Relax, Unwind
Voyager 2014~15
Escape
&
Clubhouse and Golf Course Open to the Public 815-493-2810 www.golakecarroll.com
Hickory Hideaway More than just lodging
www.hickoryhideaway.com 24366 Payne Rd., Shannon, IL
1-866-333-1333
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WELCOME TO NORTHERN ILLINOIS!
W
e at Shaw Media would like to thank you for picking up a copy of Voyager 2014-15. This magazine has been put together by the staffs of the Daily Chronicle, Kane County Chronicle, Morris Daily Herald and Sauk Valley Media to provide you with an introduction to the best things to do and
see in our readership areas. Each of our communities is proud of the festivals it organizes each year, as well as the landmarks, museums and historic sites it boasts. We invite you to visit each of our communities and revel in all they have to offer.
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 Tom Shaw, CEO of Shaw Media. Ad content is not the responsibility of Shaw Media. 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.
Voyager 2014~15
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WHAT’S INSIDE
VOYAGER 17
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77
58
108
In our spotlight
Grundy County
McHenry County
Havencrest Castle .............................4 June Jam ..........................................6
Calendar of events ..........................34 Tourist attractions ...........................36
Calendar of events ..........................70 Tourist attractions ...........................72
Bureau County
Henry County
Ogle County
Calendar of events ..........................11 Tourist attractions ...........................12
Calendar of events ..........................37 Tourist attractions ...........................41
Calendar of events ..........................77 Tourist attractions ...........................83
Carroll County
Kane County
Quad Cities
Calendar of events ..........................15 Tourist attractions ...........................17
Calendar of events ..........................44 Tourist attractions ...........................46
Calendar of events ..........................92 Tourist attractions ...........................95
Clinton, Iowa
Lake County
Rockford
Calendar of events ..........................22 Tourist attractions ...........................23
Calendar of events ..........................49 Tourist attractions ...........................52
Calendar of events ........................100 Tourist attractions .........................103
DeKalb County
Lee County
Whiteside County
Calendar of events ..........................28 Tourist attractions ...........................31
Calendar of events ..........................58 Tourist attractions ...........................63
Calendar of events ........................108 Tourist attractions .........................120
TO SUBSCRIBE: If you would like to have your name added to our mailing list so you can receive a free copy of Voyager each year, contact Ed Bushman at ebushman@saukvalley.com or 815-625-3600, ext. 681. Or contact Sauk Valley Media directly, in Dixon and Sterling, 815-625-3600, for a complimentary copy of Voyager.
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Fantasy Castle Transports Visitors By: Jean Eggemeyer Rising up from a hill over downtown Savanna rests Havencrest Castle – likely the most unique and luxurious home in the region. The sprawling, ornately decorated, 63-room mansion opened for public tours and events in July 2013. “Havencrest Castle is a museum, art gallery, residence and fairy tale all rolled into one,” says Michael S. Dunavant, the site’s curator and event director. “It’s really a one-of-a-kind place to visit and experience.” In its first 6 months of tour operations, more than 3,500 people explored some of the castle’s fantastical rooms. The 25 rooms included in tours have been transformed into imaginative oases filled with artwork, sculpture and authentic furniture and accessories. The 80-foot long Medieval Hall, for instance, features tapestries, giltfinished walls, knight’s armor, and a grand fireplace topped with a castle-shaped mantle, complete with back-lit stained glass windows, three-dimensional turrets, and miniature gargoyles. Each room, or suite of rooms, is lavishly decorated in its own style. The flowery and airy Fragonard Music Room is based on the 18th Century French artist’s exuberant Rococo style. The Castle’s jeweltoned Maharajah Room features vintage saris tenting the ceiling,
