soap box derby, car and truck show, parade, fireworks, and more; walnutdays. com, Facebook or 815-379-3068 June 30 Fireworks; Hall High School, 800 W. Erie St., Spring Valley; dusk
www.sunsetridgemx.com
SM-ST1531642
10 ~ Bureau County
www.saukvalley.com
July 21-22 Ol’ Fashun Threshun Days; Albrecht Grove, Ohio; threshing demonstrations, flea market, craft show, petting zoo, tractor pull, music, and more; admission is $4; Ray Forrer at 815-4982013 or 815-824-6810
Aug. 11 Music on the Main; downtown Spring Valley; featuring music by Wake the Sheep from 7-11 p.m., beer garden and 50-50 raffle; proceeds to benefit the Spring Valley Volunteer Fire Department; springvalley.il.us or 815-303-4327
July 19-21 Bureau County 4-H Fair; Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W. Peru St., Princeton; displays of 4-H projects and a livestock and horse show; web.extension.illinois. edu/blmp/bureau4h, facebook. com/blmp4H or 815-875-2878
Aug. 18 Spring Valley Historic Association Classic Car, Truck and Motorcycle Cruise, 100 and 200 West St. Paul Street; noon5 p.m.; featuring vehicles from 1991 and earlier, 50-50 raffle, music and food; spring-valley. il.us or 815-303-4327
July 20-22 Ladd Daze; War Memorial Park; live music, beer garden, Golden Chicken race, children’s games, and more; villageofladd. com or 815-894-2440 July 25-29 Lake DePue Pro National Championship Boat Races; Lake DePue; boat races, live music, 5K run/walk, food, and more; admission is $3; depuemensclub.org or Steve Solorio at 815-447-2893 Aug. 2-5 Pow-Wow Days; West Park, Tiskilwa; Lil’ Spurs Rodeo, car show, parade, 5K run/walk, petting zoo, children’s games, and more; powwowdays.com, “Tiskilwa Community Association” on Facebook or 815-646-4121 Aug. 7 National Night Out; Kirby Park in Spring Valley; Displays from police, fire department, ambulance, LifeFlight helicopter, more; 5-8 p.m.; spring-valley.il.us; 815-6644221
& JS
Aug. 22-26 Bureau County Fair; Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W. Peru St., Princeton; carnival, bull riding, tractor and truck pull, demolition derby, talent show, livestock shows, and more; admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children ages 7-12; bureaucountyfair.com, Facebook or 815-875-2905 Aug. 25 Cruise Night: Culver’s, 224 Ace Road; classic car cruise night; 5-8 p.m.; 815-643-2040 Sept. 7-9 Homestead Festival; Princeton; parade, 5K run/walk, rib cook-off, car show, arts and craft show, flea market, horse-drawn wagon rides, petting zoo, and more; homesteadfestival.com or 815875-3461 Sept. 15 Artisan Market; Hornbaker Garden, 22937 1140 N. Ave.; more than 30 fine artists, wine tasting, home-baked items, craft beer, live music and more; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.;
8,000 sq. ft. of antiques and collectibles SM-ST1530797
free admission; hornbakergardens.com or 815-659-3282 Sept. 22 Harvest Fest; Veterans Park in Sheffield; children’s games and competitions, adult games, live music, local food, craft beers, scarecrow contest; times TBA; Facebook Oct. 13 Down on Main Street Concert; downtown; bring you own lawn chairs, food and beverages will be sold, no outside food or drinks allowed; 4-8 p.m.; princetonchamber-il.com or 815-875-2616 Oct. 13-14 Shadows of the Blue and Gray Civil War reenactment; City County Park, Princeton; admission is $5 for adults and children 6 and older; 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.4 p.m. Sunday; period dance at 7 p.m. Saturday; shadowsbluegray.com or 815-878-1861 Oct. 27 Scarecrow Festival; downtown Princeton; scarecrows on display, costume contest, pumpkin races, pumpkin decorating, music and food; princetonchamber-il.com or 815-875-2616 Oct. 27 Halloween parade; downtown Spring Valley; children in costume parade from St. Margaret’s Hospital billing parking lot to Mini Park; registration at 11:30 a.m., parade at 1 p.m.; spring-valley. il.us or 815-664-2753 Nov. 10 Winter Garage Sale; Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W. Peru St., Princeton; admission is free
but shoppers are asked to bring a canned food donation for the local food pantry; 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; bureaucountyfair.com or 815-303-2905 Nov. 10 Christmas in the Valley; downtown Spring Valley; vendor show to benefit the local food pantry, Christmas tree silent auction to benefit the March of Dimes, family holiday activities, and more; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday; spring-valley.il.us or 815664-2753 Nov. 16-18 Princeton’s annual Christmas Walk; Main Street; tree lighting, live window displays, carolers, carriage rides, visits with Santa and music; tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. Friday; princetonchamber-il. com or 815-875-2616 Nov. 18 Motorcycle Swap Meet; Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W. Peru St., Princeton; antique, classic and modern American and British bikes, vendors, and more; $6 for adults and children 14 and older; 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; walneckswap.com or 630-985-2097 Nov. 24 Lighted Santa Parade; downtown Spring Valley; visits with Santa after the parade at City Hall; 6 p.m.; spring-valley.il.us or 815-664-2753 Dec. 1 Christmas Parade; Main Street, Princeton; breakfast with Santa, parade down Mains Street and children’s activities; breakfast 8-10 a.m., parade at 1:30 p.m.; princetonchamber-il.com or 815875-2616
We Buy 1 Piece or Entire Estate
Quality Antiques at An Affordable Price
Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm • Sunday 11am - 4pm Exit 45 on I-80, Manlius, Illinois 61338 • 815-454-2066
Voyager 2018-19
Bureau County ~ 11
Bureau County Tourist Attractions Bureau County is in northcentral Illinois, 115 miles southwest of Chicago and 65 miles east of the Quad Cities on Interstate 80. Its county seat is Princeton. Bureau Junction Miller-Anderson Woods State Nature Preserve Dedicated in 1969, the 340-acre nature preserve has oak-hickory bluff forests, maple-basswood ravines, sedge meadow, seep spring, and hill prairie. Plants include the showy orchid, queen-ofthe-prairie, and Schreber’s aster. Seep areas include peat moss, marsh marigold and skunk cabbage. The unique mixture of habitats supports wetland and forest birds, butterflies, and dragonflies. Address: 3.5 miles south of Bureau Junction on state Route 29 Phone: 815-447-2353 Online: shawurl.com/396n
Cherry Cherry Public Library The library has many photographs and artifacts from the infamous Cherry coal mine disaster of 1909, including a model of the mine, books about the tragedy, and a brick monument to honor victims. Address: State Route 89/ South Main Street Phone: 815-894-3338 or 815-894-2919 Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, 8 a.m.-noon Saturday (call ahead), and by appointment
DePue Donnelley/DePue State Fish and Wildlife Area The area offers boating, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, hunting and camping. It also has a playground, picnic facilities, restrooms and trailer hook-ups. Address: 1001 W. Fourth St. Phone: 815-447-2353 Online: shawurl.com/32dq
Captain Swift Bridge was erected in 2006 over Bureau Creek west of Princeton.
Hours: 12-3 p.m. the first Saturday of the month, or by appointment Admission: Free
Neponset Neponset Township Historical Society Museum The museum features artifacts, family histories, and school memorabilia. Address: 113 Commercial St. Phone: 309-594-2197 Hours: By appointment Admission: Free
Princeton Lyle Ganther/lganther@shawmedia.com
Ladd
Mineral
Ladd War Memorial Park The park has a World War II Army tank, veterans memorial monuments, a Word War I statue, a picnic shelter, playground, tennis courts and restrooms. Address: State Route 89/ South Main Avenue Phone: 815-894-2440 Online: villageofladd.com/ about/veterans-monuments
McCune Sand Prairie This 200-acre rare prairie land was donated to the Bureau County Soil and Water Conservation District. Because of their sandy soil, sand prairies are well-drained and drier than typical Midwestern tall-grass prairies. The northern portion of this site, however, supports tree and shrub growth – green ash, eastern red cedar, Osage orange, Iowa crabapple, prairie rose, red mulberry, and burr oak. Visitors can look at rolling sand dunes and hike on the trails. Address: 150 East Road, 4.5 miles north of Mineral on state Route 10 Phone: 815-875-8732 Online: bureaucounty-il.com/ Parks
LaMoille Allen School Built in 1887, the building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, still is in use as a junior high school. Some of today’s students are the great-great-grandchildren of the school’s first student body. Address: 301 Main St. Phone: 815-638-2233 First Congregational Church of LaMoille Founded in the 1800s, this Italianate-style church is on the National Register of Historic Places. Address: 94 E. Franklin St. Phone: 815-638-2077
Mineral Pride Historical Museum The museum has a model train set, an early 1900s post office, and memorabilia from the former high school and businesses. Address: 115 Main St. Phone: 309-288-5371 Online: illinoishsglorydays. com/mineralhistoricalsociety
Captain Swift Covered Bridge This two-lane covered wooden bridge is the only one of its kind in Illinois. It is made in the Burr-arch design, an idea patented by Theodore Burr of New York in 1804. Address: 1600 N. Epperson Road, 1 mile west of Princeton Bureau County Historical Society Museum and Library The museum occupies two historic homes on Courthouse Square. The Clark-Norris Home, a Prairie Square mansion, features four floors of furnishings and collections that reflect local history. Next door, the Newell-Bryant House, a Greek Revival house, features an 1850s parlor, an interpretation of Princeton photographer Henry Immke’s studio, a costume room, and research library. There’s also a gift shop. Address: 109 Park Ave. W. Phone: 815-875-2184 Online: bureaucountyhistoricalsociety.com or Facebook Hours: Noon-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, March through November. Guided tours by appointment. Admission: $3 adults, $1 ages 12 and younger continued on
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12 ~ Bureau County
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Hornbaker Gardens Established in 1987, Hornbaker Gardens originated as a wholesale nursery owned and operated by Rich and Kathy Hornbaker. Hornbaker offers extensive gardens with benches, ponds, bridges, gazebos and locally made garden sculptures. The couple focuses on perennials, hostas, daylilies, aquatic plants, and grasses, traditional Illinois trees, and shrubs. Address: 22937 1140 North Ave. Phone: 815-659-3282 Online: hornbakergardens. com or Facebook Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday, April 10 through July 10; closed on Sundays July 11 through Oct. 10
military uniforms and artifact exhibits, clothing from yesteryear, art, school memorabilia, and more. Address: 325 S. Washington St. Phone: 815-454-2850 Online: rootsweb.ancestry. com/~ilshs Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; call ahead, hours are subject to seasonal changes Admission: $1
Lovejoy Homestead Built in 1838, the national historic landmark was an important stop on the Underground Railroad and the home of famous abolitionist minister Owen Lovejoy. Rooms are furnished with period furniture. Visitors can peek into the hidden area above the stairs where runaway slaves were kept safe. It also is the site of the one-room Colton Schoolhouse, moved from its original location 2.5 miles east, in 1971. Address: East Peru Street Phone: 815-879-9151 or 815-875-2616 Online: owenlovejoyhomestead.com Hours: 1-4 p.m. Friday-Sunday or by appointment, May through September, and by appointment only April and October Admission: $3 adults and $1 students Princeton Amtrak Depot This historic depot, still in operation, was built in 1911 by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad (now Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway). Address: 105 Bicentennial Drive Phone: 815-872-4310 Online: princeton-il. com/131/Amtrak-Depot Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily Red Covered Bridge One of only five remaining covered bridges in Illinois, it was built in 1863 and still is open to traffic.
Tiskilwa
Lyle Ganther/lganther@shawmedia.com
The Red Covered Bridge north of Princeton is probably the most well-known bridge in Bureau County. It crosses Big Bureau Creek and once was part of the PeoriaGalena Trail. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. Address: State Route 26, 1.5 miles north of Princeton Phone: 815-875-2616 Warnecke Woods Warnecke Woods is a 33.5acre botanical area donated to the Bureau County Soil and Water Conservation Service District in 1984. It has a variety of trees, plants and woodland flowers, hiking trails, a 5-acre native grass prairie and a flower prairie. Maps are available. Address: 41 1835 N. Ave. Phone: 815-875-8732 Witness Tree Bureau County’s Witness Tree, a 250-year-old burr oak, has been a landmark and meeting site for at least two centuries. Its mammoth trunk is 14 feet in circumference; its branches spread wider than 80 feet. As early as the 19th century, Potawatomi Indians, led by Chief Shabbona, held council at the tree with members of the Fox and Sauk tribes. The tree stands along the Old Indian Trail that once ran through northern Illinois. In 1944, local farmers donated small parcels of land surrounding the tree to ensure its preservation. Address: Junction of County Road 1300N and County Road 10/100E Phone: 815-875-8732
Sheffield Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park Visitors will enjoy biking, boating, canoeing, camping, horseback riding, fishing, hiking, hunting, picnicking, and winter sports, such as crosscountry skiing and snowmobiling. The handicapped-accessible visitors’ center has displays about plant and animal life and the man-made canal’s history. Address: 1550 North Ave. Phone: 815-454-2328 Online: bureaucounty-il.com/ Hennepin-Canal Hours: Trail open year-round; visitors center open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday (except Christmas and New Year’s Day), but hours might vary Admission: Donations accepted at visitors’ center Mautino State Fish & Wildlife Area This 900-acre former strip mine now boasts a varied collection of plants, birds, insects, and animals in its forests, grasslands, and more than a dozen lakes. Address: County Road 1170 N, about 2.5 miles west of Buda Phone: 815-454-2328 Online: shawurl.com/32dr Sheffield Historical Society Museum The museum, housed in a historic Danish church, includes a research library for genealogy. Rooms showcase
The Museum on Main Located in a former Methodist church, the museum has photographs, artifacts, and other visuals that reflect the history of Tiskilwa. Address: 110 E Main St. Phone: 815-646-4016 Online: tiskilwahistoricalsociety.org or Facebook Hours: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, or by appointment
Walnut Walnut Park District Pool and Park Swimming pool, baseball fields, disc golf, tennis courts, picnic shelter, and playgrounds. Address: 403 Sunset Ave. Phone: 815-379-2213 Online: Facebook Hours: Open swimming 1-5 p.m. and 7-8 p.m. daily, May 26 through August Admission: $5 for kindergartners and older, $1 for senior citizens
Wyanet Wyanet Historical Society Museum Located in a former Catholic church with stained-glass windows, the museum reflects local history with memorabilia, photographs, and displays. Exhibits include antique clothing, old newspapers, high school class pictures from decades past, military and railroad items, and displays on agriculture and the Hennepin Canal. Address: 320 E. Second St. Phone: 815-699-2459 Online: bureaucounty-il.com/ History Hours: 1-4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April through October Admission: By donation
Voyager 2018-19
Carroll County ~ 13
Carroll County Calendar of Events
Submitted
Performances are held throughout the summer at Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll. Go to timberlakeplayhouse.org for more information. Through August Timber Lake Playhouse; 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll; timberlakeplayhouse.org, Facebook or 815-244-2035 May 26-27 TimberFest; Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll; entertainment, arts and crafts fair, car show, 5K walk/run, wine and beer garden, food, and more; fundraiser for TLP, Mayfest is canceled for 2018 – this event takes its place; Facebook June 7, 14, 21 and 28 Music on the Square; downtown Mount Carroll; live music; 6-8 p.m.; “Mount Carroll Music on the Square” on Facebook or 815-244-2411 June 9 Migratory Bird Walk; Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center, 7071 Riverview Road, Thomson; 9 a.m.; stewardsumrr.org or 815-273-2732 June 15 Annual Fireman’s Ball; south parking lot at 101 Main St., Savanna; music, bags tournament and food; bring lawn chairs and coolers; tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the gate, with all proceeds going to new fire equipment; 6 p.m., band from 7:3011:30 p.m.
June 23 Mount Carroll Cruise Night; downtown Mount Carroll; classic cars, music and food; no classes or judging; 4-9 p.m.; “Mt. Carroll Cruise Nights” on Facebook continued on
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It’s County Fair Time! Carroll County Fair August 7-11 TUESDAY AUGUST 7TH Illini State Truck Pullers & Tri-County Pullers Inc. 6:30 PM
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 8TH Antique Tractor Parade at 5:00 PM Badger State Tractor Pullers at 6:30 PM
THURSDAY AUGUST 9TH T&C Rodeo Co. & Fireworks 6:30 PM Kid’s Day 1:00 – 5:00 PM
FRIDAY AUGUST 10TH LONESTAR CONCERT at 8:00pm Kid’s Night 5:00 - 10:00 PM
SATURDAY AUGUST 11TH Power Wheel Kid’s Demo at 6:30pm Lunatic Promotions Demo at 7:00 PM Kid’s Day 1:00 – 5:00 PM
28374 MILLEDGEVILLE ROAD ALL EVENTS AT THE FAIRGROUNDS, MILLEDGEVILLE, IL
www.carrollcountyfair.info • 815-225-7444
14 ~ Carroll County
www.saukvalley.com
Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com
This car went fender first into the crowd of crunched cars during the 2017 Carroll County Fair’s demolition derby. This year’s fair will run from Aug. 7 to 11. June 22-24 Old Settler’s Days; Lanark; food, music, beer garden, car show, 5K walk/run, bags tournament, horseshoes tournament, children’s activities and vendors; lanarkil. com, “Old Settlers Days Lanark, IL” on Facebook or 815-541-0557 June 22-24 Village Jamboree; downtown Milledgeville; kid’s activities and games, live music, craft vendors, bags and softball tournament, beer garden, car show; milledgevillejamboree.com or Facebook July 4 Fourth of July celebration; West Carroll Middle School, 633 S. East St., Mount Carroll; dusk; day will feature a food stand at the fire station from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with pork chops and more, followed by the parade at 6; other activities being planned; mtcarrollil.org or 815-244-4424 July 4 Fourth of July celebration; West Car-
roll High School, 500 Cragmoor, Savanna; parade, fire truck rides, face painting, food and fireworks; parade at 5 p.m.; savannail. com or 815-273-2722 July 5, 12, 19 and 26 Music on the Square; downtown Mount Carroll; live music; 6-8 p.m.; “Mount Carroll Music on the Square” on Facebook or 815-244-2411 July 14 Migratory Bird Walk; Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center, 7071 Riverview Road, Thomson; 9 a.m.; stewardsumrr.org or 815-273-2732 July 21 Mount Carroll Cruise Night; downtown Mount Carroll; classic cars, music and food; no classes or judging; 4-9 p.m.; “Mt. Carroll Cruise Nights” on Facebook Aug. 7-11 Carroll County Fair; Schell Park, Milledgeville; music, exhibits, carnival, demolition
derby, rodeo, tractor pull, food and more; carrollcountyfair.info or 815-225-7444 Aug. 11 Migratory Bird Walk; Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center, 7071 Riverview Road, Thomson; 9 a.m.; stewardsumrr.org or 815-273-2732 Aug. 18 Mount Carroll Cruise Night; downtown Mount Carroll; classic cars, music and food; no classes or judging; 4-9 p.m.; “Mt. Carroll Cruise Nights” on Facebook Sept. 8 Migratory Bird Walk; Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center, 7071 Riverview Road, Thomson; 9 a.m.; stewardsumrr.org or 815-273-2732 Sept. TBD Rebels on the Run Country Music Fest; Sandburr Run, 5020 state Route 84, Thomson; featuring TBD; tickets are $15; rebelsontherunmusicfest.com
Voyager 2018-19
Carroll County ~ 15
SVM file photo
Sarah Curtis of Mount Carroll gets her pet rat, Soot, ready for the costume contest at the 2016 Mount Carroll ••••• Pumpkin Fest. This annual event – which features farmers market, arts and crafts fair, pumpkin street drags, music and more – returns Oct. 27. Sept. 22 Mount Carroll Cruise Night; downtown Mount Carroll; classic cars, music and food; no classes or judging; 4-9 p.m.; “Mt. Carroll Cruise Nights” on Facebook Oct. 13 Migratory Bird Walk; Sloane Marsh Overlook, across from Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center, 7071 Riverview Road, Thomson; 9 a.m.; stewardsumrr.org, or 815-273-2732 Oct. 27 PumpkinFest; Mount Carroll; farmers market, arts and crafts fair, pumpkin street drags, music and more; mtcarrollil.org or 815244-4424 Nov. 3-4, 10-11 Country Christmas; Fulton, Thomson, Savanna, Mount Carroll and Lanark; more than 30 shops offer holiday decor and unique gifts; map with detailed listings available in late September; 9 a.m.5 p.m.; 815-589-4545 Dec. 1 Christmas Walk; Mount Carroll; photos with Santa, strolling Dickens characters, photos with Santa, self-guided holiday home tours, and more; mtcarrollil.org or 815-244-4424
Mount Carroll, IL Home of Brick Streets & Country Charm • • • • •
“A small community with a big heart.”
16 ~ Carroll County
www.saukvalley.com
Carroll County Tourist Attractions Carroll County, in northwest Illinois, is bordered on the west by the Mississippi River. It encompasses 467 square miles, or 298,800 acres, with prime farmland on the eastern side of the county and hills and bluffs on the western side. It is home to about 15,000 people.
Peter Balser/Pbalser@saukvalley.com
A meat and cheese spread from Silver Moon Winery in Lanark which features three different cheeses from Normal-based Ropp Jersey Cheese, a homemade pimento cheese, and assorted fruit and nuts.
Lanark
Mount Carroll
Silver Moon Winery Silver Moon Winery is a family-owned wine-making estate that offers handcrafted wines in northwestern Illinois’ wine country. It sells varietals that pair well with everyday foods. Address: 21305 Zier Road Phone: 815-493-6888 Online: silvermoonwineryinc.com or Facebook Hours: noon-5 p.m. Saturday, noon-3 p.m. Sunday, April through December, open 1 hour later June through August
Campbell Center for Historic Preservation Studies The Campbell Center offers courses in collections care, historic preservation, and conservation refreshers for midcareer professionals. In late 2012, it broke ground on the new Frances Wood Shimer Memorial Arboretum, which is home to hundreds of trees and shrubs, including about 60 varieties of trees. Some are rare, including three old-growth American chestnut trees, one of which is on the Illinois Department of Conservation’s “Big
Tree” register as the largest American chestnut tree in Illinois. Address: 203 E. Seminary St. Phone: 815-244-1173 Online: campbellcenter.org or Facebook Raven’s Grin Inn Part performance art, part art gallery, the home of Jim Warfield offers a yearround haunted house that displays his artwork and his twisted sense of humor. Tours are an hour to an hour and a half long. Address: 411 N. Carroll St. Phone: 815-244-4746
Voyager 2018-19
Carroll County ~ 17
Jim Dunn/jdunn@shawmedia.com
Trees shade Hathaway Hall, built in 1905, on the 14-acre campus of the former Shimer College in Mount Carroll. It is part of the Frances Wood Shimer Memorial Arboretum founded in November 2012, which features more than 250 trees with 60 species and varieties represented. The arboretum is part of the The Campbell Center. Online: hauntedravensgrin.com or Facebook Hours: 7 p.m.-midnight Monday and Tuesday; closed Wednesday; 7 p.m.-midnight Thursday and Friday; 2-5 p.m. and 7 p.m.-midnight Saturday and Sunday Admission: $15, $13 for ages 9 and younger Timber Lake Playhouse Timber Lake Playhouse is the oldest continuously operating professional summer theater in Illinois. It is dedicated to providing cultural opportunities for developing artists and to showcasing quality theater. Address: 8215 Black Oak Road Phone: 815-244-2035 Online: timberlakeplayhouse.org or Facebook Hours: Shows are at 7:30 p.m. TuesdaySaturday, 2 p.m. Wednesday and some Sundays, and 2 p.m. Saturday on opening weekends Admission: Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors and active duty military, and $20 for students
Savanna Great River Trail The Great River Trail recreational path extends 62 miles from Savanna to the Quad Cities, providing biking, hiking, running, and
Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com
Raven’s Grin in Mount Carroll is part performance art, part art gallery. Jim Warfield’s home offers a year-round haunted house that displays his artwork and twisted sense of humor. walking opportunities. It starts just behind the railroad car downtown and meanders past several wildlife viewing areas and through the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge. Bikers may stop at the Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center for a break and
to view the exhibits. Rest areas and picnic areas are scattered along the trail. Address: 25 Main St. Online: greatrivertrail.org continued on
184
18 ~ Carroll County
www.saukvalley.com
Submitted
Mississippi Palisades State Park is 3 miles north of Savanna. It is rich in Native American history and features lore than 200 campsites. Mississippi Palisades State Park This 2,500-acre park, a national landmark since 1973, is near the confluence of the Mississippi and Apple rivers in northwestern Illinois. It is rich in Native American history, and features limestone caves, erosion-carved rock formations, 15 miles of trails for hiking and more than 200 campsites, along with picnic tables and playgrounds. Address: 16327A state Route 84, about 3 miles north of Savanna Phone: 815-273-2731 Online: dnr.illinois.gov/Lands/Landmgt/ PARKS/R1/PALISADE.HTM
Online: savannamuseumandculturalcenter.wordpress.com or Facebook Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Memorial Day to Labor Day; during special events and by appointment Admission: $5 suggested donation
Savanna Museum and Cultural Center This three-story historic building contains artifacts telling the story of this Mississippi River community. Noteworthy displays include Gene Wright’s gallery of more than 80 mannequins dressed in authentic Civil War uniforms. Address: 406 Main St. Phone: 815-273-0316, Gene Wright at 815-273-4545, or Jean Ferris at 815-2737262
Thomson
Savanna Train Car Museum The museum preserves the historical railroad car as a piece of local history. It has a gift shop. Address: 25 Main St. Phone: 815-273-3292 Hours: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. daily, April through November, or as posted Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center The facility affiliated with the Upper Mississippi Wildlife Refuge been around for 92 years and sits on 35 acres of sand prairie. It promotes environmental education and conservation of the Mississippi River, with a focus on hands-on educational experiences when it comes to nature and wildlife. Address: 7071 Riverview Road
Phone: 815-273-2732 Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday Online: www.fws.gov/refuge/upper_mississippi_river and on Facebook Thomson Causeway This campground is built mainly on an island in the backwaters of the Mississippi. Popular activities include fishing, hiking, biking, and boating. The western edge of the recreation area offers visitors an unobstructed view of the widest spot on the Upper Mississippi River Basin, 3.5 miles from shore to shore. The Central Trail section of the famous Mississippi River Trail passes by the campground, offering visitors miles of walking and biking trails along the river bank. Address: 2017 Lewis Ave. Phone: 815-259-3628 or 877-444-6777 for reservations Online: shawurl.com/32di or www.recreation.gov for reservations Hours: Open May 1 through Oct. 25 Admission: Camping fees range from $10 to $20 per night
Voyager 2018-19
Carroll County ~ 19
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 in our “JukeBox Series.” 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), 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 nine-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, 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.
20 ~ Clinton County, Iowa
www.saukvalley.com
Clinton County Calendar of Events Through August Clinton Area Showboat Theatre; 303 Riverview Road, Clinton; clintonshowboat.org or 563-242-6760 Through September Clinton LumberKings baseball; Ashford University Field, 537 Ball Park Drive, Clinton; lumberkings.com or 563-242-0727 Through October Lyon’s Farmers Market; Four Square Park on Roosevelt Street and Main Avenue in Clinton; Fresh baked goods, flowers, handmade crafts, fresh produce; opens 4 p.m. Wednesday and 8 a.m. Saturday; Facebook or lyonsfarmermarket@gmail.com May 19-20 Lyons Art and Craft Show; Four Square Park on Roosevelt Street and Main Avenue in Clinton; crafts and food vendors; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday; Facebook or clintonia.com May 28 River City Municipal Band playing at Memorial Day observance; Clinton Lawn Cemetery, 2610 Manufacturing Drive; 10 a.m.; free; 563-243-1260 or Facebook June 2 Finally Friday at the River; bandshell at Riverview Park, Clinton; music by The Stockwells and The Fox Hounds, bring a lawn chair; 6 p.m.; finallyfridayclinton.com or Facebook June 3 Clinton Symphony Orchestra annual pops concert; bandshell at Riverview Park, Clinton; 6:30 p.m.; clintonsymphony.org or 815-625-0922 June 5 Tunes in Town with Coupe DeVille and Car Show; Lincoln Park in DeWitt; free, food will be sold, bring your own seating; 6-9 p.m.; parks.cityofdewittiowa.org June 7 Music on the Avenue with Casey Muessigmann; 200 block of Fifth Avenue S., Clinton; food vendors; free; Facebook June 9 Family Move Night in the Park; Lincoln Park, Dewitt; family-friendly
movie starts at dusk; free; 7:30 p.m.; dewitt.chambermaster.com June 12 Tunes in Town with The Hitman; Lincoln Park in DeWitt; free; beer garden; food will be sold, bring your own seating; 6-8 p.m.; parks.cityofdewittiowa.org June 14 Music on the Avenue with Brook Byam; 200 block of Fifth Avenue S., Clinton; food vendors; free; Facebook June 16 Felix Adler Day Festival; Felix Adler Children’s Discovery Center, 332 Eighth Ave. S., Clinton; circus activities and games, pony rides, entertainment and food; 9:30 a.m.4:30 p.m.; adlerdiscoverycenter. org, Facebook or 563-243-3600 June 16 Paul Skeffington Memorial Race; downtown Lincoln Park in DeWitt; free fun run at 6:30 p.m., with 2- and 5-mile race at 7; bring your lawn chair and drinks, free kids activities and live music from Wild Oatz; skeffrace.com June 18 River City Municipal Band concert; Eagle Point Lodge, 3900 N. Third St., Clinton; 7 p.m.; free; 563-243-1260 or Facebook June 19 Tunes in Town with Black Velvet Band; Lincoln Park in DeWitt; free, food will be sold, bring your own seating; 6-8 p.m.; parks.cityofdewittiowa.org June 21 Music on the Avenue with 3 on The Tree; 200 block of Fifth Avenue S., Clinton; food vendors; free; Facebook June 26 Tunes in Town with 10 of Soul; Lincoln Park in DeWitt; free, food will be sold, bring your own seating; 6-8 p.m.; parks. cityofdewittiowa.org June 28 Music on the Avenue with Dunmore and Newman; 200 block of Fifth Avenue S., Clinton; food vendors; free; Facebook July 3 Tunes in Town with Ron
Lubbers; Lincoln Park in DeWitt; free, food will be sold, bring your own seating; 6-8 p.m.; parks. cityofdewittiowa.org July 4 Fourth of July Festival; Riverview Park, Clinton; bags and volleyball tournaments, parade, carnival games, petting zoo, food and more; parade at 1 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.; On Facebook or 563-243-4000 July 5 Music on the Avenue with Threshold; 200 block of Fifth Avenue S., Clinton; food vendors; free; Facebook July 7 Finally Friday at the River; bandshell at Riverview Park, Clinton; music by Stone Cold Moonshine and The Sidewinders, bring a lawn chair; 6 p.m.; finallyfridayclinton.com or Facebook July 10 Tunes in Town with Todd Striley and the Noize; Lincoln
Park in DeWitt; free, food will be sold, bring your own seating; 6-8 p.m.; parks.cityofdewittiowa.org July 11-15 Clinton County Fair; Clinton County Fairgrounds, 328 E. Eighth St., Dewitt; garden tractor pull, truck pull, tractor pull, bull riding and barrel races, demolition derby and more; prices vary, $20 season pass; clintoncountyiowafair.com or 563-659-1624 July 12 River City Municipal Band performance; de Immigrant Windmill, 415 10th Ave., Fulton; 6:30 p.m.; free; 563-243-1260 or Facebook July 12 Music on the Avenue with Todd Striley and the Noize; 200 block of Fifth Avenue S., Clinton; food vendors; free; Facebook July 14 Family Move Night in the Park; Lincoln Park, Dewitt; family-friendly movie starts at dusk; free; 7:30 p.m.; dewitt.chambermaster.com
CAMANCHE DAYS AUGUST 2-5
G BRIN
THE WHOLE FAMILY OUT T O
PLATT PARK, CAMANCHE Kids’ Events • Arts & Crafts Fair FREE ADMISSION 5 ARM BAND SESSIONS
Carnival, Nightly entertainment and much, much more!
LIGHTED BOAT PARADE Friday, August 4
PARADE
Saturday, August 4 11AM
SLIP N SLIDE KICKBALL Sunday, May 5
CAR SHOW
Sunday, August 5
FIREWORKS
Sunday, August 5 9PM
Call Brenda for more information SM-ST1530836
563-559-0391
Voyager 2018-19
Clinton County, Iowa ~ 21
July 16 River City Municipal Band concert; Eagle Point Lodge, 3900 N. Third St., Clinton; 7 p.m.; free; 563-243-1260 or Facebook July 17 Tunes in Town with The Moonshiners; Lincoln Park in DeWitt; free, food will be sold, bring own seating; 6-8 p.m.; parks.cityofdewittiowa.org July 19 Music on the Avenue with Unidynes; 200 block of Fifth Avenue S., Clinton; food vendors; free; Facebook July 24 Tunes in Town with Jason Carl and the Whole Damn Band; Lincoln Park in DeWitt; free, food will be sold, bring your own seating; 6-8 p.m.; parks.cityofdewittiowa.org July 26 Music on the Avenue with Funktastic 5; 200 block of Fifth Avenue S., Clinton; food vendors; free; Facebook July 31 Tunes in Town with Jordan Danielsen; Lincoln Park in DeWitt; free, food will be sold, bring own seating; 6-8 p.m.; parks.cityofdewittiowa.org
Point Lodge, 3900 N. Third St., Clinton; 7 p.m.; free; 563-243-1260 or Facebook Aug. 4 Finally Friday at the River; bandshell at Riverview Park, Clinton; music by Todd Striley and the Noize and The Cal Stage Band, bring a lawn chair; 6 p.m.; finallyfriday-clinton.com or Facebook Aug. 11 Family Move Night; Lincoln Park, Dewitt; family-friendly movie starts at dusk; free; 7:30 p.m.; dewitt.chambermaster.com Aug. 14 Tunes in Town with 2 Man Mullet Band; Lincoln Park in DeWitt; free, food will be sold, bring own seating; 6-8 p.m.; parks.cityofdewittiowa.org Aug. 21 Tunes in Town with Wild Oatz; Lincoln Park in DeWitt; free, food, bring your own seating; 6-8 p.m.; parks.cityofdewittiowa.org
Aug. 2-5 Camanche Days; parade, carnival, kids games, live music, fireworks, arts and crafts fair; camancheia.org Facebook
Aug. 28 Tunes in Town with Tail Fins and Car Show; Lincoln Park in DeWitt; free, food will be sold, bring own seating; 6-9 p.m.; parks.cityofdewittiowa.org Sept. 7 DeWitt’s Autumn Fest; downtown near Lincoln Park area; children’s activities and performances, antique and new car show, food vendors, and live music; most activities are free; 5-9 p.m.; dewittiowa.org
Aug. 6 River City Municipal Band concert; Eagle
Sept. 29 John Bloom Arts Festival; Lincoln Park; local
artists and crafters will sell their creations, a makeand-take art table for children, and food will be sold; event is tribute to DeWitt native and artist John Bloom; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; 563-659-5520 or mkwitte@iowatelecom.net Oct. 14 The Great Pumpkin Festival; downtown; activities for all ages, highlighted by pumpkin derby race; 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; DeWitt’s Great Pumpkin Festival on Facebook Oct. 29 Mardi Gras Halloween Parade; 343 Fourth Ave. South, Clinton; parade featuring marching bands, floats and more; “Clinton Mardi Gras Parade” on Facebook Nov. 24-Dec. 30 Symphony of Lights; Eagle Point Park, 3900 N. Third St., Clinton; 40 lighted displays, 500,000 lights, castles, streams and a gingerbread lodge all on a 1-mile loop; $7 per carload; 6-9 p.m.; symphonyoflights.org or Facebook Dec. 1 DeWitt’s Hometown Christmas; downtown; full day of kids and family activities, including a holiday window walk and the Lighted Holiday Pickup Parade from 5-7 p.m.; dewittiowa.org Dec. 1-2 Lyons Winter Festival and Christmas Walk; Main Avenue in Clinton; Family friendly activities at 9 a.m. Dec. 1, and live winter displays and more 4 p.m. Dec. 2; Facebook or clintoniowalionsclub@gmail.com
Andrew Lloyd Webber’ss
Disney’ss
Kander and Ebb’ss
Lionel Bart’ss
Mitch Albom’ss
June 7 - June 17
June 21 - July 8
July 12 - July 22
July 26- August 5
August 9 - August 18
Theatre for Young Audiences Kids Camp 6-25 to 6-30 America Sings July 4th at 11am TYA
563-242-6760 0 www.C ClintonShowboat t.or rg
7/6 at 6pm 7/21 at 11am 8/4 at 11am
TYA
7/14 at 11am 7/28 at 11 am 8/3 at 6pm
22 ~ Clinton County, Iowa
www.saukvalley.com
★ UNIQUE SHOPS ★ ANTIQUES ★ DINING
Discover DEWITT
Just 20 minutes West of Clinton on Hwy. 30
Human Foosball Challenge June 24, 2018
CLINTON COUNTY FAIR July 11 – 15, 2018
328 E 8th St, DeWitt, IA www.clintoncountyiowafair.com
85 years as THE GREATEST LITTLE FAIR! 9 & under FREE $20 Season Pass NO Grandstand FEE
Call 563-659-1624 for event space rental & winter storage
FREE DAY
WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY, JULY 11th JULY 15th JULY 12th JULY 14th JULY 13th 6 PM 6 PM 7 PM 7 PM 6 PM GARDEN DEMOLITION TRUCK BULLS & TRACTOR TRACTOR DERBY PULL BARRELS PULL PULL
The Great Pumpkin Festival October 14, 2018 Many Activities for All Pumpkin Derby Race
SM-ST1534192
s, up ers o S rg s, l ad d B u a S ure Jorgies (coming)eat F
810 Sixth Ave., DeWitt 563-659-1429
IF IT IS “MEANT TO BE” YOU WILL FIND IT HERE! Hand Packed Chocolates • Candles • Gifts Galore • Seasonal Decor • Fresh Floral • Lamps • Curtains • Area Rugs • Pine and Upholstered Furniture • Primitives And So Much More
FREE GIFT WRAP, DELIVERIES, DECORATING CONSULTATIONS, FRIENDLY AND COURTEOUS STAFF.
Freshly Fres eshl hly hl y ba bake baked ked ke d pi pizza, flame-grilled tenderloins, cra� beer & more 241 11th St. DeWitt, IA
(563) 659-8554 | jorgiesbargrill.com
Mon-Wed 11am-10pm | Thurs-Sat 11am-2am | Sunday Closed
“More than just coffee”
TEA | SMOOTHIES | LUNCH SERVING A LIGHT MENU Gift Certificates Available
563-349-6640
Voyager 2018-19
Clinton County, Iowa ~ 23
100+ VENDORS and our ANTIQUE MALL is OVER 10,000 SQUARE FEET
A treasure hunt through special finds from the past and present. 714 6th Avenue, DeWitt, IA, 52742 • 563-659-3723 antiques@emmaraes.com • www.emmaraes.com • Like Us On Facebook
Mon-Thurs: 9:30-5 • Friday: 9:30-6 Saturday: 10-5 • Sunday: 11:30-4
Sew Much Fun at:
Heartland Cottons
615 10th Street, DeWitt, IA 52742 (563) 659-6200 Email: heartlandcotton@gmtel.net www.heartlandcottons.com Monday – Friday 9am–5pm Saturday 9am–4pm
All Iowa Shop Hop June 1-30, 2018
LEPRECHAUN LEAP
Row By Row Experience June 21 - Sept. 4, 2018
Fabric * Quilting * Classes * Patterns * Notions * Yarn
March 9, 2019 Beer & Wine Sampling Discover DeWitt
The Garden Café at
THE CROSSROADS Exceptional Flavor in a Beautiful, Relaxing Setting
QUICHE Every Day!