silk cushions for lounging, and authentic Arabian lanterns. Upon entering each successive room, visitors are transported to yet another time and place. “Unlike other historical home tours,visitorsherearenotstopped by velvet ropes,” Dunavant adds. “You can come into each room, peer into the corners, and sit on the furniture. “The home was designed and made for entertaining, and I think that’s why people come more than once – they become very comfortable and truly enjoy the rooms.” While the rooms’ interior design is astonishing, equally amazing is that the home’s owners, Alan St. George and his late wife, Adrianne Blue Wakefield-St. George, did all of the designing and planning, and much of the hands-on work, themselves. He is a trained artist and accomplished painter and sculptor. The mansion is filled with his original works. Mrs. St. George was a talented interior designer and the creative engine behind the castle’s metamorphosis. The inspiration behind the transformation of the mansion – a portion of which is the original Queen Anne style home completed in 1901– was
the intense romantic love felt between the St. Georges. They met as teenagers and spent 31 years together as husband and wife and partners in their project to expand and decorate their home in the manner of the “American aristocracy.” Sculpture and artwork in many of the rooms includes dramatic portraits of the lovers, adding to the fairy tale aspect of the spaces. “The castle provided both Mr. and Mrs. St. George with a canvas to showcase their talents and now it can be shared with everyone,” Dunavant says. Dunavant himself is another draw for visitors. A professional actor and musician, he guides all of the two-and-half- hour tours, often taking a break in the Fragonard Music Room to play guests a tune on the piano while they enjoy drinks. In addition to tours, there will be more opportunities in the near future to enjoy the magic of Havencrest Castle, according to Dunavant. He and other staff members are planning monthly themed, costumed dinners and other special events in the coming year. A welcome center and gift shop [Marker]were just opened in March.
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June
at John Deere
The hills around the small village of Grand Detour will come alive once again in June. The John Deere Historic Site will be hosting the June Jam on June 22, 2014, 10:00am - 4:00pm. During this time there will be an open mic format that will be the stage of several local artist and music genres. “Several years ago we hosted the last June Jam and we felt it was time to bring the music back to Grand Detour. We have the perfect setting amongst the tall trees, the historic settings and the artistic nostalgia, to hold an event the entire community can enjoy”, stated Brian Holst, Manger of the John Deere Historic Site. The regular admission price of $5.00 will be waived if a canned food item is donated at the front entrance. “We have partnered with the Oregon Food Bank in the past and will continue to support
Jam
Historic Site our local agencies that help so many people by providing people with food, a basic essential.” Everyone is encouraged to bring a canned food item for free admission. If you are looking for a day of entertainment and fun bring your lawn chairs, blankets, sunshade and a picnic lunch, and sit back relax and take in the sights and sounds of another great event in the Dixon area. If you would like more information or wish to sign up for an open mic time slot, feel free to contact the John Deere Historic Site at 815-652-4551 or go to the website www.JohnDeereAttractions.com. The John Deere Historic Site is owned and operated by the John Deere Foundation, a 501(C)(3) c h a r i t a b l e organization, s u p p o r t i n g efforts in education, world hunger and community b e t t e r m e n t .
Voyager 2014~15
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Looking “Fore�
Rediscover Golf.
Find Lost Nation.
Mother Nature created a very unique and diverse environment about 6 miles northeast of Dixon which includes:
A Great Golf Course?
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Lost Nation Golf Club will test your skills, and treat your senses, unlike any other golf course in Illinois.
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Visit our website at
www.lostnationgolf.com for rates and weekly specials.
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Call
LOST NATION G O L F C L U B 6931 S. Lost Nation Road Dixon, IL 61021
815.652.4212
for tee-time reservations, group outing information, or our 2014 Information Kit.