Serving 10-2 Monday-Friday * 11-2 Saturday * Reservations Recommended Store Hours 10-5 Monday-Thursday * 10-4 Friday * 10-3 Saturday
6th Avenue & 10th Street * Downtown DeWitt * 563.659.8897 * crossroadsofdewitt.com
Black Cat Blades
Hansen Monuments
Snap Fitness
Chuck’s Body Shop
Heartland Cottons
Soul Sisters Boutique
Clinton Co Ag Soc/Fair
Jorgie’s Bar & Grill
Custom Art & Sign
Meant to Be with Flowers
DeWitt Chamber & Development Co
Necker’s Jewelers
DeWitt Travel Mart
Randy’s Neighborhood Market
Emma Rae’s Antiques & Uniques
Roling Acres
The Old Library of DeWitt
Flowers on the Side
Schuster & Co. PC, CPA’s
US Bank
SM-ST1532268
Storybook Ending & Ubanity The Garden Cafe at The Crossroads The Family Tree
24 ~ Clinton County, Iowa
www.saukvalley.com
Clinton County Tourist Attractions Clinton County, Iowa, on the banks of the Mississippi River, is filled with parks and other natural areas, and its two largest cities, DeWitt and Clinton, are brimming with attractions. The county covers more than 700 square miles and is home to almost 50,000 people. It is named for former New York Gov. DeWitt Clinton, an ardent advocate for the construction of the Erie Canal. Calamus Mockridge Wildlife Area The 75-acre preserve features sand dunes filled with Scotch and white pines and teems with owls, turkeys and deer. It also has 3 miles of hiking trails. Address: 215th Street and 160th Avenue Phone: 563-847-7202 Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily Sherman Park The 231-acre park along the Wapsipinicon River features hiking trails, hunting grounds, campsites, a boat launch and an observatory. The north 185 acres are open to public hunting, while the south 46 acres is a park, wildlife preserve and campground. The Quad City Astronomical Society maintains an observatory where public star parties are held several times a year. Address: 2776 160th Ave. Phone: 563-357-4134 Online: mycountyparks.com/ county/clinton/Park/ShermanPark.aspx Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
Camanche Blue Heron Eco Cruises The Blue Heron, a 26-passenger pontoon boat, offers educational, naturalist-led tours of the Mississippi River ecosystem. Tours last about 90 minutes. Address: Rock Creek Marina and Campground, 3942 291st St. Phone: 563-259-1876 Online: shawurl.com/32ds Hours: Tours are 7 p.m. Thursdays, May through October; other special tours are offered; call or check the website for dates and times Admission: Free
Camanche Depot Museum The fully restored 1951 Milwaukee/Soo Line caboose and railroad depot houses historical artifacts that transport visitors to 1899, when the depot was built. Address: 102 12th Ave. Phone: 563-259-1285, 563259-1280 or 563-259-1175 Online: camancheia.org/ activities-attractions Hours: By appointment Admission: Free Camanche Historical Society The museum houses the Clinton County/Gateway Genealogical Library as well as collections from the city’s past. Address: 1307 S. Washington Blvd. Phone: 563-259-1285, 563259-1280 or 563-259-1175 Online: On Facebook Hours: 1-4 p.m. Sunday and by appointment Admission: Free Folletts Park The 7-acre park features an 18-hole disc golf course, a playground and a picnic shelter. Address: U.S. Highway 67, 5 miles southwest of Camanche Phone: 563-847-7202 Online: mycountyparks.com/ county/clinton/Park/FollettsPark.aspx Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily Mississippi River Eco-Tourism Center The state-of-the-art eco-tourism center opened in 2012. Its centerpiece is an 8,000-gallon aquarium stocked with Mississippi River fish. There also is a large wetlands display, highlighting reptiles, amphibians, waterfowl and other species that call the backwaters and sloughs of the river home. The center also is home to a large collection of
replicas of Iowa state record fish species, Iowa’s largest deer, live snakes and turtles. It has a camp store and cafe, 200-plusseat community meeting room, 30-seat meeting room and theater, large deck overlooking backwaters, and a marina. Address: Rock Creek Marina and Campground, 3942 291st St. Phone: 563-259-1876 Online: shawurl.com/32dk Hours: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekends in the summer; scaled back in cooler months Admission: Free
Clinton Bickelhaupt Arboretum The Bickelhaupt Arboretum is a nationally recognized, 14-acre outdoor museum of select-labeled trees, shrubs, ground cover, perennials and annuals; it features one of the top garden conifer collections in the country. It also has native prairie grasses, flowering trees, shrub roses, wildflowers and ornamental shrubs, as well as Stout Metal day lilies, a Monarch Watch butterfly station, American Hosta Society National Display Garden, a bird haven and an herb garden.
Visit the
George Curtis Mansion 420 5th Avenue South, Clinton, Iowa Saturday Tours: 1:30pm & 2:30pm Wednesday Tours: (Memorial Day to Labor Day) 1:30pm & 2:30pm Other Times By Appointment
563.242.8556
Go to www.georgecurtismansion.org for upcoming events.
Find us on Facebook Available for private rental.
Voyager 2018-19 Address: 340 S. 14th St. Phone: 563-242-4771 Online: bickelhaupt.org or Facebook Hours: Dawn to dusk daily; learning center 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday Admission: Free Clinton Area Showboat Theatre The Clinton Area Showboat Theatre is a professional, nonprofit, summer stock theater aboard a restored river paddle wheeler. Its theater is named the Lillian Russell Theatre, after the Clinton native who was one of the most popular stars of the 1890s. The season runs June through August. Address: 303 Riverview Road Phone: 563-242-6760 Online: www.clintonshowboat.org Showtimes: 3 p.m. Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday; check the schedule online or call the box office Admission: Tickets are $21 online or $23 at the box office Clinton County Historical Society and Museum The museum contains documents, photographs and furniture, a 1924 kitchen and the “Resolute,” a hand-powered fire engine, all of which tell the stories of the early settlers of the Mississippi River area and the booming lumber business. Address: 601 S. First St. Phone: 563-242-1201 Online: iagenweb.org/clinton/CCHS/ index.htm Hours: 9-11 a.m. Monday-Friday, 1-4 p.m. Sunday and by appointment Admission: Free Clinton LumberKings baseball The Clinton LumberKings are a professional, Class A, Midwest League affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. The team plays at Ashford University Field. Address: 537 Ballpark Drive Phone: 563-242-0727 Online: lumberkings.com Admission: $7 general admission seats, $8 for box seats Clinton Sawmill Museum The Clinton Sawmill Museum showcases Clinton’s pivotal role in the lumber industry; the city once was known as the “Lumber Capital of the World.” The museum houses some original pieces from the Struve Mill, which was in operation from the 1860s to 1980s, as well as an early-20th century working sawmill. Address: 2231 Grant St. Phone: 563-242-0343 Online: thesawmillmuseum.org or Facebook Hours: 1-6 p.m. Monday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday Admission: $6 adults, $4 ages 4-12
Clinton County, Iowa ~ 25 Clinton Symphony Orchestra The Clinton Symphony Orchestra is a professional orchestra that performs classical concerts at various locations in Iowa and Illinois throughout the season, and puts on an annual pops concert on the riverfront in June. Phone: 815-625-0922 Online: clintonsymphony.org or Facebook Admission: $15 adults, $5 students Curtis Mansion The Curtis Mansion is the restored Victorian home of lumber baron George M. Curtis. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it features original Tiffany glass windows, carved banisters, ornate wood trim and massive fireplaces. Address: 420 Fifth Ave. S. Phone: 563-242-8556 Online: georgemcurtismansion.org or Facebook Hours: Tours are offered at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Saturdays (and Wednesday from Memorial Day to Labor Day); the mansion also is open for special events Admission: Free Felix Adler Children’s Discovery Center The museum offers interactive exhibits and educational displays, including a Brio train engine, Kapla blocks, an ambulance, grocery store and a hospital. It is named after Clinton native Frank Adler, “Funny Felix, King of Clowns,” who was a famous clown with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Address: 332 Eighth Ave. S. Phone: 563-243-3600 Online: adlerdiscoverycenter.org or Facebook Hours: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. WednesdaySaturday, 12:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday Admission: $4 children and adults, $3 seniors Gateway Contemporary Ballet/Carousel School of Dance The Gateway Contemporary Ballet offers classical and modern dance, including a full-length ballet in the spring, free riverfront concerts in the summer and a showcase of guest artists in the fall. Address: 233 Fifth Ave. S. Phone: 563-242-1002 Online: gatewayballet.org or Facebook Admission: Ticket prices vary; call school River Arts Center The center, operated by the Clinton Art Association, features new exhibits in a variety of media every 6 weeks. It also hosts classes and workshops taught by local artists. The center is home to the Clinton Art Players Theatre and Rainbow Pottery, a paint-your-own ceramics shop. Address: 229 Fifth Ave. S. Phone: 563-243-3300
Online: clintonartassociation.com or Facebook Hours: 1-4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday or by appointment Riverview Park Swimming Pool This pool has a water slide, a sprinkler shaped like a lighthouse, a kiddie pool less than a foot deep and a separate diving pool. Address: 101 S. First St. Phone: 563-242-4673 (563-243-1260) Online: cityofclintoniowa.us Hours: 1-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday May 29 through Sept. 4 Admission: $5 for adults 18 to 54; $4 for seniors and kids 5 to 17; $2 for kids 4 and younger Soaring Eagle Nature Center The nature center, which sits on 40 acres of forest and restored tall-grass prairie, houses displays of the flora and fauna of the area. It includes the Nature Barn, an outdoor amphitheater, a one-room schoolhouse and Prairie Pastures Dog Park, an 8-acre off-leash park. Address: 3923 N. Third St. Phone: 563-242-9088 Online: shawurl.com/32dl Hours: Open for special events and by appointment Admission: Free Wide River Winery Wide River Winery, which opened in 2005, features award-winning wines, a tasting room and 6.5 acres of vineyards on the bluffs of the Mississippi River. Tours of the facility and grounds are conducted daily and include a wine-tasting. Concerts and other activities also are held at the winery. The winery also operates a tasting room in LeClaire. Address: 1776 E. Deer Creek Road Phone: 563-519-9463 Online: wideriverwinery.com or Facebook Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
DeWitt Central Community Historical Society & Museum The museum features items that capture the rich history of DeWitt and the surrounding area, including Indian tools, military artifacts, household equipment, furniture and a school room filled with desks, books and clocks. Address: 628 6th Ave. Phone: 563-659-9717 Online: centralcommhistsoc-museum. org or Facebook Hours: 8:30-10:30 a.m. Monday and Thursday, 1-4 p.m. Sunday Admission: Free continued on
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26 ~ Clinton County, Iowa DeWitt Aquatic Center The DeWitt Aquatic Center is a $2.6 million facility. The pool features zero-depth entry, three water slides, lily pads, a basketball hoop and more. Lifeguards are on duty at all times. Address: 1000 14th St. Phone: 563-659-3541 Online: parks.cityofdewittiowa.org or Facebook Hours: 1-8 p.m. Monday-Friday, 1-6 p.m. Saturday, 1-7 p.m. Sunday Admission: Daily rates are $5.50 for ages 13 and older, $3.25 for ages 6-12, $2.25 for ages 5 and younger, $2.50 for nonswimming adults with children DeWitt Operahouse Theatre The venue has been providing entertainment to Dewitt and the surrounding communities since 1874. First and second run movies are shown here. Every 6 weeks, the First Central Art Gallery showcases work by a new local artist. Address: 716 Sixth Ave. Phone: 563-659-8213 Online: dewittoperahouse.com or Facebook Hours: 6:30-9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 1:15-4 and 7-9 p.m. Saturday; and 1:15-4 and 6:30-9 p.m.Sunday Admissions: $5 evening shows, $4 matinees German Hausbarn The thatched-roof building was built in 1727, then dismantled in Niebull, Germany, in 2007, shipped to the city and rebuilt by volunteers. It houses a German museum, as well as the local chamber of commerce and a development company. Address: 1010 Sixth Ave. Phone: DeWitt Chamber of Commerce, 563-659-8500 Online: dewittiowa.org Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, by appointment Saturday and Sunday
www.saukvalley.com Malone Park This 30-acre park includes a 9-acre lake for fishing and swimming. There is a picnic shelter, picnic tables, swing set, beach for swimming, a wetland area, and a 12-hole disc golf course. Address: 3942 291st St. Phone: 563-259-1876 or 563-847-7202 Online: mycountyparks.com/county/ clinton/Park/Malone-Park.aspx Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily Westbrook Park The 100-acre park, the city’s largest, features baseball/softball diamonds, playgrounds, horseshoe courts, volleyball courts and a disc golf course. It also includes a natural timber area with foot trails and the 10-foot wide, 5-mile Paul Skeffington Memorial Trail, a multipurpose trail for walking, running and cycling. Address: 520 Westbrook Drive Phone: 563-659-5127 Online: parks.cityofdewittiowa.org Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily in the summer, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in the winter Admission: Free
Grand Mound Barber Creek Wildlife Management Area The 926-acre area on the Wapsipinicon River Bottoms has 466 acres of timber, meadows and crop land, plus 114 acres of oxbow lakes, floodplain chutes and small ponds. The area is great for hunting, fishing, trapping, canoeing, hiking, mushroom hunting, berry picking and wildlife viewing. Address: 247th Avenue, 5 miles south of Grand Mound Phone: 563-652-3132 Online: www.iowadnr.gov/portals/idnr/ uploads/wildlife/wmamaps/barber_creek.pdf Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
Lost Nation
Brookfield Recreation Trail The 21-mile hiking trail was formed from abandoned Milwaukee Railroad right-ofway. It offers scenic views perfect for bird watching. Address: 210th Avenue, between Highway 136 and 130th Street Phone: 563-847-7202 Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
Marie Ketelsen Learning Center The 40-acre park and wildlife area is named in honor of Marie Ketelsen, a schoolteacher who lived on the land and willed it to the county to teach children about nature. The area features a 26-acre restored prairie, 2 miles of trails and a pond. Address: 150th Street, 6 miles east of Lost Nation Phone: 563-847-7202 Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
Delmar Depot Railroad Museum Located in S.S. Norton Park, the depot, built about 1905 and restored in the 1990s, features segregated waiting rooms for men and women, the “Elizabeth” caboose and the Orphan Train mural. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Address: 414 Lincoln Ave. Phone: 563-547-4077 Online: Facebook
Smithtown Church The church, now a historic site, is the only surviving landmark of the Sharon Township village of Burgess. The church was discontinued as a regular place of worship in the late 1920s. Address: 125th Street, 4 miles north of Lost Nation Phone: 563-847-7202 Online: mycountyparks.com/county/ clinton/Park/Smithtown-Church.aspx
Delmar
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Voyager 2018-19
Clinton County, Iowa ~ 27
2018 EVENTS Farmer’s Market LBPA Burger Cook Off July 20th LBPA Chili Cook Off October 6th LBPA Halloween Walk October 26th LBPA Winter Festival December 1st and 2nd
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28 ~ DeKalb County
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DeKalb County Calendar of Events May 27 Antique Car Show and Flea Market; Sandwich Fairgrounds, 1401 Suydam Road; 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; admission is $5; Al Matison at 815-414-1239 or Rick Shaw at 815-786-7253 June 2-3 Northern Illinois Art Show; DeKalb County Courthouse, 133 state Route 23, Sycamore; fine arts and crafts from artists across the Midwest; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, -4 p.m. Sunday; kval-nfp.org June 7, 14, and 28 Summer Concerts in the Park; Good Tymes Shelter, Sycamore Park Sports Complex, Airport Road, Sycamore; 7 p.m.; sycamoreparkdistrict.com or 815-895-3365 June 6-9 Genoa Days; downtown Genoa; carnival, King and Queen contest, music, parade and more; Facebook or 815-784-3412 June 8-10 Malta Days; downtown Malta; 5K walk/run, craft fair, car show, carnival, petting zoo, beer garden, music and parade; villageofmalta.net/ malta-days-festival or 815-825-2330 June 10 Sunday at Sandwich Antiques Show; Sandwich Fairgrounds, 1401 Suydam Road; antiques, collectibles and food; admission is $5; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; sundayatsandwichantiques. com, Facebook or 847-321-1712 or 630-2513454 June 10 Hinckley Lions Club Car Show; Pioneer Park, Hinckley; car show featuring cars, trucks, tractors and motorcycles and a pancake breakfast and BBQ lunch; 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; “Hinckley Lions Club” on Facebook June 13, 20 and 27 DeKalb Municipal Band concert; Hopkins Park Band Shell, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb; 8 p.m.; dekalbparkdistrict.com/Bandconcerts or 815-758-6663 June 16 Folk Music Fest; Gurler House, 205 Pine St., DeKalb; live music; bring a lawn chair or blanket, refreshments available; 12-5 p.m.; Facebook or 815-758-4897 June 23 Antique Engine and Tractor Show; Sandwich Fairgrounds, 1401 Suydam Road; AllisChalmers tractors and Sandwich gas engines and equipment; kids pedal pull, flea market, toy show and sale, equipment demonstrations, tractor parade and food; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; $5, kids 12 and younger free; 815-498-2013 June 24 Arts at the Barn; Joseph F. Glidden Home-
stead, 921 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb; art show, blacksmith demonstrations and tours of the homestead; noon-4 p.m.; gliddenhomestead.org or 815-756-7904 June 30-July 1 Sandwich Freedom Days; Sandwich Farigrounds, 1401 Suydam Road; 5K walk/run, parade, fireworks and more; sandwichparkdistrict.org or 815-786-8044 July 1-4 Kirkland Fourth of July celebration; downtown; carnival, car and tractor show, flea market, entertainment, beer tent, parade, fireworks and more; kirklandlions.org or 815-739-7879 July 4 Fourth of July celebration; Shabbona; pancake breakfast, rides and games, parade, fireworks, and more; shecevents.com July 4 Fourth of July Celebration; Hopkins Park, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb; 5K walk/run, music, food and fireworks; fireworks at dusk; dekalbparkdistrict.com, Facebook or 815758-6663 July 4, 11, 18 and 25 DeKalb Municipal Band concert; Hopkins Park Band Shell, 1403 Sycamore Road; 8 p.m.; dekalbparkdistrict.com/Band-concerts or 815-758-6663 July 5, 12, 19 and 26 Summer Concerts in the Park; Good Tymes Shelter, Sycamore Park Sports Complex, Airport Road; 7 p.m.; sycamoreparkdistrict.com or 815-895-3365 July 8 Sunday at Sandwich Antiques Show; Sandwich Fairgrounds, 1401 Suydam Road; antiques, collectibles and food; admission is $5; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; sundayatsandwichantiques. com, Facebook or 847-321-1712 or 630-2513454 July 20-22 Let’s Dance Big Band Weekend; Duke Ellington Ballroom, Holmes Student Center, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb; swing music and ballroom dancing lessons; justmakeithappen-dekalb.com or 815-758-1093 July 21 Waterman Lions Summerfest; Lions Park, 435 S. Birch St., Waterman; antique tractor and truck show, craft show/flea market, train rides, hay rides, beer garden, music, fireworks, and more; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; watermanlionstractorshowandsummerfest.com or Facebook July 22-29 Kishwaukee Fest; DeKalb, Sycamore and Malta; flea market, cruise night, BaconPalooza Swine and Wine Festival, 10K Bacon Trot, music, parade, street dance and more; kish-
waukeefest.com, Facebook or 815-756-1263 July 28-29 Turning Back Time Weekend; downtown Sycamore; 1950s- and ’60s-themed event includes classic car cruise, classic car show, concert, parade, food, beer garden, and more; discoversycamore.com or 815-895-3456 Aug. 1, 6, 8, 15 and 22 DeKalb Municipal Band concert; Hopkins Park Band Shell, 1403 Sycamore Road; 8 p.m.; dekalbparkdistrict.com/Band-concerts or 815-758-6663 Aug. 5 Elwood Summer Festival; Ellwood House, 509 N. First St.; DeKalb; art show, tours of the Ellwood House, music by the DeKalb Municipal Band, ice cream social and more; 10 a.m.4 p.m.; ellwoodhouse.org or 815-756-4609 Aug. 9-12 Sycamore Steam Show & Threshing Bee;Taylor Marshall Farm, 27702 Lukens Road; antique farm equipment on display and on parade, tractor pull, train and wagon rides, flea market, farm toy sale, petting zoo, music, food and more; $6, children younger than 12 free; 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; threshingbee.org Aug. 10-11 Cortland Summer Fest; Cortland Community Park; car show, children’s activities, petting zoo, music, beer garden, parade, fireworks and more; admission is $5 for adults 21 and older; cortlandil.org or 815-756-9041 Aug. 11 DeKalb County Barn Tour; DeKalb; five historic barns, plus Joseph F. Glidden Homestead and DeKalb Area Agricultural Heritage Association photography exhibition; $20 per carload, includes tour booklet and map; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; gliddenhomestead.org, daaha. org or 815-756-7904 Aug. 12 Sunday at Sandwich Antiques Show; Sandwich Fairgrounds, 1401 Suydam Road; antiques, collectibles and food; admission is $5; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; sundayatsandwichantiques.com, Facebook or 847-321-1712 or 630-251-3454 Aug. 18 Cruisin’ to Genoa Car Show; downtown; car shows, food and more; 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; genoaareachamber.com/cruisin-to-genoa or 815-784-2212 Aug. 24-26 Corn Fest; downtown DeKalb; music and entertainment, beer garden, corn boil, car show, Corn Classic Race, carnival, children’s activities and more; admission is $5 for beer garden; admission to beer garden is $5; cornfest.com or 815-746-2676 continued on
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Voyager 2018-19
DeKalb County ~ 29
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30 ~ DeKalb County Aug. 25 Ribs, Rhythm & Brews Fest; downtown Sycamore; award-winning ribs, craft beer and music; 5-11 p.m.; discoversycamore.com or 815-895-3456 Aug. 26 Pioneer Day; downtown Genoa; old-time tradesmen and artisan demonstrations, stagecoach rides and more; 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Kishwaukee Valley Historical Society on Facebook or 815-784-5559 Sept. 1-3 Maple Park Fun Fest; downtown; entertainment, arts and crafts show, car show, toilet bowl races, 5K walk/run, beer garden, parade, fireworks and more; mapleparkfunfest.com Sept. 5-9 Sandwich Fair; Sandwich Fairgrounds, 1401 Suydam Road; carnival, harness races, truck pulls, demolition derby, and more; admission is $9 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12; sandwichfair.com, “The Sandwich Fair Association” on Facebook or 815-786-2159 Sept. 7-9 VolksFest; Carroll Memorial Park, Genoa; Volksmarch, craft beverage festival, music, Great Genoa Duck Race and more; genoavolksfest.org Sept. 9 DeKalb Kite Fest; corner of Lucinda Avenue
www.saukvalley.com and Kishwaukee Drive, Northern Illinois University; stunt kites, dancing kites, fighting kites, kite-making, candy drop, food and more; 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Facebook, or 815-756-1336 or 877-335-2521 Sept. 27 Festival of Crafts; Sandwich; craft shows at three locations; 9 a.m.-noon; sandwich-il.org or 815-786-9075 Oct. 14 Sunday at Sandwich Antiques Show; Sandwich Fairgrounds, 1401 Suydam Road; antiques, collectibles and food; admission is $5; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; sundayatsandwichantiques.com, Facebook or 847-321-1712 or 630-251-3454 Oct. 14 Cortland Fall Festival; Cortland Community Park; parade, carnival rides and food; parade at 1 p.m.; cortlandil.org Oct. 24-28 Sycamore Pumpkin Festival; downtown; more than 1,000 decorated pumpkins on display, two carnivals, two craft shows, entertainment, parade and more; sycamorepumpkinfestival.com or 815-895-3456 Nov. 11-12 Christmas in the Country; Sandwich schools, south of Route 34 on Wells, Lions and Dayton streets, Sandwich; holiday craft show; admission $3, benefits the Sandwich School
Music Association; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday; sandwich-il.org
Nov. 25-26, weekends in December Holiday Lights Train; Waterman & Western Railroad, 435 S. Birch St., Waterman; train rides through park decorated with more than 250,000 lights, free hot chocolate and popcorn on board; petestrain.com Dec. 2 A Sandwich Christmas; craft show, tree lighting, carriage rides, live nativity, festival of trees and more; sandwichparkdistrict.org or 815-786-8044 Dec. 7 Walk with Santa; downtown Sycamore; holiday movie, parade with Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and the elves, tree lighting and visits with Santa; movie at 4:30 p.m., parade and other festivities 6-8 p.m.; discoversycamore.com or 815-895-3456 Dec. 7 Celebrate the Season; Genoa; Jingle Bell Parade, tree lighting, wagon rides, petting zoo, live nativity, children’s activities and more; 6-8 p.m.; genoaareachamber.com or 815-784-2212 Dec. 10 Holiday Open House; Joseph F. Glidden Homestead, 921 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb; noon-4 p.m.; gliddenhomestead.org or 815756-7904
DeKalb County Tourist Attractions Founded in 1837, DeKalb remained a small community until the arrival of the Chicago and North Western Transportation Co. in 1853. DeKalb’s central location brought easier shipping of crops and access to larger markets. Agriculture was the primary economic activity until the early 1870s, when farmer Joseph Glidden developed barbed wire and began commercial mass production of his invention. DeKalb Afton Forest Preserve This natural area is home to native Illinois prairie plants, which are part of a prairie and wetland restoration. The preserve offers cross country skiing, hiking and fishing, as well play areas, picnic areas and a historic area. Address: 13600 Crego Road Phone: 815-895-7191 Online: dekalbcounty.org/ForestPreserve/ pdfs/afton.pdf DeKalb Area Women’s Center The nonprofit, volunteer community center was established in 1993 to advocate for women and related issues. Housed in the former Finnish Temperance Society hall, the center offers monthly art shows and historical exhibits and other cultural activities. Address: 1021 State St.
Phone: 815-758-1351 Online: dekalbawc.weebly.com or Facebook Egyptian Theatre Opened in 1929 for the DeKalb Theatre Company, it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It owes its connection to Egyptian culture to the discovery of King Tut’s tomb in 1922. Its facade features a 20-foot-tall stained glass window bearing the ancient sacred scarab, holding up the sun god Ra while standing on the earth. The front of the theater is shaped like the gate of a great temple. It is one of only five remaining Egyptian-styled theaters in the country., and is used for a variety of events; it seats almost 1,400. Address: 135 N. Second St. Phone: 815-758-1215 Online: egyptiantheatre.org or Facebook Hours: Box office is open 3-6 p.m. Tuesday-
Thursday and one hour prior to events. Tours are available by appointment. Admission: Tickets for shows vary; call the box office. Tours are $7 for adults, $3 for ages 6-12. Ellwood House Museum Housed in the former Victorian home of Isaac Ellwood, who played a central role in the development of the barbed wire industry, the museum showcases exhibits on barbed wire and a large collection of sheet music. Address: 509 N. First St. Phone: 815-756-4609 Online: ellwoodhouse.org or Facebook Hours: Tours are 1 and 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Sunday, March through Nov. 30; visitor’s center open 12:30-4:30 p.m. daily, except Monday Admission: Tours are $8 for adults, $7 for students, seniors and AAA members, and $3 for ages 6-17; visitor’s center exhibits are free
Voyager 2018-19 Gurler House and Gurler Heritage Center Built in 1857, the George Gurler House was one of the first frame homes in DeKalb. The house showcases the original flooring and glass, Greek Revival architecture, a cream separator and photo displays of the Gurler family, the Gurler Dairy, and the Gurler Heritage Association. It also has an exquisite garden. Tours are available by appointment. Address: 205 Pine St. Phone: 815-761-5306 Online: Facebook Hours: By appointment Admission: By donation Joseph F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center The home of Joseph Glidden, inventor of barbed wire, along with the barn, one of the oldest still-standing barns, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The stately red-brick home was an unusual style for the Midwest, more reminiscent of styles in the Northeast, where Glidden grew up. The site offers blacksmith demonstrations, model train displays, historical exhibits, and a garden. Tours are available. Address: 921 W. Lincoln Highway Phone: 815-756-7904 Online: gliddenhomestead.org or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, noon-4 p.m. second and fourth Sundays, June through October Admission: $4 for 15 and older; free for younger children with family Lincoln Highway Interpretive Gazebo One of two interpretive gazebos in Illinois and 16 along the highway that tells the story of the historic Lincoln Highway through murals. Address: Lincoln Highway and Eleventh Street Phone: 866-455-4249 Online: drivelincolnhighway.com/gazebos Northern Illinois University Anthropology Museum The museum houses more than 12,000 objects, mostly of ethnographic material with some archaeological material. It specializes in the cultures of Southeast Asia, New Guinea, and the Southwest and Plains Native Americans, and also holds smaller collections from Africa, modern Greece, Mesoamerica, and South America. Group tours are available. Address: Cole Hall, across from the visitor parking lot at 200 Carroll Ave. Phone: 815-753-2520 Online: niu.edu/pick-museum or The Pick Museum of Anthropology at NIU on Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday and Saturday Admission: Free Northern Illinois University Art Museum The museum has a permanent collection of more than 1,000 items that consists mostly of 20th century works of art on paper (prints, drawings and photographs), but also includes contemporary paintings and sculpture. Address: Altgeld Hall, Castle Drive and College Avenue Phone: 815-753-1936 Online: niu.edu/artmuseum or find NIU Art Museum on Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednes-
DeKalb County ~ 31 day, Friday; noon-7 p.m. Thursday; and noon4 p.m. Sunday; closed during the summer Admission: Free
and shorter; $7 for nonresident adults and children, $6 for nonresident children 48 inches and shorter; $3 on Thursday
Northern Illinois University Blackwell History of Education Museum The museum offers artifacts, documents, and a one-room school that showcase the history of American education. Address: The Learning Center, Gabel Hall, Stadium Drive Phone: 815-753-1236 Online: cedu.niu.edu/blackwell or Facebook Hours: By appointment Admission: Free
Kishwaukee Valley Heritage Museum Housed in an 1880s train depot, the museum site includes a circa 1902 well house, a circa 1950 caboose and a miniature one-room schoolhouse. Artifacts on display include the oldest horse-drawn hearse in the county, scale-model trains, an old printing press and a collection of telephones made in Genoa. Address: 622 Park Ave. Phone: 815-784-5559 Online: shawurl.com/32mq or Facebook Hours: 1-5 p.m. Wednesday, 2-4 p.m. second Sunday of the month, and by appointment Admission: Free
Northern Illinois University Regional History Center and University Archives The center preserves the most significant historical records of northern Illinois. It actively collects from the 18 northern counties, except for Cook. It houses three related sets of historical records: the University Archives, regional collections and local government records. Address: Room 400, Founders Memorial Library, Norris Road Phone: 815-753-1779 Online: shawurl.com/32mp or Facebook Hours: 8 a.m.-noon and 1-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Clock The clock is a World War I memorial, dedicated in 1921. It also is home to the town mural. Address: Memorial Park, Northwest Corner of First Street and Lincoln Highway Whiskey Acres Distilling Co. Named one of the Chicago area’s best distilleries, Whiskey Acres distills spirits from grains grown on the fifth-generation family farm. The farm distillery is the only one of its kind in Illinois and has been producing its liquors only since December 2014. It makes unaged corn whiskey, apple-infused corn whiskey, corn vodka, rye whiskey and bourbon, although it is not yet available as it is aging in oak barrels. Address: 11504 Keslinger Road Phone: 844-494-4753 Online: whiskeyacres.com or Facebook Hours: 1:30-8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1:30-5:30 p.m. Sunday, March-November Admission: Tours and tasting are $10
Genoa Chamberlain Skate Park and Pool Address: 400 E. Second St. Phone: 815-784-5612 Online: genoaparks.com This unsupervised skate park is open to skateboarders and in-line skaters. Hours: 8 a.m.-dusk daily The aquatic facility offers two pools, a wading pool with zero-depth entry and a slide, and the main pool as deep as 9 feet and with the “Drop Zone” slide and another slide. It also has a splash pad and a concession stand. Hours: noon-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. MondayFriday, noon-5 p.m. Saturday, and 1-6 p.m. Sunday, May 28-Aug. 14; Kiddie Pool opens at 11 a.m. Monday-Friday Admission: $5 for resident adults and children, $4 for resident children 48 inches
Lincoln Highway Interpretive Mural One of 30 murals along the historic Lincoln Highway that tells the story of the Good Roads movement that swept through rural America in the early 1900s. DeKalb was the first town along the route to rename its main street. Address: Lincoln Highway and Seventh Street Phone: 866-455-4249 Online: drivelincolnhighway.com/murals Natural Resources Center Nestled near the entrance to Russell Woods Forest Preserve, the center is a great stop for exploration and live animal viewing. The preserve offers sledding and cross-country skiing, as well as fishing, canoeing and hiking. It has picnic areas and a playground, too. Address: Russell Woods Forest Preserve, 11750 state Route 72 Phone: 815-784-2000 or 815-758-8194 Online: shawurl.com/32mr Hours: Hours vary; call ahead Prairie State Winery Former schoolteachers make award-winning wine from Illinois grapes and have won several state awards for their local-focused business concept. Tours are given Saturdays. Address: 222 W. Main St. Phone: 815-784-4540 Online: prairiestatewinery.com or Facebook Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon-5 p.m. Sunday
Kingston Knute Olson Jr. Forest Preserve The preserve is home to two ponds nestled in the woods along the Kishwaukee River. Fishing is a popular activity here. Address: 12595 Baseline Road Phone: 815-895-7191 Online: shawurl.com/32ms
Kirkland Adee’s Woods Adee’s Woods provides an area for a picnic and a walk through the woods. Address: 4106 Old State Road Phone: 815-895-7191 Online: dekalbcounty.org/ForestPreserve/ pdfs/adees.pdf continued on
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32 ~ DeKalb County Northern Illinois Veterans Memorial The memorial honors northern Illinois veterans, from those of the Civil War to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Address: Franklin Township Park, Third and South streets Phone: 815-522-6179
Malta Jonamac Orchard The 105-acre orchard, opened in 1984, has more than 10,000 apple trees offering more than two dozen varieties of apples. Besides apple picking, families will enjoy hay rides, train rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, a barnyard area and a corn maze. The orchard also has a country store and bakery, and cider house. Address: 19412 Shabbona Road Phone: 815-825-2158 Online: jonamacorchard.com or Facebook Hours: Apple picking 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, country store open 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily, mid-August to late November. Hours change seasonally; check the website or call ahead Lincoln Highway Interpretive Gazebo One of two interpretive gazebos in Illinois and 16 along the highway that tells the story of the historic Lincoln Highway through murals. Malta is home to the “first seedling mile.” Address: Kishwaukee College, 21193 Malta Road Phone: 866-455-4249 Online: drivelincolnhighway.com/gazebos Malta Historical & Genealogical Society Housed in the old town hall, the society archives photos and documents related to the history of the railroad town. Address: 127 N. Third St. Phone: 815-825-2367 or 815-825-2330 Online: villageofmalta.net/maltahistorcialsociety.htm Hours: By appointment
Maple Park Acquaviva Winery The family-owned, 40-acre estate vineyard and winery offers award-winning wines, wine tasting and fine dining. Tours are available. Address: 47W614 state Route 38 Phone: 630-365-0333 Online: acquavivawinery.com or Facebook Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon-8 p.m. Sunday Admission: Tours range from $10 to $30 Sycamore Speedway Billed as “the Midwest’s finest clay track,” the speedway hosts time trials and races every weekend. Address: 50W086 Old State Road Phone: 815-895-5454 Online: sycamorespeedway.com or Facebook Hours: Gates open at 6 p.m.; races are 8 p.m. Friday and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; time trials are an hour before races Admission: Adults $12, ages 5-11 $5
Sandwich Opera House of Sandwich Built in 1878 as the Sandwich City Hall and Opera House, the building almost was razed for a parking lot. But in 1979, it was placed on
www.saukvalley.com the National Register of Historic Places and restored to its 1890s look. It was reopened in 1986, and now functions as a community facility for theater performances, lectures and special events. Tours are available during normal business hours. Address: 140 E. Railroad St. Phone: 815-786-2555 Online: sandwichoperahouse.org or Facebook Hours: Box office is open 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and one hour before shows Admission: Tickets for shows vary, call the box office
Shabbona Shabbona Lake State Park The park features more than 1,500 acres of rolling prairie and a 319-acre man-made fishing lake. It offers a unique mix of grasscovered meadows, upland mesic woods, bottomland woods, and a native, undisturbed fen. There also are areas of prairie restoration throughout the park featuring prairie grasses, such as big blue stem, and prairie flowers, such as purple cone flower. The park has facilities for picnicking, camping, hiking, fishing, hunting and winter sports. It also is a pilot site for handicapped accessibility and offers a specially designed fishing pier. Address: 100 Preserve Road Phone: 815-824-2106 Online: shabbonalake.com or Facebook Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily, April through October; hours vary seasonally Shabbona-Lee-Rollo Historical Museum Opened in 1992 in an old bank, the museum covers the old school district No, 425, which included the towns of Shabbona, Shabbona Grove, Lee, Rollo and the surrounding area. It offers exhibits of local history and a research library. Its records include obituaries, cemetery books, marriage records, census records, military records, newspapers and more. Address: 119 W. Comanche Ave. Phone: 815-824-2597 Online: slrmuseum.com or Facebook Hours: 9-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-3 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and 9-11 a.m. Saturday. Admission: Free
Somonauk Marie Louise Olmstead Memorial Museum The museum is described by some as a hidden gem because of its display of local, cultural, natural and prehistoric history for lower DeKalb and upper LaSalle counties. Three rooms are packed full of artifacts and antiques. It was founded by the late attorney L. B. Olmstead, a lifelong collector of relics and antiques, who named it for his late wife. Address: 100 S. Depot St. Phone: 815-498-3537 Hours: 2-4 p.m. Sunday or by appointment Admission: Free
Sycamore The Art Attack Billed as an art school for all ages, Art Attack fosters creativity and community through art classes, gallery showings and special events. Address: 215 W. Elm St. Phone: 815-899-9440 Online: Sycamore Art Attack on Facebook
Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday Admission: Varies for classes; check the website or call ahead Midwest Museum of Natural History The museum has exhibits that show animals in their natural habitats. It also has a Discovery Den, where visitors can handle pelts and skulls, dress up for safari, sort seashells, count tree rings and more. Perhaps its most popular exhibit, the live animal collection features turtles, snakes, lizards, amphibians and fish. Address: 425 W. State St. Phone: 815-895-9777 Online: mmnh.org or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday Admission: Free on Wednesdays; $8 adults, $5 seniors and ages 12 and younger Sycamore History Museum Its mission is to expand the understanding of the area’s history and to educate the public through exhibits, lectures and classes. The museum’s permanent collection includes textiles, sports memorabilia (including the 1984 Olympic torch), marketing materials, agricultural items and more. There also is a gift shop. Address: 1730 N. Main St. Phone: 815-895-5762 Online: sycamorehistory.org Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday Admission: $5 for ages 14 and older
Waterman Honey Hill Orchard A family-owned and operated orchard, started as a hobby in 1965, Honey Hill now has 2,100 apple trees at its original site plus 500 trees at a second location. The orchard offers pick-yourown apples, raspberries and pumpkins. It also has a bakery, lunch stand and country store. Address: 11783 Waterman Road Phone: 815-264-3337 Online: honeyhillorchard.com or Facebook Hours: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, late August through early September; 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. every day early September through Oct. 31 Waterman Area Heritage Society This “museum” in a former barbershop has exhibits of telephones, DeKalb Ag-Monsanto memorabilia, school items, barbering items and more. Address: 180 W. Lincoln Highway Phone: 815-264-3461 or 815-264-7717 Online: dekalb.illinoisgenweb.org/WatermanSoc.htm and Facebook Hours: 1-3 p.m. Saturday or by appointment Admission: By donation Waterman Winery and Vineyards Winner of the 2010 Governor’s Sustainability Award, the winery has almost 20 wines on its list, with the most intriguing one being a dry wine, Barbed Wire Red, a full-bodied, oaked Frontenac. Tastings are available, as are tours, but they must be arranged several weeks in advance. Address: 11582 Waterman Road Phone: 815-264-3268 Online: watermanwinery.com or Facebook Hours: Noon-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April through December, or by appointment Admission: Tastings are $5
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Grundy County Calendar of Events Aug. 16 Courthouse Lawn Concert; Grundy County courthouse, 111 E. Washington St., Morris; 6:30 p.m.; downtownmorris.com or 815-941-0245
June 2 Cabin Festival; Goose Lake Prairie Partners, 5010 N. Jugtown Road, Morris; authentic pioneer crafts, pioneer reenactments and prairie life presentations; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; gooselakeprairie.org or 815-942-2899
Aug. 18 Movie in the Park; Campbell Park in Coal City; movie begins shortly after 8 p.m.; coalcity-il.gov/community-events
June 7 Courthouse Lawn Concert; Grundy County courthouse, 111 E. Washington St., Morris; 6:30 p.m.; downtownmorris. com or 815-941-0245 June 9 Morris Cruise Night; Liberty Street, Morris; cars, trucks, motorcycles and more, plus 50-50 raffle and music; 6-9 p.m.; morriscruisenight.com
Three Rivers Festival returns Aug. 8-12 this year in Central Park in Channahon.
June 9-10 Dulcimer and Traditional Music Festival; Goold Park, Morris; music, workshops, old-time barn dance, children’s activities, food and more; admission is $20; 9 a.m.6 p.m.; gebharddulcimer.org, Facebook or 708-756-3857
July 19-21 Liberty Arts Festival; downtown Morris; juried art fair, open-air festival with music, theater and dance and handmade items market; downtownmorris.com, Facebook or 815-941-0245
June 14-16 Minooka Summerfest; downtown; music, pork chop and chicken dinners, bean bag tournament, 5K walk/run, children’s games and more; minookalionsclub.com or “Minooka Lions Club” on Facebook June 16 Coal City Cruise Night; Campbell Park; car show, music, concessions and 50-50 raffle to benefit local charities; 3-8 p.m.; 815-634-8608 June 20-23 Shipyard Days Festival; downtown Seneca; debut of the Seneca History Museum, 5K walk/run, music, beer garden, carnival, fireworks and more; Facebook or 815-795-7573 June 21 Courthouse Lawn Concert; Grundy County courthouse, 111 E. Washington St., Morris; 6:30 p.m.; downtownmorris. com or 815-941-0245 July 5 Courthouse Lawn Concert; Grundy County courthouse, 111 E. Washington St., Morris; 6:30 p.m.; downtownmorris. com or 815-941-0245 July 14 Morris Cruise Night; Liberty Street; cars, trucks, motorcycles and more, plus 50-50 raffle and music; 6-9 p.m.; mor-
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riscruisenight.com
July 19 Courthouse Lawn Concert; Grundy County courthouse, 111 E. Washington St., Morris; 6:30 p.m.; downtownmorris.com or 815-941-0245 July 28 Dueling pianos Felix and Fingers; Campbell Park in Coal City; 6:30-9:30 p.m.; coalcity-il.gov/community-events Aug. 2 Courthouse Lawn Concert; Grundy County courthouse, 111 E. Washington St., Morris; 6:30 p.m.; downtownmorris. com or 815-941-0245 Aug. 4 Prairie Shipyard Cruise Night; downtown Seneca; cars, trucks, motorcycles and antique tractors and fire trucks, plus 50-50 raffle; 5-10 p.m.; “Seneca Cruise” on Facebook or 847-701-5789
Sept. 7-8 Annual fall citywide garage sales; Coal City; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. both days; rain or shine; coalcity-il.gov/community-events Sept. 8 Morris Cruise Night; Liberty Street; cars, trucks, motorcycles and more, plus 50-50 raffle and music; 6-9 p.m.; morriscruisenight.com Sept. 15 Prairie Day; Goose Lake Prairie, 5010 N. Jugtown Road, Morris; nature presentations, education talks and children’s projects; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; gooselakeprairie.org or 815-942-2899 Sept. 26-30 Grundy County Corn Festival; downtown Morris; music and entertainment, farm fair, arts and craft shows, flea market, carnival, parade, food and more; cornfestival.org or 815-942-2676 Oct. 13-14 Revolutionary War Days; Dollinger Family Farm, 7502 E. Hansel Road, Channahon; reenactors re-create life in 1775, including a battle scene; battles at 2 p.m.; admission is $8 for adults, $6 for children 11 and younger; dollingerfarms.com or 815-467-6766 Oct. 13 Morris Cruise Night; Liberty Street; cars, trucks, motorcycles and more, plus 50-50 raffle and music; 6-9 p.m.; morriscruisenight.com
Aug. 8-12 Three Rivers Festival; Central Park, Channahon; Little Miss Channahon and Beautiful Baby contests, 5K walk/run, car show, petting zoo, carnival, entertainment, beer and wine garden and more; threeriversfest.info, Facebook or 815-671-0550
Oct. 20-21 Civil War Days; Dollinger Family Farm, 7502 E. Hansel Road, Channahon; more than 500 reenactors, horses, cannons and a battle scene; battles at 2 p.m.; admission is $8 for adults, $6 for children 11 and younger; dollingerfarms.com or 815-467-6766
Aug. 11 Morris Cruise Night; Liberty Street; cars, trucks, motorcycles and more, plus 50-50 raffle and music; 6-9 p.m.; morriscruisenight.com
Nov. 23-25 Home for the Holidays; downtown Morris; Christmas House Walk, breakfast with Santa, Festival of Trees, children’s activities, lighted holiday parade and more; shopmorrisil.com or 815-941-0200
34 ~ Grundy County
www.saukvalley.com
Grundy County Tourist Attractions Within Grundy County’s boundaries are some of the most beautiful parks in the state, ripe with bluffs, lakes, hiking trails, prairies and scenic river banks. It’s famous for its hunting, fishing, hiking and wildlife-watching opportunities. Braceville Mazonia-Braidwood State Fish and Wildlife Area The 1,017-acre park features sport fishing, waterfowl hunting and a variety of other recreational opportunities, such as upland game hunting, fur-bearer trapping, picnicking, birding and nature study, as well as water dog training. Mazonia also is well known for Pennsylvanian-age fossils. A day permit is required to collect fossils, which is allowed from March 1 to Sept. 30. Address: state Route 53 and Huston Road Phone: 815-237-0063 Online: www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/ Pages/Mazonia-Braidwood.aspx
Coal City Angel of Hope Memorial In Campbell Park, the memorial is a place for those who lost a child to honor their child’s memory. The memorial, dedicated in 2006, was the 66th angel memorial to be placed in the country. Angels of Hope Inc. hosts a candlelight vigil at 7 p.m. Dec. 6, to which the public is invited to leave a white flower at the base of the angel to honor the memory of a child of any age. Address: South Broadway Street, across from the police station Phone: 815-666-4478 Online: angelsofhopeinc.org or Facebook Carbon Hill School Museum The original 1893 schoolhouse displays hundreds of original artifacts depicting turn-ofthe-century immigrant life. A significant portion of the north room represents all of the coal fields of Grundy and Will counties. The south room is dedicated to school memorabilia, and three other rooms are filled with photographs and artifacts, including a diorama of Carbon Hill circa 1900, at its mining heyday. Address: 875 N. Second St. Phone: 815-634-4213 Online: ccpld.org/museum.htm Hours: noon-4 p.m. Monday and by appointment Admission: By donation
Gardner Two-Cell Jail The historic Two-Cell Jail, built in 1906 and closed in the late 1950s, remains a
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Heap’s Giant Pumpkin Farm is a family-run farm which features a 25-acre pumpkin patch with 90 varieties of pumpkins, squash and gourds, and the farm specializes in giant pumpkins. popular photo opportunity for those traveling Route 66. It is next door to a replica of the Riviera Restaurant, which was a favorite haunt of Al Capone. Address: Mazon and Center streets
Minooka Heap’s Giant Pumpkin Farm This family-run farm features a 25-acre pumpkin patch with 90 varieties of pumpkins, squash and gourds, and the farm specializes in giant pumpkins. Its largest, grown in 2013, weighed 731.5 pounds. There also are hay rides, a corn maze, a bean maze, a play barn, and a new castle playground, as well as farm animals and a food stand. Address: 4853 U.S. Highway 52 Phone: 815-475-7373 Online: heapsgiantpumpkinfarm.com or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. daily, Sept. 9-Oct. 31 Admission: Varies by attraction; check the website or call ahead Heap’s Haunted Corn Maze Multiple scary vignettes are staged
among the 10-foot-tall corn stalks. The haunted maze is not recommended for those younger than 12. There also is a flashlight maze that is not haunted, but requires problem solving, as well moonlight hayrides, which are 20-30 minutes long. Address: 4853 U.S. Highway 52 Phone: 815-475-7373 or 815-719-0730 Online: heapshauntedcornmaze.com or Facebook Hours: 7-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 7-10 p.m. Sundays Sept. 29 through Oct. 29 Admission: $15 for the haunted corn maze, $6 for the flashlight maze, $6 for moonlight hayride
Morris Gebhard Woods State Park The 30-acre site is bordered on the south by the Illinois & Michigan Canal and to the north by Nettle Creek, which flows along the perimeter and through the park. As one of the state’s most popular parks, it offers hiking, canoeing, fishing, bird watching and camping.
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The Morris City Pool features diving boards, three slides, a fenced-in splash pad, water basketball area, and a concession stand. Address: 401 Ottawa St. Phone: 815-942-0796 Online: www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/ Pages/GebhardWoods.aspx Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area Located about a mile southwest of the confluence of the Kankakee and Des Plaines rivers, more than half of this area is a nature preserve. The prairie provides important nesting habitat for endangered or threatened species of birds, such as the upland sandpiper and Henslow’s sparrow. Trails are available for cross-country skiing in the winter. A reconstructed cabin, Cragg Cabin, which was one of the first two-story homes in the county, stands as a monument to the pioneer spirit. Address: 5010 N. Jugtown Road Phone: 815-942-2899 Online: gooselakeprairie.org Grundy County Historical Society Museum The museum features Civil War weaponry and other memorabilia, a replica one-room schoolhouse, and other local treasures. There also is an EJ&E railroad caboose open for tours upon request. Address: 510 W. Illinois Ave. Phone: 815-942-4880 Online: grundycountyhs.org or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday-Saturday Admission: Free Grundy County Speedway Billed as Illinois’ finest 1/3-mile highbanked paved oval racetrack, the Grundy County Speedway features racing every weekend, along with other special racing events, including street car drags and motorcycle races.
Address: Grundy County Fairgrounds, 8890 N. State Route 47, a mile north of I-80 exit 112 Phone: 815-942-5043 or 815-942-5958 Online: grundycountyspeedwayonline. com or Facebook Hours: Pits open at 4 p.m., grandstand opens at 5 p.m.; qualifying is at 6:45 p.m. and first race is at 8 p.m. Admission: $12 adults, $10 seniors, $5 ages 12-17 Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area Adjacent to Goose Lake Prairie is the 2,000-acre Heidecke Lake, previously a cooling lake for the now-dismantled Midwest Generation Collins Generating Station. The lake offers fishing and hunting, and a boat launch. The bank fishing area is on the east side of the lake on Old Collins Road. Address: 5010 N. Jugtown Road Phone: 815-942-6352 Online: shawurl.com/32do Hours: Boat access is open from 6 a.m. to sunset daily; bank fishing access is open from 6:30 a.m. to sunset daily; waterfowl hunting sites are open Wednesday through Sunday during the season and are allocated by a lottery 90 minutes before sunrise Illinois & Michigan Canal The 96-mile Illinois & Michigan Canal is a hand-dug canal that stretches between LaSalle and Chicago. It was completed in 1848 and was the final link in a national plan to connect different regions of the continent via waterways, linking the waters of the Illinois River with those of Lake Michigan. Along its banks are numerous state parks, restored historical sites and distinc-
tive landscapes, from bluffs to rolling hills. Phone: 815-223-1851 Online: canalcor.org or Facebook Morris City Pool The pool features diving boards, three slides, a fenced-in splash pad, water basketball area, and a concession stand. Address: Goold Park, 300 Northern Drive Phone: 815-942-2919 Online: morriscitypool.org or Facebook Hours: 12-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. MondayFriday and 12-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (and holidays) from May 26 to Aug. 14 (Open from noon to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 15) Admission: $3 adult residents, $1 child residents; $5 adult nonresidents, $2 child nonresidents Morris Wetlands State Fish and Wildlife Area The wetlands are on the northeast quadrant of the Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area at Pine Bluff and state Route 47. Only hunting and fishing are allowed. Address: 5010 N. Jugtown Road Phone: 815-942-6352 Online: shawurl.com/32dp William G. Stratton State Park Named after an Illinois governor, the park was developed in 1959 to provide boat access to the Illinois River. It offers four public boat launches for boating, fishing and water-skiing. A jet ski launch also is available. The Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail borders the park and offers 61 miles of limestone trail for hiking, biking and snowmobiling. Address: 401 Ottawa St. Phone: 815-942-0796 Online: www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/ Pages/WilliamGStratton.aspx
36 ~ Henry County
www.saukvalley.com
Henry County Calendar of Events Through November Richmond Hill Players; Richmond Hill Barn Theatre, 600 H.K. Robinson Drive, Geneseo; rhplayers.com or 309-944-2244 May 19 Galva Music Series with The peOple and Harvest Sons; bring your lawn chairs, food and beverages will be sold during concert; dinner and special activities before show; free admission; 6-8 p.m. galvail.gov May 27 Galva Music Series with The Giving Tree Band and John Till; bring your lawn chairs, food and beverages will be sold during concert; dinner and special activities before show; free admission; 6-8 p.m. galvail.gov May 28 Cambridge Aisle of Flags; Rosedale Cemetery, Cambridge; cemetery filled with flags honoring those who served in the military; cambridgeil.org or 309-937-2570 May 28 Geneseo Aisle of Flags; City Park; more than 600 flags honoring those who served in the military; Facebook or 309944-6343 June 2-3 Annawan Fun Days; Howe’s Park; 5K walk/run, car show, pie auction, entertainment, carnival, parade and more; 309935-6266 June 2-3 More Fun on 81; Andover, Cambridge, Kewanee and Lynn Center; scavenger hunts, geocaching, public art tour, antique lawn and farm tractor show, arts and crafts show, fishing derby, talent show, pickle ball tournament and more; andovertourism.com or 309-476-8228 June 3 Galva Music Series with Vandoliers and The Right Now; bring your lawn chairs, food and beverages will be sold during concert; dinner and special activities before show; free admission; 6-8 p.m. galvail.gov June 3 World Rolle Bolle Tournament; Howe’s Park, Annawan; 50 three-person teams from Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Canada compete in this Belgian game similar to horseshoes; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; 309-2367836
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Winners at the Hog Capital BBQ Challenge in Kewanee walk home with these unique, hand-carved trophies. June 9 Orion Community Garage Sale Day; 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; 309-526-8299 June 10 Galva Music Series with Mike and the Moonpies and Evan Bartels and the Stoney Lonesomes; bring your lawn chairs, food and beverages will be sold during concert; dinner and special activities before show; free admission; 6-8 p.m. galvail.gov June 15 Wine Down; Lavender Crest Winery, 5401 U.S. Route 6, Colona; all-you-caneat prime rib, dancing and music by Gray Wolf Band; cover charge is $5; dinner served 5:30-8 p.m., music and dancing 6:30-9:30 p.m.; lavendercrest.com or 309-949-2565 June 15-16 Hog Capital BBQ Challenge; Sullivan’s Foods, 605 Tenney St., Kewanee; barbecue contest sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society, plus children’s and backyard challenges; kewanee-il.com/ bbq.php or 309-852-2175 June 15-17 Geneseo Music Festival; City Park; music, Little Miss Henry County pageant,
Maple City 4 race, arts and crafts show, antique tractor show, children’s activities, parade and more; geneseo.org/musicfestival or 309-944-2686 June 16 Freedom Fest Car Show; Wiley Park, Galva; cars, trucks and motorcycles, music, 50-50 raffle and food; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; “Galva Freedom Fest” on Facebook or 309-9322555 June 17 Galva Music Series with Stars Go Dim and Emily Hope; bring your lawn chairs, food and beverages will be sold during concert; dinner and special activities before show; free admission; 6-8 p.m. galvail.gov June 19-24 Henry County Fair; Henry County Fairgrounds, 311 E. North Street, Cambridge; entertainment, carnival, tractor pull, demolition derby and more; admission is $5; henrycountyfairil.com, Facebook or 309937-3391 June 21, 28 Concert in the Park; Veterans Park, Kewanee; food stand opens at 5 p.m., concert starts at 6:30 p.m.; kewanee-il. com/concerts.php or 309-852-2175
Voyager 2018-19 June 23 Midsommar Music Festival; Village Park, Bishop Hill; music, Maypole procession and dance, barn dance and more; 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; bishophillheritage.org or 309-927-3899 June 24 Galva Music Series with Sones de Mexico Ensemble and Bone Jugs; bring your lawn chairs, food and beverages will be sold during concert; dinner and special activities before show; free admission; 6-8 p.m. galvail.gov June 30 Colona Freedom Celebration; Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park; 5K walk/run, car show, softball tournament, fireworks and more; colonail.com or 309-781-5634 June 30 Hooppole Fun Day; City Park, Hooppole; parade, frog/ toad jumping contest, children’s games, fireworks and more; Facebook July 4 Galva Freedom Fest; entertainment, car show, 5K walk/ run, parade, fireworks and more; Facebook or 309-932-2555 July 4 Fourth of July Celebration; Francis Park and Northeast Park, Kewanee; ethnic food fair, antique car/tractor show, entertainment, fireworks and more; kewanee-il.com or 309856-5336 July 4 Geneseo Aisle of Flags; City Park; more than 600 flags honoring those who served in the military; Facebook or 309-944-6343 July 5, 12, 19 and 26 Concert in the Park; Veterans Park, Kewanee; food stand opens at 5 p.m., concert starts at 6:30 p.m.; kewanee-il.com/ concerts.php or 309-852-2175 July 8 Galva Music Series with Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas and Seasaw; bring your lawn chairs, food and beverages will be sold during concert;
Henry County ~ 37 dinner and special activities before show; free admission; 6-8 p.m. galvail.gov July 13-14 Prairie Chicken Chalk Art Festival; Kewanee; chalk art competition featuring Chicago chalk artist Shaun Hays, car show, entertainment, children’s activities and more; Facebook July 14 Country Antique Market; Colony School, Bishop Hill; antiques, collectibles, folk art, pottery, textiles and more; admission is $6; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; bishophill.com, 309-9273042 or 309-927-3072 July 15 Galva Music Series with Sweet Crude and Upstate Rubdown; bring your lawn chairs, food and beverages will be sold during concert; dinner and special activities before show; free admission; 6-8 p.m. galvail.gov July 20 Wine Down; Lavender Crest Winery, 5401 U.S. Route 6, Colona; all-you-can-eat prime rib, dancing and music by Hi-Fi; cover charge is $5; dinner – which costs extra –served 5:30-8 p.m., music and dancing 6:30-9:30 p.m.; lavendercrest. com or 309-949-2565
Aug. 2, 9, 16 and 23 Concert in the Park; Veterans Park, Kewanee; food stand opens at 5 p.m., concert starts at 6:30 p.m.; www.kewanee-il.com/ concerts.php or 309-852-2175 Aug. 4 Cambridge Fest and Auto Show; downtown; car and tractor show, craft show, train display, petting zoo, sweet corn-eating contest, music and more; cambridgeil.org or 309-937-2570 Aug. 5 Galva Music Series with Kris Lager and Calliope Musicals; bring your lawn chairs, food and beverages will be sold during concert; dinner and special activities before show; free admission; 6-8 p.m. galvail.gov Aug. 11-12 Bishop Hill Festival of the Arts; Prairie Arts Center, Bishop Hill; pottery demonstrations, make-and-take projects, oldfashioned pie and ice cream social, soup supper and more; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; bishophill.com
or 309-927-3008 Aug. 11 The Back Road Music Festival; Galva Park District, SE Sixth Street; four country music acts plus food; tickets are $40 in advance, $45 after June 1 and $50 the day of the festival; gates open at 2 p.m., music starts at 4 p.m.; thebackroadmusicfestival. com, Facebook or 309-932-2070 Aug. 24 Wine Down; Lavender Crest Winery, 5401 U.S. Route 6, Colona; all-you-can-eat prime rib, dancing and music by Gray Wolf Band; cover charge is $5; dinner – which costs extra – served 5:30-8 p.m., music and dancing 6:30-9:30 p.m.; lavendercrest.com or 309-949-2565 Aug. 24-25 Atkinson Heritage Days; downtown; 5K walk/run, rolle bolle tournament, meat and soup cook-off, car show, flea markets and more; atkinsonil. org or 309-936-7658 continued on
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July 22 Antique Car Show; Village Park, Bishop Hill; cars, trucks and other special vehicles; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; bishophill.com or 309-9273345 or 309-525-5665 July 22 Galva Music Series with Sophistafunk and High Up; bring your lawn chairs, food and beverages will be sold during concert; dinner and special activities before show; free admission; 6-8 p.m. galvail.gov July 29 Galva Music Series with Samantha Fish and Luke Winslow-King; bring your lawn chairs, food and beverages will be sold during concert; dinner and special activities before show; free admission; 6-8 p.m. galvail.gov
309-944-6465 • camp@geneseocampground.com 22978 Illinois Hwy 82 • Geneseo, IL 61254
GeneseoCampground.com SM-ST1525952
38 ~ Henry County
www.saukvalley.com
Aug. 25 Bishop Hill Chautauqua; Village Park; re-enactors tell stories of historical figures; 1-4 p.m.; bishophillheritage.org or 309927-3899 Aug. 31-Sept. 2 Orion Fall Festival; Central Park; carnival, arts and crafts show, car show, talent show, 10-mile and 5K walk/run, pie auction, parade and more; Facebook or 309-526-8320 Aug. 31-Sept. 3 Kewanee Hog Days; downtown; “world’s largest” outdoor pork barbecue, 64-mile bike ride and 4-mile walk/run, Model T and Model A rally and car show, Hog Wallow Classic, flea market, carnival, parade and more; kewaneehogdays.com or Larry at 309-852-4644 Sept. 8 Spirit of Alpha Festival and Lighted Parade; Alpha; lighted parade and food; dusk; villageofalpha.org or 309-629-9881 Sept. 8 Old Settlers’ Day; Bishop Hill; celebrate the 170th anniversary of the Bishop Hill Colony; chicken dinner, band concert, program featuring Bishop Hill Colony descendants and parade; 10 a.m.-3 p.m., parade at 10 a.m.; bishophillheritage.org or 309-927-3044 Sept. 21 Wine Down; Lavender Crest Winery, 5401 U.S. Route 6, Colona; all-you-caneat prime rib, dancing and music by The Whoozdads; cover charge is $5; dinner – which costs more – served 5:30-8 p.m., music and dancing 6:30-9:30 p.m.; lavendercrest.com or 309-949-2565 Sept. 14-16 Antique Engine and Tractor Working Farm Show; 13451 state Route 92, Geneseo; demonstration of fall harvest using mid-1900s equipment on 50-acre show grounds, including wheat and oat threshing, working sawmill, blacksmithing, horse-powered field plowing, plus dinner, square dancing, pie auction and more; admission is $5 per day, $10 for weekend, 12 and younger free; ae-ta.com, or Phil Jordan at 309-314500 or Chad Jacobs at 309-314-0783 Sept. 29-30 Jordbruksdagarna – Agriculture Days; Bishop Hill; 19th century harvest activities and demonstrations, music, dance and more; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; bishophillheritage. org or 309-927-3899 Oct. 26 Wine Down; Lavender Crest Winery, 5401 U.S. Route 6, Colona; all-you-can-eat
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The Christmas Walk in downtown Geneseo is set for Dec. 8 this year. prime rib, dancing and music by the Gray Wolf Band; cover charge is $5; dinner – which costs extra – served 5:30-8 p.m., music and dancing 6:30-9:30 p.m.; lavendercrest.com or 309-949-2565
Dec. 2 Lighted Parade and Windmont Park Lighting; Kewanee; parade, park lighting and fireworks; parade at 5 p.m., fireworks at dusk; kewanee-il.com or 309-852-2175
Nov. 16 Wine Down; Lavender Crest Winery, 5401 U.S. Route 6, Colona; all-you-can-eat prime rib, dancing and music by Hi-Fi; cover charge is $5; dinner – which costs extra – served 5:30-8 p.m., music and dancing 6:30-9:30 p.m.; lavendercrest.com or 309-949-2565
Dec. 5 Joy of Christmas Service; Augustana Lutheran Church, 628 Sixth St., Andover; begins in Augustana Lutheran Church and concludes by walking to candlelit Jenny Lind Chapel for communion; service features special choral and instrumental music by Augustana College students and faculty; 7:30 p.m.; 309-521-8127
Nov. 23-25 Julmarknad – Christmas Market; Bishop Hill; Christmas music, roaming Swedish folk characters, Swedish food, Christmas cookie walk, chocolate walk and more; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; bishophillheritage.org or 309-927-3899 Nov. 24 Ol’-Fashioned Christmas; Galva; breakfast with Santa, make-and-take ornaments, carriage rides, candy cane hunt, chocolate fair, lighted decorations in Veteran’s Park, entertainment and more; 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; galvail.gov or 309-932-2555 Dec. 1 Andover Christmas Walk; Andover; tree lighting ceremony and sing-along, visits with Santa, silent auction, wagon rides and more; 5-8 p.m.; 309-476-8228 Dec. 1-2 Julmarknad – Christmas Market; Bishop Hill; Christmas music, roaming Swedish folk characters, Swedish food, Christmas cookie walk, chocolate walk and more; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday; bishophillheritage.org or 309-927-3899 Dec. 1-2 Christmas on the Square; Cambridge; children’s crafts and activities, visits with Santa, hayrack rides, tours of decorated homes, Trees for a Cause and more; cambridgeil.org or 309-937-2570
Dec. 8 Christmas Walk; downtown Geneseo; storefront windows decorated or feature live presentations, 5K walk/run, family activities, lighted Christmas parade and more; parade at 5 p.m.; geneseo.org or 309-944-2686 Dec. 14 Wine Down; Lavender Crest Winery, 5401 U.S. Route 6, Colona; all-you-can-eat prime rib, dancing and music by the Gray Wolf Band; cover charge is $5; dinner – which costs extra – served 5:30-8 p.m., music and dancing 6:30-9:30 p.m.; lavendercrest.com or 309-949-2565 Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Service; Jenny Lind Chapel, 604 Oak St., Andover; candlelit Christmas service; 11 p.m.; helios.augustana.edu/jlc or 309-521-8127 Dec. 25 Andover Christmas Julotta; Augustana Lutheran Church, 628 Sixth St., Andover; Christmas service with a Swedish anthem sung by the choir; 6:30 a.m.; 309-521-8127 Dec. 25 Bishop Hill Julotta; Bishop Hill; candlelit nondenominational Christmas service conducted in Swedish and English, coffee and rusk served after the service; 6 a.m.; bishophill.com or 309-927-3345
Voyager 2018-19
Henry County ~ 39
Henry County Tourist Attractions Henry County, just 16 miles from the Mississippi River, is mostly agricultural in nature, but its cities and towns are dotted with historic and family-friendly attractions. The county covers more than 800 square miles and is home to more than 50,000 people. It is named in honor of Patrick Henry, the Revolutionary War firebrand to whom the slogan “Give me liberty, or give me death” is attributed.
Jenny Lind Chapel in Andover.
Andover Andover Historical Museum The Andover Historical Museum & Grounds is the former home of August Rehnstrom and once served as a temporary haven for Swedish immigrants in the 1860s. It now contains memorabilia of early life in Andover. The museum is on the National Register of Historic Places. Address: 418 Locust St. Phone: 309-476-8228 Online: shawurl.com/32el or sites. google.com/site/andovertourism/someplaces-to-visit
Hours: Open during Andover’s Festival the first weekend in June, and for tours by calling 309-476-8228, 309-845-0168 or 309-521-8659 Admission: Free Jenny Lind Chapel The Jenny Lind Chapel is a memorial to Swedish settlers who, along with their leader, Lars Paul Esbjörn, came to America in 1849 to found a branch of the Swedish Lutheran Church. The chapel became the mother church for hundreds of other churches of the Augustana Lutheran Church in America, which now
is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The chapel is on the National Register of Historic Places. It now is a museum that houses exhibits of the early immigrant experience as well as audio and video presentations. Address: Sixth and Oak streets Phone: 309-521-8127 Online: helios.augustana.edu/jlc or Facebook Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, April through October Admission: Free continued on
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40 ~ Henry County
www.saukvalley.com
Annawan
Bishop Hill
Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area The 1,361-acre Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area sits along a trail that led Native Americans from Lake Michigan to the confluence of the Mississippi and Rock rivers. It features a 58-acre lake, 15 miles of hiking trails and dozens of camping sites and several picnic areas. The park is also home to Ryan’s Round Barn, one of the largest round barns in the country, built in 1810 to house the 50-head herd of black Angus show cattle of Dr. Laurence P. Ryan. The barn now is a farm museum. The Friends of Johnson’s Park Foundation offers tours from 1 to 4 p.m. the first, third and fifth Saturday of the month, May through October. Address: 28616 Sauk Trail Road Phone: 309-853-2425 Online: www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/ Pages/JohnsonSaukTrail.aspx Hours: Sunrise-10 p.m. daily, May 1 through Nov. 1, and sunrise-sunset daily, Nov. 1 through May 1
Bishop Hill State Historic Site Bishop Hill was the site of a Utopian religious community founded in 1846 by Swedish spiritual leader Erik Jansson and his followers. A number of historically significant buildings have survived and are scattered throughout the village, four of which the state owns and operates as part of the Bishop Hill State Historic Site, including the twostory Colony Church and three-story Colony Hotel. The Bishop Hill Museum houses a valuable collection of primitivist paintings by colonist Olof Krans. The buildings are part of the Bishop Hill Historic District and are on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can take self-guided tours of the Colony Church, Colony Hotel and the museum. The Bishop Hill Heritage Association offers group tours by appointment. Address: 304 S. Bishop Hill Road Phone: 309-927-3345 Online: bishophill.com or Facebook Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. WednesdaysSundays Admission: By donation
Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park is the longest park in the country.
Henry County Historical Museum The Henry County Historical Museum houses thousands of historical artifacts. Exhibits include a single-cylinder external combustion steam engine, a military room, a wind and water power display, 1800s quilts and clothing, farm tools and machinery, a general store complete with a harness shop, and period doctor, dentist and lawyer offices. Address: 202 S. Park St. Phone: 309-927-3528 Online: historichenrycounty.com or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, May through October Admission: Free Vasa National Archives The Vasa National Archives house and preserve a variety of records, documents and works of art and science by people of Swedish ancestry to educate and promote an appreciation of Swedish-American heritage. Address: 106 S. Bishop Hill St. Phone: 309-927-3898
Voyager 2018-19 Online: vasaarchives.com or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, April through December Admission: Free
Cambridge Henry County Courthouse The Victorian-style courthouse was built in 1880. It features 16 fireplaces, a mural on the first floor and oak woodwork trimmed in black walnut throughout the building. It is a working courthouse and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Address: 307 W. Center St. Phone: 309-937-3578 Online: henrycty.com Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
Heritage Village Heritage Village is home to several historic buildings, including an 1843 courthouse, 1880s sheriff’s horse barn and train depot. Buildings house Cambridge and agricultural historical artifacts and memorabilia. Address: 209 E. Court St. Phone: 309-937-2015 Online: visithenrycounty.com/attractions/cambridge-heritage-village-park Hours: Open by appointment or during community events Admission: Free
Colona Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park The Hennepin Canal Parkway is the longest park in the country, spanning more than 100 miles across northern Illinois, from the Illinois River to the Mississippi River. The Hennepin Canal connected the two rivers and provided a shortcut that was cheaper than rail transportation, but it was used primarily for recreational traffic by the 1930s. The park features several locks and dams and aqueducts, an old tow path for hiking, a 4.5-mile trail, the paved Green Rock Memorial Bike Path, dozens of camping sites and several picnic areas. The Visitor Center, near Sheffield, features displays that illustrate the history and operation of the canal, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Address: The park runs through Colona, parallel to Interstate 80; the Visitors Center is one mile south of I-80, just west of state Route 40 Phone: 815-454-2328 Online: www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/ Pages/HennepinCanal.aspx or shawurl. com/32en Hours: Visitor Center hours usually 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, but they vary; call ahead
Henry County ~ 41 Lavender Crest Winery Lavender Crest Winery, which opened in 2004, features award-winning wines, a tasting room, espresso bar, banquet center and gift shop. Tours of the production facility and grounds are conducted daily and include a wine-tasting. Address: 5401 U.S. Highway 6 Phone: 309-949-2565 Online: lavendercrest.com or Facebook Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily Admission: Tours are $5
Galva Wiley House Museum The Wiley House Museum is the former home of William Wiley, one of the founders of the city. It features many historical artifacts and a military exhibit. Address: 906 W. Division St. Phone: 309-932-8992 Hours: By appointment Admission: Free
Geneseo Geneseo Historical Museum The Geneseo Historical Museum is housed in an Italianate home and boasts 12-foot ceilings with ornate crown molding, five of the original 12 fireplaces and two front entrances leading to winding staircases. It has a working general store and rooms typical of the Victorian era and houses thousands of local and regional artifacts. It also features a large bust of Abraham Lincoln outside. Address: 205 S. State St. Phone: 309-944-3043 Online: geneseohistoricalmuseum.com Hours: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, June through August, or by appointment Admission: By donation Richmond Hill Theatre The Richmond Hill Theatre, home of the Richmond Hill Players, is a theater-in-theround-style playhouse in an old barn. The theater group stages six productions a season, April through December. Address: 600 H.K. Robinson Drive Phone: 309-944-2244 Online: rhplayers.com or Facebook Hours: Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday Admission: Tickets are $12
Hooppole Shrine of St. Mary of the Fields St. Mary of the Fields Catholic Church welcomes pilgrims to adore the Lord, venerate Mary and the saints, and recite the rosary at the shrine. The holy site includes an elegant, 6-foot statue of Mary offering her child to the world; 14
terra cotta Stations of the Cross portraying the crucifixion of Christ; and a Gothic-style altar displaying the infant Jesus of Prague, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Our Lady of Fatima and other statuary. It also includes the Rolle Bolle Rosary; this outdoor pathway of prayers, made from bowling balls and rolle bolles, stretches 106 feet by 65 feet and symbolizes the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The shrine features a grotto dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima, a garden dedicated to Mary and a memorial to the unborn. It has been recognized as a Diocesan Shrine of Mary by the Peoria Diocese and by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Address: 24772 St. Mary’s Road Phone: 309-935-6911 Online: stmaryofthefieldsshrine.weebly. com Hours: Open daily for prayer and reflection; Holy Hour is at 2 p.m. the first Sunday of the month, May through October Admission: Free
Kewanee Francis Park Francis Park features “Woodland Palace,” the unique home of Frederick Francis. The house was built in 1890 out of brick, stone and native wood and has disappearing doors and windows, an air-cooling system, radiant heat deflectors in the fireplace chimney and running water, all without electricity. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places. The park also features walking trails, picnic areas and camping sites. Address: 29862 N. 900 Ave. Phone: 309-852-0511 Online: shawurl.com/32ep Hours: Tours are 9 a.m.-2 p.m. daily Admission: $5 adults, $1 ages 5 and older
Orion Torment at Twelve Hundred haunted house The haunted house, featured as a Top 10 Haunted House in Illinois by USA Today, adds another chapter to a horrorfilled saga each year. The indoor-outdoor adventure features wooded trails, tunnels, detailed sets and themed buildings, in addition to a large cast of characters. The attraction is not recommended for those younger than 13. Address: 5030 N. 1200th Ave. Phone: 309-945-5237 Online: tormentwelve.com or Facebook Hours: 7 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays, and 7-10 p.m. Sundays and Halloween, all weekends in October Admission: $15
42 ~ Kane County
www.saukvalley.com
Kane County Calendar of Events Through September Kane County Cougars baseball; Fifth Third Bank Ballpark, 34W002 Cherry Lane, Geneva; kccougars.com or 630232-8811 Through September Sculpture in the Park; Mt. St. Mary Park, St. Prairie Street, St. Charles; exhibit of original and unique sculptures; stcsculpture.org or 630-513-4316 May 22 Cruise Nite; Riverside Avenue, St. Charles; 50 to 100 cars on display, raffle, music, trivia and food; 5-8 p.m.; stcharleschamber.com/cruise-nites or 630-5848384 May 26-27 St. Charles Fine Art Show; Riverside Avenue, St. Charles; juried art show featuring 100 artists, live music and artist demonstrations; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday; downtownstcharles.org, Facebook or 630-443-3967 June 2 Kids Fly Day; Fox Valley Aero Club Field, Karl Madsen Drive, St. Charles; Aero Club members provide hands-on training to youth to fly radio-controlled model airplanes; 1-4:30 p.m.; foxvalleyaero.com June 2-3 Kane County Flea Market; Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles; up to 1,000 dealers display and sell antiques and collectibles; admission is $5; 12-5 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday; kanecountyfleamarket.com or 630-377-2252 June 3 Mid-American Canoe & Kayak Race; St. Charles and Batavia; 10- and 6-mile races for paddlers in 11 canoe divisions, eight kayak divisions and one open, noncompetitive division, plus post-race party music; 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; foxvalleyparkdistrict. org or Facebook June 8-11 Festival of the Fox; east bank of the Fox River, St. Charles; dragon boat races, water ski shows, a 40-ton sand sculpture, music, carnival, family activities and more; festivalofthefox.com June 10 Railroadiana & Model Train Show and Sale; Kane County Fairgrounds,
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St. Charles Fine Art Show is set for May 26 and 27 on Riverside Avenue. 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles; admission is $6, children 12 and younger free; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; www.rrshows. com or Russell Fierce at 847-358-1185 June 15 Sculpture in the Park reception; Mt. St. Mary Park, Prairie Street, St. Charles; exhibit of original and unique sculptures with sculptors on site; 6 p.m.; stcparks. org or 630-513-4316 June 19-24 Swedish Days; downtown Geneva; talent show, ice cream eating contest, 5K walk/run, carnival, music, craft beer tent, parade and more; genevachamber.com or 630-232-6060 June 26 Cruise Nite; Riverside Avenue, St. Charles; 50 to 100 cars on display, raffle, music, trivia and food; 5-8 p.m.; stcharleschamber.com/cruise-nites or 630-584-8384
June 30-July 1 Kane County Flea Market; Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles; up to 1,000 dealers display and sell antiques and collectibles; admission is $5; 12-5 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday; kanecountyfleamarket.com or 630-377-2252 July 4 Aurora Fourth of July celebration; downtown; patriotic ceremony, parade, music, family activities, food and fireworks; ceremony at 9:15 a.m., parade at 10 a.m., fireworks at dusk; aurora-il.org or 630-264-4636 July 4 Fourth of July celebration; Pottawatomie Park, St. Charles; pool and mini golf available in the park, plus music by Shout Out and fireworks; music at 4 p.m., fireworks at dusk; stcparks.org or 630-5136200
Voyager 2018-19 July 4 Yorkville July 4th Celebration; Town Square Park, Yorkville; parade, children’s activities, food and fireworks; parade at 9 a.m., fireworks at dusk; yorkville.il.us or 630-553-4350 July 13-15 Windmill City Festival; Riverwalk, downtown Batavia; craft show and flea market, 5K walk/run, pet parade, outdoor games, entertainment, beer garden, carnival and more; windmillcityfest.org July 18-22 Kane County Fair; Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles; livestock competitions, 4-H projects, carnival, entertainment, children’s activities, food and more; free admission Wednesday, ticket prices vary by day; kanecountyfair.com or 630-584-6926 July 21 Cocktails in the Park; downtown Batavia; music, drinks, appetizers, cigar and whiskey or dessert and champagne tastings and more; tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at event; 7-10 p.m.; downtownbatavia.com or 630-761-3528 July 24 Cruise Nite; Riverside Avenue, St. Charles; 50 to 100 cars on display, raffle, music, trivia and food; 5-8 p.m.; stcharleschamber.com/cruise-nites or 630-5848384 July 26-29 Sugar Grove Corn Boil; 61 Main St., Sugar Grove; craft show, 5K walk/run, cooking contests, carnival, entertainment, parade, fireworks and more; sugargrovecornboil.org or 630-449-7999 July 28-29 Geneva Arts Fair; 100 S. Third St.; outdoor juried art show featuring more than 140 artists; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; genevachamber.com/geneva_art_fairs.php or 630-2626060 Aug. 3-6 North Aurora Days; Clock Tower Plaza, Oak Street and Randall Road, North Aurora; car, truck and bike show, garage sale, 5K/10K walk/run, pet parade, fishing derby, wine and beer tasting, entertainment and more; northauroradays.com, Facebook or 630-897-8228 Aug. 4-5 Kane County Flea Market; Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles; up to 1,000 dealers display and sell antiques and collectibles; admission is $5; 12-5 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
Kane County ~ 43 Sunday; kanecountyfleamarket.com or 630-377-2252 Aug. 17-19 Elburn Days; Lions Park; sidewalk sales, craft show, 5K walk/run, music, carnival, parade and more; elburnlions.com/elburndays, Facebook or 630-365-6315 Aug. 28 Cruise Nite; Riverside Avenue, St. Charles; 50 to 100 cars on display, raffle, music, trivia and food; 5-8 p.m.; stcharleschamber.com/cruise-nites or 630-5848384 Sept. 1-2 Kane County Flea Market; Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles; up to 1,000 dealers display and sell antiques and collectibles; admission is $5; 12-5 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday; kanecountyfleamarket.com or 630-377-2252 Sept. 2 Taste of Batavia; downtown; music, classic car cruise, dancing, children’s activities and more; 4-9 p.m.; downtownbatavia.com or 630-761-3528 Sept. 7-9 Festival of the Vine; downtown Geneva; music, arts and crafts show, wine tasting, food and more; genevachamber.com/festival_of_vine.php or 630-232-6060 Sept. 15 Big Truck Show; James O. Breen Community Park, St. Charles; emergency vehicles, garbage trucks, street sweepers, tractors and more; 10 a.m.-noon; stcharlesparks.org or 630-513-6200 Sept. 23 Farm Frolic; Primrose Farm, 5N726 Crane Road, St. Charles; pumpkin painting, hay rides, pony rides, straw maze, old-fashioned games, antique and modern farm equipment display, farming demonstrations and more; admission is TBA; primrosefarmpark.com or 630-513-4370
Oct. 5-7 OktoberFest; downtown Batavia; traditional Oktoberfest with German food, music and beer, plus family activities and official Sam Adams stein-hoisting contests; downtownbatavia.com or 630-761-3528 Oct. 5-7 St. Charles Scarecrow Fest; Main Street; contest featuring more than 150 hand-crafted scarecrows, plus entertainment, arts and crafts show, carnival, petting zoo, food and more; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday; scarecrowfest.com or 630-3776161 Oct. 20-21 Fall Fox Valley Antiques Show; Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles; 55 dealers from 15 states offering authentic 18th, 19th and 20th century antiques; admission is $10; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday; csada.com Oct. 27 BatFest; Riverwalk, downtown Batavia; trick-or-treating, children’s and pet costume contests, games and crafts, music, parade and more; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; downtownbatavia.com or 630-761-3528 Nov. 3-4 Kane County Flea Market; Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles; up to 1,000 dealers display and sell antiques and collectibles; admission is $5; 12-5 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday; kanecountyfleamarket.com or 630-377-2252 Nov. 23-25 Holiday Homecoming; downtown St. Charles; lighting ceremony, holiday movies, horse-drawn sleigh rides, visits with Santa and electric Christmas parade; lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. Friday, parade at 5:30 p.m. Saturday; downtownstcharles. org/events/holiday-homecoming or 630443-3969
Sept. 25 Cruise Nite; Riverside Avenue, St. Charles; 50 to 100 cars on display, raffle, music, trivia and food; 5-8 p.m.; stcharleschamber.com/ cruise-nites or 630-584-8384
Dec. 7 Christmas Walk; downtown Geneva; Santa Lucia and Santa Claus, live nativity, carriage rides, decorated homes tour and more; 6-9:30 p.m.; genevachamber.com/ christmas_walk.php or 630-232-6060
Oct. 6-7 Kane County Flea Market; Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles; up to 1,000 dealers display and sell antiques and collectibles; admission is $5; 12-5 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday; kanecountyfleamarket.com or 630-377-2252
Dec. 1-2 Kane County Flea Market; Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles; up to 1,000 dealers display and sell antiques and collectibles; admission is $5; 12-5 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday; kanecountyfleamarket.com or 630-377-2252