Shady Oaks Invites you to come out and play one of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses in northern Illinois. Several attractive membership plans to fit your budget. Monthly payment plans available Kids 12 and under play free with paying adult Shady Oaks Men’s Team Wins Rock River Classic!! Tuesday Night Men’s League at 5:30pm Open format, optional dinner afterwards Wednesday Night Ladies League at 5:30pm Friday Night Mixed Couples League 5:30pm Pot Luck, bring a dish to share Golf & Lung Cards accepted Outings & Play Days welcome Membership benefits include: Preferred Tee Times, Club Tournaments, Lincoln Highway & Rock River Classic Tournaments Reciprocal course agreements and much more
Please call for tee times and rates. 577 US Highway 52, Sublette, IL Jim (Sparky) Larkin, Manager (815) 849-5424 Located on Rt. 52 between Amboy & Sublette
www.shadyoakscc.com
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840 N. GALENA AVE., E., DIXON, N, IL 61021 815.284.WINE(9463) LARGEST SELECTION OF LIQUOR, WINE & BEER CIGARS AVAILABLE PRICE MATCH GUARANTEE (LOCAL COMPETITORS ADVERTISED PRICES ONLY)
DELIVERY AVAILABLE FOR PARTY ORDERS (Minimum Order Required, Delivery Charges Apply)
PLAY SLOTS HERE WINE BAR
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Serving User Groups Year-Round with: Specialized Retreats Family Reunions Teams Course Special Holiday Events Pastoral Retreats Work Projects
Summer Overnight & Day Camp Opportunities Lodging Facilities for 218 (Seasonal) Deliciously Prepared Meals (inc. Allergy Sensitive) River Access (with canoeing and fishing) Tent Camping & RV Park Indoor/Outdoor Chapel Space
621 Reynoldswood Road, Dixon IL 61021 (815) 284-6979 Email: info@reynoldswood.org Z Z Z U H \ Q R O G V Z R R G R U J
100 ~ Rockford area
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Rockford-area events Through June Artists’ Ensemble Theater; Cheek Theatre, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford; www.artistsensemble.org or 815-394-5004
June 10, 12, 17, 24 and 26 Sounds of Summer; Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford; 7-9 p.m.; www.rockfordparkdistrict.org
Through August Starlight Theatre; Starlight Theatre, Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford; www.rockvalleycollege.edu or 815-921-2160
June 11, 18 and 25 Imagination Station; Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford; music, magic, juggling, comedy, and more; 1:30 p.m.; www.rockfordparkdistrict.org
Through August Ski Broncs Waterski Show Team; Shorewood Park, 235 Evelyn Ave., Loves Park; concessions available; 7 p.m. Wednesday and Friday; www.skibroncs.com Through September Rockford Aviators baseball; Aviators Stadium, 4503 Interstate Blvd., Loves Park; www. rockfordaviators.com or 815-885-2255 Through December Pec Playhouse Theatre; 314 Main St., Pecatonica; www.pecplayhouse.org or 815-2391210 June 6 First Fridays; downtown Rockford; downtown art galleries, shops and music and theater venues offer new art, music and goods; www. gorockford.com or 815-963-8111 June 6-8 Garden Fair; Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden; 2715 S. Main St., Rockford; plant and garden goods sale, master gardeners on hand to answer questions, display gardens, and an outdoor café; tickets are $5 in advance or $8 at the door; noon-6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday; www.klehm. org or 815-965-8146 June 6-8 Tebala Shrine Circus; Indoor Sports Center, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park; tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children younger than 12; www.tebalacircus.com or 815-332-4997 June 7-8 Rockford Airfest 2014; Chicago Rockford International Airport, 60 Airport Drive, Rockford; performances by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Army Golden Knights, and more, plus planes, helicopters and more on display; tickets are $20 per carload in advance or $30 per carload at the gate; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; www. rockfordairfest.comor 815-969-4000 June 8, 15 and 22 Live at Levings; Levings Park, 1420 S. Pierpont Ave., Rockford; talent show, followed by a concert; talent show 3-5 p.m., concert 5-7 p.m.; www.rockfordparkdistrict.org