44 ~ Kane County
www.saukvalley.com
Kane County Tourist Attractions Kane County, once a wilderness of rolling prairie and forests, is now home to more than 515,000 people. With rural areas, quaint towns and vibrant cities, Kane County has a lot to offer in both natural beauty and entertainment. Aurora Aurora Regional Fire Museum The museum features displays of vintage firefighting equipment, memorabilia and photographs, and interactive kiosks on fighting fires, as well as a gift shop. Address: 53 N. Broadway St. Phone: 630-256-4140 Online: auroraregionalfiremuseum.org or Facebook Hours: Noon-4 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; also open 6-8 p.m. on first Friday of the month Admission: $5 adults, $3 children Blackberry Farm This 19th-century living history farm and village features pioneer craft shops and demonstrations, a discovery barn with petting zoo and pony rides, and miniature train rides. Address: 100 S. Barnes Road Phone: 630-892-1550 Online: foxvalleyparkdistrict.org/facilities/ blackberry-farm or Facebook Hours: 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. MondayFriday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday June 1-Aug. 26; only Friday through Sunday in September; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, Sunday and Columbus Day in October; and 9:30 a.m.3:30 p.m. Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day Admission: $6 for resident adults, children younger than 2 and seniors; $9 for non-resident David L. Pierce Art & History Center The museum contains the main exhibition galleries of the historical society and the Aurora Public Art Commission. It also has a museum store and gift shop. Address: 20 E. Downer Place Phone: 630-906-0650 Online: aurorahistory.net Hours: Noon-4 p.m. WednesdaySaturday Admission: Free; donations accepted Phillips Park Zoo Located on more than 325 acres, popular attractions include the Mastodon
Gallery, the Sunken Garden, an 18-hole golf course with driving range, a zoo, a 28-acre fishing lake with a 1-mile multiuse trail, war memorials and the Winter Recreation Area Address: 1000 Ray Moses Drive Phone: 630-256-3860 Online: aurora-il.org/258/Zoo-Information or Facebook Hours: Varies by attraction; check the website or call ahead Admission: Admission is free; varies by attraction; check the website or call ahead SciTech Hands-On Museum Aurora’s interactive science and technology center offers more than 200 handson exhibits demonstrating the principles of electricity, weather, astronomy and nuclear energy. Address: 18 W. Benton St. Phone: 630-859-3434 Online: scitechmuseum.org or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday Admission: $10 for ages 4-59, $8 military members, seniors Two Brothers Roundhouse Built in 1856, Two Brothers Roundhouse is America’s oldest limestone roundhouse and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, it is home to the largest award-winning microbrewery in Illinois. In addition to the brewery, there is a gastropub, sports tavern and music venue. Address: 205 N. Broadway St. Phone: 630-264-2739 Online: twobrothersroundhouse.com or Facebook Hours: Varies; check the website or call ahead William Tanner House Museum Built in 1857, this Italianate-style house was home to prominent merchant William Tanner and his family. The house has high ceilings, oak woodwork, ornate plaster decoration, and antique furnishings, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Next door is the Aurora History Center, with documents and photographs of Aurora history. Address: Oak and Cedar streets
Phone: 630-906-0650 Online: aurorahistory.net Hours: Tours at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. through September Admission: Free; donations accepted
Batavia Funway Ultimate Entertainment Center Billed as “Illinois’ Largest Family Entertainment Center,” Funway offers bowling, roller-skating, laser tag, mini golf, go karts, bumper cars, bumper boats, an arcade, and more. Address: 1335 S. River St. Phone: 630-879-8717 Online: funway.com or Facebook Hours: Varies by activity; check the website or call ahead Admission: Varies by activity; check the website or call ahead Harold Hall Quarry Beach A former stone quarry, the 60,000-square-foot beach has islands, slides, and a diving area. Address: 400 S. Water St. Phone: 630-879-5235 or 630-406-5275 Online: bataviaparks.org/harold-hallquarry-beach Hours: Noon-6 p.m. daily and noon-7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, May 26-Aug. 12 Admission: $8 residents, $11 nonresidents; $3 residents, $4 nonresidents 5-7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday Batavia Train Depot Museum The museum, in an abandoned 1854 Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad depot, features exhibits of the railroad companies that operated in the area, railroad artifacts and a detailed exhibit about the telegraph system. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places. Address: 155 Houston St. Phone: 630-406-5274 Online: bataviahistoricalsociety.org or Facebook Hours: 2-4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday from March through Thanksgiving; by appointment December through February Admission: Free
Voyager 2018-19 Campton Hills Garfield Farm and Inn Museum The museum offers a variety of educational, entertainment and family events, including seminars, livestock shows, barn dances, and receptions. Monthly guided prairie walks are offered in the 31-acre Mill Creek Prairie area. The Garfield Farm and Inn, formerly a tavern and teamster inn, is on the National Register of Historic Sites. Address: Garfield Road, north of state Route 38 Phone: 630-584-8485 Online: garfieldfarm.org or Facebook Hours: 1-4 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday, June through September, or by appointment year-round Admission: Tours are $4 for adults, $3 for 12 and younger
Geneva Fabyan Forest Preserve Located on a 235-acre preserve with forest, ponds, prairie, and gardens, Fabyan Forest Preserve has many trails that offer scenic areas to bike, hike, jog or ride horseback. Fishing also is popular. Attractions include Japanese gardens, a windmill, and the historic home of George and Nelle Fabyan, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Address: 1925 Batavia Ave. Phone: 630-232-5980 Online: kaneforest.com Hours: Sunrise to sunset Kane County Cougars baseball The Kane County Cougars are a professional, Class A, Midwest League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The team plays at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark. Address: Fifth Third Bank Ballpark, 34W002 Cherry Lane Phone: 630-232-8811 Online: kccougars.com or Facebook Admission: $13 for reserved seats, $15 for box seats, $9 for lawn seats (prices vary) Fox Valley Ice Arena Two league-size rinks host local hockey games, hockey and figure-skating lessons, and public skating. The area also has a restaurant, pro shop, and fitness center. Address: 1996 S. Kirk Road Phone: 630-262-0690 Online: fvia.us or Facebook Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily; public skating hours vary, check the website or call ahead Admission: Public skating is $8 for adults, $7 for ages 6-11. Skate rental is $4. Geneva French Market This bountiful market offers fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, and handmade
Kane County ~ 45 goods in a European-style marketplace. Address: Fourth and South streets Phone: 630-784-0862 Online: bensidounmidwestmarkets.com or Facebook Hours: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, April 15-Nov. 11
Maple Park Acquaviva Winery The family-owned, 40-acre estate vineyard and winery offers award-winning wines, wine- tasting and fine dining. Several tours are available, too. Address: 47W614 state Route 38 Phone: 630-365-0333 Online: acquavivawinery.com or Facebook Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon-8 p.m. Sunday Admission: Tours range from $10 to $30
Saint Charles Arcada Theater Arcada Theater, on the National Register of Historic Places, was built in 1926 by millionaire and Chicago Tribune cartoonist Lester J. Norris. It was a popular stop on the vaudeville circuit. The “Gem of the Fox Valley” was remodeled and upgraded in 2005. The 900-seat theater still boasts its original pipe organ. Address: 105 E. Main St. Phone: 630-962-7000 Online: arcadalive.com or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday; Tours are available by appointment. Admission: Tickets for shows vary; call the box office Beith House Museum William Beith, a prominent Kane County stone mason, built this elegant Greek Revival-style home on the banks of the Fox River in 1850. Today, it stands as one of the few surviving examples of riverstone architecture in the area that has not been significantly altered. It has been restored to operate as a Preservation Study House. There are exhibits on the first floor, as well as an outdoor Archaeology Box and architecture gallery at the house. It also is the headquarters for Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley and houses the Preservation Resource Library. Address: 8 Indiana St. Phone: 630-377-6424 Online: ppfv.org/beith-house-museum Hours: 1-4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, June through August, or when staff is on site Admission: $1 per person or $2 per family
Durant House Museum Costumed docents and prairie children bring the past to life at this authentically restored 1843 prairie farmhouse, known as Kane County’s own “Little House on the Prairie.” The house is on the National Register of Historic Places. Address: 37W700 Dean St. Phone: 630-377-6424 Online: ppfv.org/durant-house-museum or Facebook Hours: 1-4 p.m. Sundays, June through September; 1-4 p.m. Thursdays, June through August; or by appointment Admission: $2 adults, $1 children Fabyan Villa Museum and Japanese Garden The Fabyan Villa was the home of Col. George and Nelle Fabyan from 1905 to 1939. Riverbank, as they called their estate, was a country retreat from their Chicago home. It was expanded and remodeled by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1907. The property, on more than 300 acres, boasts fountains, gardens, a Roman-style swimming pool, a Dutch-style windmill, lighthouse, boathouse and more. The house contains the Fabyans’ private collection of Asian artifacts and natural history specimens, as well as historic documents and photographs. The Japanese Garden, installed around 1910, is a tranquil oasis where history melds with nature and design. Address: 2001 S. Batavia Ave./state Route 31 Phone: 630-377-6424 Online: ppfv.org/fabyan-japanese-garden or Facebook Hours: 1-4 p.m. Wednesday and 1-4:30 p.m. May 6 through Oct. 15, 1-4 p.m. Thursday June through August Admission: $1 Fabyan Windmill On the east side of Fabyan Forest Preserve stands this authentic, fivestory, 1850s working windmill. The 68-foot structure originally was built by Louis Blackhaus, a German craftsman, between 1850 and 1860, and was moved to its current location in 1914. It is considered the best example of an authentic Dutch windmill in the United States. Tours are available by appointment. Address: 1600 Crissey Ave. Phone: 630-208-8662 Online: kaneforest.com/historicsites/ fabyanwindmill.aspx or Facebook Hours: 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 19 through Oct. 14 continued on
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46 ~ Lake County Fine Line Creative Arts Center This regional arts center features galleries and offers hands-on classes, including textiles, ceramics, metals, glass and painting. Address: 37W570 Bolcum Road Phone: 630-584-9443 Online: fineline.org or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday Admission: Cost for classes varies; check the website or call ahead Healing Gardens at Stone Hill Farm Designed to provide a safe, quiet place to experience the sacred through wooded paths and perennial gardens, the Healing Gardens also offers workshops and special events. Address: 37W249 Dean St. Phone: 630-377-1846 Online: healinggardensatstonehillfarm. com or Facebook Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. the second Sunday of the month, April through October, or by appointment Admission: $5, or $10 per family. Free for cancer survivors Hickory Knolls Discovery Center Hickory Knolls’ exhibits and displays showcase the Fox Valley area’s many natural treasures, and features an indoor turtle pond, wetland exhibit and live animal displays. The center, in James O. Breen Community Park, is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Designcertified building, the first of its kind in Kane County. Address: 3795 Campton Hills Road Phone: 630-513-4399 Online: stcnature.org or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday; and noon-4 p.m. Saturday Admission: By donation Kane County Flea Market Going strong for more than 45 years, rain or shine, the Kane County Flea Market features antiques, collectibles and other treasures at shows throughout the year, and attracts hundreds of dealers. Address: Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road Phone: 630-377-2252 Online: kanecountyfleamarket.com or Facebook Hours: Noon-5 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m.4 p.m. Sunday on June 2-3, July 30-July 1, Aug. 4-5, Sept. 1-2, Oct. 6-7, Nov. 3-4, and Dec. 1-2 Admission: $5, free for 11 and younger with an adult
www.saukvalley.com Mount St. Mary Park This riverside park along the Fox River Trail offers fishing, picnic areas, shelters, a tennis court, a basketball court, an outdoor arboretum, a skate park, a playground, and a waterfall. It also is home to the park district’s annual Sculpture in the Park event. Address: Prairie Street east of state Route 31 Phone: 630-584-1885 Online: stcparks.org/location/mt-stmary-park Hours: Dawn to dusk
St. Charles Paddlewheel Riverboats Enjoy daily sightseeing cruises or charter a private trip on the beautiful Fox River in one of two old-fashioned paddlewheel river boats, the Fox River Queen and the St. Charles Belle. Address: 2 North Ave. Phone: 630-584-2334 Online: stcriverboats.com or Facebook Hours: Cruises are offered May through October at various times; check the website or call ahead Admission: $8.50 adults, $7 15 and younger
Norris Cultural Arts Center The Dellora A. Norris Cultural Arts Center, founded in 1978, has an art gallery and a 1,000-seat performing arts theater. The center hosts numerous art, theater, dance and music productions throughout the year. Address: 1040 Dunham Road Phone: 630-584-7200 Online: norrisculturalarts.com or Facebook Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. WednesdaySunday Admission: Free
Tekakwitha Woods Nature Center The Fox River diorama is the main attraction at this nature center; it allows visitors an underwater experience without getting wet. The center also has a bison display, a children’s discovery corner, an activity center, and a wildlife observation area. Guided or self-guided nature hikes in the preserve’s 64 acres are available. Address: 35W076 Villa Marie Road Phone: 630-232-5980 Online: kaneforest.com/ForestPreserveView.aspx?ID=42 Hours: Trails open 8 a.m.-sunset; Nature Center open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday and noon- 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Admission: By donation
Otter Cove Aquatic Park The park features a lap pool, an activity pool, and a toddler pool, as well as a lazy river, slides, splash park, and sand play area. Address: 3615 Campton Hills Road Phone: 630-513-4377 Online: ottercove.org or Facebook Hours: Vary by week; open May 26 through Sept. 3 Admission: $10 residents, $15 nonresidents; kids 2 and younger free Pioneer Sholes School This restored one-room country school at the LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve is a living museum. The school was built around 1872 and closed around 1946. Address: 37W370 Dean St. Phone: 630-377-6424 Online: pioneersholesschool.org or Facebook Hours: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, mid-June through mid-October; or by appointment Admission: By donation St. Charles History Museum The museum, in the 1928 McCornack Oil Co. building, features rotating exhibits of St. Charles history. There also is a research room, photo and research archives and a gift shop. Address: 215 E. Main St. Phone: 630-584-6967 Online: stcmuseum.org or Facebook Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday Admission: $5 per family
Sugar Grove Air Classics Museum The only aviation museum in the area, the Air Classics Museum contains aircraft, vehicles, uniforms, and other aviation memorabilia from the 1930s to the present. Visitors can sit in an A-7 that flew in the Gulf War and climb into the pilot’s seat of a UH-1 Huey helicopter. Tours are available by appointment. Address: 44W546 U.S. Route 30 Phone: 630-466-0888 Online: airclassicsmuseum.org or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Admission: $8 adults, $5 seniors and children 6 and older Bliss House Museum Operated by the Sugar Grove Historical Society, the Bliss House features historical exhibits about the village of Sugar Grove and surrounding area. Address: 259 Main St. Phone: 630-466-9726 Online: sugargrovehistory.org Hours: 1-4 p.m. Tuesday or by appointment Admission: By donation
Voyager 2018-19
Lake County ~ 47
Lake County Calendar of Events May 26 Moon Lite Flea Market; Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake; vendors, cruise night, music and more; admission is $7; 3 p.m.-midnight; zurkopromotions.com, Facebook or 715-526-9769 June 2 Ray Bradbury’s Dandelion Wine Fine Arts Festival; Bowen Park, Waukegan; art from local and regional artists in honor of Waukegan son Ray Bradbury; 11 a.m.6 p.m.; www.waukeganil.gov or 847-3604740 June 2 Craft Beer Festival; Whitney Street downtown; More than 60 kinds of craft beer and specific food pairings from local restaurants with proceeds benefiting the scholarship funds of the Grayslake Chamber of Commerce and the Exchange Club of Grayslake; $35 in advance, $45 day of and $65 VIP; noon-5 p.m.; grayslakechamber.com June 3 Champion Car Show; Lambs Farm, 14245 Rockland Road, Libertyville; cars, trucks and bikes, plus music, raffles and more; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; lambsfarm.org or 847-990-3749 June 9 Historic Home Tour; Libertyville; five homes open for tours, plus the David Adler Music and Arts Center with one of the original Adler residents; tickets are $15 in advance or $20 day of; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; mainstreetlibertyville.org or 847680-0336 June 9-10 Zurko Antique and Flea Market; Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake; vendors, music and more; admission is $7; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday; zurkopromotions.com, Facebook or 715526-9769
beer tent, food, parade and more; libciviccenter.org or 847-918-8880 June 16 Summer Arts and Crafts Faire; downtown Antioch; arts and crafts from more than 75 vendors, children’s activities, food and more; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday; antiochchamber.org or 847-395-2233 June 18 Concert by the Lake featuring The New Invaders; Lakefront Park, 71 Nippersink Blvd., Fox Lake; bring a lawn chair; 7-10 p.m.; foxlake.org or 847-5873944 June 19 Summer Music Series; Independence Grove Forest Preserve, 16400 W. Buckley Road, Libertyville; featuring Santana Inspired; parking is $6; 7:30 p.m.; lcfpd. org/ig/concerts or 847-968-3499 June 23 Grayslake Arts Festival and Wine Festival; downtown; more than 60 artists from the Midwest, plus entertainment, children’s activities, entertainment and food; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; grayslakechamber. com or 847-223-6888 June 19 Wauconda Cruise Night; downtown; cars, trucks and bikes, plus music and food; 5-9 p.m.; Facebook or 847-5269600 June 20 Car Fun on 21; Church Street, downtown Libertyville; car show, music and food; 6-9 p.m.; mainstreetlibertyville.org or 847-680-0336 June 23-24 Fox Lake Fire Department Festival; FLVFD Bingo Hall, 114 Washington St., Ingleside; water fights, entertainment, raffles, food and more; 847-587-3313
June 12 Summer Music Series; Independence Grove Forest Preserve, 16400 W. Buckley Road, Libertyville; featuring Rockin’ Fenderskirts; parking is $6; 7:30 p.m.; lcfpd. org/ig/concerts or 847-968-3499
June 26 Summer Music Series; Independence Grove Forest Preserve, 16400 W. Buckley Road, Libertyville; featuring The Giving Tree Band; parking is $6; 7:30 p.m.; lcfpd.org/ig/concerts or 847-968-3499
June 14-17 Libertyville Days Festival; downtown; entertainment, arts and crafts fair, carnival,
June 30 Taste of Grayslake; Central Park; food, entertainment, carnival rides, obstacle
course, climbing wall, fireworks and more; 4-10 p.m., fireworks at dusk; glpd.com or 847-223-7529 June 30-July 1 Civil War Days; Lakewood Forest Preserve, 27277 N. Forest Preserve Road, Wauconda; infantry, cavalry and artillery reenactors, musicians, sutlers, medical personnel and civilians, plus large-scale battle reenactment, ongoing drills, children’s activities and more; admission is TBA; lcfpd.org/education/events or 847968-3400 July 7 Celebrate Fox Lake; Lakefront Park, 71 Nippersink Blvd., Fox Lake; music, family activities, beer garden, food, parade and fireworks; parade at 1 p.m., music 6-9 p.m., fireworks at dusk; discoverfoxlake. org, foxlake.org or 847-587-3944 July 7-8 Zurko Antique and Flea Market; Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake; vendors, music and more; admission is $7; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday; zurkopromotions.com, Facebook or 715526-9769 July 14-15 IPRA Championship Rodeo; Golden Oaks Rodeo Grounds, Rand and Case roads, Wauconda; rodeo, music, food and vendors; admission is $15 for adults and $6 for children; rodeo starts at 7 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday; Facebook, waucondarodeo.comor 847-526-5580 July 10 Summer Music Series; Independence Grove Forest Preserve, 16400 W. Buckley Road, Libertyville; featuring Gizzae; parking is $6; 7:30 p.m.; lcfpd.org/ig/concerts or 847-968-3499 July 17 Summer Music Series; Independence Grove Forest Preserve, 16400 W. Buckley Road, Libertyville; featuring Adam Ezra Group; parking is $6; 7:30 p.m.; lcfpd.org/ ig/concerts or 847-968-3499 July 17 Wauconda Cruise Night; downtown; cars, trucks and bikes, plus music and food; 5-9 p.m.; Facebook or 847-5269600 continued on
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July 18 Car Fun on 21; Church Street, downtown Libertyville; car show, music and food; 6-9 p.m.; mainstreetlibertyville.org or 847-680-0336
Aug. 15 Car Fun on 21; Church Street, downtown Libertyville; car show, music and food; 6-9 p.m.; mainstreetlibertyville.org or 847-680-0336
July 19-22 Taste of Summer Festival; downtown Antioch; food from local restaurants, entertainment, sidewalk sales, carnival and more – “supersized” for city’s 125th birthday; antiochchamber.org or 847-3952233
Aug. 18-19 Grayslake Summer Days; downtown; arts and crafts fair, go-kart races, bike and per parades, music, carnival, bingo, beer tent, food and parade; 5 p.m.-midnight Friday, 11 a.m.-midnight Saturday; grayslakechamber.com or 847-223-6888
Sept. 22-23 Farm Heritage Festival; Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake; antique tractors, cars and steam engines and other farm machinery, tractor parades, sheep herding demonstrations, scarecrow making, wagon rides, petting zoo and more; admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; lcfha.com/farm-heritage-festival or 847-968-340
Aug. 21 Wauconda Cruise Night; downtown; cars, trucks and bikes, plus music and food; 5-9 p.m.; Facebook or 847-5269600
Oct. 13-14 Zurko Antique and Flea Market; Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake; vendors, music and more; admission is $7; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday; zurkopromotions.com, Facebook or 715526-9769
July 24 Summer Music Series; Independence Grove Forest Preserve, 16400 W. Buckley Road, Libertyville; featuring Mississippi Heat; parking is $6; 7:30 p.m.; lcfpd.org/ig/concerts or 847-9683499
Aug. 25 Color Aloft Balloon Festival; Central Park, Grayslake; hot air balloons compete in a “Fox and Hounds” competition, then land and are lit up, plus music, family activities and food; 4-9 p.m.; grayslakechamber.com or 847-223-6688
Oct. 20 Fall Arts and Crafts Faire with Monster Bash, Treat the Streets and Weiner Races; downtown Antioch; more than 75 artists from the Midwest, children’s activities, food; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; antiochchamber.org or 847-395-2233
July 25-29 Lake County Fair; Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake; live stock shows, entertainment, demolition derby, carnival, food and more; lcfair.com or 847-680-7200
Sept. 1 Wauconda Street Dance; Main Street; music, dancing, food and more; 4-11 p.m.; waucondachamber.org or 847-5265580
Nov. 10-11 Zurko Antique and Flea Market; Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake; vendors, music and more; admission is $7; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday; zurkopromotions.com, Facebook or 715526-9769
July 21 Summer Music Series; Independence Grove Forest Preserve, 16400 W. Buckley Road, Libertyville; featuring Black Masala; parking is $6; 7:30 p.m.; lcfpd. org/ig/concerts or 847-968-3499
Aug. 4-5 David Adler Festival of the Arts; Cook Park, 100 W. Church St., Libertyville; more than 70 artists, plus youth artists, music and food; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; adlercenter.org/index.php/attend/festival or 847-367-0707 Aug. 7 Summer Music Series; Independence Grove Forest Preserve, 16400 W. Buckley Road, Libertyville; featuring Mory Sochat and The Special 20s; parking is $6; 7:30 p.m.; lcfpd.org/ig/concerts or 847-9683499 Aug. 9-12 Gurnee Days; Viking Park; Gurnee Idol, golf tournament, 10K walk/run, rib fest and eating contest, car show, petting zoo, entertainment, food and more; gurneedays.com or 847-623-7788 Aug. 11-12 Zurko Antique and Flea Market; Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake; vendors, music and more; admission is $7; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday; zurkopromotions.com, Facebook or 715526-9769
Sept. 8 Wings Over Waukegan Air Show; Waukegan Regional Airport, 3580 N. McAcree Road, Waukegan; Canadian Forces Snowbirds, F-18 Hornet, aircraft displays, food and more; gates open at 9:30 a.m., show starts at 12 p.m.; admission is $15, 12 and young free, active duty military and veterans free; waukeganairshow.com/index.html or 847-2440055 Sept. 8-9 Zurko Antique and Flea Market; Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake; vendors, music and more; admission is $7; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday; zurkopromotions.com, Facebook or 715526-9769 Sept. 18 Wauconda Cruise Night; downtown; cars, trucks and bikes, plus music and food; 5-9 p.m.; Facebook or 847-5269600 Sept. 19 Car Fun on 21; Church Street, downtown Libertyville; car show, music and food; 6-9 p.m.; mainstreetlibertyville.org or 847-680-0336
Nov. 22-Jan. 1 Dickens Holiday Village; downtown Antioch; lifelike figures representing scene from the Dickens era throughout downtown, plus special activities on Saturdays; antiochchamber.org or 847-395-2233 Nov. 24 Illuminated Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony; Millenium Park, Fox Lake; parade, caroling, hot cocoa and tree landing; 5 p.m.; foxlake.org or 847587-2151 Dec. 1 and 8 Dickens of a Holiday; Cook Park, downtown Libertyville; visits Santa and Mrs. Claus, tours of the Cook Mansion and more; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; mainstreetlibertyville.org or 847-680-0336 Dec. 8-9 Zurko Antique and Flea Market; Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake; vendors, music and more; admission is $7; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday; zurkopromotions.com, Facebook or 715526-9769
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Lake County ~ 49
Lake County Tourist Attractions Lake County, in the far northeast corner of the state along the shores of Lake Michigan, is part of the Chicagoland area. Its cities and villages boast beautiful parks, historic sites and one-of-a-kind attractions. The county covers more than 1,300 square miles and is home to more than 700,000 people. Buffalo Grove Raupp Museum The museum has three galleries. The main gallery tells the history of Buffalo Grove, beginning with Potawatomi life in the 1830s, continuing through early farm settlement and arriving at the bustling suburb of today. The Crossroads Gallery explores life in the village during the 1900s. The lower gallery features Press Play: History Has a Soundtrack, a special exhibit that explores the connection between music, history, and events; this exhibit only is available until November. Address: 901 Dunham Lane Phone: 847-850-2135 Online: bgparks.org/facilities/museum. aspx or Facebook Hours: 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. MondayThursday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday Admission: By donation
Deerfield Jewett Park Skate Park The 11,000-square-foot skate park was one of the first public poured-concrete skateboard and inline skate facilities in the state. It is geared toward more experienced skaters, although it is open to all. Safety equipment is encouraged, and helmets are required for skaters younger than 16. Address: 836 Jewett Park Drive Phone: 847-945-0650 Online: deerfieldparks.org/locations/ jewett-park Hours: Dawn-dusk Admission: Free Tree House Indoor Playground The indoor playground features an 8-foot tube slide, mountain climb, spring walk, web crawl and double Cush-n-Cube bags. Children must be at least 3 and shorter than 4 feet to use the playground equipment; they also must wear socks and be supervised by a parent or guardian. Address: Jewett Park Community Center, 836 Jewett Park Drive Phone: 847-945-0650 Online: deerfieldparks.org/parks-facilities/jewett-park-community-center Hours: 9-11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday
and Friday, 3-5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, September through May Admission: $3 children, $25 for a punch card good for 10 visits
Fort Sheridan Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve The preserve is a scenic destination with rolling terrain, bluffs and ravines set on the Lake Michigan shoreline. Hiking and biking trails wind through the preserve to the lakeshore and connect visitors to educational exhibits along the fort’s historic parade ground and to other walk-through exhibits and viewing stations. According to the website: “Portions of the preserve are closed for construction. During construction, all portions of the preserve north of Fort Sheridan’s historic district will be closed to public access. As part of the Great Lakes Fish and Ecosystem Restoration program (GLFER) crews are removing invasive woody and herbaceous plants throughout the preserve. For your safety, during times of construction and closures please obey all posted signs and fencing.” Address: 117 Sheridan Road Phone: 847-367-6640 Online: lcfpd.org/fort-sheridan Hours: 6:30 a.m.-sunset daily Admission: Free
Glencoe Chicago Botanic Garden The Chicago Botanic Garden, with its world-renowned plant collections and displays, is one of the country’s most visited public gardens. The 385-acre garden features 23 display gardens and three native habitats, uniquely situated on nine islands surrounded by lakes. Address: 1000 Lake Cook Road Phone: 847-835-5440 Online: chicagobotanic.org or Facebook Hours: Grounds open 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; hours vary by attraction; check the website or call ahead Admission: Free; parking fees are $25 per car on weekdays, $10 for seniors on Tuesday and $30 per car on weekends and holidays
Grayslake Grayslake Heritage Center and History Museum The state-of-the-art history museum is dedicated to collecting and sharing the history of the greater Grayslake area. It features the original Village Hall with a restored facade. Address: 164 Hawley St. Phone: 847-543-1745 Online: villageofgrayslake.com/index. aspx?NID=385 or Facebook Hours: Noon-4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and during the farmers market and downtown events Admission: $3 adults, $1 children
Great Lakes Great Lakes Naval Museum The Department of the Navy museum preserves the history of the United States Navy with emphasis on its only “boot camp” at Great Lakes Naval Station. Exhibits feature an overview of the boot camp experience and the history of Great Lakes. Guided tours are available by appointment. Address: Building 42, 610 Farragut Ave. Phone: 847-688-3154 Online: history.navy.mil/museums/greatlakes/index.htm Hours: 9-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday Admission: Free
Green Oaks North Shore Distillery North Shore Distillery, which opened in 2005, is the first craft distillery in the state. It offers award-winning vodkas, gins and liqueurs and a tasting room. Tours are held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and 4 p.m. Saturday and include a tasting. Address: 13990 Rockland Road Phone: 847-574-2499 Online: northshoredistillery.com or Facebook Hours: 1-9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 1-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1-7 p.m. Sunday Admission: General tours are $10 continued on
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50 ~ Lake County Gurnee Mother Rudd Home Museum The 1844 building once was a stagecoach stop, tavern, post office, town hall and candy store; it also is reported to have been part of the Underground Railroad. The museum contains artifacts from the Civil War and a room dedicated to the family of a local man who died on the Titanic. Address: 4690 Old Grand Ave. Phone: 847-263-9540 Online: motherrudd.org or Facebook Hours: 9:30 a.m.-noon Tuesday and during scheduled open houses Admission: Free Six Flags Great America Six Flags features eight themed areas, each highlighting a different aspect of Americana, with more than 75 rides and attractions, including 14 roller coasters and the Hurricane Harbor water park. Address: 1 Great America Parkway Phone: 847-249-4636 Online: sixflags.com/greatamerica Hours: Vary Admission: $74.99 at the park for adults, $54.99 for children shorter than 4 feet, and free for children 2 and younger at the park; parking is $26
Highland Park Hidden Creek AquaPark Hidden Creek AquaPark features a winding water slide, a drop slide, a water playground, zero-depth entry pools and a sand area. Address: 1220 Fredrickson Place Phone: 847-433-3170 Online: pdhp.org/hidden-creek-aquaticpark-outdoor-pool Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday-Sunday Admission: $8 residents and $14 nonresidents
Ingleside Volo Bog State Natural Area Volo Bog State Natural Area is home to Volo Bog, the only remaining openwater “quaking” bog in the state. A floating boardwalk takes visitors through all the stages of natural succession to the center of this state nature preserve and National Natural Landmark. More than 5 miles of hiking trails showcase the varied landscape of the area. The Visitor Center originally housed a dairy barn and now includes exhibits and a hands-on discovery center. Tours are offered at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Address: 28478 W. Brandenburg Road Phone: 815-344-1294 Online: www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/ Pages/VoloBog.aspx Hours: Open at 8 a.m. daily; closing
www.saukvalley.com time varies, call ahead; Visitor Center open 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday Admission: Free
Lake Forest Citadel Theatre Company Citadel Theatre offers professional theater productions throughout the year. Address: 300 S. Waukegan Road Phone: 847-735-8554 Online: citadeltheatre.org or Facebook Hours: Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday; box office is open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Friday and one hour before performances; check the schedule online or call the box office for show dates and times Admission: Tickets are $35-38 for general admission Wildlife Discovery Center The Wildlife Discovery Center features more than 150 animals and is home to one of the largest public exhibits of rattlesnakes in North America, including four species native to Illinois. Address: 1401 Middlefork Drive Phone: 847-810-3663 Online: wildlifediscoverycenter.org or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday and Friday-Sunday Admission: Free
Libertyville Independence Grove Forest Preserve The scenic 1,135-acre preserve is centered around a 115-acre lake reclaimed from a gravel quarry. It features a swimming beach, bike and boat rentals, nearly 7 miles of trails, a native garden and an amphitheater with outdoor concerts. There also is a Visitors Center and cafe. Address: 16400 W. Buckley Road Phone: 847-968-3499 Online: lcfpd.org/ig Hours: Visitors Center open 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily; preserve open 6:30 a.m.- sunset daily Admission: Parking is free for Lake County residents and $5 per car for nonresidents Monday-Thursday and $10 Friday-Sunday and holidays Lambs Farm Lambs Farm includes a farmyard and features a petting area with sheep and goats. It also offers mini-golf, a mini train and an old-world carousel. All the businesses at Lambs Farm benefit programs for people with developmental disabilities. Address: 14245 W. Rockland Road Phone: 847-362-4636 Online: lambsfarm.org or Facebook Hours: 10-5 p.m. daily Admission: $5 to the farmyard and $2
to $4 for other attractions; $8 for an adult day pass and $12 for a child day pass Libertyville Sports Complex The Libertyville Sports Complex has an indoor events center with soccer, lacrosse and basketball courts, a 360-degree climbing mountain, a 40-tee driving range and a fitness center. Address: 1950 N. Highway 45 Phone: 847-367-1502 Online: libertyvillesportscomplex.com or Facebook Hours: Vary by attraction; call for hours Admission: Vary by attraction; call for prices
Long Grove Valentino Vineyards and Winery Valentino Vineyards, which opened in 2001, features award-winning wines, a 20-acre vineyard with 25 varieties of grapes and a tasting room. Tours are available by appointment. Address: 5175 Aptakisic Road Phone: 847-634-2831 Online: valentinovineyards.com or Facebook Hours: Tastings are available 4-7 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and noon-4 p.m. Sunday, May through December Admission: Tastings are $12, tours are $15
Mettawa Adlai E. Stevenson Historic Home The home features exhibits about the life and career of Adlai Stevenson II, former governor of Illinois, two-time presidential candidate and ambassador to the United Nations. The home is on the National Register of Historic Places. Address: 25200 N. St. Mary’s Road Phone: 847-968-3422 Online: lcfpd.org/stevenson-home or Facebook Hours: The self-guided trails around the property are open 6:30 a.m. to sunset daily; the building and exhibits are open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, April through October
Old Mill Creek The Tempel Lipizzans Tempel Farms is home of the famous Lipizzan stallions, known for their beauty, strength and intelligence. The farm features 90-minute performances in the tradition of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna that chronicle the horses’ training from the youngest foals to the most highly trained stallions, all performing to musical accompaniment. Address: 17000 Wadsworth Road Phone: 847-244-5330 Online: tempelfarms.com or Facebook Hours: Show times vary; check the schedule online or call the box office Admission: Prices vary based on performance; check website for details
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Lake County ~ 51
Round Lake
Wadsworth
Round Lake Aquatic Center and Prairie Grass Nature Museum The Aquatic Center features two pools, both with zero-depth entry; the smaller pool has a waterplay system with slide and spray features, while the larger pool has a diving board and is as deep as 12.5 feet. The Prairie Grass Nature Museum features exhibits and a nature trail. Address: 860 Hart Road Phone: 847-740-9823 Online: rlapd.org/prairie-grass-naturemuseum or Facebook Hours: Vary by attraction; check the website or call ahead Admission: Vary; check the website or call ahead
Gold Pyramid House The six-story, 17,000-square-foot architectural oddity once was the world’s largest gold structure. The home, built in 1977, is believed to be the largest 24-karat gold-plated object in North America. It has an enormous statue of Ramses II and a replica of King Tut’s tomb. Address: 37921 N. Dilleys Road Phone: 847-244-7777 Online: goldpyramid.com or Facebook Hours: Tours are 2 p.m. specific Sundays, April through October; check the website or call ahead for dates Admission: $18 adults, $12 for 17 and younger, $10 for military personnel with ID
Spring Grove Chain O’ Lakes State Park Chain O’ Lakes State Park is a 6,000-acre water-oriented recreation area that borders three natural lakes, Grass, Marie and Nippersink, as well as the Fox River. The park also includes a 44-acre lake within its boundaries as well as a campground, picnic areas and hiking, biking and horseback riding trails. Address: 8916 Wilmot Road Phone: 847-587-5512 Online: www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/ Pages/ChainOLakes.aspx Hours: 6 a.m.-9 p.m. daily, April through October
Vernon Hills WhirlyBall Vernon Hills WhirlyBall combines basketball, hockey, lacrosse and bumper cars. The facility also features two-level laser tag, a climbing wall, video games and pool tables. Address: 285 Center Drive Phone: 847-918-0800 Online: whirlyball.com or Facebook Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 11-1 a.m. Friday and 11-2 a.m. Saturday Admission: $15 for 30 minutes of play
Volo Volo Auto Museum The 36-acre museum houses 300 classic, antique and muscle cars, including the largest display of Hollywood cars in the country. It also houses rare military vehicles and weapons and a classic, Betty Boop-themed diner. Address: 27582 W. Volo Village Road Phone: 815-385-3644 Online: volocars.com or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; open until 6 p.m. weekends Memorial Day through Labor Day Admission: $15 adults, $13 seniors, $13 military personnel with ID, and $9 ages 5-12
Wauconda Bangs Lake Beach and Marina Bangs Lake is a natural glacial lake and a popular destination for family recreation in the Chicagoland area. Address: 112 Park St. Phone: 847-526-3610 Online: waucondaparks.org/parks-facilities/beach-marina Hours: 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. daily (summer) Admission: Prices vary, check website
Waukegan Bowen Park The 60-acre park not only is home to the Waukegan History Museum and the Jack Benny Center for the Arts, but also boasts a hiking trail, a formal garden and wildlife refuge and an award-winning playground and a skate park. The playground, themed “Forest Findings”, is equipped with modern playground amenities, combined with several environmental learning stations that represent a forest ecosystem. Children can splash in the water spray area, observe animal footprints, sit on the fungi bench, slide down the 40-foot tunnel slides or climb a spider web. Address: 1800 N. Sheridan Road Phone: 847-360-4700 Online: waukeganparks.org or Facebook Hours: Sunrise to sunset, daily Admission: Free Waukegan BMX Track Designed by a nationally known builder of BMX tracks, and is 1,200 feet long and features several obstacles. Address: 2785 York House Road Phone: 847-920-4269 Online: waukeganbmx.com or Facebook Hours: Hours vary; check the website or call ahead Admission: Vary by class; check the website or call ahead Waukegan History Museum The museum, inside the historic Haines farmhouse built in 1843, features artifacts that depict the history of the city.
Address: Bowen Park, 1917 N. Sheridan Road Phone: 847-336-1859 Online: waukeganhistorical.org or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and 1-4 p.m. Saturday Admission: Free Waukegan Municipal Beach The beach features 1 mile of sand along with some of the only remaining natural dunes in the area; the dunes protect the water and make it some of the clearest, cleanest water in the area. There are no lifeguards. Address: 201 Sea Horse Drive Phone: 847-599-2525 Online: www.waukeganweb.net/index. aspx?NID=266 or Facebook Hours: 6 a.m.-9 p.m. daily Admission: Parking is free on weekdays and $20 on weekends Waukegan Skate Park The 17,000-square-foot Waukegan Skate Park features separate areas for beginners, intermediate skaters and advanced skaters. It offers skaters a wide variety of trick surfaces, including a half-pipe, elevated launch deck, vertical and grinding walls, ledge fun box and grinding rails. Address: Bowen Park, 1815 N. Sheridan Road Phone: 847-360-4725 Online: waukeganparks.org/location/ waukegan-skate-park Hours: When front gate is open to sunset Admission: Free
Zion Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park The 4,160-acre state park, along the shores of Lake Michigan, features 6 miles of beachfront, almost 7 miles of hiking trails, a campground, picnic areas and a visitor center. Address: Sheridan and Wadsworth roads Phone: 847-662-4811 Online: www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/ Pages/AdelineJayGeo-KarisIllinoisBeach. aspx or Facebook Hours: Sunrise to sunset daily, April through October Admission: Free Shiloh House Shiloh House is an elegant 25-room mansion built in 1901 by Zion founder the Rev. John Alexander Dowie, who headed the Christian Catholic Church. The restored home is the headquarters for the Zion Historical Society and serves as the historical museum. Address: 1300 Shiloh Blvd. Phone: 847-746-2427 Online: zionhs.com Hours: 2-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, Memorial Day through Labor Day and by appointment Admission: Free
52 ~ Lee County
www.saukvalley.com
Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com
Allied forces for the 32nd Wisconsin and Michigan National Guard Chris Kissinger (left), Aaron Rowland, Chris Dayton, and Andrew Braun sit around a camp fire in June 2015 after the first battle at Dixon’s Elk’s Page Park. The annual reenactment returns June 22 to 24. INOIS BOY, ILL Y OF AM
54
Since 18
CIT
August 23, 24, 25, 26 Carnival, Free Live Music, 5K, Beer Garden, Crafts, & So Much More!
50/50
Winner Last Year’s
85 Won $110,8
AMBOY, ILLINOIS depotdays.com “The Camping Center of Northern Illinois”
-ST1524049
• Excellent Schools • Activities for All Ages • Friendly Merchants • Beautiful Parks • Depot Museum • Camping Center of Northern Illinois Visitors Welcome, Enjoy our Midwest Hospitality
www.cityofamboy.org
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Lee County ~ 53
Lee County Calendar of Events May 25 Riverfront yoga and Musical Fridays; Heritage Crossing, Dixon; yoga 11 a.m.-noon, music noon-1 p.m.; dixonmainstreet.com or 815-288-2308 May 26 Amboy Summer Concert Series; bandstand, Main Street; music by Jimmy Wolber Show; 7-9 p.m.; leecountyfun. com or 815-857-3814 June 1 Riverfront yoga and Musical Fridays; Heritage Crossing, Dixon; yoga 11 a.m.-noon, music noon-1 p.m.; dixonmainstreet.com or 815-2882308 June 2 Cabela’s King Kat Tournament; Rock River, Dixon; anglers compete for cash, prizes and a chance to advance to national tournament in October; fishing 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m., weigh-in at 4 p.m. in Page Park; kingkatusa. com, discoverdixon.org or 815284-3496 June 8 Riverfront yoga and Musical Fridays; Heritage Crossing, Dixon; yoga 11 a.m.-noon, music noon-1 p.m.;.; dixonmainstreet.com or 815-2882308 June 9 Amboy Summer Concert
Series; bandstand, Main Street; music by Les Floto – Lonesome Fugitive; 7-9 p.m.; leecountyfun.com or 815-8573814 June 9 Second Saturdays; downtown Dixon; businesses host artists and musicians; 6-8 p.m.; Facebook or 815-288-2308 June 15 Riverfront yoga and Musical Fridays; Heritage Crossing, Dixon; yoga 11 a.m.-noon, music noon-1 p.m.; dixonmainstreet.com or 815-2882308 June 15 Blues and Bluegrass; H.I. Lincoln Building, 136 N. Elm St., Franklin Grove; open stage for acoustic musicians; 7 p.m.; franklingroveil.org or 815-456-3030 June 20 Free riverfront movie (TBD); amphitheater steps along riverfront Dixon; participants can bring blankets, not chairs; find Dixon Chamber & Main Street for update; riverfrontdixon@ gmail.com or 815-288-2308
June 22-24 World War II reenactment; Elks Page Park, 7883 S. Lowell Park Road, Dixon; reenactment with display of camps and equipment, mock battles with armored vehicles and machine guns; admission is $5; sneak peak Friday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sunday; WWII-recreateddixon.weebly.com June 23 Amboy Summer Concert Series; bandstand, Main Street; music by Jeff Kagy and Todd Lorenc – Flying Fish; 7-9 p.m.; leecountyfun.com or 815-857-3814 June 24 June Jam; John Deere Historic Site, 8334 S. Clinton St., Grand Detour; open stage for bluegrass, folk, country and light rock musicians; admission is $5 or a nonperishable food
item for the local food pantry; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; deere.com or 815-652-4551 June 29 Riverfront yoga and Musical Fridays; Heritage Crossing, Dixon; yoga 11 a.m.-noon, music noon-1 p.m.; dixonmainstreet.com or 815-2882308 June 29 Fifth Friday music; H.I. Lincoln Building, 136 N. Elm St., Franklin Grove; admission is $10; shows at 7 and 9 p.m.; 815-456-3030 July 1 Amboy Fireworks Festival; Amboy Sports Park; food, music and fire truck rides; 6 p.m., fireworks at dusk; Jeff Bryant at 815857-2000 continued on
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H.I. Lincoln Store Established 1860
Locally Handcrafted Items & Antiques
June 22 Riverfront yoga and Musical Fridays; Heritage Crossing, Dixon; yoga 11 a.m.-noon, music noon-1 p.m.; dixonmainstreet.com or 815-2882308
Franklin Creek Cabin
1484 Old Mill Rd. Franklin Grove, IL 61031
Make reservations through:
About Cabin: - 6-8 guests - 3 bedroom - 3 bath
Contact: goo.gl/oV1hhA *link is case sensitive
Nearby attractions: - Adjacent to Franklin Creek State Natural Area - Old Grist Mill - Bison at Nachusa Grasslands
James & Dina Lillyman
(815)440-5609 • dinalillyman@gmail.com
Lincoln Highway Association National Headquarters LIVE MUSIC - 3rd Friday of Each Month
Downtown Franklin Grove
Hrs: Mon-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 12pm-4pm Lynn Asp, Director 815-456-3030
54 ~ Lee County July 3-8 Petunia Festival; downtown Dixon; pancake breakfast, bags and poker tournaments, tennis and soccer tournaments, Ultimate Air Dogs, car show, craft show, carnival, music, parade and fireworks; petuniafestival.org, Facebook or 815-288-7465 July 4 Amboy Summer Concert Series; bandstand, Main Street; music by Eileen Quest – Remembering Patsy; 7-9 p.m.; leecountyfun.com or 815-857-3814 July 4 Brush & Bloom; 200 block of West First Street, Dixon; families are invited to paint a 4-by-4 square of the street; registration is $10 in advance, $15 the day of the event; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; dixonmainstreet.com or 815-288-2308 July 7 Nuts About Art; John Dixon Park, 515 N. Galena Ave., Dixon; juried art show; 9 a.m.4 p.m.; thenextpictureshow.com or 815-2854924 July 13 Riverfront yoga and Musical Fridays; Heritage Crossing, Dixon;yoga 11 a.m.noon, music noon-1 p.m.;; dixonmainstreet.com or 815-288-2308
www.saukvalley.com July 9 Second Saturdays; downtown Dixon; businesses host artists and musicians; 6-8 p.m.; Facebook or 815-288-2308 July 18 Free riverfront movie (TBD); amphitheater steps along riverfront Dixon; participants can bring blankets, not chairs; find Dixon Chamber & Main Street for update; riverfrontdixon@gmail.com or 815-288-2308 July 20 Riverfront yoga and Musical Fridays; Heritage Crossing, Dixon;yoga 11 a.m.noon, music noon-1 p.m.; dixonmainstreet.com or 815-288-2308 July 20-21 Summer Fest; Compton Park; kids games, car cruise, concessions, family entertainment, beer tent and more; 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Facebook July 20 Blues and Bluegrass; H.I. Lincoln Building, 136 N. Elm St., Franklin Grove; open stage for acoustic musicians; 7 p.m.; franklingroveil.org or 815-456-3030 July 26-29 Lee County 4-H Fair and Junior Show; Lee County Fairgrounds, 1196
Franklin Road, Amboy; 4-H exhibits, truck and tractor pulls, mud bogs and dirt drags, carnival, music, food and more; admission is $5, grandstand admission is more; Facebook or 815857-2603 July 27 Riverfront yoga and Musical Fridays; Heritage Crossing, Dixon; yoga yoga 11 a.m.-noon, music noon-1 p.m.; dixonmainstreet.com or 815-288-2308 July 28 Amboy Summer Concert Series; bandstand, Main Street; music by Jimmy Henkel with special guest; 7-9 p.m.; leecountyfun.com or 815-857-3814 Aug. 1 Petunia City Brass; Hinders Field in Rock Falls; drum and bugle corps competition; proceeds benefit Kreider Alliance and the Lee County Council on Aging; tickets are $10, $15 or $20 and available at Kreider Services, Lee County Council on Aging or Venier’s Jewelry or dci.org; 7 p.m.; petuniacitybrass.org, Geoff Vanderlin at 815-8767726 or Becky Reilly at 815-288-6691 (Event moved because of planned work at A.C. Bowers Field at Dixon High School.)
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Lee County ~ 55
Aug. 4-5 Summer Harvest Festival; Franklin Grove; village-wide rummage sales, historic building tours, art festival, antique equipment show, music, parade; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; chaplincreek.com or 815456-3030
day; deere.com or 815-652-4551
Aug. 3 Riverfront yoga and Musical Fridays; Heritage Crossing, Dixon; yoga 11 a.m.noon, music noon-1 p.m.; dixonmainstreet.com or 815-288-2308
Aug. 11 Second Saturdays; downtown Dixon; businesses host artists and musicians; 6-8 p.m.; Facebook or 815-288-2308
Aug. 4 Big Rig Show; Atkinson Trucking, 351 N. State St., Franklin Grove; trucks on display, plus music, food and 50-50 raffle; proceeds of show benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children in Chicago; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Facebook or Brian Atkinson at 815440-8304 Aug. 11 Amboy Summer Concert Series; bandstand, Main Street; music by Barbershop Spontaneous Combustion; 7-9 p.m.; leecountyfun.com or 815-857-3814 Aug. 4-5 Hammer In; John Deere Historic Site, 8334 S. Clinton St., Grand Detour; 9 a.m.5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun-
Aug. 17 Blues and Bluegrass; H.I. Lincoln Building, 136 N. Elm St., Franklin Grove; open stage for acoustic musicians; 7 p.m.; franklingroveil.org or 815-456-3030
Aug. 10 Riverfront yoga and Musical Fridays; Heritage Crossing, Dixon; yoga 11 a.m.noon, music noon-1 p.m.; dixonmainstreet.com or 815-288-2308
Aug. 11 Venetian Night; Heritage Crossing, downtown Dixon; European-themed food, art and entertainment and lighted boat parade on the river; dixonmainstreet.com or 815-288-2308 Aug. 15 Free riverfront movie (TBD); amphitheater steps along riverfront Dixon; participants can bring blankets, not chairs; find Dixon Chamber & Main Street for update; riverfrontdixon@gmail.com or 815-2882308 Aug. 17 Riverfront yoga and Musical Fridays; Heritage Crossing, Dixon; yoga 11 a.m.noon, music noon-1 p.m.; dixonmainstreet.com or 815-288-2308
gift shop • field trips
Aug. 18 Gardenstock Art and Music Festival; Distinctive Gardens, 2020 Lowell Park Road, Dixon; art, music and food; proceeds benefit Sinnissippi Center’s youth gardening program; 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; tickets are $10 in advance, $13 at gate, $1 kids 12 and younger; diggersdelight.com or 815-285-0014 Aug. 23-26 Depot Days; downtown Amboy; car show, tractor show, arts and crafts show, 5K walk/run, garage sales, music, 50-50 raffle, carnival and parade; depotdays.com, Facebook or 815-857-3814 Aug. 24 Riverfront yoga and Musical Fridays; Heritage Crossing, Dixon; yoga 11 a.m.noon, music noon-1 p.m.; dixonmainstreet.com or 815-288-2308 continued on
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tours • event space for rent
featured exhibits include: • Ronald Reagan’s Beautifully restored classroom
• Original Reagan Diplomas & Movie Posters
• Blackhawk War & Early American Farming Exhibits with Lifelike Talking Figures
• Walgreen Family History Room, Art Gallery & Historical Paintings
• Beautiful Models & Dioramas Of Dixon In The 1800’s
• Military Room • Bison Exhibit
Schedule a guided tour for a group Schedule school field trips Northwest Territory Historic Center 205 West Fifth Street | P.O. Box 345, Dixon, IL 61021 Phone: 815-288-5508 | Fax: 815-288-5749
www.nthc.org
S W BESEITE FOREH OURS
NO ADMIS CHAR SION DONA GE ON ACCETI PTEDS
56 ~ Lee County Aug. 31 Riverfront yoga and Musical Fridays; Heritage Crossing, Dixon; yoga 11 a.m.noon, music noon-1 p.m.; dixonmainstreet.com or 815-288-2308 Aug. 31 Fifth Friday music; H.I. Lincoln Building, 136 N. Elm St., Franklin Grove; admission is $10; shows at 7 and 9 p.m.; 815-456-3030 Sept. 1 Blues, Brews, BBQ and Bags for the Brave; 100 block of First Street, Dixon; blues festival and Honor Flight fundraiser by Dixon Police Association; noon-10 p.m.; $5; dixonmainstreet.com or 815-288-2308 Sept. 2-3 Lions Club Labor Day Celebration; Village Park, Paw Paw; street dance, truck and tractor pull, car show, craft show, parade and more; admission to tractor pull is $5; 815-790-3030 Sept. 8-9 SubletteFest and Fall Car Show; car show 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday across from Vaessen Brothers Chevrolet, 505 N. Pennsylvania Ave.; featuring Kaiser-Frazer, Willys-Overland, Hudson and Nash vehicles, plus a special Chevrolet exhibit; festival features music tractor pull, 5K run/walk, live
www.saukvalley.com music, beer garden, food and drinks; Sublette365 on Facebook, subletteweb.com or Don Dinges at 815-713-5675
Building, 136 N. Elm St., Franklin Grove; open stage for acoustic musicians; 7 p.m.; franklingroveil.org or 815-456-3030
Sept. 8 Second Saturdays; downtown Dixon; businesses host artists and musicians; 6-8 p.m.; Facebook or 815-288-2308
Sept. 30 Tales From Beyond the Grave; Oakwood Cemetery, 416 S. Dement Ave., Dixon; 1-hour guided cemetery walk with characters in period costumes who give live accounts of people who contributed to the early days of Dixon; 1-4 p.m.; suggested donation is $5; Carol Ortgiesen Wadsworth at 815-652-3775
Sept. 9 Grand Detour Arts Festival; John Deere Historic Site, 8334 S. Clinton St.; juried art show, student art, music and food; admission is $3 or a nonperishable food item for the local food pantry; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; thenextpictureshow.com or 815-652-8663 Sept. 15 Autumn on the Prairie; Nachusa Grasslands, South Lowden Road, Franklin Grove; horse-drawn wagon rides, live music, artist demonstrations, birds of prey and more; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; parking is $5; nachusagrasslands.org or Bill Kleiman at 815-456-2340 Sept. 16 Scarecrow Festival; downtown Dixon; scarecrow decorating contest and other fall fun; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Dixon Main Street, dixonmainstreet.com or 815-288-2308 Sept. 21 Blues and Bluegrass; H.I. Lincoln
Oct. 6 Beyond Bloomin’ on the Rock; Dixon Riverfront Plaza, 100 W. River St.; fundraiser for Rock River Garden Club with the Jim Busta Band of Onalaska, Wisconsin, appetizers, German-inspired dinner, cash bar, and auction of garden creations; 6-11 p.m.; find on Facebook for admission, more information Oct. 13 West End Fest; west end of First Street, downtown Dixon; rock ‘n’ roll festival; 3-11 p.m.; dixonmainstreet.com or 815-288-2308 Oct. 13 Second Saturdays; downtown Dixon; businesses host artists and musicians; 6-8 p.m.; Facebook or 815-288-2308
5 4 t h A n n ual
Join us for the 54th Annual Dixon Petunia Festival! Featuring: Blues Traveler, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, Too White Crew, Lava Rock, Joe Stamm Band, Jon Langston "Peace, Love, Petunias” Parade Cruise-In Style Car Show
Dixon Dish Food Vendors Family & Kids Events Carnival Arts & Crafts Show Ultimate Air Dogs Show Bingo Fun Fireworks on the River Front
For all information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.petuniafestival.org, call 815-288-PINK (7465) or stop into the Dixon Welcome Center at 87 S. Hennepin Ave., Dixon.
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Lee County ~ 57
Oct. 19 Blues and Bluegrass; H.I. Lincoln Building, 136 N. Elm St., Franklin Grove; open stage for acoustic musicians; 7 p.m.; franklingroveil.org or 815-4563030 Oct. 21 Ultimate Tailgate; Beanblossom parking lot, River Street, Dixon; chili cook-off, bags tournament and football games on outdoor television; admission is $5; 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; dixonmainstreet.com or 815-288-2308 (Editor’s note: This is the likely date, but it could change. Check the Dixon Chamber & Main Street Facebook page to verify.) Oct. 27 Halloween Parade; Haymarket Square, West Third Street, Dixon; costume judging at 9:30 a.m. and parade at 10 a.m.; Jason Nelson at 815-284-8845 Nov. 3 Holiday Craft Show; Paw Paw Schools, 511 Chapman St.; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; 815627-2351; pawpawil.org or Facebook Nov. 10 Second Saturdays; downtown Dixon; businesses host artists and musicians; 6-8 p.m.; Facebook or 815-288-2308
Dec. 7 Dixon Christmas Walk; downtown; Christmas tree lighting, visits with Santa, and other Christmastime fun; 6-9 p.m.; dixonmainstreet.com or 815-288-2308
Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com
The Great Snowball Drop is an annual tradition at the Christmas Walk in Dixon. Nov. 16 Blues and Bluegrass; H.I. Lincoln Building, 136 N. Elm St., Franklin Grove; open stage for acoustic musicians; 7 p.m.; franklingroveil.org or 815-456-3030 Dec. 1 Santa’s Workshop; Post House Ballroom, 100 W. Second St., Dixon; breakfast, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, children’s shopping in Santa’s Workshop; breakfast at 8 a.m., workshop open 8-11 a.m.; lccoa.com or 815-288-9236
725 N BRINTON AVE., DIXON
(815)986-8058
120 S MAPLE ST. SYCAMORE
(815) 991-5761
THURSDAY-FRIDAY 9AM-5PM SATURDAY 9AM-2PM SM-ST1533447
WWW.RUSTICROOTSIL.COM
Dec. 7 Annual Christmas Celebration; Paw Paw; Christmas treat lighting at 5:45 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus visit at 6; pawpawil. org or Facebook; 815-627-2531 Dec. 8 Ashton Christmas Walk; downtown; chili supper, craft show, cookie walk, lighted parade and more; 815-453-2241 Dec. 8 Second Saturdays; downtown Dixon; businesses host artists and musicians; 6-8 p.m.; Facebook or 815-288-2308
Nov. 1 Amboy Christmas Walk; coloring contest, reindeer games, live reindeer, Santa Claus, music and more; 12-3 p.m.; Colin Baker at 815-857-2458
Serving all your home decor needs
Dec. 7 Christmas in the Grove; Franklin Grove; horse-drawn wagon rides, carolers, door prizes and a visit from Santa; 5-8 p.m.; franklingroveil.org or 815-456-3030
Dec. 21 Blues and Bluegrass; H.I. Lincoln Building, 136 N. Elm St., Franklin Grove; open stage for acoustic musicians; 7 p.m.; franklingroveil.org or 815-456-3030
Mart Dixon Furniture 815-288-2488
A NEW & USED FURNITURE STORE...AND MORE! Furniture-Quality, American Made. Best Home Furnishings (IN), Best Croft (WI), Lancer (NC), The Bedding Group (IL)...to name a few New & Used, Antiques, Home Decor & much more!
90 Day Layaway 2400 W. 4th St. • Dixon • 815-288-2488 Mon-Fri 10:00-4:00, Sat. 10:00-3:00
58 ~ Lee County
www.saukvalley.com
Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com
The Amboy Clipper corner shows off the city’s team spirit at the the Amboy Depot Museum in the city’s downtown.
Searching for a great place to stay? SEARCH NO MORE
SM-ST1531475
136 Plaza Drive • Dixon (815) 284-0500 • www.cidixon.com
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Lee County ~ 59
Lee County Tourist Attractions Lee County, formed in 1839 out of adjacent Ogle County, is rife with history. It is named in honor of Richard “Lighthorse” Harry Lee, an officer in the Revolutionary War and a member of the Continental Congress, whose only active military duty here was served during the Black Hawk War. John Deere, Orson Welles, Charles Walgreen and Ronald Reagan all are favored sons. Amboy Amboy Depot Museum The two-story former railroad depot, built of brick and cut Joliet limestone, is on the National Register of Historic Places. It has been completely restored and includes the original brick tarmac surrounding the depot and the grounds of the former railyard, now preserved as a city park. The museum houses artifacts from both the history of Amboy and the Illinois Central Railroad, including a steam locomotive. Address: 99 E. Main St. Phone: 815-857-4700 Online: amboydepotmuseum.org or Facebook Hours: 1-4 p.m. Sunday and Thursday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday and Saturday Admission: By donation Amboy Pharmacy Filled with pharmaceutical antiques, it’s known for its old-time soda fountain. Enjoy Green Rivers phosphates, chocolate malts and ice cream sodas in old-fashioned atmosphere with wooden floors and furnishings. Address: 202 E. Main St. Phone: 815-857-2323 Online: amboyrx.com Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday Green River Oaks Resort The resort is full of enchanting oaks and
whispering pines, and the Green River and two creeks meander through it. Enjoy weekend camping in your RV or one of the rental trailers. There’s a camp store and a game room, as well as modern showers and flush toilets. Address: 1442 Sleepy Hollow Road Phone: 815-857-2815 Online: greenriveroaks.com or Facebook Hours: Check-in is 3-8:30 p.m. and check-out is 2:30 p.m. Admission: Day fees are $5, overnight fees are $10 and campsite rentals start at $45 a night Mendota Hills Campground The campground offers 130 acres of rolling hills nestled in an oak tree forest; a swimming lake with a sand beach, three lakes for fishing (no license needed) and row boating add to the offerings. The camp store includes groceries, handdipped ice cream, soda, firewood and ice, along with an arcade room with a billiard table. Address: 642 U.S. Route 52 Phone: 815-849-5930 Online: mendotahillscampground.com or Facebook Hours: Check-in and check-out are at noon Admission: Day fees are $4, overnight guests are $6, rustic tent sites start at $32 per night and water/electric sites start at $38 per night
O’Connell’s Jellystone Park The resort boasts three swimming pools, three kiddie pools, two adult spas, two fishing lakes, an outdoor movie theater, a game room, sand volleyball court, horseshoes and 700 campsites with five bathhouses. There’s also a camp store, laundry, golf cart rentals, paddle boats, kayaks and mini golf. Address: 970 Green Wing Road Phone: 815-857-3860 Online: jellystoneamboy.com or Facebook Hours: Check-in and check-out at 3 p.m. Admission: Day fees are $7, tent sites start at $66 per night and water/electric sites start at $81; cabin and cottage rentals are more Pine View Campgrounds The grounds offer camping under 40 acres of pine trees. The campground has a playground, as well as equipment for volleyball, badminton, shuffleboard and horseshoes. There also is a sandy lake for swimming and a lake stocked with bass, bullheads and catfish. Address: 1273 Sleepy Hollow Road Phone: 815-857-3694 Online: pineviewcampgrounds.com Hours: Check-in is 3 p.m.. and checkout is 2:30 p.m. Admission: Day fees are $5, tent sites are $25 per night and water/electric sites are $32 per night continued on
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Books on First 202 West First St., Downtown Dixon
SM-ST1530614
815.285.BOOK(2665) Open 7 Days A Week www.booksonfirst.com
Bicycle Service & Repair
The Premier Independent Bookseller & Coffeehouse in the Sauk Valley
815-622-8180
Thousands of Melissa & Doug Toys!
205 East 1st Street, Dixon, IL 61021
w w w. g r c . b i k e
SM-ST1526351
60 ~ Lee County Temperance Hill Cemetery Prairie The cemetery, started in 1846, sits on virgin prairie and a state nature preserve. The prairie features big bluestem, Indian grass, and various sedge species. Address: U.S. Route 52, north of Amboy Phone: 815-857-3223 Online: www.dnr.illinois.gov/INPC/ Pages/Area1LeeTemperanceHillCemeteryPrairie.aspx
Ashton Mills & Petrie Memorial Building The building, dedicated in 1936 and named in honor of a pair of Civil War veterans who “adopted” the town, houses city offices, the public library and a gym, and features plaques honoring local war veterans. Tours are available. Address: 704 N. First St. Phone: 815-453-2213 Online: millspetrielibrary.weebly.com or Facebook Hours: 1-6:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday
Dixon Dixon Telegraph Museum The museum showcases the newspaper and its role in the history of Dixon,
www.saukvalley.com including an 1850s printing press, historic newspapers, and photographs showcasing the Telegraph and Dixon history. It also features a tribute to Ronald Reagan. Address: 113 S. Peoria Ave. Phone: 815-284-2224 Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m.-noon Saturday Admission: Free Lee County Historical and Genealogical Society The research center is dedicated to providing information about the history of Lee County and the surrounding area, and helping people trace their ancestry. Address: 113 S. Hennepin Ave. Phone: 815-284-1134 Online: leecountyhgs.org or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m.-noon Saturday; or by appointment Historic Dixon Theatre This restored center for the performing arts, which opened in 1922, boasts a rare Barton theater pipe organ. Address: 114 S. Galena Ave. Phone: 815-285-1917 Online: dixontheatre.com or Facebook Hours: Doors open 1 hour before events
Admission: Tickets vary; check the website or call ahead The Lincoln statue Sculptor Leonard Crunelle portrays Abraham Lincoln as he might have looked in 1832, while captain of a company of soldiers during the Black Hawk War. It is the only known statue of Lincoln showing him in military dress and without a beard. The bronze dominates the site of the old Dixon blockhouse. Address: President’s Park, 100 Lincoln Statue Drive Phone: 815-288-1840 Online: dixonparkdistrict.com/lincolnmemorial-old-settlers-cabin Loveland Community House & Museum Exhibits include Civil War artifacts, old farm tools, a pioneer kitchen and bedroom, along with personal items from city founder John Dixon. The museum also has an extensive Ronald Reagan exhibit. Address: 513 W. Second St. Phone: 815-284-2741 Online: lovelandcommunityhouse.org or Facebook Hours: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday Admission: Free continued on
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Come & learn how Ronald Reagan got from a white house in Dixon, Illinois to
The White House!
Docent 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.
SM-ST1531641
Visitor Center Reagan Home 810 S. Hennepin Ave 816 S. Hennepin Ave Dixon, Illinois 61021 Dixon, Illinois 61021 Now N ow - October 31 31st 1stt Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday 1pm - 5pm
(815) 288-5176 www.reaganhome.org • Director@reaganhome.org
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The Historic Dixon Theatre hosts a variety of events throughout the year.
Lee County ~ 61
Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com
CARS815.com
62 ~ Lee County
www.saukvalley.com
Lowell Park Established in 1907 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this 200-acre park along the Rock River, where Ronald Reagan once spent his summers as a lifeguard, offers a spacious picnic and recreation area, a playground, several hiking trails, cross-country skiing, fishing, boat docks, a nature center and a 40-acre state nature preserve. Rooms in the historic Woodcote lodge, built in 1909 with native limestone quarried on site, are available to rent. Address: 2114 Lowell Park Road Phone: 815-284-3306 Online: dixonparkdistrict.com/lowell-park Midway Drive-In and Diner The Midway Drive-In opened in 1950 and has been in continuous operation since. This landmark is home to the oldest standing drive-in screen in Illinois, and the owners are dedicated to its preservation and to paying tribute to the American drive-in theater tradition. It features a retro “spaceship” ticket booth, a playground, a full-service diner and concession stand, a parking lot that can hold up to 500 cars and a 90-foot-wide screen with digital projection and sound. Address: 91 Palmyra Road Phone: 847-647-3124 Online: themidwaydrivein.net or Facebook Hours: Movie times to be announced; check the website or call ahead Admission: $9 adults, $4 ages 3-11 Old Settlers Cabin Maintained by the Lee County Historical Society, the Old Settlers Cabin was built in 1894 as a memorial to the area’s early settlers, and moved to its present site in President’s Park in 1969. It houses antiques and articles that belonged to early-day settlers, including city founder John Dixon. Address: 115 Lincoln Statue Drive Phone: 815-284-1134 Hours: Generally open during Petunia Festival in early July; call ahead for specific dates and times Nachusa House Hotel Once considered the oldest continually operating hotel in Illinois, today it is one of the five oldest in the country. It was named Nachusa House for city founder John Dixon, whose Indian name, Nachusa, means “head-hair-white.” Five U.S. presidents – Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft and Ronald Reagan – stayed there, as did Jefferson Davis, Stephen A. Douglas, William Jennings Bryan and evangelist Bill Sunday. It now is apartments for senior citizens. Address: 215 S. Galena Ave. Phone: 815-284-0190
Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com
The Reagan room at Northwest Territory Historic Center has many artifacts of the hometown president. The Next Picture Show This nonprofit art gallery and fine arts center offers two floors of changing exhibits by local professional and student artists. It also hosts workshops, classes and special events. Address: 113 W First St. Phone: 815-285-4924 Online: thenextpictureshow.com or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday or by appointment Admission: Free Northwest Territory Historic Center Originally South Central School, and now a museum and research center, it features Ronald Reagan’s restored sixth-grade classroom, historical displays and an art gallery. In 2014, two new permanent exhibits were added – one of regional Native American life and another of early American farming; the additions prompted a name change from the Dixon Historic Center to its new name. It is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution. Address: 205 W. Fifth St. Phone: 815-288-5508 Online: nthc.org or Facebook Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday Admission: By donation Plum Creek Arboretum and Botanical Center Since 2004, the Dixon Area Garden Club, in cooperation with the Dixon Park District, has been developing a horticultural area on 60-plus acres just outside of town. It includes a greenhouse, a small
resource library and many varieties of plants. Address: 626 Palmyra Road Phone: 815-284-3306 Online: dixonil.com/gardenclub/plum_ creek_gardens.htm Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home & Visitors Center The two-story white house, built in 1891, became the home of the Reagan family on Dec. 6, 1920, just 2 months shy of Ron’s 10th birthday. They lived there 3 years. The next-door Visitors Center is chock full of information on all things Reagan. Ronald Reagan Memorial Park includes a statue of the former president. Address: 816 S. Hennepin Ave. Phone: 815-288-5176 Online: reaganhome.org or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday, April-October Admission: $8 for adults, $5 children age 5-12 and veterans, free for children younger than 5 and active duty military, law enforcement and firefighters Veterans Memorial Park Dedicated to all who have served in the military, the park has military artifacts of all kinds, including an F-105 Thunderchief fighter plane, a Howitzer tank, a Cobra helicopter, and a landing ship tank anchor. It also features a 9/11 memorial and a small museum. It is handicappedaccessible. Address: 668 Veterans Pkwy Phone: 815-288-1911 Online: honorourvets.org or Facebook
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Victory Memorial Arch Dixon’s signature arch was built in 1919 to celebrate victory in World War I and to honor its veterans. At the time, it read, “A grateful people pause in their welcome to the victorious living to pay silent tribute to the illustrious dead.” Now, it simply reads, “Dixon.” Address: South Galena Avenue between Second and Third streets Wings of Peace and Freedom Park A Bulgarian immigrant donated the Wings of Peace and Freedom sculpture to the city. The little park, which also has a full-size replica of a section of the Berlin Wall, recognizes President Ronald Reagan’s efforts to attain worldwide peace and freedom. Address: Northeast corner of Second Street and Galena Avenue
Franklin Grove Chaplin Creek Village Chaplin Creek Village is an evolving, fullscale historical restoration project depicting a mid-1800s prairie settlement. The site, established and maintained by the Franklin Grove Area Historical Society, is home to the Chaplin Creek Muzzleloaders, a group of local antique and historic gun collectors. Address: 1715 Whitney Road Online: Facebook Hours: Site open for visitors to drive through, buildings open by appointment Admission: Free Franklin Creek State Natural Area This 882-acre park features natural springs, hardwood forests, bedrock outcroppings, and a large variety of flora and fauna. It also contains a 198-acre nature preserve. Fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, and hiking are permitted, and the
Lee County ~ 63
nonprofit Rock River Trail and Horseman Association (rrtha.tripod.com), the oldest chartered saddle club in Illinois, has built and maintains horseback-riding trails, a shelter and a show ring. Address: 1872 Twist Road Phone: 815-456-2878 Online: www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/ Pages/FranklinCreek.aspx Franklin Creek Grist Mill and Interpretive Center The Franklin Creek State Natural Area also is home to the Franklin Creek Grist Mill and Interpretive Center. It’s a functioning, water-powered grist mill and museum. A demonstration of actual corn grinding is done on the last Saturday of the month. Address: 1893 Twist Road Phone: 815-456-2718 Online: www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/ Pages/FranklinCreek.aspx or Facebook Hours: Noon-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April-October and by appointment Admission: Free H.I. Lincoln Building Built in 1860 by a cousin of Abraham Lincoln, and originally a dry goods store, this restored historic stone building is the national headquarters of the Lincoln Highway Association. It also has a museum and gift shop. Address: 136 N. Elm St. Phone: 815-456-3030 Online: franklingroveil.org/nflncbld.htm Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 12-4 p.m. Sunday Nachusa Grasslands The Nachusa Grasslands, owned and operated by The Nature Conservancy, has more than 2,000 acres featuring more than 700 native prairie plant species as well as
many important birds, insects, and reptiles. In October 2014, it became home to a herd of bison, the first to live at a Nature Conservancy preserve east of the Mississippi, and the first conservation herd in Illinois. Their presence will help with restoration of the bluestem prairie. The herd, which can be viewed from the public roadside only, and the prairie, grasslands, rolling hills and oak savannas make this a paradise for photographers, hikers and birdwatchers. Binoculars and long camera lenses are advised. Address: 8772 S. Lowden Road Phone: 708-406-9894 Online: nachusagrasslands.org or Friends of Nachusa Grasslands on Facebook Hours: Dawn to dusk
Harmon Green River State Wildlife Area With more than 2,665 acres of native prairie, this is one of the largest preserves in Illinois. It’s a haven for endangered species of birds, plants, reptiles and insects, and a venue for students, campers, hikers, and from April through October, horseback riders. Address: 375 Game Road Phone: 815-379-2324 Online: www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/ Pages/GreenRiver.aspx Hours: Dawn to dusk
Sublette Mesker storefront The Mesker building is listed with the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency because of its rare sheet metal and cast iron facade made by Mesker Co. in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Address: 111 W. Main St. Online: leecountyfun.com/mesker-storefront
64 ~ McHenry County
www.saukvalley.com
McHenry County Calendar of Events June 1-3 Harvard Milk Days; milk-drinking contest, talent show, music, carnival, 2-hour parade, fireworks and more; milkdays.com, Facebook or 815-943-4614 June 5 Concert in the Park; Main Beach, 300 Lake Shore Drive, Crystal Lake; featuring the Crystal Lake Community Band; 7 p.m.; crystallakeparks.org or 815-459-0680 June 6, 13, 20 and 27 Woodstock City Band concert; downtown square; bring a blanket or lawn chair; 7:30 p.m.; woodstockil.gov or 815-338-5300 June 12 Concert in the Park; Main Beach, 300 Lake Shore Drive, Crystal Lake; featuring Final Say (pop covers); 7 p.m.; crystallakeparks.org or 815-459-0680 June 16 Barnstormer Days; Galt Airport, 5112 Greenwood Road, Wonder Lake; vintage aircraft, cars and motorcycles on display, flight simulators, biplane rides and more; 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; “Galt Airport” on Facebook or 815-648-2433 June 19 Concert in the Park; Main Beach, 300 Lake Shore Drive, Crystal Lake; featuring Billy Croft & the 5 Alarm Band (country); 7 p.m.; crystallakeparks.org or 815-459-0680 June 21 Summer Concert Series; Riverfront Park, Algonquin; featuring The Rhythm Rockets (women of rhythm and blues), food from Toasty Cheese food truck; 7:30 p.m.; algonquin.org/ recreation, Facebook or 847-658-2700 June 26 Concert in the Park; Main Beach, 300 Lake Shore Drive, Crystal Lake; featuring 1976 (classic rock); 7 p.m.; crystallakeparks.org or 815459-0680 June 28 Summer Concert Series; Riverfront Park, Algonquin; featuring Soul 2 the Bone (Motown), food from Best Truckin’ BBQ food truck; 7:30 p.m.; algonquin.org/recreation, Facebook or 847-658-2700 June 28 America’s Cardboard Cup Regatta; Main Beach, 300 Lake Shore Drive, Crystal Lake; considered the championship of cardboard boat racing with more than 180 competitors; gates open at 9 a.m., races start at 12 p.m.; cardboardcup.com or Facebook July 3 Concert in the Park; Main Beach, 300 Lake Shore Drive, Crystal Lake; featuring Voices in Harmony; 7 p.m.; crystallakeparks.org or 815459-0680
July 4-7 Lakeside Festival; Lakeside Legacy Arts Park, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake; Taste by the Lake, historic tours, bags tournament, carnival, music and more; admission is $5; lakesidelegacy.org or 815-455-8000 July 4, 11, 18 and 25 Woodstock City Band concert; downtown square; bring a blanket or lawn chair; 7:30 p.m.; woodstockil.gov or 815-338-5300 July 5 Summer Concert Series; Riverfront Park, Algonquin; featuring Ear Candy (top dance hits), food from Toasty Taco food truck; 7:30 p.m.; algonquin.org/recreation, Facebook or 847658-2700 July 8 Heritage Fair; McHenry County Historical Society, 6422 Main St., Union; white elephant sale, antiques auction, old-fashioned cake walk, pie-baking contest and more; mchenrycountyhistory.org/heritage-fair or 815-923-2267 July 10 Concert in the Park; Main Beach, 300 Lake Shore Drive, Crystal Lake; featuring Johnny Russler & the Beach Bum Band (Caribbean); 7 p.m.; crystallakeparks.org or 815-459-0680 July 12 Summer Concert Series; Riverfront Park, Algonquin; featuring Black Diamond (hard rock, hair metal), food from Best Truckin’ BBQ food truck; 7:30 p.m.; algonquin.org/recreation, Facebook or 847-658-2700 July 12-15 Lake in the Hills Rockin’ Ribfest; Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Road, Lake in the Hills; barbecue from nationally renowned professional ribbers plus a car show and entertainment; admission is $5; lithribfest.com, Facebook or 847-742-3378 July 12-22 Fiesta Days; Petersen Park, McHenry; music festival, car show, arts and crafts fair, bags tournament, carnival, parade and more; mchenryfiestadays.com, Facebook or 815-385-4300 July 14-15, 21-22 Day Out With Thomas; Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Road, Union; 20-minute rides with Thomas the Tank Engine, visits with Sir Topham Hatt, music, storytelling and family entertainment; tickets are $21; gates open at 9 a.m.; irm.org or 815-923-4000 July 15 Woodstock Folk Festival; Woodstock Square; noon-6 p.m.; $20, $30 per family, $15 for seniors, students; woodstockfolkmusic. com/folkfestival or 815-338-2080 July 17 Concert in the Park; Main Beach, 300 Lake
Shore Drive, Crystal Lake; featuring Rosie and the Rivets (‘50s and ‘60s); 7 p.m.; crystallakeparks.org or 815-459-0680 July 18-22 Summer in the Park; Emricson Park, Woodstock; music, beer garden, pool party, movie in the park, children’s activities, food and more; woodstockil.gov or 815-338-4301 July 19 Summer Concert Series; Riverfront Park, Algonquin; featuring Saturday June Band, food from Toasy Cheese food truck; 7:30 p.m.; algonquin.org/recreation, Facebook or 847658-2700 July 24 Concert in the Park; Main Beach, 300 Lake Shore Drive, Crystal Lake; featuring R-Gang (rhythm and blues, Motown); 7 p.m.; crystallakeparks.org or 815-459-0680 July 26 Summer Concert Series; Towne Park in conjunction with Founders’ Days activities, Algonquin; featuring Pirates Over 40 (classic rock, tropical flavor); 7:30 p.m.; algonquin.org/ recreation, Facebook or 847-658-2700 July 26-29 Founders’ Days; Towne Park, Algonquin; music, Taste of Founders, car show, bags tournament, cardboard boat regatta, pet show, carnival, parade, fireworks and more; algonquinfoundersdays.com, Facebook or 847-658-5340 July 31 Concert in the Park; Main Beach, 300 Lake Shore Drive, Crystal Lake; Crystal Lake Community Band; 7 p.m.; crystallakeparks.org or 815-459-0680 July 31-Aug. 5 McHenry County Fair; McHenry County Fairgrounds, 11900 Country Club Road, Woodstock; Miss McHenry County pageant, music, truck and tractor pulls, demolition derby, carnival, food and more; mchenrycountyfair.com or 815-338-5315 Aug. 2 Summer Concert Series; Riverfront Park, Algonquin; featuring Nashville Electric Company (pop country), food from Toasty Taco food truck; 7:30 p.m.; algonquin.org/recreation, Facebook or 847-658-2700 Aug. 5 Vintage Transport Extravaganza; Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Road, Union; antique cars, trucks, tractors, motorcycles and other vehicles on display; irm.org or 815-923-4000 Aug. 7 Concert in the Park; Main Beach, 300 Lake Shore Drive, Crystal Lake; featuring Feel Good Party Band (top 40 hits); 7 p.m.; crystallakeparks.org or 815-459-0680
Voyager 2018-19 Aug. 9 Summer Concert Series; Riverfront Park, Algonquin; featuring Spoken Four (top hits from 5 decades), food from Toasty Cheese food truck; 7:30 p.m.; algonquin.org/recreation, Facebook or 847-658-2700 Aug. 17-19 Blues, Brews & BBQ; Petersen Park, McHenry; blues music, craft beers and a barbecue cook-off; 5-11 p.m. Friday, 3-11 p.m. Saturday and 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday; admission is $10; mchenryrotarybluesbrewsandbbqs.com Aug. 31- Sept. 1 Summer Sunset Festival; Sunset Park, Lake in the Hills; entertainment, talent show, arts and crafts show, car show, 5K walk/run, carnival, parade, fireworks, and more; summersunsetfest.com or Facebook Sept. TBD Old-Fashioned Harvest Fest; Woodstock Square; fiddlers’ contest, craft show,
McHenry County ~ 65 antique tractors, bluegrass music, food and more; woodstockil.gov or 815-338-5164 Sept. 29 Johnny Appleseed Festival; downtown Crystal Lake; photos with Johnny Appleseed, apple-related demonstrations, pie-baking and -eating contests, scarecrow decorating contest, petting zoo, pony rides and more; 9 a.m.4 p.m.; downtowncl.org or 815-479-0835 Oct. 19-21 Autumn Drive; throughout McHenry County; tour of 15 family farms, each of which offers fall displays, antiques, arts and crafts, pumpkins and more; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; autumndrive.net or Facebook Nov. 23 Festival of Lights Parade; downtown Crystal Lake; lighted parade, lighting of the downtown Christmas tree and visits with Santa; 7 p.m.; downtowncl.org or 815-479-0835 Nov. 23 Lighting of the Square; Woodstock Square;
lighting of thousands of lights on the park trees and square buildings, plus carolers, street musicians, holiday treats and more; 6 p.m., lighting ceremony at 7 p.m.; woodstockil.gov or 815-338-4300 Nov. 24-25, and Dec. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16 and 22-23 Happy Holiday Railway; Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Road, Union; 40-minute rides through the winter countryside with Santa Claus; tickets are $16; rides on the hour 2-6 p.m.; irm.org or 815-923-4000 Nov. 25 Christmas Parade; Woodstock Square; parade, followed by cookies and milk with Santa Claus; 2 p.m.; woodstockil.gov or 815-338-4300 Dec. 1 Breakfast with Santa; Old Towne Hall, 54 Brink St., Crystal Lake; breakfast and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, each child receives a gift; tickets are $14; 9 a.m.; downtowncl.org or 815-479-0835
McHenry County Tourist Attractions McHenry County was formed in 1836 out of Cook and LaSalle counties. The county was named for Major William McHenry, a Blackhawk War veteran and U.S. senator who died in 1835. With its expanse of rural land, McHenry County boasts many farm markets, orchards, parks and recreational lands. Its small and large cities offer an array of entertainment, educational and recreational options. Algonquin Prairie Trail This 26-mile, multi-use trail follows a former railway line that stretches from the McHenryKane County line in Algonquin to the Wisconsin border. The Prairie Trail provides access to a network of more than 100 miles of trail, including the Fox River Trail, the Great Western Trail and the Illinois Prairie Path. Address: Algonquin Road, north of Algonquin Phone: 815-338-6223 Online: mccdistrict.org/rccms/prairie-trail-south
Barrington Hills Sanfilippo Estate The Sanfilippo “Place de la Musique” is known worldwide for its magnificent collection of restored antique music machines and the largest collection of restored automatic musical instruments in the world, all displayed within a breathtaking French Second Empire setting. The jewel of the collection is the Eden Palais, built in 1890, the most complete example of a European salon carousel in existence. Address: 789 Plumtree Road Phone: 847-691-7425 Online: placedelamusique.org or Facebook Hours: Open only during charity events, to
groups of 40 or more by appointment Admission: Varies by event; call ahead
Online: mccdistrict.org/rccms/fel-pro-rrr Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Bull Valley
Fox Bluff
Boger Bog Conservation Area This intimate site features a 1-mile nature trail with boardwalk, council ring and picnic shelter. Not truly a bog but a graminoid fen, the site comprises numerous natural communities, including a silt-loam prairie, calcareous seep and spring, an oak woodland and a sedge meadow. Address: 2100 Cherry Valley Road Phone: 815-338-6223 Online: mccdistrict.org/rccms/boger-bog Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Noted for its rolling hills and spring-fed streams, this 279-acre site is home to oak woodlands, a sedge meadow, and a half-mile of Fox River frontage. There’s a picnic shelter, a half-mile hiking trail and a short quarter-mile paved trail to the river. Address: Cary-Algonquin and Cold Springs roads Phone: 815-338-6223 Online: mccdistrict.org/rccms/fox-bluff Hours: Sunrise to sunset; closed Nov. 1 to Jan. 14 for hunting
Cary Fel-Pro RRR A gift from the Fel-Pro company owners, this site (called “RRR” for rest, relaxation and recreation) offers many opportunities for recreation. Amenities include two small fishing ponds, 1.25 miles of nature trails, a 1-mile paved trail, and two picnic shelters, plus a sand volleyball court, basketball court, ball diamond, 9-hole disc golf course and horseshoe pits. Address: 1520 Crystal Lake Road Phone: 815-338-6223
Hickory Grove Highlands and Lyons Prairie and Marsh This site offers an unusual diversity of habitats and is home to an Illinois State Nature Preserve. The Highlands serves as a refuge for northern Illinois wildlife, while the riverfront provides bank fishing along the Fox River. Camping, horseback riding, and 4.75 miles of hiking trails are featured. Address: 500 Hickory Nut Grove Road Phone: 815-338-6223 Online: shawurl.com/32fy Hours: Sunrise to sunset continued on