June 14 Midsommar Festival; Erlander Home Museum, 404 S. Third St., Rockford;; a celebration of Swedish heritage, featuring Stockholm Inn’s worldfamous Swedish pancakes, Swedish bakery, a Swedish Marknad (market), children’s activities, a traditional majstang (Maypole) and live entertainment; www.swedishhistorical.org or 815-963-5559 June 18 Council of Rockford Gardeners’ Garden Walk 2014; Rockford; self-guided tour of six gardens; noon-8 p.m.; http://ilclubs.esiteasp.com/crg/gardenwalk.nxg or Jo Anna Betts at 815-399-7085 June 19-22 Old Settlers Days; Settlers Park, East Hawick St., Rockton; music, beer tent, midway, 5K run/ walk, parade, fireworks, and more; 4-day admission passes are $6 in advance and $10 starting June 19; main stage shows are more; www.oldsettlersdays.com, Facebook or 779-772-6051 June 20 Show of Shows; Boylan High School, 4000 St. Francis Drive, Rockford; the best drum and bugle corps in the word perform along with Rockford’s own Phantom Regiment; tickets range from $19 to $65; 7 p.m., gates open at 5:30 p.m.; www.regiment.org/sos June 29 Domingo en el Parque; Levings Park, 1420 S. Pierpont Ave., Rockford; Latino music; 3-7 p.m.; www.rockfordparkdistrict.org July 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29 and 31 Sounds of Summer; Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford; 7-9 p.m.; www.rockfordparkdistrict.org July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 Imagination Station; Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford; music, magic, juggling, comedy, and more; 1:30 p.m.; www.rockfordparkdistrict.org July 4 First Fridays; downtown Rockford; downtown art galleries, shops and music and theater venues offer new art, music and goods; www. gorockford.com or 815-963-8111
July 4 Fourth of July Celebration; downtown Rockford; breakfast, parade and the SkyConcert fireworks show set to music; rockfordfireandice. com July 4-5 4th of July Festival; Durand; music, antique tractor pulls, go-kart races, 5K run/walk, fireworks, parade, and more; www.durandevents. com or 815-248-4445 July 6 and 20 Live at Levings; Levings Park, 1420 S. Pierpont Ave., Rockford; talent show, followed by a concert; talent show 3-5 p.m., concert 5-7 p.m.; www.rockfordparkdistrict.org July 13 and 29 Domingo en el Parque; Levings Park, 1420 S. Pierpont Ave., Rockford; Latino music; 3-7 p.m.; www.rockfordparkdistrict.org Aug. 1 First Fridays; downtown Rockford; downtown art galleries, shops and music and theater venues offer new art, music and goods; www. gorockford.com or 815-963-8111 Aug. 6 Imagination Station; Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford; music, magic, juggling, comedy, and more; 1:30 p.m.; www.rockfordparkdistrict.org Aug. 10 Live at Levings; Levings Park, 1420 S. Pierpont Ave., Rockford; talent show, followed by a concert; talent show 3-5 p.m., concert 5-7 p.m.; www.rockfordparkdistrict.org Aug. 1-3 Festa Italiana; Boylan High School grounds, 4000 St. Francis Drive, Rockford; Italian music and folk dancing, carnival rides, children’s activities, and Italian food; www.griaa.com or 815962-2700 Aug. 5, 7, 12 and 14 Sounds of Summer; Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford; 7-9 p.m.; www.rockfordparkdistrict.org Aug. 12-17 Winnebago County Fair; Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 500 W. First St., Pecatonica; livestock, 4-H exhibits, music, carnival and more; tickets are $5 most days and $7 Friday and Saturday, grandstand entertainment is more; www.winnebagocountyfair. com, 815-239-1641
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Aug. 17 Polish Fest; St. Stanislaus Church, 201 Buckbee St., Rockford; traditional Polish dinner, music and dancing, plus children’s games, cultural exhibits and more; www.st-stanislaus. org or 815-965-3913
Dates unavailable (in early September) Greek Fest; Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 108 N. Fifth St., Rockford; Greek food, dancing and music, charity raffle, church tours, and more; http://gogreekfest. com or 815-963-8625
Aug. 22-24 Cherry Valley Festival Days; Bauman Park, 218 S. Walnut St., Cherry Valley; music, carnival, games, fireworks, and more; admission (buttons) are $5 in advance and good for all 3 days of the festival, general admission is $6 Friday and Saturday and $3 Sunday; www.valleydays.com or 815-332-2152
Oct. 3 First Fridays; downtown Rockford; downtown art galleries, shops and music and theater venues offer new art, music and goods; www. gorockford.com or 815-963-8111
Sept. 5 First Fridays; downtown Rockford; downtown art galleries, shops and music and theater venues offer new art, music and goods; www. gorockford.com or 815-963-8111
Oct. 4 Illinois Paranormal Conference; Veterans Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St., Rockford; speakers and vendors; tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door; 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; www.hauntedrockford.com or 815-8714239