664
66 ~ McHenry County The Hollows More than 50 years of sand and gravel mining have given the Hollows its unusual landscape. The 22-acre Lake Atwood provides clear, deep water for nonmotorized boats, canoes and kayaks, and anglers will find largemouth bass, rainbow trout, bluegill and channel catfish there. Fishing, group camping, and 5.5 miles of looped trails for hikers and cross country skiers make this a popular spot. Address: 3804 U.S. Highway 14 Phone: 815-338-6223 Online: mccdistrict.org/rccms/the-hollows Hours: Sunrise to sunset Silver Creek Silver Creek takes its name from the stream that threads its way through the 840-acre site. More than 5 miles of hiking and cross-country ski trails take visitors over a boardwalk through woodlands and wetlands. There also is a small pond stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie. Prairieview Education Center is on the north side of the site. Address: 1200 Block Rawson Bridge Road Phone: 815-338-6223 Online: mccdistrict.org/rccms/silver-creek Hours: Sunrises to sunset; closed Oct. 20-21, Nov. 3-5 and 10-12 for hunting
Chemung Beck’s Woods Conservation Area The Piscasaw River runs through this 283acre recreation area and provides abundant fishing opportunities. A half-mile trail, group camping and a picnic shelter also are available. Address: 5940 N. Pagles Road Phone: 815-338-6223 Online: mccdistrict.org/rccms/becks-woods Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Crystal Lake Colonel Palmer House This historic home of Gustavus and Henrietta Palmer was built in 1858. The Greek Revival and Federalist-style brick home is on the National Register of Historic Places, the only building in Crystal Lake on the register. It is home to the Crystal Lake Historical Archives. Address: 660 E. Terra Cotta Ave. Phone: 815-477-5873 Online: crystallakeparks.org/colonel-palmerhouse Hours: 3-7 p.m. Tuesday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday and Friday and the first Saturday of the month Admission: Free Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center Created in 1968, this nature center in Veteran Acres Park offers hands-on activities, seasonal exhibits (such as the Butterfly House) and special programs to help visitors better experience nature. It also is the ideal starting point for a hike through Veteran Acres Woods and Wingate Park. The park also offers geocaching. Address: 330 N. Main St. Phone: 815-455-1763 Online: crystallakeparks.org/nature-center or Facebook Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday Admission: Free
www.saukvalley.com Dole Mansion and Lakeside Legacy Arts Park Originally intended as the summer home of Charles Dole in the 1860s, this three-story Civil War-era mansion reflected Dole’s success in business. European craftsmen were brought in to lay parquet floors, fashion archways and carve interior wood from black walnut trees that grew on the property, and Italian artisans built several marble fireplaces. The building has had several owners and uses since the Doles sold it in the 1890s, including as a country club and as a seminary. Today, the Lakeside Legacy Foundation maintains the mansion and property, which now includes an art education center and park. Address: 401 Country Club Road Phone: 815-455-8000 Online: lakesidelegacy.org or Facebook Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, and by appointment Saturday and Sunday Admission: Free
Online: mccdistrict.org/rccms/index.php/ prairieview-education-center Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 12:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday Admission: Free
Lippold Park This 310-acre park features biking and hiking trails, baseball and softball fields (some with entire infields of synthetic turf), soccer fields, football fields, volleyball courts, a disc golf course and a dog park. There also is a skate park, batting cages, and Lippold Family Golf Center, with 60 lighted tee areas, a 60,000-square-foot putting green, sand traps, a pitching green, a fairway practice bunker, two18-hole miniature golf courses, a clubhouse with full service pro shop, party room and concessions. Address: 800 W. state Route 176 Phone: 815-477-5401 Online: crystallakeparks.org/lippold-park Hours: Vary seasonally by attraction; check the website or call ahead
Small Wonders Micro/Mini Car Museum This 15,000-square-foot, two-story building houses Ken Weger’s personal collection of scores of mini and micro cars. Address: 3515 Oak Ridge Road Phone: 815-236-1650 Online: microcargarage.com Hours: By appointment for groups only Admission: Donation to the Crystal Lake Food Pantry by check
Main Beach This beach features swimming and boating, and sailboats, paddle boats, rowboats, canoes and kayaks are available for rent. There also is a concession stand. Address: 300 Lake Shore Drive Phone: 815-459-0680 or 815-477-5404 (summer only) Online: crystallakeparks.org/beaches Hours: Vary seasonally; check the website or call ahead Admission: $1 park district residents and up to 4 guests, $4 additional resident guests; $11 nonresident adults, $7 nonresident seniors and ages 4-15 Prairieview Education Center Located in Silver Creek Conservation Area, the center offers a variety of education programs, plus a drop-in family activity room, reference library, and changing exhibits geared toward nature enthusiasts of all ages. There also are 6.5 miles of hiking trails that wind through prairie and savanna and over wetlands to the banks of the Fox River. The center once was the elaborate home of Otto and Hazel Rhoades; Otto was the founder of the former Sun Electric Co. (now Snap-on tools). He designed and built a 7,500-square-foot home and state-of-the-art 1940s barn on the property. Address: 2112 Behan Road Phone: 815-479-5779
Raue Center for the Arts Opened in 1929 as El Tovar, the theater served as a movie and vaudeville theater for decades. It was home to the movies for most of its life and changed names several times, to The Lake then to Showplace. The building was in disrepair until 1999, when it was restored; it reopened in 2001. Address: 26 N. Williams St. Phone: 815-356-9212 Online: rauecenter.org or Facebook Hours: 12-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday and one hour before performances Admission: Ticket prices vary; check the website or call the box office
Three Oaks Recreation Area This reclaimed quarry offers pristine waters, excellent for fishing and swimming. Visitors can rent sailboats, paddleboats, rowboats, canoes and kayaks. A grass picnic area and various overlooks provide breathtaking views of the water and lake islands. There are hiking trails, a playground and spray park, and a concession stand and patio, and sledding in the winter. Address: 5517 Northwest Highway Phone: 815-459-2020 Online: crystallake.org/residents/three-oaksrecreation-area or Facebook Hours: Vary seasonally for boating and swimming; check the website or call ahead Admission: Free for residents; $1 for guests of residents; $10 nonresident adults, $6 nonresident seniors and ages 4-15 Walkup Heritage Farm and Gardens This 1856 home has been turned into a specialty garden center with plants and vegetables reminiscent of its era, up to the end of the 19th century. Many of the original oak trees, now more than 200 years old, still stand, along with mature black walnuts planted by the owners. The grounds are decorated with examples of native plant communities and feature a butterfly garden with heirloom annuals and a sunken Victorian garden with heirloom perennials, as well as an heirloom rose garden and a peony garden. Seasonal flowers and vegetables are sold. Address: 5215 N. Walkup Road, across from Veteran Acres Park Phone: 815-477-8978 Online: Facebook Hours: 1-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.5 p.m. Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday, May 1-Oct. 31
Voyager 2018-19 West Beach This beach features swimming and boating, and sailboats, paddle boats, rowboats, canoes and kayaks are available for rent. There also is a concession stand. Address: 2330 Lake Ave. Phone: 815-459-0680 or 815-477-5404 (summer only) Online: crystallakeparks.org/interactive-map/ west-park Hours: Vary seasonally; check the website or call ahead Admission: $1 park district residents and guests (up to 4 guests), $4 additional resident guests; $11 nonresident adults, $7 nonresident seniors and ages 4-15 X-Treme Wheels Roller Skating and Family Fun Center An indoor roller skating rink with a concession stand. Address: 691 Virginia Road Phone: 815-356-7000 Online: xtremewheelsfuncenter.com or Facebook Hours: 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, 7-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and 7-10 p.m. Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday Admission: Varies; check the website or call ahead
Fox River Grove Bettendorf Castle This one-of-a-kind Gothic castle built over 36 years by Theodore “Teddy” Bettendorf of Luxembourg features towers, turrets, a moat, a drawbridge, a dungeon, fountains, and spacious yards that offer a unique view of the castle. Bettendorf Castle is a private residence and open for scheduled group tours of 40 or more for the exterior of the castle only. Address: 418 Concord Ave. Phone: 847-639-8280 Online: bettendorfcastle.com or Facebook
Harvard Rush Creek Conservation Area Rush Creek incorporates a mixture of flood plain, upland forest, and grassy meadows on 726 acres. Recreational opportunities include 2.5 miles of hiking and cross country ski trails, a 5-mile horseback riding trail ride, and a 4-acre fishing pond. Picnic areas and a campground make this a popular site. Address: 20501 McGuire Road Phone: 815-338-6223 Online: mccdistrict.org/rccms/rush-creek Hours: Sunrise to sunset Royal Oak Farm Orchard This pick-your-own apple orchard near the Wisconsin border features more than 16,000 apple trees and more than 30 varieties of apples. It also has late summer and fall raspberries and pumpkins, squash and gourds. The orchard offers a train, carousel, playground, petting zoo and snack shop. There is a country kitchen restaurant, a country store and an apple barn. Address: 15908 Hebron Road Phone: 815-648-4141 Online: royaloakfarmorchard.com or Facebook Hours: Vary seasonally by attraction; check the website or call ahead
McHenry County ~ 67 Hebron Hebron Trail This 7-mile trail, constructed on a former railroad line, runs from Hebron east through North Branch Conservation Area and links with the Prairie Trail in Richmond. Address: Church Street, north of state Route 173 Phone: 815-338-6223 Online: mccdistrict.org/rccms Von Bergen’s Country Market This family-operated farm offers fresh produce. Its bicolored sweet corn and muskmelons are specialties. There also are wagon rides, a children’s maze and a play area. Address: 9805 state Route 173 Phone: 815-648-2332 Online: vonbergens.com or Facebook Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Sunday, with self-service hours Winding Creek Conservation Area This 359-acre conservation site protects an ancient oak grove and a high-quality portion of Nippersink Creek. It has a 1.7-mile looped nature trail, 1-acre fishing pond and picnic shelter with grill. Address: 8415 Johnson Road Phone: 815-338-6223 Online: mccdistrict.org/rccms/winding-creek Hours: Sunrise to sunset; closed Nov. 1-Jan. 15 for hunting
Lake in the Hills Exner Marsh More than 100 acres of marshland provides a rich habitat for plants and animals. About 1.5 miles of looped trails wind along the marsh borders. There is a short bike trail, too. Address: 9000 Lakewood Road and 9105 Miller Road Phone: 815-338-6223 Online: mccdistrict.org/rccms/exner-marsh Hours: Sunrise to sunset Lake in the Hills Fen This 400-acre nature preserve offers unspoiled native Illinois landscape – a unique blend of dry gravel prairie, sedge meadow, wetlands, and a rare hanging graminoid fen. It has a 1.3-mile mowed hiking trail, a picnic shelter and scenic vistas. Twenty-seven acres are dedicated as an Illinois State Nature Preserve. Address: Barbara Key Park, 9191 Pyott Road or 1500 Jefferson St. Phone: 815-338-6223 Online: mccdistrict.org/rccms/lake-in-thehills-fen or lithfen.org Hours: Sunrise to sunset; Guided tours are at 2 p.m. May 20, July 17, Sept. 9
Marengo Cody’s Farm & Orchard This family farm offers homegrown fruit and vegetables. It has pick-your-own strawberries in June and an orchard and pumpkin patch in the fall. Address: 19502 River Road Phone: 815-568-7976
Online: codysfarm.com or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, June through October; check website for opening date Coral Woods This sugar maple forest on a former Menomonee village provides the sweet sap necessary for an annual maple syrup event in late February and early March. The site also is known for its magnificent display of spring wildflowers and amazing fall colors. Hiking and cross country skiing is possible on 2.8 miles of looped trails, and bird watching is popular. Address: 7400 Somerset Drive Phone: 815-338-6223 Online: mccdistrict.org/rccms/coral-woods Hours: Sunrise to sunset H.U.M. (Huntley-Union-Marengo) Trail This 3.5-mile hiking and biking trail runs from East Street in Marengo to Vine Street in Union. Address: One block northeast of state Route 20 on Prospect Street behind Marengo Middle School Phone: 815-338-6223 Online: mccdistrict.org/rccms/h-u-m-trail Marengo Ridge An oak and hickory woodlands and restored prairie dominate this 818-acre conservation site. There are 5 miles of looped hiking and cross-country skiing trails, a large picnic shelter, and a campground. Anglers can fish for largemouth bass and bluegill in the 1-acre pond off the campground loop. Address: 2411 N. state Route 23 Phone: 815-338-6223 Online: mccdistrict.org/rccms/marengo-ridge Hours: Sunrise to sunset
McHenry Petersen Park Beach The beach on McCullom Lake offers swimming as well as paddle boat, rowboat, canoe and kayak rentals. There are special beach events in June, July and August. Address: 4311 Lakewood Road Phone: 815-363-2100 Online: shawurl.com/32g1 Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, May 28 through Aug. 12 Admission: $2 residents, $5 nonresidents; boat rentals are more Stade’s Farm & Market Established in 1977 by then 24-year-old Vern Stade, the farm dedicates 120 acres of its 2,200 acres to growing fresh fruit and vegetables to stock its farm market. A popular agri-tourism destination, Stade’s pumpkin picking festival, Shades of Autumn, is an attraction in the fall. The farm offers a farm market and a bakery. There are several “farmtractions”, including a petting zoo and pumpkin cannon. Address: 3709 W. Miller Road Phone: 815-675-6396 Online: stadedairyfarm.com or Facebook Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, May 26 through October Admission: $15 for ages 3 and older. $10 for seniors continued on
684
68 ~ McHenry/Ogle County
www.saukvalley.com
Stickney Run Hikers and cross-country skiers can explore two half-mile trail loops through the woods. The 629-acre conservation area also has a 3-acre fishing pond, scenic viewing areas and a picnic area. Address: 3216 W. State Park Road Phone: 815-338-6223 Online: mccdistrict.org/rccms/stickney-run Hours: Sunrise to sunset; closed Nov. 3-5, 10-12
Richmond Elizabeth Lake Nature Preserve and Varga Archaeological Site Significant natural and archaeological features, including a graminoid bog, highlight this site, which includes a 238-acre Illinois State Nature Preserve. A 2-mile interpretive trail and observation deck orient visitors. Address: Hawk’s Point Road and state Route 173 and 11000 Lakeview Road Phone: 815-338-6223 Online: shawurl.com/32g2 Hours: Sunrise to sunset Patyk Farm Market & Greenhouse This small family farm offers homegrown produce, farm-fresh eggs and colorful flowers, as well as pick-your-own tomatoes and pumpkins. Address: 8519 E. state Route 173 Phone: 815-648-4065 Online: patykfarms.com or Facebook Hours: 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily, May through November
Ringwood Glacial Park and Lost Valley Visitor Center A remnant of glacial activity, this 3,200-acre park contains gravel kames, kettles, restored prairies, oak savannas and wetlands. Recreational opportunities include hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, horseback riding and canoeing. The Lost Valley Visitor Center is a 28,500-square-foot facility at the center of the park on the glacial moraine overlooking the Nippersink Creek valley; it hosts environmental education programs, workshops and special events. The park also includes the Wiedrich Barn and the Powers-Walker House. Address: 6316 Harts Road Phone: 815-678-4532 or 815-678-6223 Online: http://mccdistrict.org/rccms/glacialpark and mccdistrict.org/rccms/lost-valleyvisitor-center Hours: open 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily; visitor center open 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily April-October, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. November-March
Spring Grove Carriage House Gallery This art gallery in a turn-of-the-century stone barn in back of a pre-Civil War-era home features pottery, sculpture, photographs and more. It also offers classes, including pottery, photography, bread baking, coffee roasting and beer brewing. Address: 2110 Main St. Phone: 815-219-9834 Online: carriagehousegallery.com or Facebook Hours: Open during guest artist weekends or by appointment, April through December; check the website or call ahead
Submitted
Here is a sample of the goodies you can find in the fall at Patyk Farm Market & Greenhouse in Richmond. Lyle C. Thomas Memorial Park & Landing Owned by the village of Spring Grove, this 13-acre site is managed by the McHenry County Conservation District and serves as an excellent put-in or take-out location for canoe trips on the Nippersink Creek. A picnic area also is available. Address: 7816 Blivin St. Phone: 815-338-6223 Online: mccdistrict.org/rccms/lyle-c-thomas Hours: Sunrise to sunset Nippersink Canoe Base The Nippersink Canoe Base provides visitors with canoe and fishing access to Nippersink Creek. The site boasts a gallant oak and hickory grove with interpretive signage, a picnic shelter and a short wooded nature trail. Address: 400 E. U.S. Route 12 Phone: 815-338-6223 Online: mccdistrict.org/rccms/nippersinkcanoe-base Hours: Sunrise to sunset Nippersink Canoe Trail The Keystone Landing, Nippersink Canoe Base and Pioneer Road Landing sites provide put-in and take-out points for canoes and kayaks coming down the creek or continuing into the Fox River or the Chain of Lakes. Paddlers can meander from 2 to 6 hours along the creek. Phone: 815-338-6223 Online: mccdistrict.org/rccms/nippersinkcanoe-trail Hours: Sunrise to sunset Richardson Farm Attractions at this 450-acre family destination include a corn maze, 700-foot zip line, 50-foot observation tower, ORBiting experience, jumping pillows, slides, wagon rides and more. It offers choose-and-cut Christmas trees in the winter. Address: 909 English Prairie Road Phone: 815-675-9729 Online: richardsonadventurefarm.com and Facebook Hours: Noon-10 p.m. Sunday, 3-10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, Sept. 1-Oct. 28 Admission: $16 ages 13 and older, $13 for ages 4-12; some attractions are more
Union Illinois Railway Museum This “museum in motion” features working streetcars, interurban and elevated trains, and steam, diesel and heavy electric trains that operate on a 5-mile main line and a 1-mile streetcar loop. Address: 7000 Olson Road Phone: 815-923-4000 Online: irm.org or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays and 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekends; check the website for days trains are operating Admission: Fares are $11 adults and $8 children weekdays and weekends, April and October, and $15 adults and $11 children weekends, May through September; tickets are good for unlimited rides McHenry County Museum The museum, run by the McHenry County Historical Society, features exhibits that detail local history, including West Harmony School and the Gannon log cabin. The grounds are home to two tree sculptures, carved from the 13-foot stumps of cottonwood trees that dated back to 1880. Address: 6422 Main St. Phone: 815-923-2267 Online: mchenrycountyhistory.org or Facebook Hours: 1-4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and select Sundays, May through October Admission: $5 adults, $3 seniors and students Prairie Sky Orchard This small, family-run farm offers a wide variety of apples, with Honeycrisps its specialty. It also sells apple cider, apple cider doughnuts, frozen pies and other goods. Visitors also can get lunch, coffee and apple pie at its Koffee Kiosk. Address: 4914 N. Union Road Phone: 815-923-4834 Online: prairieskyorchard.com or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, September through October
Voyager 2018-19 Woodstock All Seasons Orchard All Seasons has an apple orchard, pumpkin patch, corn maze, country kitchen, bakery and farm market, along with a petting zoo, pedal kart track, jumping pillow, giant swings, a tube slide and tractor tires. Address: 14510 state Route 176 Phone: 815-338-5637 Online: allseasonsorchard.com or Facebook Hours: Open daily in September and October; hours to be announced; check the website or call ahead Admission: Varies by attraction; check the website or call ahead Brookdale Conservation Area The area features an 11-acre fishing pond with an overlook pier, a 1-mile looped nature trail and wildlife observation deck. Address: 18410 U.S. Highway 14 Phone: 815-338-6223 Online: mccdistrict.org/rccms/brookdaledistrict-administrative-offices Hours: Building open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays Dufield Pond Conservation Area This wetland complex attracts a wide variety of wildlife, and the 7-acre pond offers fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish and yellow perch. Address: 11750 Country Club Road or 11418 McConnell Road Phone: 815-338-6223 Online: mccdistrict.org/rccms/dufield-pond Hours: Sunrise to sunset The Gardens of Woodstock The botanical gardens feature several waterfalls, ponds and walking paths. There also is a nursery and garden shop. Address: 5211 Swanson Road Phone: 815-337-2509 Online: gardensofwoodstock.com or Facebook Hours: Vary seasonally; check the website or call ahead Grace Farm Studios This three-season farm has organically grown raspberries and other produce and products, as well as Icelandic fiber and fiber products. It also offers dehydrating classes and a small art gallery. Address: 2719 Franklinville Road Phone: 815-790-8895 Online: gracefarmstudios.com or Facebook Hours: Vary seasonally; check the website or call ahead Homestead Orchard The orchard is a quiet place to pick 20 varieties of apples, pie cherries, pears, and red raspberries. There also is a store in an 1880s horse barn. Address: 11802 Charles Road Phone: 815-338-7443 Online: homesteadorchard.net or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 12-5 p.m. Sunday during apple season Kishwaukee Headwaters This wetland, sedge meadow and savanna
McHenry County ~ 69 complex offers a unique opportunity to explore where the Kishwaukee River begins its journey. There is a 1.75-mile mowed path and boardwalk. Address: 1606 Dean St. Phone: 815-338-6223 Online: mccdistrict.org/rccms/kishwaukeeheadwaters Hours: Sunrise to sunset Knoll’s Apple Orchard and Vegetable Farm Pick from many varieties of fruits and vegetables on this small, family-owned farm. Trees are dwarf stock, making it a good place to bring children. Address: 15211 Saint Patrick Road Phone: 815-337-2334 Lang’s Orchard This family-run orchard offers 13 varieties of apples for picking. The Langs sell all-natural fruit spreads, salsas and other goods in their store. Address: 17411 Secor Road Phone: 815-568-7547 Online: langsorchard.com or Facebook Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. daily during apple season McCann Berry Farm The farm offers pick-your-own strawberries and blueberries, as well as sugar snap peas. Address: 18110 Kishwaukee Valley Road Phone: 815-568-8810 Online: mccannberryfarm.com Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, mid-June to July 4 for strawberries and 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday, mid-July to early August for blueberries Meadowmoor Orchard This orchard specializes in homegrown apple varieties, including Honeycrisp, Fuji, Topaz, Crimson Crisp, Enterprise, Snow Sweet and Sweet Sixteen, and also has cherries, peaches, pears and pumpkins. Address: 1514 N. state Route 47 Phone: 815-687-8208 Online: meadowmoororchard.com or Facebook Hours: 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily, mid-July to November More Than Delicious Orchard The orchard has pick-your-own apples and pears. Address: 9905 W. Thompson Road Phone: 847-219-7597 Online: morethandelicious.com or Facebook Hours: Check website or Facebook Oney’s Tree Farm Billed as the oldest and largest tree farm in northern Illinois, Oney’s has offered Christmas trees since the 1960s. It now offers Christmas trees (and special holiday activities) as well as landscape material – trees, shrubs and perennials. There also is a bakery. Address: 16608 U.S. Route 14 Phone: 815-338-4108 Online: oneystreefarm.com or Facebook Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday, April 1-May 31, Sept. 1-Oct. 31 and Nov. 24-Dec. 10
Pleasant Valley This 1,777-acre conservation area boasts an oak savanna, restored wetland and prairie areas and a stream. There are about 5 miles of looped hiking and nature trails, a 1.3-mile horse trail, a 2-acre fishing pond and outdoor amphitheater. Two picnic shelters with grills are available. Address: 13315 Pleasant Valley Road Phone: 815-338-6223 Online: mccdistrict.org/rccms/pleasant-valley Hours: Sunrise to sunset Theatre on the Green Founded in 2006, Theatre on the Green is dedicated to enriching young people’s lives through the performing arts and in service to the community. Students give performances throughout the year to benefit local charities. Address: 15314 St. Patrick Road Phone: 815-354-7435 Online: theatreonthegreen.com Hours: Vary by performance; check the website or call ahead Admission: Varies by performance; check the website or call ahead Woodstock Country Orchard This orchard offers a dozen varieties of apples for picking, as well as raspberries, homegrown garlic, local honey and homemade doughnuts. Address: 17015 Garden Valley Road Phone: 815-923-4359 Online: woodstockcountryorchard.com or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, during apple season Woodstock Opera House The building was built in 1889 to house the library, council room, court, fire department and an auditorium. It drew traveling acts, then was home to a short-lived summer stock theater that produced Shakespeare plays starring Orson Welles. The interior of the building is modeled after the showboats of the time. It has been restored and features historic furnishings, stained-glass windows, tin ceilings, original woodwork and hand-drawn stencil ornamentation. Address: 121 W. Van Buren St. Phone: 815-338-4212 or 815-338-5300 Online: woodstockoperahouse.com or Facebook Hours: Varies by performance; check the website or call ahead Admission: Varies by performance; check the website or call ahead.
Wonder Lake Harrison Benwell The oak and hickory woodland and meandering stream make this a favorite site for hikers and cross-country skiers along 1.7 miles of looped trails. Address: 7055 McCullom Lake Road Phone: 815-338-6223 Online: mccdistrict.org/rccms/harrisonbenwell Hours: Sunrise to sunset
70 ~ Ogle County
www.saukvalley.com
Ogle County Calendar of Events Through December White Pines Dinner Theatre; White Pines Inn, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mount Morris; whitepinesinn.com, Facebook or 815946-3817
table organizations; 7-9 p.m.; Larry Ubben at 815-973-6786 or David Bailey at 815-677-5383 June 16 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 1 Mount Morris Jamboree free Friday night concert with The Jimmys (blues, funk, rhythm and blues); bandshell downtown; attendees can bring chair or blanket, and bench seating is available; concessions sold at starting at 6 p.m. by local charitable organizations; 7-9 p.m.; Larry Ubben at 815-973-6786 or David Bailey at 815-677-5383 June 1-3 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 2-3 Railfan Appreciation Days; Rochelle Railroad Park, 124 N. Ninth St., Rochelle; entertainment, railroadiana displays and vendors and food; 11 a.m.5 p.m.; rochellerailroadpark. org/about-the-park/railroaddays or 815-562-70311 June 5 Concerts in the Park with The Sting Rays; Oregon Park West; bring a lawn chair, blanket, food and drinks; no alcohol or pets; alternate site in case of inclement weather: Oregon Coliseum at Franklin and Fourth streets; free; oregonpark.org June 8 Brown Bag Lunch with Dina Bach Music; bring lunch, purchase from food vendor or grab it to-go from a local business; 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; free; oregonpark.org June 8 Mount Morris Jamboree free Friday night concerts with The Rockin’ Fenderskirts (‘50 and
Zach Arbogast/zarbogast@shawmedia.com
Wade Buzzard lays down some country boy blues during the 2017 PorchFest in Mount Morris. This year’s event is set for June 9. ‘60s rock ‘n’ roll); bandshell downtown; attendees can bring chair or blanket, and bench seating is available; concessions sold at starting at 6 p.m. by local charitable organizations; 7-9 p.m.; Larry Ubben at 815-9736786 or David Bailey at 815677-5383 June 9 Ale on Lincoln; 400 block of Lincoln Highway, downtown Rochelle; local beer, food and live music; tickets are $10 and include five beer-tastings and a souvenir glass; 5-9 p.m.; enjoyrochelle.com or 815-562-6161 June 9 PorchFest; Mount 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 Concerts in the Park with Piano Man; Oregon Park
West; bring a lawn chair, blanket, food and drinks; no alcohol or pets; alternate site in case of inclement weather: Oregon Coliseum at Franklin and Fourth streets; free; oregonpark.org June 13 Kable Band Concerts; bandshell in Mount Morris; guest performers contribute every week; ice cream social at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30; mtmorrisil.net/concerts June 13-17 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 Mount Morris Jamboree free Friday night concerts with Jim Wolber and Lariat (classic country); bandshell downtown; attendees can bring chair or blanket, and bench seating is available; concessions sold at starting at 6 p.m. by local chari-
June 17 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 June 19 Concerts in the Park with Chicago Tribute Anthology; Oregon Park West; bring a lawn chair, blanket, food and drinks; no alcohol or pets; alternate site in case of inclement weather: Oregon Coliseum at Franklin and Fourth streets; free; oregonpark.org June 20 Kable Band Concerts; bandshell in Mount Morris; guest performers contribute every week; ice cream social at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30; mtmorrisil.net/concerts June 22 Mount Morris Jamboree free Friday night concerts with The Harmans (bluegrass); bandshell downtown; attendees can bring chair or blanket, and bench seating is available; concessions sold at starting at 6 p.m. by local charitable organizations; 7-9 p.m.; Larry Ubben at 815-9736786 or David Bailey at 815677-5383
Voyager 2018-19
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June 22 Moves in the Park: “Despicable Me 3”; Louise D. Quick Park in downtown Polo; free popcorn; shows start at dusk; polochamber.org June 26 Concerts in the Park with Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts; Oregon Park West; bring a lawn chair, blanket, food and drinks; no alcohol or pets; alternate site in case of inclement weather: Oregon Coliseum at Franklin and Fourth streets; free; oregonpark. org June 27 Kable Band Concerts; bandshell in Mount Morris; guest performers contribute every week; ice cream social at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30; mtmorrisil.net/ concerts June 29 Mount Morris Jamboree free Friday night concerts with Pablo and the Rhythmix (old and new dance hits); bandshell downtown; attendees can bring chair or blanket, and bench seating is available; concessions sold at starting at 6 p.m. by local charitable organizations; 7-9 p.m.; Larry Ubben at 815-973-6786 or David Bailey at 815-677-5383
June 28-July 4 Let Freedom Ring Festival; Mount 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, Facebook or Mark Lewis at 815-973-4106 July 4 Independence Day Celebration; Atwood Park, Rochelle; parade, band concert and fireworks; 4 p.m., fireworks at dusk; 815-562-6161 July 6 Mount Morris Jamboree free Friday night concerts with Shindig (oldies rock ‘n’ roll); bandshell downtown; attendees can bring chair or blanket, and bench seating is available; concessions sold at starting at 6 p.m. by local charitable organizations; 7-9 p.m.; Larry Ubben at 815-973-6786 or David Bailey at 815677-5383 July 6 Moves in the Park: “Jumangi: Welcome to the Jungle”; Louise D. Quick Park in downtown Polo; free popcorn; shows start at dusk; polochamber.org
Concerts in the Park with The Beaux; Oregon Park West; bring a lawn chair, blanket, food and drinks; no alcohol or pets; alternate site in case of inclement weather: Oregon Coliseum at Franklin and Fourth streets; free; oregonpark.org July 11 Kable Band Concerts; bandshell in Mount Morris; guest performers contribute every week; ice cream social at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30; mtmorrisil.net/concerts July 13 Brown Bag Lunch with One Man Country Band; bring lunch, purchase from food vendor or grab it to-go from a local business; 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; free; oregonpark.org July 13 Mount Morris Jamboree free Friday night concerts with Anderlik, Otto and Church (jamgrass); bandshell downtown; attendees can bring chair or blanket, and bench seating is available; concessions sold at starting at 6 p.m. by local charitable organizations; 7-9 p.m.; Larry Ubben at 815-973-6786 or David Bailey at 815677-5383
July 10
48th Annual
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Oct. 6-7, 2018
Autumn on Parade 2018 Theme: It’s Magical The historic Ogle County Courthouse in downtown Oregon, Illinois provides the back-drop for this popular festival. Free entertainment and family-oriented events and activities are offered.
Arts & Crafts Farmers’ Market...Crafters and artisans offer an array of handmade, homegrown and collectible items including antiques and garden produce. Located on the Courthouse Square 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 on Sunday at 1 p.m.
Olde English Faire...Tour Stronghold Castle, relive history. Admission charged. Plus...Antique Tractor Show, Auto Show, 5K, 60/40 Raffle, Donut Eating Contest, Food Court by Local Not-For-Profits, Fun Zone for kids... and more!
www.autumnonparade.org •815-732-3465 SM-ST1531848
72 ~ Ogle County
www.saukvalley.com
Alex T. Paschal/apsachal@saukvalley.com
Stephen Graeffen of Dwight hangs tough for a full 8-second ride in August 2017 during the Big Hat Rodeo in the grandstand at the Ogle County Fair. The rodeo is a big draw to the fair, which returns from Aug. 1 to 5.
Voyager 2018-19
Ogle County ~ 73
July 13-15 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 815-2345500 July 17 Concerts in the Park with Burn N’ Bush; Oregon Park West; bring a lawn chair, blanket, food and drinks; no alcohol or pets; alternate site in case of inclement weather: Oregon Coliseum at Franklin and Fourth streets; free; oregonpark.org July 18 Kable Band Concerts; bandshell in Mount Morris; guest performers contribute every week; ice cream social at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30; mtmorrisil.net/concerts July 20 Mount Morris Jamboree free Friday night concerts with Webb Wilder (roots rock); bandshell downtown; attendees can bring chair or blanket, and bench seating is available; concessions sold at starting at 6 p.m. by local charitable organizations; 7-9 p.m.; Larry Ubben at 815-973-6786 or David Bailey at 815-677-5383 July 20 Moves in the Park: “Coco”; Louise D. Quick Park in downtown Polo; free popcorn; shows start at dusk; polochamber.org
July 24 Concerts in the Park with Ethan Bell Band; Oregon Park West; bring a lawn chair, blanket, food and drinks; no alcohol or pets; alternate site in case of inclement weather: Oregon Coliseum at Franklin and Fourth streets; free; fireworks at dusk oregonpark.org July 25 Kable Band Concerts; bandshell in Mount Morris; guest performers contribute every week; ice cream social at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30; mtmorrisil.net/concerts July 27 Mount Morris Jamboree free Friday night concerts with Tom Sharpe Ensemble (wolrd music); bandshell downtown; attendees can bring chair or blanket, and bench seating is available; concessions sold at starting at 6 p.m. by local charitable organizations; 7-9 p.m.; Larry Ubben at 815-973-6786 or David Bailey at 815-677-5383 Aug. 1 Kable Band Concerts; bandshell in Mount Morris; guest performers contribute every week; ice cream social at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30; mtmorrisil.net/concerts
carnival and food; admission is $8; oglecountyfair.com or 815732-6962 Aug. 3 Mount Morris Jamboree free Friday night concerts with Lyle Grobe and the Rhythm Ramblers (county); bandshell downtown; attendees can bring chair or blanket, and bench seating is available; concessions sold at starting at 6 p.m. by local charitable organizations; 7-9 p.m.; Larry Ubben at 815973-6786 or David Bailey at 815-677-5383 Aug. 3 Moves in the Park: “Nut Job 2”; Louise D. Quick Park in downtown Polo; free popcorn; shows start at dusk; polochamber.org Aug. 10 Brown Bag Lunch with Burn N’ Bush; bring lunch, purchase from food vendor or grab it to-go from a local business; 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; free; oregonpark.org
Aug. 10 Mount Morris Jamboree free Friday night concerts with Illinois Rail (bluegrass); bandshell downtown; attendees can bring chair or blanket, and bench seating is available; concessions sold at starting at 6 p.m. by local charitable organizations; 7-9 p.m.; Larry Ubben at 815-973-6786 or David Bailey at 815-677-5383 Aug. 11 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 815946-3131 Aug. 11 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 continued on
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WHITE PINES RANCH Horsin’ and Kiddin’ around since 1958
Aug. 1-5 Ogle County Fair; Ogle County Fairgrounds, 1440 Limekiln Road, Oregon; exhibits, entertainment, demolition derby, truck and tractor pull, rodeo,
Byron Forest Preserve District FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!
Preservation More than 2,000 acres of natural prairie land for you and your family to explore and the perfect location for your next event.
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Visit our newly renovated museum, that includes an immersive theater, handson-exhibits, an overlook area from one of the highest points in Ogle County, & much more.
7993 North River Road, Byron, IL (815) 234-8535 Learn more at byronforestpreserve.com or prairieviewgolf.com
Enjoy a Golf Digest 4-star rated course complete with GPS electric carts, and the region’s only family golf program. Recognition of Golf Digest
Summer Camp • Weekend Retreats for Scouts, Families & Youth Groups Outdoor Education • Horseback Riding
www.whitepinesranch.com 3581 West Pines Rd., Oregon, IL Phone: 815-732-7923 SM-ST1531644
74 ~ Ogle County
www.saukvalley.com
Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com
Monica Hendricks of Dixon looks over Rock Falls artist Bill Doering’s photos in September 2017 at the Grand Detour Arts Festival. The annual festival returns Sept. 9.
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Interesting, informative & applicable! Contact email: sonia.vogl@gmail.com 815-973-4624
Voyager 2018-19
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Aug. 17 Mount Morris Jamboree free Friday night concerts with Kyle Lacy and the Harlem River Noice (rockabilly); bandshell downtown; attendees can bring chair or blanket, and bench seating is available; concessions sold at starting at 6 p.m. by local charitable organizations; 7-9 p.m.; Larry Ubben at 815-973-6786 or David Bailey at 815-677-5383 Aug. 17-19 Lincoln Highway Heritage Festival; Rochelle; Little Miss Peanut pageant, car show, entertainment, beer garden, parade and more; lincolnhighwayheritagefestival. com or Facebook or Lisa Chrisco at alyzajane@hotmail.com Aug. 24 Mount Morris Jamboree free Friday night concerts with The Barb City Stompers (swing jazz); bandshell downtown; attendees can bring chair or blanket, and bench seating is available; concessions sold at starting at 6 p.m. by local charitable organizations; 7-9 p.m.; Larry Ubben at 815973-6786 or David Bailey at 815-677-5383 Aug. 31 Mount Morris Jamboree free Friday night concerts with Strata (classic rock); bandshell downtown; attendees can bring chair or blanket, and bench seating is available; concessions sold at starting at 6 p.m. by local charitable organizations; 7-9 p.m.; Larry Ubben at 815-973-6786 or David Bailey at 815-677-5383 Sept. 9 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 815-652-8663 Sept. 21-23 Stillman Valley Fall Festival; car show,
SVM file photo
The car show is a popular event at the annual Stillman Valley Fall Festival. tractor show, craft show, bags tournament, parade, music and food; parade at 1 p.m. Sunday; stillmanvalleyfallfestival. com or Facebook Sept. 22 Wine on Lincoln; Lincoln Highway, downtown Rochelle; local wine, steak dinners, cheese and chocolate, plus music; tickets are $25 in advance or $30 the day of the event and include a souvenir glass; 5-9 p.m.; enjoyrochelle.com or 815-5626161 Sept. 29 Chili Cook-Off; Polo; chili cook-off, annual Larry Lannen blood drive and alltown rummage sales; blood drive at 9 a.m., chili tasting at noon; poloil.org or 815-946-3131 Oct. 6-7 Autumn on Parade; Oregon; farmers market, arts and crafts fair, entertainment, Olde English Faire, car show, trac-
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Nov. 24 Candlelight Walk; downtown Oregon; horse-drawn carriage rides, reindeer, visits with Santa, holiday gift fair and more; 4-8 p.m.; oregonil.com or 815-732-2100 Dec. 1 Christmas on the Village Square; downtown Mount 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 Dec. 7 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
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300 Mix St • Oregon • 815-732-2969 M-F 8-5 • Sat 8-3 • CLOSED SUNDAYS SM-ST1533074
76 ~ Ogle County
www.saukvalley.com
Ogle County Tourist Attractions Ogle County was formed from a part of JoDaviess County in 1836, and Oregon was chosen to be the county seat in 1837. The county courthouse was built in 1891 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The county boasts three state parks and many historic sites, as well as a flourishing industrial presence that includes agriculture, food distribution and processing, implement manufacturing, and energy production. Byron Byron Dragway This track is home to National Hot Rod Association championship drag racing. Address: 7287 River Road Phone: 815-391-0000 or 815-234-8405 Online: byrondragway.com or Facebook Hours: Gates open at 8 a.m., racing starts at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, April through November Admission: Varies by event; check the website or call ahead 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 Admission: Free Dreamswept Alpacas This family-owned and operated farm breeds colored Accoyo and full Peruvian huacaya alpacas. It sells yarn, alpaca
products and handmade soaps. Address: 3097 N. Marrill Road Phone: 815-954-6210 Online: dreamsweptalpacas.com Hours: By appointment
Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Admission: By donation
Heritage Farm Museum This farm dates back 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 Online: byronforestpreserve.com/ facilities/heritage-farm-museum.aspx or Facebook Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 2-6 p.m. Sunday, April 1 to Oct. 31 Admission: Free
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 Online: byronforestpreserve.com/facilities/weiskopf-observatory.aspx Hours: Public viewing begins at dark and lasts 3 hours Saturday year-round and Tuesday in June, July and August Admission: Free
Jarrett Prairie Center The educational center and museum is on one of the highest points the county, overlooking 450 acres of restored prairie. Habitat exhibits, dioramas and audio interpretation help visitors understand the nature of the area. There also is a gift shop and hiking trails. Address: 7993 N. River Road Phone: 815-234-8535 Online: byronforestpreserve.com/facilities/jarrett-prairie-center.aspx
2018 Ogle County Fair FREE AUGUST 1 - AUGUST 5 WEDNESDAY Antique Tractor Parade ................5pm Riverbend Antique Tractor Pull .........6pm Stock Trucks & Tractor Pull ....6:30pm
THURSDAY Truck & Tractor Pull.......6:30pm
FRIDAY Big Hat Rodeo ..................7pm
Carniv w/purcal Rides h daily p ase of as s
SUNDAY To Be Announced Updates on Website
SATURDAY Demolition Daily Derby ...6:30pm Passes
$8
1440 Limekiln Rd., Oregon, IL. . . www.oglecountyfair.com
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: shawurl.com/32g8 Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon-4 p.m. Sunday, March through December Admission: Free
Vintage Chicks and Feed
Our shop is full of artfully displayed Ou *Vintage Items *Rustic Relics *DIY Salvage-old doors, shutters, windows Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday 9am-5pm 700 IL Rt. 72 East, Leaf River
(Located 2 1/2 miles west of Byron on Rt. 72)
(815) 973-2432 or (815) 291-9508
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Submitted by Larry Kmiecik
The Byron Forest Preserve’s $1 million renovation and addition project brought new life to its Jarrett Prairie Center Museum.
Leaf River Leaf River Historical Museum Located in a former church built in 1895, the museum contains exhibits that include a dog tread mill from the 1800s, military artifacts, farm and agriculture equipment, railroad memorabilia and more. Address: 201 E. Third St. Phone: Unavailable Hours: 1-4 p.m. first and third Sunday of the month, April through October Admission: Free
Mount Morris Illinois Freedom Bell In 1963, Mount Morris became the first village in Illinois to reinstate the tradition of ringing bells on Independence Day. The city’s bell was cast in the early 1860s as a replica of the Liberty Bell. Its first was in a belfry of an old church in Lake Geneva, Wis., but eventually made its way to Mount Morris. This 1,500pound bell graces the town square lawn.
It is rung during the annual Let Freedom Ring Festival, which draws thousands to celebrate an old-fashioned Fourth of July. Address: Wesley Avenue Online: mtmorrisil.net/freedom-bell White Pines Forest State Park This 385-acre state park along the meandering banks of Spring and Pine creeks boasts magnificent trees that share moss-covered cliffs strung with trailing vines. It is one of the southernmost stands of white pines left in the United States. The site offers seven marked trails for hiking, as well as fishing and camping. It also is home to the White Pines Inn, which offers cabins for rent and a restaurant. Address: 6712 W. Pines Road Phone: 815-946-3717 Online: www.dnr.illinois.gov/parks/ pages/whitepinesforest.aspx
Oregon Billy Barnhart Museum Located in the historic Conover Square
Mall, this museum features vintage toys, collectibles, farm equipment, military memorabilia, and other relics of the past. Address: 201 N. Third St. Phone: 815-732-3950 Online: conoversquaremall.com/billybarnhart-museum Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 12-4 p.m. Sunday Admission: Free Castle Rock State Park The 2,000-acre park includes rock formations, ravines, and unique northern plants. In one valley, 27 types of ferns have been identified. A sandstone bluff, adjacent to the river, gives the park its name. There are 6 miles of marked hiking trails, a scenic overlook, and a public boat ramp. Address: 1365 W. Castle Road Phone: 815-732-7329 Online: www.dnr.illinois.gov/parks/ pages/castlerock.aspx continued on
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Lowden State Park in Oregon is beautiful no matter what time of year.
www.saukvalley.com
Photos by Lucas Pauley/lpauley@saukvalley.com
Conover Square Shopping Village A piano factory until the 1970s, this 120,000-square-foot building is a shopping village. It features unique stores (including several antique shops), as well as some services and a bakery, coffee shop and hot dog stand, in a unique, historic setting. Haunted ghost tours are offered by reservation. Address: 201 N. Third St. Phone: 815-732-3950 Online: conoversquaremall.com or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday; some store hours vary Lowden State Park This 207-acre state park, perhaps one of the most picturesque along the Rock River, boasts the 50-foot concrete statue of Chief Black Hawk, called “The Eternal Indian,” as well as almost 4 miles of foot trails. Camping, boating and fishing also are available. Address: 1411 N. River Road Phone: 732-6828 Online: www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/ Pages/Lowden.aspx
It’s easy to get lost in nature when walking in Park West in Oregon.
Lowden-Miller State Forest At 2,291 acres, the forest is one of the county’s most beautiful and historic sites. Hunting for deer, squirrel and turkey is popular, as is hiking on more than 20 miles of maintained trails.
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Ruby Nash Home/Ogle County Historical Museum. Address: 1365 W. Castle Rock Road Phone: 815-732-7329 Online: www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/ Pages/LowdenMiller.aspx 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. Address: 701 N. Fourth St. Phone: 815-732-3101 Online: oregonpark.org/mix-park 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 Valley and downtown Oregon. It is home to historic Chana School and has a bike trail and a playground. Address: River Road, north of state Route 64 Phone: 815-732-3101 Online: oregonpark.org/park-east
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: Oregon Trail Road Phone: 815-732-3101 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. His daughter, Ruby, taught school from 1891 to 1941. Nash School, now Nash Recreation Center, was named after her. 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 Facebook Hours: 9 a.m.-noon Thursday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday, May through September, select Saturdays (May 26, June 16, Sept. 1, Oct. 6, and Nov. 24) or by appointment Admission: By donation
Polo Aplington House This 1853 home belonged to Zenas Aplington, a Civil War soldier who founded Polo. Abraham Lincoln spent 2 nights in the house in 1856. Visitors will see period clothing and hats, exhibits of churches and schools, and Underground Railroad exhibits. Address: 123 N. Franklin Ave. Phone: 815-946-4142 Hours: By appointment Admission: By donation continued on
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www.saukvalley.com
Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com
The Flagg Township Museum features many artifacts from Rochelle’s rich history. Buffalo Grove Lime Kiln The kiln, constructed in 1870 of native limestone quarried on site, is one of two old lime kilns in Illinois on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a woodburning perpetual kiln, or draw-down kiln, which meant it had to be continuously fired. It operated until the early 1900s. Address: Galena Trail Road Phone: 815-946-4142 Burns House This 1854 brick home, the first of its kind in Polo, belonged to the town’s first doctor, W W. Burns. Today, it is the office of Blackhawk Waterways Convention and Visitors Bureau. Address: 201 N. Franklin Ave. Phone: 815-946-4142 Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday Campbell Law Office Judge Campbell was Polo’s first mayor; his office was made in 1875 from blue limestone hauled by wagon from the quarry west of town. It now is a private law office. Address: 111 N. Franklin Ave. Phone: 815-946-4142 Hours: By appointment Henry School The 1878 school is on the Galena Trail,
where Abraham Lincoln walked during the Black Hawk War in 1832. It features displays about the war and a World War II hemp mill. Address: State Route 26, south of Polo Phone: 815-946-4142 Hours: Wednesday afternoons, April through October, and by appointment Polo History Museum 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 Hours: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and by appointment
Rochelle 1918 Standard Oil Filling Station This is the very first gasoline filling station in Rochelle and the first filling station built along the Lincoln Highway in Illinois. It has been restored to its original design, including the canopy over the pumps and the 1918 equipment. Filling station memorabilia is on display inside. Address: 500 Lincoln Ave.
Phone: 815-561-2084 Online: rochelletourism.com Hours: By appointment Flagg Township Museum The museum, founded in 1971, features many artifacts from Rochelle’s rich history, antiques, and genealogical information. One of the more important artifacts is the 1915 Partin-Palmer automobile built in Rochelle, one of two in existence. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places. Address: 518 Fourth Ave. Phone: 815-562-3040 Online: Facebook Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday Admission: $3 adults, $2 children ages 6-12; free on Thursday Spring Lake Aquatic Park This outdoor swimming pool has a 150foot slide, two diving boards, and a climbing wall. There also is a large wading pool for small children. Address: Eighth Street and Avenue B Phone: 815-562-6658 Online: rochelleparkdistrict.org or Facebook Hours: 12:30-5:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 12:30-7 p.m. Friday, 12:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Admission: $5 age 4 and older, $2 age 3 and younger
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After you’re done watching the trains at Rochelle Railroad Park, head over the gift shop. The site itself was the first in the nation built just for visitors to see operating trains. Lyle Kunde Recreation Area/Lake Sule This 90-acre recreation area includes 77-acre Lake Sule and offers boating and fishing. Address: Wiscold Drive Phone: 815-562-7813 Online: rochelleparkdistrict.org Robert’s Armory World War II Museum The museum specializes in the acquisition and display of light armored vehicles and artillery used by the Army during World War II. Address: 2090 Brush Grove Road Phone: 815-561-4445 Online: robertsarmory.com or Facebook Hours: 1-4 p.m. May 28 for Memorial Day, 1-4 p.m. Aug. 18 for Lincoln Highway Festival, and 1-4 p.m. Nov. 11, in honor of Veterans Day, or by appointment
Rochelle Fire Department Museum Opened in 2000, the museum was built almost entirely by members of the department. Its main attraction is the restored 1922 Seagrave fire truck, “Ol’ Gertie,” the department’s second motorized fire truck. Address: 401 Fifth Ave. Phone: 815-562-2122 Online: cityofrochelle.net/departments/ fire/fire-department-museum.html Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday 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 or Facebook Hours: Viewing available 24 hours; gift shop open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday and Wednesday-Sunday, April through October, and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday and Wednesday-Sunday, November through March Admission: Free Skare Park This 320-acre park has a 9-hole disc golf course, horse trails, hiking/biking trails, ball fields, horseshoe pits, playgrounds, and more. The Historic Skare Homestead Museum, the former home of Norman Lincoln Skare, is on site. Address: Flagg and Brooklyn roads Phone: 815-562-7813 Online: rochelleparkdistrict.org
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Quad Cities Calendar of Events
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The Rhubarb Festival, set for June 1 and 2 in downtown Aledo, features a craft, antiques and flea market. May 28 Quad Cities Criterium; Lindsay Park, East Davenport; more than 650 cyclists compete in 12 races; children’s play area and races; quadcitiescriterium.com or Facebook June 1-2 Rhubarb Festival; downtown Aledo; more than 3,000 rhubarb pies for sale, rhubarb samples, rhubarb seed giveaway, crafts, antiques and flea market, entertainment, 5K walk/run and more; aledorhubarbfest.com or 309-582-2751 June 6-7 Mississippi Valley Blues Festival; LeClaire Park, Davenport; blues music, plus workshops and a photo exhibit; advance tickets $15 for Friday, $25 for Saturday, and $35 for both days, $20,
$25, and $45 at the gate; mvbs.org/bluesfest.php June 9 Gumbo Ya Ya; downtown Rock Island; zydeco, blues and jazz music, street performers, Cajun food, Mardi Gras beads and more; admission is $9; gates open at 5 p.m. Friday and 4 p.m. Saturday; Facebook
July 9-15 John Deere Classic; TPC Deere Run, 3100 Heather Knoll, Silvis; PGA Tour event; tickets start at $25; johndeereclassic.com
June 16 Quad Cities Juneteenth; LeClaire Park, Davenport; worship, community forums, music, games and more; 11:45 a.m.-7 p.m.; Facebook or fomlk.davenport@gmail.com
July 17-21 Rock Island County Fair; Rock Island County Fairgrounds, 4200 Archer Drive, East Moline; 4-H exhibits, livestock, carnival, music, trailer races, truck and tractor pull, demolition derby, monster truck rally, food and more; admission is $2 and $5 after 8:30 p.m., grandstand admission is $10; rockislandfair.org, Facebook or 309-796-1620
July 3 Red, White and Boom!; Davenport and Rock Island; fireworks over the river, plus music, family activities, food and more; 6 p.m.; redwhiteboom.org
July 17-18 Street Fest; Second Street, Davenport; music, arts and crafts vendors, family activities and more; downtowndavenport. com or 563-823-2681
Voyager 2018-19 July 28 Bix 7; downtown Davenport; elite distance runners from around the world compete for prize money in this world-renown 7-mile race, plus USA 7-Mile Championships; 8 a.m.; bix7.com July 31-Aug. 5 Mississippi Valley Fair; Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, 2815 W. Locust St., Davenport; grandstand entertainment, carnival, food and more; admission is $10 for adults and $4 for ages 4-12; grandstand admission is by “fun card” only; mvfair.com, Facebook or 563-3265338 Aug. 2-4 Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival; The Isle of Capri, 1777 Isle Parkway, Bettendorf; traditional Dixieland jazz music; day passes start at $55 and singlesession tickets start at $30; bixsociety. org or 563-324-7170 Aug. 3 Cruise Night in the Maple City; downtown Monmouth; more than 1,400 cars, plus music, 50-50 raffle and food; 6-10
Quad Cities ~ 83 p.m.; Facebook, 309-734-3181 or info@ monmouthilchamber.com
to come; alternatingcurrentsqc.com or Facebook
Aug. 9-11 Tug Fest; giant tug-of-war across the Mississippi River between LeClaire, Iowa, and Port Byron, plus music, carnival, community tailgate party, 5K walk/run, parade, fireworks and more; admission is $5; tug is at 12:30 p.m. Saturday; tugfest. org or Facebook
Aug. 18 Quad City Symphony Riverfront Pops; LeClaire Park, downtown Davenport; a symphonic tribute to The Beach Boys; 7:30 p.m.; qcsymphony.com or 563-322-7276
Aug. 11 Ya Maka My Weekend; downtown Rock Island; Reggae music, Caribbean-style food, open-air marketplace, beach and more; tickets are $9; Facenppl or 309-788-6311 Aug. 18 Floatzilla; Sunset Marina, Rock Island; paddle sports festival that includes an attempt to break the world record for the largest flotilla of canoes and kayaks; floatzilla.org or Facebook Aug. 23-26 Alternating Currents; music, comedy, film and art festival at venues across the area with 50-plus acts; more information
This year’s Mississippi Valley Fair will return from July 31 to Aug. 5.
Sept. 1-2 Rock Island Grand Prix; downtown Rock Island; largest and most prestigious kart street race, plus music, family activities, and more; rockislandgrandprix.com, Facebook or 309-292-8133 Sept. 8 Viva Quad Cities Fiesta; LeClaire Park, downtown Davenport; food, arts and crafts, entertainment and more; noon-111 p.m.; vivaquadcities.com or Facebook Sept. 8-9 Beaux Arts Fair; Figge Art Museum plaza, Second Street, Davenport; juried art show, music, children’s activities and food; beauxartsfair.com or Facebook continued on
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The Quad Cities Balloon Festival will lift off this year from Sept. 28 to 30. Sept. 14-15 Celtic Festival & Highland Games; Centennial Park, Davenport; traditional Scottish “games of strength,” music, dancing and more; celtichighlandgames.org Sept. 15 Riverssance Festival of Fine Arts; Lindsay Park, East Davenport; juried art show, music, children’s activities and food; midcoast.org or 309-737-8910 Sept. 15 Brew Ha Ha; LeClaire Park, Davenport; beer-tasting, music and more; tickets $30 in advance, $45 day of; 1-5 p.m.; jayceesqc.org/brewhaha or 563-484-0041 Sept. 28-30 Quad Cities Balloon Festival; Kennedy Square, East Moline; hot-air balloons launch and land and are illuminated at
night, plus children’s activities and tethered balloon rides; quadcitiesballoonfestival.com or Facebook Oct. 13 Row the Miss Regatta; Moline; rowers from around the Midwest compete in races on the Mississippi; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; tworiversymca.org or 309-797-3945 Nov. 17 Quad City Symphony Holiday Pops; Adler Theatre, RiverCenter, 136 E. Third St., Davenport; “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone™ In Concert” by the Quad City Symphony Orchestra; shows at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; qcsymphony.com or 563-3227276 Nov. 17-25 Quad City Arts Festival of Trees; RiverCenter, 136 E. Third St., Davenport; 100
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designer trees, helium balloon parade, parties, TreatShoppe and more; admission is $10 for adults, $6 for seniors, $3 for ages 2-10; quadcityarts.com/festoftrees.asp or 309-793-1213 Nov. 17 Lighting on the Commons; John Deere Commons, downtown Moline; visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, tractor-drawn wagon rides, music, lighting of the commons and fireworks; 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.; lightingonthecommons.com or Facebook Dec. 2 19th Century Christmas; Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House, 1105 Eighth St., Moline; historic homes decorated for the holidays, plus music, visits with Santa, make-and-take crafts and more; noon-5 p.m.; butterworthcenter. com or 309-743-2700
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Quad Cities Tourist Attractions
The Quad Cities line the shores of the Mississippi River with a regional population of more than 300,000. The riverfront communities include Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa and Rock Island, Moline and East Moline in Illinois. The cities are home to the Skybridge in Davenport, Government Bridge and John Deere World Headquarters in Moline, among other noteworthy attractions. Bettendorf, Iowa Centennial Garden Centennial Garden is a tribute, decade by decade, to Bettendorf history. The garden is in the shape of a flower, and each petal is a separate garden representing a decade, and filled with thousands of varieties of flowers, plants, grasses, scrubs and trees popular during that decade. Address: Middle Park, 2220 23rd St. Phone: 563-344-4113 Online: visitquadcities.com/partners/ centennial-garden Hours: 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m. daily Channel Cat Water Taxi These open-air, pontoon-style boats shuttle passengers back and forth across the Mississippi River to landings in Davenport, Bettendorf and Moline. Passengers can stop at any landing to shop, eat or enjoy other activities. Tickets are good all day. Address: Bettendorf landing, 17th Street and Isle Parkway at the Isle of Capri Casino Phone: 309-788-3360 Online: gogreenmetro.com/231/Channel-Cat Hours: 11 a.m.-7:40 p.m. MondayThursday and 9 a.m.-7:15 p.m. FridaySunday, Memorial Day-Labor Day Tickets: $8 ages 11 and older, $4 ages 2-10 Crow Creek Park Skate Park This skate park is designed for skateboarders of all ages and skill levels. BMX biking paths also are available during limited hours. Address: 4800 N. Devils Glen Road Phone: 563-344-4113 Online: bettendorf.org/parks Hours: 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m. daily Family Museum The museum is an interactive destination with indoor and outdoor playgrounds and exhibits. Families can do everything from make a cloud and touch a tornado to drive a combine and climb a tree house. The venue is filled with music, sound, light and learning experiences. Address: 2900 Learning Campus Drive
Spash Landing Aquatic Center in Bettendorf, Iowa. Phone: 563-344-4106 Online: familymuseum.org or Facebook Hours: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday Admission: $9 ages 2 and older; $5 for seniors, and active military personnel, their spouse, and children residing in the household Splash Landing Aquatic Center Splash Landing has a zero-depth entry pool with water geysers, a children’s boat slide, a flume and speed slide, a drop slide and a toddler pool area with a slide, spray features and a sand play area. There is a concession stand, too. Address: 2220 23rd St. Phone: 563-344-4124 Online: bettendorf.org/splash Hours: 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily and 6:30-8 p.m. Monday-Friday Admission: $6 for ages 3 to adults, 11 a.m.3:30 p.m., $3 3:30-5 and 6:30-8 p.m.
Davenport, Iowa Annie Wittenmyer Aquatic Center This aquatic facility features a zero-depth pool, water slide, drop slide, shallow water toys, a sand play area and a concession stand.
Address: 2828 Eastern Ave. Phone: 563-326-7828 or 563-326-7812 Hours: 12:30-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Monday-Friday and 1-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Admission: $4 residents, $5 nonresidents Centennial Park Skate Park This skate park, located to the west of Centennial Park, offers a dedicated space for skateboarding, inline skating and BMX biking. Phone: 563-328-7275 Address: 900 W. River Drive Online: visitquadcities.com/partners/ davenport-skatepark Hours: Sunrise to half-hour after sunset Centennial Park Sprayground This spray park offers a number of decorative water spray features for children of all ages. Address: 315 S. Marquette St. Phone: 563-328-7275 Online: cityofdavenportiowa.com Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day Admission: Free continued on
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Credit Island Park and Natural Historic Preserve The park, on the Mississippi River, offers kayak, canoe and bike rentals, an 18-hole disc golf course, ball diamonds, basketball courts, tennis courts, horseshoe pits and bike trails. Address: 2301 W. River Drive Phone: 563-326-7812 Online: cityofdavenportiowa.com Fejervary Park This park is known for its children’s nature center, which includes a children’s garden with 50 trees, one from each state. There are wooded picnic areas, walking paths and a sensory garden. Fejervary Aquatic Center also is in the park. Address: 1800 W. 12th St. Phone: 563-326-7812 Online: cityofdavenportiowa.com Hours: Learning Center is open 10 a.m.6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and noon-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; Aquatic Center is open 12:30-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. MondayFriday and 1-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Admission: Aquatic Center admission is $4 residents and $5 nonresidents Figge Art Museum Featuring both permanent and traveling exhibits from around the world, the award-winning museum is home to works by Warhol, Pollock, Wood and Matisse. It also has a hands-on children’s art area. Address: 225 W. Second St. Phone: 563-326-7804 Online: figgeart.org or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.9 p.m. Thursday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday Admission: $7 adults, $6 seniors and students, $4 ages 4-12 German American Heritage Center Originally built in 1862 as a hotel for German immigrants, the center takes visitors on an interactive journey as the immigrants traveled by sea, train and foot to their new home. The “Step in my Shoes” exhibit allows visitors to step in the footprints of a child or adult to trigger a character from the era whose story was developed from diary entries and historical documents. Address: 712 W. Second St. Phone: 563-322-8844 Online: gahc.org or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday Admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 ages 5-17 Harborview Production (Isabel Bloom) Studio Isabel Bloom sculptures have become treasured heirlooms. Her studio, near the banks of the Mississippi River, is open for
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Students participate in an art activity while visiting Figge Art Museum on a field trip. tours, during which visitors will see some of her original art and photos. Address: 736 Federal St. Phone: 563-336-3766 Online: ibloom.com or Facebook Hours: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. MondayThursday Admission: Free, but reservations required Michael’s Fun World This indoor-outdoor facility offers gokarts, laser tag, miniature golf, batting cages, and more. Address: 345 W. 76th St. Phone: 563-386-3826 Online: michaelsfunworld.com or Facebook Hours: Varies by season; check the website or call ahead Admission: Varies by attraction; check the website or call ahead Nahant Marsh Education Center Nahant Marsh is a 265-acre preserve, part of a 513-acre wetland complex that includes a forest, open water habitat and marsh adjacent to the Mississippi River.
The marsh features trails, bird watching and an educational center on more than 500 acres. Address: 4220 Wapello Ave. Phone: 563-336-3374 Online: nahantmarsh.org or Facebook Hours: Educational center open 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays on April through September and 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays October through March Admission: Free Putnam Museum The Putnam Museum features permanent exhibits on the Mississippi River, ancient Egypt and Asia, and traveling exhibits. A new Science Center offers 45 hands-on stations that showcase aerospace, robotics, architecture and more. The museum also is home to the National Geographic Giant Screen Theater, an enormous 6-story-tall, 7-story-wide digital surround sound venue with one of the most technologically advanced projection systems in the world. Address: 1717 W. 12th St. Phone: 563-324-1933
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Vander Veer Botanical Park in Davenport, Iowa. Online: putnam.org or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday Admission: $8 adults, $7 children age 3-18, seniors and military personnel with ID (admission to the museum and Science Center); tickets to documentaries are more Quad Cities River Bandits baseball The Quad Cities River Bandits are a Class A, Midwest League affiliate of the Houston Astros. The team plays at Modern Woodmen Park. Address: 209 S. Gaines St. Phone: 563-324-3000 Online: riverbandits.com or Facebook Hours: Vary; check the website or call ahead for games dates and times Admission: $14 club seats, $12 lower box seats, $10 upper box seats, $7 bleachers Quad City Rollers The Quad City Rollers are a female, flattrack roller derby team. Address: Eldridge Community Center and Skatepark, 400 S. 16th Ave., Eldridge Online: quadcityrollers.com or Facebook Hours: Doors open at 5 p.m., bouts start at 6 p.m. Admission: $10 in advance, $12 at the door; free for 12 and younger
The River’s Edge ice arena The River’s Edge is a premier, 75,000-square-foot indoor sports facility that offers an Olympic-size ice rink and an indoor turf field for soccer, football, baseball, lacrosse and golf. Address: 700 W. River Drive Phone: 563-328-7275 Online: cityofdavenportiowa.com Hours: Public skating hours vary; check the website or call ahead Admission: Public skating is $5.50, skate rental is $3.50 Schuetzen Park Schuetzen Park is a privately owned nature and recreation area. Established in 1870 as a German-American entertainment retreat, it once offered a shooting range, as well as an inn, dance hall, music pavilion and more. Today it is preserved as a “wildpark,” and the only original building that remains is a 1911 street car waiting station, now called the Trolley Car Pavilion. The 20-acre site is designated as a nature preserve and features rustic nature trails. It also hosts special events. Address: 3401 Schuetzen Lane Phone: 563-449-2358 Online: schuetzenpark.info or Facebook Hours: Daylight hours or during special occasions
Skybridge The 600-foot-long Skybridge, built in 2005, rises 50 feet in the air, providing panoramic views of the Mississippi River. The glass walkway and stairwells offer amazing views of the river and surrounding cityscape. The inside of the bridge features kaleidoscope lighting. Address: 121 W. Second St. Phone: 563-326-7810 Online: cityofdavenportiowa.com Vander Veer Botanical Park This 33-acre park is home to an extensive collection of gardens and trees, including many planted in the early 1890s. It has a lagoon, historic stone fountain, rose garden and brick walking paths. The conservatory has seasonal plant and flower exhibits as well as year-round exhibits on regional, desert and tropical plants and flowers. There also is a gift shop. Address: 215 W. Central Park Ave. Phone: 563-326-7812 Online: cityofdavenportiowa.com Hours: Conservatory, greenhouses and store are open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. TuesdaySunday Admission: Free continued on
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88 ~ Quad Cities Coal Valley Niabi Zoo This 40-acre zoo is home to more than 300 animals from more than 100 species around the world. Other attractions include a carousel, replica steam engine, and concession areas. Address: 13010 Niabi Zoo Road Phone: 309-799-5107 Online: niabizoo.com or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Sunday Admission: $9 adults, $8 seniors, $6.50 ages 3-12; train rides, carousel rides and pony rides have an additional fee
Moline Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House The historic homes once belonged to John Deere’s descendants and are within a half block of each other in the Overlook District. The Butterworth Center, built in 1892, was a wedding present from Charles Deere to his daughter, Katherine, and her husband, William Butterworth. The Butterworths called their home “Hillcrest,” and it features a rebuilt pipe organ and a library designed to hold an 18th century Italian ceiling painting. The Deere-Wiman House was built in 1872, by John Deere’s son, Charles. He called it “Overlook;” it was built in the Victorian style until its roof line was changed after a fire in 1899 caused extensive damage. Both homes are surrounded by beautiful gardens. Address: 817 11th Ave. and 1105 Eighth St. Phone: 309-743-2700 Online: butterworthcenter.com or Facebook Hours: Tours available by appointment 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday Admission: By donation Celebration River Cruises The 770-passenger Celebration Belle luxury riverboat hosts lunch, dinner and all-day cruises on the Mississippi, with destinations in the Quad Cities and Dubuque and fall cruises to Wisconsin. Address: 2501 River Drive Phone: 800-297-0034 Online: celebrationbelle.com or Facebook Hours: Vary by cruise; check the website or call ahead Admission: Varies by cruise; check the website or call ahead Deere & Co. World Headquarters The John Deere headquarters offers guests a look at the Deere Co. legacy of farm and industrial equipment manufacturing. View antique John Deere equipment as well as the newest innovations. Sit in a combine. Climb on a tractor. The headquarters is situated on 1,400 acres of beautiful landscaping. It also boasts an
www.saukvalley.com impressive art collection. Address: 1 John Deere Place Phone: 800-765-9588 Online: johndeereattractions.com Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday Admission: Free iWireless Center The iWireless Center is a 12,000-seat, multipurpose arena, home to the Quad City Mallards hockey team and a venue for concerts, sporting events and theater performances. Address: 1201 River Drive Phone: 309-764-2000 Online: iwirelesscenter.com or Facebook Hours: Vary by event; box office open 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday Admission: Varies by event; check the website or call ahead John Deere Pavilion The John Deere Pavilion is a tribute to the inventiveness of the John Deere legacy, long the hallmark of agricultural equipment around the world. The pavilion features hands-on exhibits. Address: 1400 River Drive Phone: 309-765-1000 Online: johndeereattractions.com Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday Admission: Free
Rock Island Backwater Gamblers The Backwater Gamblers have been thrilling crowds since 1980. The 150-member ski team performs both delicate and daring water skiing feats. Pyramids, bare footing, ramp jumps and trick skiing all are part of the 1-hour show. Address: Ben Williamson Park, 5000 44th St. Phone: 309-786-8987 Online: backwatergamblers.com or Facebook Hours: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday, Memorial Day through Labor Day Admission: Free Bent River Brewing Co. The Bent River Brewing Co., established in 1997, produces more than 1,500 barrels of award-winning beers annually. Its Rock Island location houses the company’s bottling line and distribution center. Address: 512 24th St. Phone: 309-283-4811 Online: bentriverbrewing.com or Facebook Hours: Tours available by appointment Admission: Free Black Hawk State Historic Site The site, once home to Chief Black
Hawk and the Sauk tribe, is a 208-acre wooded, steeply rolling park bordering the Rock River, with 6 miles of hiking trails, a nature center and picnic areas with stone fireplaces. The Watch Tower Lodge is home to the John Hauberg Indian Museum, which showcases the Sauk and Meskwaki tribes; life-size figures depict the daily life of the tribes from 1750 to 1830. Guided tours of the museum are available by appointment. Address: 1510 46th Ave. Phone: 309-788-0177 Online: blackhawkpark.org Hours: Site open sunsrise to 10 p.m. Chippiannock Cemetery Chippiannock Cemetery was established in 1855 and is the final resting place for more than 25,000 people. Visitors can trace the history of the region by reading the inscriptions on the unique and unusual headstones. The art and architecture of the cemetery has earned it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Address: 2901 12th St. Phone: 309-788-6622 Online: chippiannock.com Quad City Arts Gallery Quad City Arts, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the presentation, development and celebration of visual and performing arts, is housed in a former department store, of which the first floor is the gallery. The exhibition space is more than 1,500 square feet and hosts paintings, sculptures and musical and literary performances. There also is a gallery store. Address: 1715 Second Ave. Phone: 309-793-1213 Online: quadcityarts.com or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday Admission: Free Quad City Botanical Center The Quad City Botanical Center brings people and plants together via an indoor tropical atrium, an accessible raised garden, several outdoor gardens, an educational greenhouse, and a gift shop. The garden maintains hundreds of plants ranging from tropical varieties to regional perennials. It has a rare conifer collection, unique to the Quad Cities, as well as a stunning iris collection, and other special collections, including day lilies, mums and ornamental grasses. There also is an outdoor butterfly garden. Address: 2525 Fourth Ave. Phone: 309-794-0991 Online: qcgardens.com or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, and Wednesday through Saturday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday Admission: $6 adults, $5 seniors, $4 ages 6-15, $2 ages 2-5
Voyager 2018-19
Quad Cities ~ 89 Schwiebert Riverfront Park offers an interactive fountain for children.
Schwiebert Riverfront Park The park, with spectacular views of the Mississippi River, boasts digital playgrounds and an interactive fountain for children. The park also has an open-air stage, observation shelter and waterfront promenade. Address: 17th to 20th St. Phone: 309-732-7275 Online: rigov.org/431/schwiebert-riverfront-park Hours: Sunrise-10 p.m. Sylvan Slough Natural Area Once a blighted industrial property on the Mississippi, the city of Rock Island transformed it into a natural area. It now is a unique demonstration area for Retain the Rain, a program of the nonprofit River Action. The natural area incorporates native plantings, bioswails, permeable paving, and other initiatives designed to educate the public about reduction of storm water runoff. The slough has a bald eagle observation area with views of Sylvan Island and Rock Island Arsenal. It is adjacent to the 64-mile Great River Trail. Address: 4501 Third Ave. Phone: 309-732-7275 Online: rigov.org/288/sylvan-sloughnatural-area Hours: sunrise-10 p.m. Whitewater Junction Water Park Whitewater Junction Water Park is a railroad-themed aquatic center with a body slide, tube slide, open drop slide and drop slide, as well as spray features. Address: 17th Street and 18th Avenue Phone: 309-732-7946
Online: rigov.org/84/whitewater-junction-aquatic-center or Facebook Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from May 26 to Aug. 12; 10 a.m.6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from Aug. 13 to Sept. 3 Admission: $9 ages 3 and older; $5 open swim 6-8 p.m. Rock Island Arsenal (Visitors 16 and older must obtain a credential at the Visitor Control Center) Hours: 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Online: army.mil/ria or Facebook Colonel Davenport House Home to one of the Quad Cities’ founding fathers, Col. George Davenport, the Federal-style house, built in 1834, became the center of local commerce, a crossroads for trade in the region. There also is a gift shop. Address: Davenport Avenue, Rock Island Arsenal Phone: 309-786-7336 Online: davenporthouse.org or Facebook Hours: Noon-4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday May through October; 2-4 p.m. Nov. 11 for Veterans Day ($1 admission); by appointment, November-April Admission: $6 adults; $4 seniors; free for 12 and younger, and active military Government Bridge and Mississippi River Visitor Center The visitor center welcomes more than 60,000 people annually who come to see the locks and dams of the Mississippi
River, as well as the more than 100-yearold traffic and rail bridge – one of the oldest of its kind still in use on the river. Address: Building 328 Phone: 309-794-5338 Online: shawurl.com/32h1 Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily Admission: Free Rock Island Arsenal Museum The Rock Island Arsenal Museum, opened in 1905, is the second-oldest U.S. Army museum in the United Sates and chronicles the history of the island, items manufactured there and firearms developed over the years. Address: Building 60 Phone: 309-782-5021 Online: arsenalhistoricalsociety.org/ museum Hours: noon-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday Admission: Free Rock Island Arsenal National and Confederate cemeteries The Rock Island Arsenal National Cemetery was established in 1863 as a place to bury Union soldiers, who died while serving as guards at the large Confederate prison camp on the island during the Civil War. More than 25,000 veterans of various wars and their spouses are interred there. The Confederate Prisoners of War cemetery is nearby, where 1,950 Confederate POWs are buried. Address: Building 118 Phone: 309-782-2094 Online: www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/ rockisland.asp Hours: Dawn to dusk
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Trace Atkins plays at last year’s Old Settlers Days in Rockton.
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Rockford-area Calendar of Events Through August Starlight Theatre; Starlight Theatre, Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford; rockvalleycollege.edu/Community/Theatre/starlight.cfm or 815-921-2160 Through August Ski Broncs Waterski Show Team; Shorewood Park, 235 Evelyn Ave., Loves Park; concessions available; 7 p.m. Wednesday and 6:30 Friday; skibroncs. com or Facebook Through December Artists’ Ensemble Theater; Cheek Theatre, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford; artistsensemble.org, 815394-5004 or Facebook May 25-28 Young at Heart Festival; Loves Park City Hall; 100 Heart Blvd., Loves Park; enter-
tainment, beer garden, carnival, children’s activities, food, parade and fireworks; admission buttons for the 4-day festival are $8 in advance or $12 at the gate, children younger than 6 are free; youngatheartfestival.com or 815-633-3999 May 28 Memorial Day parade and ceremony; Veterans Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St., Rockford; ceremony includes the annual riverside sinking of the ship ceremony; parade at 9 a.m., ceremony at 10:30 a.m.; veteransmemorialhall.com or 815-969-1999 June 2-3 Garden Fair; Klehm Arboretum, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford; plant and garden sale, art and antique vendors, food and more; tickets are $5 in advance or $8 at the door; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday; klehm.org or 815-965-8146
June 12, 14, 19, 21, 26 and 28 Music in the Park; Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford; 7 p.m.; rockfordparkdistrict.org June 14-17 Old Settlers Days; Settlers Park, Rockton; music, carnival, 5K walk/run, parade, fireworks and more; admission passes are $10 in advance and $15 as of June 16; main stage shows are more; oldsettlersdays.com, Facebook or 815-2068525 June 20 Council of Rockford Gardeners’ Garden Walk; Rockford; self-guided tour of area gardens; noon-8 p.m.; councilofrockfordgardeners.org or E.J. Rebman at 815398-7193 continued on
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Rockford Area ~ 91
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92 ~ Rockford area
www.saukvalley.com
Winnebago County Fair runs from Aug. 15 to 19. July 6 Show of Shows; Boylan High School, 4000 St. Francis Drive, Rockford; the best drum and bugle corps in the world perform along with Rockford’s own Phantom Regiment; tickets range from $20 to $70; 7:30 p.m., gates open at 6 p.m.; dci.org July 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26 and 31 Music in the Park; Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford; 7 p.m.; rockfordparkdistrict.org July 4 4th of July Celebration; downtown Rockford; breakfast, parade and the SkyConcert fireworks show set to music; rockfordfireandice.com Aug. 2 Music in the Park; Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford; 7 p.m.; rockfordparkdistrict.org Aug. 3-5 Festa Italiana; Boylan High School grounds, 4000 St. Francis Drive, Rockford; Italian music and folk dancing, carnival, children’s activities and Italian food; griaa.com, Facebook or 815-6362902
Aug. 15-19 Winnebago County Fair; Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 500 W. First St., Pecatonica; livestock, 4-H exhibits, music, carnival and more; admission varies by day from $3 to $7, grandstand entertainment is more; winnebagocountyfair.com or 815-239-1641 Aug. 19 Polish Fest; St. Stanislaus Church, 201 Buckbee St., Rockford; traditional Polish dinner, music and dancing, plus children’s games, cultural exhibits and more; ststanislaus.org or 815-965-3913 Aug. 24-26 Cherry Valley Festival Days; Bauman Park, 218 S. Walnut St., Cherry Valley; music, carnival, fireworks, and more; admission buttons for the festival are $5 in advance or $7 Friday and Saturday and $4 Sunday; valleydays.com or 815-3322152 Aug. 26 Midtown Ethnic Parade and Festival; Midtown district, 500 block of Seventh Street, Rockford; a celebration of the diverse cultures in Rockford; parade of colors and customs with dancing, music
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and more, plus festival with ethnic food, beer garden, entertainment, genealogy, children’s activities and more; noon, parade at 1 p.m.; 815-997-5888 Oct. 6-7 Cider n’ Cinnamon Arts & Crafts Fair; Edgewood, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; more than 70 vendors displaying variety of art, jewelry, crafts, clothing, vintage decor and more, with food and live music; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday; edgebrookshops.com/events/ cider-n-cinnamon or 815-226-0212 Nov. 16-17 Holiday Tree Lighting and Open House; Edgebrook, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; visit with Santa, holiday carols, tree lighting, special sales; 815-226-0212 or edgebrookshops.com/events/holidaytree-lighting/%20 Throughout December Rockford River Lights; along Rock River between the State Street and Jefferson Street bridges; Fridays and Saturdays throughout the month; holiday shows of dancing and synchronized lights to music; 5:30-:830 p.m., with shows every 15 minutes; free; gorockford.com
Voyager 2018-19
Rockford Area ~ 93
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The Burpee Museum of Natural History offers a lot for kids to do.
Rockford-area Tourist Attractions Rockford was first settled in 1834 and grew rapidly during the 19th century, when it was known for its production of agricultural machinery and furniture. The early Swedish settlers brought both architecture and culture that still are apparent in the city on the Rock River. Anderson Japanese Gardens The natural beauty and serenity of Anderson Japanese Gardens ranks it as one of the premier Japanese gardens in the United States. Located on 4 acres, the gardens are laden with paths, pools, streams, lanterns, pagodas and waterfalls. Sukiya-style buildings include a guesthouse, gazebo and teahouse. Address: 318 Spring Creek Road Phone: 815-229-9390 Online: andersongardens.org or Facebook Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, May through October Admission: $9 adults, $8 seniors, $7 ages 6 and older Burpee Museum of National History Burpee provides an adventure-filled tour through unique exhibits from prehistoric times to the present. The museum is the
home of Jane, the tyrannosaurus rex, and Homer, the triceratops. The four-story building provides a window to natural history, past and present, including a simulated prehistoric tropical rainforest complete with thunder and lightning. Visitors also learn about wildlife in the Rock River Valley. Address: 737 N. Main St. Phone: 815-965-3433 Online: burpee.org or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday Admission: $8 adults, $7 ages 3-12; special exhibits are more Camp Grant Museum Originally built as a firehouse near the end of World War I, Camp Grant became a U.S. Army induction and training camp during World War II. It has an impressive collection of memorabilia reflecting the lifestyle and history of the era. Address: 1004 Samuelson Road
Phone: 815-395-0679 Online: campgrantmuseum.weebly.com or Facebook Hours: 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, and by appointment Admission: By donation Discovery Center Museum Discovery Center boasts more than 250 hands-on exhibits focusing on participatory learning experiences for children and families. It also offers an area for young children and babies, as well as a gift shop. The two-story museum also has an outside courtyard along the Rock River. Address: 711 N. Main St. Phone: 815-963-6769 Online: discoverycentermuseum.org or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily Admission: $8, free age 1 and younger continued on
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Erlander Home Museum The museum is a cultural centerpiece of Rockford’s Swedish ancestry. The 12-room restored 1871 Victorian home features ethnic furniture, dolls and china collections. Address: 404 S. Third St. Phone: 815-963-5559 Online: swedishhistorical.org Hours: By appointment Tuesday-Friday Admission: $7 Ethnic Heritage Museum Celebrating the immigrants who settled the Rockford region, the Ethnic Heritage Museum, in a restored 1850s home, has six galleries dedicated to the heritages of African-American, Latino, Italian, Irish, Lithuanian and Polish settlers. Address: 1129 S. Main St. Phone: 815-962-7402 Online: ethnicheritagemuseum.org or Facebook Hours: 2-4 p.m. Sunday Admission: $7 adults, $5 students, $15 family Keeling-Puri Peace Plaza The Peace Plaza was installed to celebrate the heritage and diversity in the Rockford community. Situated on 2.5 acres with links to the 20-mile Perryville recreational trail, it has more than 40 national flags with a center peace sculpture, “Harmony Atlas.” Address: Perryville Bike Path at Riverside and McFarland streets Online: keeling-puri-peaceplaza.com Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden Klehm celebrates the beauty of nature through all four seasons. The venue features themed and naturalized gardens intertwined with rare trees and rambling walking paths. There also is a children’s garden complete with a maze. Leashed dogs are welcome. Address: 2715 S. Main St. Phone: 815-965-8146 Online: klehm.org or Facebook Hours: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. daily Memorial Day through Labor Day; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. otherwise; closed Sundays from December through February Admission: $6 adults, $3 seniors, students and ages 3-17 La Paloma Gardens This award-winning gardens is a combination of unfolding outdoor spaces that encourage visitors to stroll leisurely. It is handicapped-accessible, with wide paved pathways throughout the grounds. Address: 3622 Brookview Road Phone: 815-399-0324 Online: lapalomagardens.com or Facebook
Magic Waters Waterpark offers fun for the whole family. Hours: 10 am.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, May-October Admission: $8 adults, $3 seniors Larsen’s Landing Outfitters Larsen’s Landing is a family-owned and operated canoe and kayak rental business on a 30-acre wilderness area with river frontage and hiking paths. Camping is available. Address: 1951 New Milford School Road Phone: 815-516-9070 or 815-516-9175 Online: canoethekish.com or Facebook Hours: By reservation Admission: $70 for a 1-day canoe trip and $45 for a 1-day kayak trip Laser Quest Laser Quest provides high-tech, actionpacked laser tag for up to 30 players at a time in multilevel arenas. Address: 293 Executive Parkway Phone: 815-227-9090 Online: laserquest.com Hours: Vary; check the website or call ahead Admission: $9 for a 15-minute game, $12 for an Ironman game Lockwood Park Trailside Equestrian Centre and Children’s Farm Lockwood Park is home to the Trailside Equestrian Centre and Children’s Farm. Situated on 40 acres of woods and meadows, the park has riding trails for ages 8 and older, a pony ring, wagon rides, hayrides, a petting farm, and a Native American village. Address: 5201 Safford Road Phone: 815-987-8809 Online: rockfordparkdistrict.org/lock-
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wood or Facebook Hours: Vary by attraction; check the website or call ahead Admission: Varies by attraction; check the website or call ahead Magic Waters Waterpark Magic Waters features The Abyss, a dark tube slide; SplashBlaster, a water coaster; Breaker Beach; and The Tsunami, a wave pool. There is even a Little Lagoon for young children. Address: 7820 Cherryvale North Blvd. Phone: 815-966-2442 Online: magicwaterswaterpark.com or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, May 27-Sept. 4; check the website or call ahead for early and late season closures Admission: Varies; check website or call for details Midway Village Museum Set on 137 acres, the Midway Village Museum campus has 26 historic buildings documenting the local history of the late 19th and 20th centuries. The village is representative of a typical rural town in northern Illinois at that time. The campus also includes the Museum Center with exhibitions on local history and the Heritage Gardens, featuring heirloom flowers, unique vegetables and native plants. Address: 6799 Guilford Road Phone: 815-397-9112 Online: midwayvillage.com or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Admission: $7 adults, $5 ages 3-17
Voyager 2018-19 Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens Situated along the banks of the Rock River, Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens is the third-largest conservatory in Illinois, offering an 11,000-square-foot tropical plant exhibition. The site also has the Eclipse Lagoon, with two fountains and a waterfall, a pedestrian bridge and a walkway connecting the conservatory to Sinnissippi Gardens, which has an All-American Rose Selection garden with about 2,000 rose plants and 62 varieties. The gardens also include a 32-foot floral clock, colorfully planted with thousands of annuals, and a shaded perennial garden. Address: 1354 N. Second St. Phone: 815-987-8858 Online: nicholasconservatory.com or Facebook Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Admission: $6 resident adults, $8 nonresident adults; $4 residents 5-17, veterans and seniors, $6 nonresidents; $2 ages 3-4; $3 for all on Tuesday NickelWorld NickelWorld is a family amusement center with more than 100 games, including ticket-dispensing games and video games. Address: 3321 N. Main St. Phone: 815-877-2771 Online: nickelworld.com or Facebook Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily, JuneAugust; 1-9 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, September-May Admission: $2.25 plus game fees Riverview Ice House This facility features a regulation size rink with grandstand seating for 750, as well as a smaller instructional rink and a concession stand. Address: 324 N. Madison St. Phone: 815-963-7408 Online: rockfordparkdistrict.org/publicskate or Facebook Hours: Vary seasonally; check the website or call ahead Admission: Ages 5 and older is $5 for residents and $7 for nonresidents; ages 4 and younger $3 for residents, $5 nonresident Rockford Art Museum The largest art museum in Illinois outside of Chicago, Rockford Museum features an extensive permanent collection of 19thand 20th-century American art. It is noted for regional and national traveling artist exhibits. There also is a museum store. Address: 711 N. Main St. Phone: 815-968-2787 Online: rockfordartmuseum.org or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily Admission: $7 adults, $3 seniors and students, free 12 and younger; free for all Tuesday
Rockford Area ~ 95 Rockford BMX Rockford BMX is considered the premier BMX racing facility in northern Illinois. Address: 4950 Safford Road Phone: 815-874-8719 or 815-964-8657 Online: rockfordbmx.com or Facebook Hours: Vary; check the website or call ahead Admission: Varies; check the website or call ahead Rockford IceHogs The Rockford IceHogs are an American Hockey League affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks. The team plays at the BMO Harris Bank Center. Address: 300 Elm St. Phone: 815-968-5222 Online: icehogs.com or Facebook Hours: Game times vary; check the website or call ahead Admission: Tickets range from $9 to $29 Rockford Speedway This quarter-mile track, known for its high banks, hosts more than 85 events each year, including the post-season National Short Track Championship and National Little Car Championships. Address: 9572 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park Phone: 815-633-1500 Online: rockfordspeedway.com or Facebook Hours: Gates open at 5:30 p.m., races start at 7:27 p.m. Wednesdays JuneAugust; Gates open at 5 p.m., racing starts at 7:07 p.m. Saturdays April-September Admission: Varies, but generally $12 adults, $8 ages 12-17, $5 ages 6-11 Rocky Glen Off-Highway Vehicle Park Rocky Glen boasts miles of trails on more than 120 acres of terrain. Beginning training areas, an obstacle course and technical skills areas are available for four-wheel off-highway vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, go-karts and motorcycles. Address: 4012 S. Main St. Phone: 815-963-8081 Online: rockyglenohv.com Hours: Vary seasonally; check the website or call ahead Admission: $25 adults, $10 ages 12 and younger, free for spectators; $11 for Illinois DNR stickers, required for all riders, and quads and side-by-sides must have flag, $13 – both sold on site Seth B. Atwood Park Seth B. Atwood Park features birds of prey, including eagles, hawks, owls and falcons, available for viewing. The park is on 334 acres with a portion of the Kishwaukee River flowing through it. There are a variety of ecosystems including forests, marshes,
prairies, a large quarry and a dry creek bed. It is home to the Atwood Center, which serves as a visitor’s center and allows for viewing of scheduled feeding of the birds of prey. Address: 2685 New Milford School Road Phone: 815-874-7576 Online: rockfordparkdistrict.org/atwood or Facebook Hours: Atwood Center is open 10 a.m.2 p.m. with a scheduled birds of prey feeding at 1 p.m. Saturday Severson Dells Nature Center The Severson Dells Nature Center is housed in a converted deer lodge. The 369acre forest preserve has a 90-percent concentration of native wildflowers and 2.5 miles of walking paths. It also has a butterfly garden and an indoor beehive and aquarium. Address: 8786 Montague Road Phone: 815-335-2915 Online: seversondells.com or Facebook Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1-4:30 p.m. Sunday Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens Tinker Swiss Cottage, the former home of one-time Rockford Mayor Robert Hall Tinker, offers a glimpse of a forgotten age. The Victorian home was built 1865 and is filled with original furnishings, artwork and family diaries. The cottage is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and the property also has a three-story Swissinspired barn and sprawling gardens. Address: 411 Kent St. Phone: 815-964-2424 Online: tinkercottage.com or Facebook Hours: Tours at 1 and 3 p.m. TuesdaySunday Admission: $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 ages 6-17 Trolley Car 36 Trolley Car 36 is a turn-of-the-century, open-air trolley that carries guests along the scenic Rock River Recreation Path. Address: Riverview Park, 324 N. Madison St. Phone: 815-987-8894 Online: rockfordparkdistrict.org/trolley or Facebook Hours: Check the website or call ahead Admission: Check the website Vintage Spokes Motorcycle Museum The museum houses a private collection of motorcycles and memorabilia, of which 70 percent is Harley-Davidson motorcycles but also includes British, Japanese and Italian vintage bikes, as well as a rare and unique collection of riding clothing and equipment. Address: 4560 Shepherd Trail Phone: 815-877-2453 Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday or by appointment Monday-Friday
96 ~ Whiteside County
www.saukvalley.com
Whiteside County Calendar of Events May 28 Memorial Day celebration; Main Street, Morrison; parade from Main Street to Grove Hill Cemetery; 10:30 a.m.; 815772-7657 May 28 Memorial Day service; American Legion Hall, 300 Washington St., Prophetstown; parade from Legion Hall to Eclipse Square Park for a service; 10 a.m.; 815-537-5139 June 3 Lyndon Car Show; Richmond Park, Lyndon; pancake breakfast, music by 3D Sound, playground and food; 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; 3Dsound.org or 815-778-4484 or 815-778-4940
June 12 Sterling’s Movies at Grandon: “Dispicable Me 3”; Grandon Civic Center, downtown Sterling; concessions available; dusk (about 8:30 p.m.); sterlingmainstreet. org/movies-at-grandon or 815-626-8610 June 16 Taste of Rock Falls; RB&W District Park, 301 E. Second St.; New festival present by South of the Rock Bar & Restaurant Coalition; find on Facebook for more details June 16 Juneteenth CommUNITY Freedom Festival; Propheter Park, 506 E. Sixth St., Sterling; entertainment, children’s activi-
ties and food; 4:30-7 p.m..; YWCA of the Sauk Valley on Facebook or 815-6250333 June 18 Bluegrass Festival; Heritage Canyon, 515 N. Fourth St.; five bands; admission is $10 for adults and children 14 and older; noon-6 p.m.; cityoffulton.us, Facebook or 815-589-392 June 22-23 Summer Splash; riverfront, Rock Falls; buffalo, elk, alligator, pork chops and brats, children’s activities, cruise-in, family movie, pub crawl and more; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday; rockfallschamber.com or 815-625-4500
Peter Balser/pbalser@saukvalley.com
Sand is made at a booth at last year’s Summer Splash festival on the Rock Falls riverfront.
Voyager 2018-19
Whiteside County ~ 97
Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com
Teams get down and dirty during the Tampico Fest’s annual mud volleyball tournament. June 22-24 Tampico Fest; beer tent, live music, mud volleyball tournament, vendor show, car cruise-in, ice cream social; 815-4382680 or tampicoil.com June 26 Sterling’s Movies at Grandon: “The Lion King”; Grandon Civic Center, downtown Sterling; concessions available; dusk (about 8:30 p.m.); sterlingmainstreet.org/ movies-at-grandon or 815-626-8610 July 3 Prophetstown Streetscape; Eclipse Memorial Park; children paint measured squares of the street, plus a 5K walk/run and 1-mile fun run; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; prophetstownil.com or 815-537-5139 July 4 Prophetstown Fourth of July celebration; Prophetstown State Park, Prophetstown; music, children’s races, 3-on-3-basketball tournament, fireworks
and more; prophetstownil.com or 815537-5598
barbecue, Sale of Champions; web.extension.illinois.edu/clw or 815-632-3611
July 7-8 Whiteside County Barn Tour; throughout Whiteside County; 12 historic barns on nine farms in the Morrison area; tickets are $20 per carload and include a tour book and a map; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday; whitesidecountybarntour.org, Facebook or 815-772-2165
June 16 Dick Brown Fishing Derby; Prophetstown State Park, Park Avenue; 8-11 a.m., registration begins at 7:30 a.m.; call police department at 815-537-2386 for more information
July 10 Sterling’s Movies at Grandon: “Lego’s Ninjago”; Grandon Civic Center, downtown Sterling; concessions available; dusk (about 8:30 p.m.); sterlingmainstreet.org/movies-at-grandon or 815-626-8610 July 13-14 Whiteside County 4-H Show; Whiteside County Fairgrounds, 201 W. Winfield St., Morrison; 4-H projects, pork chop
July 24 Sterling’s Movies at Grandon: “Coco”; Grandon Civic Center, downtown Sterling; concessions available; dusk (about 8:30 p.m.); sterlingmainstreet.org/movies-atgrandon or 815-626-8610 July 23-24 Rock Falls River Chase; riverfront; boat races on the Rock River; bring a lawn chair; 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; marineracingclub. com, Facebook or 815-625-4500 continued on
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98 ~ Whiteside County
www.saukvalley.com
Aug. 1 Petunia City Brass; Hinders Field in Rock Falls; drum and bugle corps competition; proceeds benefit Kreider Alliance and the Lee County Council on Aging; tickets are $10, $15 or $20 and available at Kreider Services, Lee County Council on Aging or Venier’s Jewelry or dci.org; 7 p.m.; petuniacitybrass.org, Geoff Vanderlin at 815-876-7726 or Becky Reilly at 815-288-6691 (Event moved because of planned work at A.C. Bowers Field at Dixon High School.) Aug. 3 Hot Dog Day; downtown Sterling; merchants offer 25-cent hot dogs and sodas from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; sterlingmainstreet.org or 815-626-8610 Aug. 4-5 Rock Falls Big Cat Fishing Tournament; Lower Dam Park, West First Street; Event will be held in conjunction with Rock Falls Days, with entertainment throughout the day; 6 a.m. start each day; visitrockfalls.com or Facebook Aug. 7 Sterling’s Movies at Grandon: “Peter Rabbit”; Grandon Civic Center, downtown Sterling; concessions available; dusk (about 8:30 p.m.); sterlingmainstreet.org/movies-at-grandon or 815626-8610 Aug. 14-18 Whiteside County Fair; Whiteside County Fairgrounds, 201 W. Winfield St., Morrison; demolition derby, harness racing, bull riding, truck and tractor pulls, livestock shows, antique tractor parade, music, carnival, food, exhibits and more; whitesidecountyfair.org or 815-772-7329
Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com
Danny Sapp of Pekin unloads his boat during the final weigh-in at 2016’s Bass Pro Shops Big Cat Quest Tournament in Rock Falls. The tournament will return in August this year.. Sept. 8 Art in the Park; RB&W District Park, 301 E. Second St., Rock Falls; Annual exhibition of 10 sculptures will kick off; each year the chaining of sculptures will be met with a gala with music, wine and more; 3-10 p.m.; visitrockfalls.com or Facebook continued on
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Adventure Awaits Timber Lane Christmas Tree Farm Great Selection & Prices On Pre Cut Trees Or Cut Your Own
Your Local RV Sales, Parts & Service Center New and Pre-Owned RV’s Stop in today, and explore the possibilities Fresh Evergreen Wreaths in a Variety of Sizes
TLC T Country Store • Large Selection Of Ornaments • Unique Variety Of Handmade Gifts • Holiday Home Decor & More
Fall hours: Open Fridays and Saturdays 10am-3pm Tree Farm: Open daily starting the Friday after Thanksgiving until Dec. 23rd 7250 Garden Plain Road, Fulton, IL (corner of Frog Pond Rd. & Garden Plain Rd.)
(309) 887-4892
SM-ST1529430
www.timberlanetreefarm.com
815-626-RVRV
(7878) Toll Free: 1-866-626-7878
Chaparral Brook Stone Catalina Freedom Express Aspen Trail Venom Sidewinder
E. Rt. 30 • Rock Falls • www.jeffbrightrv.com SM-ST1530854
Voyager 2018-19
Whiteside County ~ 99
Alex T. Paschal/apsachal@saukvalley.com
Riders hang on Friday on the Pharoah’s Fury ride at the 2017 Whiteside Count Fair.
We have the Place! Let us help host your next party!
The
Lof t at
K’S KORNERS
Rustic atmosphere with seating for up to 300 guests Handicapped accessible & climate controlled Ornate winding staircase Weddings, receptions, special occasion parties “Where Dreams Spiral into Memories”
815-626-2988 • 13030 Galt Road, Sterling, IL 61081
100 ~ Whiteside County
www.saukvalley.com
Peter Balser/Pbalser@saukvalley.com
Jazmin Olivas, a member of the Grupo Allegria, performs a Mexican folk dance during the 2017 Fiesta Day Parade in Sterling. Sept. 15 Fiesta Day parade; Sterling and Rock Falls; parade from Rock Falls to Sterling, closing ceremony and activities in downtown Sterling; 1-5 p.m.; 815-625-2400 or saukvalleyareachamber.com Sept. 15 Paint the Town; downtown Morrison; paint your own 5-by-5-foot square on the street; entertainment, food and more; noon; paintthetownmorrison.com, Facebook or 815-772-2670 Sept. 22 Taste of Fiesta; RB&W District Park, 301 E. Second St., Rock Falls; hispanic and non-hispanic food, music, art, dance, culture, fun fair, businesses and resource booths; free admission; noon-6 p.m.; Facebook Sept. 29 Arts on the Square; Eclipse Square Park, Prophetstown; art show, chili cookoff, car show, live music, scarecrow contest and food; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; prophetstownil.com or 815-537-5139
Sept. 29 Harvest Moon Festival; downtown Sterling; farmers market, arts and crafts, children’s activities and more; sterlingmainstreet.org, Facebook or 815-626-8610 Sept. 29-30 Fall Festival; downtown Fulton, Heritage Canyon, 515 N. Fourth St.; pumpkin painting, gunny sack races, straw bale maze, car show, arts and crafts show, color walk/ run, petting zoo, music and food; 10 a.m.4 p.m.; cityoffulton.us or 815-589-4545 Oct. 13 Hops on the Rock: A Craft Beer Festival; Avenue A and West Second Street in Sterling; must be 21 or older to attend, tickets go on sale early this summer; 2-6 p.m.; sterlingmainstreet.org or Facebook Oct. 20 Beggar’s Night; Heritage Canyon, 515 N. Fourth St., Fulton; trick-or-treat in a historic 1800s village; 2-4 p.m.; cityoffulton. us or 815-589-3925 Oct. 26 Uptown Trick-or-Treat; downtown
Rock Falls; trick-or-treating at business, children’s activities and more; 4-6 p.m.; rockfallschamber.com or 815-625-4500 Oct. 27 Halloween parade; downtown Morrison; children in costume parade down Main Street; 1:30 p.m., lineup at 12:45 p.m.; 815-772-3757 Nov. 16-17 Hometown Holidays; downtown Rock Falls; Christmas walk, bingo, craft show, parade, live reindeer, children’s party and more; rockfallschamber.com or 815-6254500 Nov. 16 Christmas Walk; downtown Sterling; annual tree lighting, visits with Santa holiday treats, children’s activities and more; 5 p.m.; sterlingmainstreet.org, Facebook, 815-626-8610 Nov. 17 Twin Cities Holiday Parade; parade starts in Sterling and ends in Rock Falls; 1 p.m.; rockfallschamber.com, saukvalleyareachamber.com or sterlingmainstreet.org
Voyager 2018-19
Whiteside County ~ 101
Nov. 24 Christmas in Prophetstown and lighted parade; downtown; Small Business Saturday, visits with Santa, soup supper, lighting of the Love Light Tree and parade; lighting of the tree at 5:30 p.m., parade at 6:30 p.m.; prophetstownil.com or 815-537-5139 Nov. 30-Dec.2 Dillon Home Christmas Walk; Dillon Home Museum, 1005 E. Third St., Sterling; tours of the home, which is decorated for the holidays, plus open house by the Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society Museum in the carriage house; admission is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and $6 for a family; tours on the hour 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (except 12 p.m.) Friday and Saturday, walk-through tours 7-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday; 815-622-6202 Dec. 1 Christmas at Heritage Canyon; Heritage Canyon, 515 N. Fourth St., Fulton; crafters in period clothing give demonstrations of pioneer living; noon-7 p.m.; cityoffulton.us or 815-589-3925 Dec. 1 Christmas Walk; downtown Morrison; craft fair, lighted parade, visits with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves, horsedrawn wagon rides and more; morrisonchamber.com or 815772-3757 Dec. 1 Christmas in the Country; downtown Tampico; visits with
Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com
Each year, the Dillon Home in Sterling gets in the holiday spirit with tours and decorations. Santa, lighting of the Christmas tree, children’s royalty contest and more; 4:30 p.m.; tampicohistoricalsociety.com or Joan Johnson at 815-622-8705 Dec. 7 Christmas Walk; downtown Fulton; 2-mile walk/run, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, chocolate coins from Sinterklaus, children’s activities, music and food; 5-7:30 p.m.; cityoffulton.us or 815-589-4545
M&M Aviation Graduation Special Two Hours-Aircraft Rental & Three Hours Flight Instruction
Gift Certificates For “Introductory Flights”
All for $299!
Just $89!
Dixon Airport • 1650 Franklin Grove Road • Dixon
815-622-FLY-1 (3591)
SM-ST1531459
SM-ST1524082
www.mmaviation.net
102 ~ Whiteside County
www.saukvalley.com
Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com
Among the many things Andresen Nature Center in Fulton offers is a see-through bee hive.
ROCK FALLS • Outdoor patio overlooking the Scenic Rock River • Riverside rooms with Private Balcony • Microwave & Refrigerator in every room • Hot Complimentary Express Start Breakfast • Complimentary High Speed Internet • 24-Hour Sundry Shop • Fitness Center • Business Center • Guest Laundry • Indoor Pool
301 EAST SECOND STREET, ROCK FALLS, ILLINOIS | 815-622-4000
1-800-HOLIDAY | WWW.HIEXPRESS.COM/ROCKFALLSIL
Voyager 2018-19
Whiteside County ~ 103
Whiteside County Tourist Attractions Whiteside County was established in 1836. It is the namesake of Gen. Samuel Whiteside, who as a major fought in the Indian Wars in this part of the country from 1812 until the close of the Black Hawk War. The county – speficially the village of Tampico – also is the birthplace of President Ronald Reagan and has a segment of one of the first continental highways: U.S. Route 30, better known as the Lincolnway Highway. Fulton Andresen Nature Center The Andresen Nature Center features displays of local wildlife, insects and flora found along the watershed of the upper Mississippi River. The University of Illinois Extension hosts special programs from March through August. Address: 409 N. Fourth St. Phone: 815-208-7059 Online: cityoffulton.us/visit-fulton/fulton-attractions/andresennature-center.html or Facebook Hours: Open for major events, special programs and private tours Admission: Free De Immigrant and the Windmill Cultural Center This authentic windmill built in the Netherlands and assembled in Fulton honors the town’s rich Dutch heritage. Stone-ground buckwheat, corn, rye, and wheat flours all are manufactured at De Immigrant and are for sale in the gift shop. The cultural center,
dedicated in 2010, houses a collection of 21 European windmills and hosts special exhibits throughout the year. Address: 111 10th Ave. Phone: 815-589-3925 Online: cityoffulton.us/visit-fulton/fulton-attractions/de-immigrant-windmill.html or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Memorial Day through Labor Day; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. MondayFriday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Labor Day-October Admission: By donation Fulton Martin House Museum The home of the Fulton Historical Society, this Civil War-era, Italianate-style home built in 1855 is on the National Register of Historic Places, and contains a Fulton memorabilia collection, an extensive Fulton photo collection and a genealogy research room. continued on
We invite you to stop by and enjoy a multi-level shopping experience
307 First Ave., Sterling Mon.-Fri. 9 - 5:30 p.m., Sat. 9 - 5p.m., Sun. 10 - 4p.m.
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104 ~ Whiteside County
www.saukvalley.com
Morrison-Rockwood State Park is one of the most popular places to camp in the Sauk Valley. Address: 707 10th Ave. Phone: 815-589-3809 Online: cityoffulton.us/visit-fulton/fultonattractions/fulton-martin-house-museum.html Hours: 2-4 p.m. daily and by appointment Admission: Free Heritage Canyon This 12-acre restored and furnished mid-1800s settlement in a former quarry is nestled on the Mississippi River and features homesites, a doctor’s office, a blacksmith shop, a schoolhouse, a church, a swinging bridge and a covered bridge. During special events, the Early American Crafters, a group of Civil War reenactors, and other groups populate the area and bring history to life. Address: 515 N. Fourth St. Phone: 815-589-4600 Online: cityoffulton.us/city/fulton-directory/attractions/heritage-canyon.html or Facebook Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, mid-April
Submitted
through mid-December, and for special events Admission: By donation; $2 adults and $1 for 13 and younger during special events
Online: illinoisadventuretv.org/index. asp?page=st&site=1093 Hours: 1-4 p.m. Friday-Sunday, last Friday in April to Thanksgiving Admission: Free
Morrison
Morrison-Rockwood State Park Morrison-Rockwood State Park comprises 1,164 acres just north of Morrison. It’s named for the city and a combination of nearby Rock Creek and the heavily wooded park area. Lake Carlton, a focal point of the park, is a watershed impoundment built in 1969 with a 38-foot-high, 1,800-foot-long earthen dam across a stream. Fishing, boating, camping, hiking and hunting are available, along with playgrounds, picnic shelters and a concession stand/bait shop/ boat rental. Address: 18750 Lake Road Phone: 815-772-4708 Online: www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/ Pages/MorrisonRockwood.aspx
Morrison’s Heritage Museum The building, on the National Register of Historic Places, was a church in 1865 and later served as Morrison’s Literary Society and Museum. In 1997, it was given to the Morrison Historical Society to be used as a museum. It has been returned to much of its early charm and has had the lower level remodeled and made useful as extra exhibit space. Displays include many products once manufactured locally, such as Rich toys, Summit stoves, and Volckman furniture. Address: 202 E. Lincolnway/U.S. Route 30 Phone: 815-772-3013 or 815-772-4558
Voyager 2018-19 Prophetstown Prophetstown Area Historical Society The society’s collection contains information about Native American life in the Prophetstown area, its early settlers and local history. Phone: 815-537-2224 Address: 320 Washington St. Online: tampicohistoricalsociety.com/ Prophetstown_Historical_Soc.html or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday Admission: Free Prophetstown State Park Camping, fishing and hiking all are available at this wooded park on the northeast edge of the city, along the south bank of the Rock River. Once the site of a Native American village, the 53-acre park derives its name from the prophet Wa-bo-kieshiek, or White Cloud. Coon Creek flows through the park and feeds into the Rock River. Address: Riverside Drive Phone: 815-537-2926
Whiteside County ~ 105 Online: www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/ Pages/Prophetstown.aspx Big Bend State Fish and Wildlife Area This 2,376-acre site along the Rock River has about 250 acres of upland forest, with the remainder of the property a mix of native grassland, tree plantings, tracts of woods, two oxbows and several small wetlands and marshes. Big Bend offers limited hiking and fishing opportunities, with the site’s primary focus on hunting. Address: Van Damme Road Phone: 815-537-2270 Online: www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/ FactSheets/Pages/BigBend.aspx
Rock Falls Centennial Park This 50-acre park offers Storybook Village playground; a pond with paddle boat and canoe rental; tennis courts; baseball, soccer, and flag football fields; a 20-station fitness course, and picnic shelters. Two pedestrian footbridges connect the park to the footpath along Hennepin
Feeder Canal State Park. The Little Red Schoolhouse and Historical Museum and the Red Caboose, an antique Rock Island Line car, also are in the park; both are available to tour by appointment. A butterfly garden was planted this spring. Address: 508 E. 11th St. Phone: 815-625-0272 Online: colomatownshipparkdistrict.com Crystal Lake RV Park Crystal Lake, adjacent to the Hennepin Canal Parkway and across the highway from Centennial Park, has a beach, water activities such as slides, a water trampoline and aqua golf, a go-kart track, fishing, a campground, and a snack bar. Address: 511 E. U.S. Route 30 Phone: 815-622-5974 Online: crystallake1.com or Facebook Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily in the summer Admission: Lake and beach fees are is $6 for 11 and older, $5 ages 3-10; gokarts and aqua golf are more continued on
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Peter Balser/pbalser@saukvalley.com
Jordan Crow casts his line while fishing for trout April 7 at Centennial Park in Rock Falls.
106 ~ Whiteside County
www.saukvalley.com
With over 40 years of experience, Sauk Valley Printing is your local one-stop source offering professional designs, excellent print quality, fast turn-around times, friendly customer service at affordable pricing. full color printing black & white printing graphic design business cards
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letterhead envelopes postcards newsletters fliers invoices carbonless forms notepads continuous forms church bulletins calendars labels/stickers raffle tickets membership cards event tickets booklets menus gift certificates meeting books wedding invitations
contact kris sands at 815.632.6470 ksands@saukvalley.com 3200 e lincolnway - sterling il 61081 (located inside sauk valley media)
Voyager 2018-19
Whiteside County ~ 107
Whiteside County Fair
148th
August 14-18 • Morrison, IL $119,000 in Premiums
Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com
With the help of Elizabeth Tribley (left) and mom Monica Martin, Xavier Davila, 4, tries on a fire suit just his size in February 2013 at the Firehouse Ministries Fire Museum Open House in Rock Falls. Firehouse Ministries Fire Museum Firehouse of God minister and part-time firefighter Brian Tribley saved the former Rock Falls Fire Department building from demolition in 2012 by creating a museum that honors the profession by showcasing vintage firefighting vehicles, equipment and memorabilia. Address: 403 W. Second St. Phone: 815-622-9490 Online: firehouseofgodministries.com/firemuseum.htm or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, June through August, and by appointment Admission: Free Hennepin Canal State Park The Hennepin Feeder Canal, on the National Register of Historic Places, extends from Rock Falls to Sheffield, and offers biking and hiking paths, canoeing, fishing and historical sites along the way. Address: 209 Emmons Ave. Phone: 815-454-2328 Online: www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Pages/HennepinCanal.aspx Lincoln Highway Interpretive Mural One of 30 murals along the historic Lincoln Highway that showcases a unique event that took place during the early years of the highway: the Corn Carnival and an enormous, highly soughtafter, prized blue ribbon. Address: 1412 W. Rock Falls Road Phone: 866-455-4249 Online: drivelincolnhighway.com Rock Falls Fire Department kiosk A small location packed with loads of history, this outdoor kiosk museum allows guests to view the hose cart owned by the Keystone Hose Co., alarm boxes and various firefighting apparatuses and memorabilia. Address: 1013 Seventh Ave. Phone: 815-622-1135 continued on
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Keith Anderson Will Start at 8:00 PM
Martin Family Circus Opening for Keith Anderson
Wednesday August 15 • 6:30pm T Tuesday d P Pro B Bull ll Ridi Riding Thursday FMX Stunt Show Friday Tractor & Truck Pull Saturday Demolition Derby Harness Racing
www.whitesidecountyfair.org
108 ~ Whiteside County
www.saukvalley.com Selmi’s Greenhouse, Farm and Pumpkin Patch Selmi’s, a fifth-generation family farm, has a greenhouse, a farmers market, a pumpkin patch and fall market, and a gift shop. The fall market has a haunted house, petting farm, corn maze, wagon rides, and pumpkins. Address: 1206 Dixon Ave. Phone: 815-626-3830 Online: selmi.com or Facebook Hours: Vary seasonally by attraction; check the website or call ahead Admission: Varies by attraction; check the website or call ahead
Sterling Dillon Home Museum The Dillon Home was donated to the park district in 1980 in memory of Paul W. Dillon and his wife. The home is an example of Italianate architecture, a popular choice of builders in the Midwest from 1830 to 1880. The home was built circa 1858 by Edwin G. Allen for Col. Edward N. Kirk. It was bought by steel magnate Washington M. Dillon in 1882. Address: 1005 E. Third St. Phone: 815-622-6202 Online: sterlingparks.org/location/dillonhome-museum or Facebook Hours: Guided tours at 10 and 11 a.m., and 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday an Saturday; 2, 3, 4 and 5 p.m. Friday Admission: $4 for ages 13 and older, $3 seniors and $8 family Lawrence Park Considered the first park in Sterling, Lawrence Park offers boat and fishing access, horseshoes and, in the winter, eagle watching. Address: Off the Avenue G bridge between Sterling and Rock Falls Phone: 815-622-6200 Online: sterlingparks.org/location/ lawrence-park “Lincoln in Sterling” statue This life-sized bronze sculpture of Abraham Lincoln was dedicated July 18, 2006, on the 150th anniversary of his speech in Propheter Park. Lincoln was campaigning for the newly formed Republican Party and its first candidate for president, John C. Fremont. Don Morris of Rock Falls was the sculptor. Address: Propheter Park, 506 E. Sixth St. Phone: 815-632-6621 Online: ci.sterling.il.us/history.cfm Lincoln-Manahan Home Museum The Lincoln-Manahan Home Museum is a restored 1847 home where Abraham Lincoln spent the night on July 18, 1856. Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com Address: 607 E. Third St. A worker plants trees in Selmi’s new apple orchard April 23 in Rock Falls. Phone: 815-622-6215
Voyager 2018-19
Whiteside County ~ 109
Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com
Devin Carlson, 29, of Sterling plays a round of disc golf March 15 at Sinnissippi Park in Sterling. Online: srfhs.com Hours: 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April through October, and by appointment Admission: Free Sinnissippi Dam and Pedestrian Bridge Built in 1906, this dam raised the Rock River water level by 11 feet so it would flow into the Hennepin Canal. It was restored in 2008 with an added pedestrian walkway. On the Sterling side, enjoy a leisurely stroll and check out the Dillon Home Museum and Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society. On the Rock Falls side, enjoy the Jim Arduini Boat Launch, the Hennepin Canal or a walk along the river’s edge into the downtown or nearby Seward’s Park. Address: Second Street and Emmons Avenue Sinnissippi Park The largest of Sterling’s city parks, Sinnissippi is the site for the Hopewellian Indian Mounds, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The park features bluffs overlooking the scenic Rock River, ball diamonds, a playground, a disc golf course, and the S.M.A.R.T. trail. Nature trails provide bird watching and cross-country skiing, and the bayou is a popular yearround fishing spot. Address: Sinnissippi Road Phone: 815-622-6200 Online: sterlingparks.org/location/sinnissippi-park continued on
1114
Eleventh Eleventh Annual Annual
Whiteside County
Barn Tour July 7, 2018 9am-5pm
July 8, 2018 9am-3pm
Admission is $20 per vehicle. Includes tour book booklet and map
For For more more information, information, call call 815-772-2165 815-772-2165 www.whitesidecountybarntour.org www.whitesidecountybarntour.org
110 ~ Whiteside County
www.saukvalley.com
Krumpets Bakery Café 1016 4th St Fulton, IL
Full menu, breakfast anytime Gluten free options Homemade bread, soup, pies, & pastries
Visit Fulton
Full coffee bar Monday-Friday 6am-4pm Saturday 8am-2pm 815.208.7143 www.krumpetsbakery.com
Learn more about Fulton at www.cityof fulton.us
PIZZA ~ MEXICAN FOOD 1102 4th Street ▪ Fulton, IL
Famous for Pizza & Tacos
Home Decor Accessories Jewelry Purses
& Much, Much More! Hours: M-F 10-5 ▪ Sat 10-4 SM-ST1531523
815-589-2937
Banquet Hall
MANNY’S TOO 305 11th Ave., Fulton, IL
815-589-2520 HOURS: Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun.
BAR 4pm-9pm 11am-10pm 11am-10pm 11am-10pm 11am-11pm 11am-11pm Noon-9pm
FOOD 4pm-9pm 11am-9:30pm 4pm-9:30pm 11am-9:30pm 4pm-10:30pm 11am-10:30pm 11am-9pm
Come Visit Fulton!
SM-ST1531514
On the banks of the Mississippi River Fulton, IL • Authentic Dutch Windmill • Windmill Cultural Center • Andresen Nature Center • Lock & Dam 13 • Great River Trail Bike/Hike/Walk (62.5 miles) • Great River Road • Heritage Canyon Village • Lincoln Highway • Martin House Fulton Museum
For more information: www.cityoffulton.us | 815.589.3925 | Fulton Illinois Tourism
SM-ST1531506
Voyager 2018-19
Whiteside County ~ 111
Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com
Joan Johnson, 79, has been the curator and volunteer coordinator at the Ronald Reagan Birthplace in Tampico since 2005, greeting visitors from across America and around the world. “The birthplace of the only president born in Illinois is something special,” she said in a 2017 interview, and she enjoys her role as a steward of stories of Tampico’s most famous son. Read more about the facility on page 112.
Great River Road Antiques 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
Obsessed with Quilting? We are TOO!
15% off June-Aug 2018
Quilt Supplies For U 2503 N Locust St., Sterling • 815-622-9413 Mon-Fri 10am–5pm • Sat 10am–2pm Closed Sundays & Holidays
www.quiltsuppliesforu.com SM-ST1525953
112 ~ Whiteside County Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society Museum Housed in the Carriage House of the Dillon Home, the museum houses a large collection of items related to local history. Address: 1005 E. Third St. Phone: 815-622-6215 Online: srfhs.com or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and 2-6 p.m. Friday Admission: Free
Tampico Ronald Reagan Birthplace and Museum President Ronald Reagan was born Feb. 6, 1911, in an apartment above a
www.saukvalley.com bakery. The First National Bank bought the bakery in 1919 and was there until the 1930s. The apartment has been restored to look as it did when Reagan was born. The bank also has been restored. The store to the south of the bank, originally a grocery store, now houses the gift shop. Address: 111-113 S. Main St. Phone: 815-622-8705 Online: tampicohistoricalsociety. com/R_Reagan_Birthplace_Museum.html or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1-4 p.m. Sunday, April through October, and for special events Admission: By donation
Tampico Area Historical Society & Museum The museum has two levels with displays of clothing, photos, antiques and other memorabilia. The upper level also is the Family History Library & Research Center for genealogy research. The town’s only newspaper, published from 1876 to 1966, is archived there. The library also has cemetery lists, funeral logs, family history files, photographs, plat maps and more. Address: 119 Main St. Phone: 815-590-2143 Online: tampicohistoricalsociety.com/ Home_Page.html or Facebook Hours: By appointment Admission: Free
GOING ON VACATION? Keep in touch with the news of the Sauk Valley
Would you like N U F g n i h t e m to do so ? d n e k e e w s i h t
Here are some ideas of FUN things to do! Ashton Celebration
OPEN YEAR ROUND The Next Picture Show
JUNE 9-10 • ASHTON
World War II Re-Created
NW Territory Historic Center Loveland Community House & Museum H. I. Lincoln Building/Lincoln Highway Association National Headquarters OPEN APRIL THROUGH OCTOBER Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home Amboy Depot Museum Franklin Creek Grist Mill
AND MORE!
JUNE 22-24 • DIXON
Annual Petunia Festival JULY 4-8 • DIXON
Lee Co 4-H Fair & Jr Show JULY 26-29 • AMBOY
Harvest Festival & LHAEA Antique Tractor Show
Depot Days & Car Show AUG 23-26 • AMBOY
Lions Club Labor Day Celebration SEPT 2-3 • PAW PAW
Nachusa Grasslands Autumn on the Prairie SEPT 15 • FRANKLIN GROVE
AUG 3-5 • FRANKLIN GROVE
Don’t miss a thing! Download LEECOUNTYFUN.COM our FREE mobile app today! 815.288.1840
Camping, Parks & Farmers Markets throughout Lee County!
Located in the northwestern corner of Illinois, Lake Carroll is a private residential recreational community. Just 2 hours west of Chicago. Spring, summer, winter or fall, Lake Carroll has it all. Whether you're looking for a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city-life, or a place to go for the weekend , Lake Carroll is the place for you. Lake Carroll's four-season development offers a wide range of activities including:
A 640 acre Lake offering water sports & fishing 14-mile Trail System to enjoy on your ATV, Tennis Courts horse, snowmobile, or by foot 18-hole Championship Golf Course & Pro Shop Lake Carroll Clubhouse Restaurant Campground Majestic scenic surroundings & wildlife 2 Marinas with slip rentals, Concession, & Gas Indoor & Outdoor Pools Ski Hill & Tube Tow And so much more!
Owning property at Lake Carroll has never been as affordable as it is right now. We truly do have “Lots to Offer.” For more information please visit our website at www.golakecarroll.com today to view a current list of available lots. Select any lot in the list and you will be provided the pertinent information specific to that lot...its location relative to the Lake Carroll community, lot size, price, and a link to the property tax records. If you’re interested in seeing a lot, or have questions, you can contact the Lake Carroll General Manager at 815-493-2552 ext 12 or gm@golakecarroll.com.
Lake Carroll Associaon ~ 3-200 Associaon Drive ~ Lake Carroll, Illinois 61046 ~ 815-493-2552 ~ www.golakecarroll.com