Rockford City Market
Nov. 7 First Fridays; downtown Rockford; downtown art galleries, shops and music and theater venues offer new art, music and goods; www. gorockford.com or 815-963-8111 Dec. 5 First Fridays; downtown Rockford; downtown art galleries, shops and music and theater venues offer new art, music and goods; www. gorockford.com or 815-963-8111 Dec. 5-7 The Nativity; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 324 N. University Drive, Rockford; live nativity, plus nativity sets on display and Christmas music from area choirs; 5-9 p.m. Friday, 2-9 p.m. Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday satellite broadcast featuring Mormon Tabernacle Choir; www. TheNativityRockford.com or 815-394-0722
102 ~ Rockford area
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June 10– August 21, 2014 Admission is only $12 bucks every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday during the 2014 season! NOTE: Discount coupons not accepted on $12 Buck Bargain Days
magicwaterswaterpark.com Conveniently located off I-90 in Cherry Valley, IL Magic Waters Waterpark is a facility of the Rockford Park District CONNECT WITH US!
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Rockford area ~ 103
Rockford-area tourist attractions
R
ockford 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. Peacefully 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. Contact: www.andersongardens.org or 815229-9390 Address: 318 Spring Creek Road Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, May through October Admission: $8 adults, $7 seniors, $6 students Book Stall of Rockford Book Stall has an eclectic selection of more than 12,000 books, specializing in antique magazines and books about history, religion and automobiles. Contact: bookstallrockford.com or 815-9631671 Address: 1032 Crosby St. Hours: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 5 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday and Friday, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday 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 lightening. Visitors also learn about wildlife in the Rock River Valley. Contact: www.burpee.org or 815-965-3433 Address: 737 N. Main St. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday Admission: $8 adults, $7 children ages 4-12; 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. The camp has an impressive collection of memorabilia reflecting the lifestyle and history of the era. Contact: campgrantmuseum.weebly.com or 815-395-0679 Address: 1004 Samuelson Road Hours: 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, and by appointment Admission: By donation CONTINUED ON
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Anderson Japanese Gardens
104 ~ Rockford area
CoCo Key Water Resort This 60,000-square-foot indoor water park features three giant waterslides, an adventure river, an activity pool, and private cabanas. Contact: www.cocokeyrockford.com or 815398-6000 Address: 7801 E. State St. Hours: 4-9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday Admission: $15 on Friday, $20 on Saturday and Sunday
Continental Antiques Continental Antiques specializes in European pieces as well as deco and vintage furniture in 27,000 square feet of display space. Contact: www.continental-antiques.com or 815-226-5771 Address: 2305 Charles St. Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
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 includes an outside courtyard along the Rock River. Contact: www.discoverycentermuseum.orgor 815-963-6769 Address: 711 N. Main St.
www.saukvalley.com
Discovery Center Museum
Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily Admission: $8 East State Antique Mall This 20,000-square-foot antique mall boasts more than 100 dealers. Contact: www.eaststateantiquemall.com, Facebook or 815-229-4004 Address: 5411 E. State St. Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily 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. Contact: www.swedishhistorical.org or 815963-5559 Address: 404 S. Third St. Hours: By appointment Tuesday through Friday Admission: Donation Ethnic Heritage Museum Celebrating the immigrants who settled the Rockford region, the Ethnic Heritage Museum, located in a restored 1850s home, has six galleries dedicated to the heritages of AfricanAmerican, Hispanic, Italian, Irish, Lithuanian and Polish settlers. Contact: www.ethnicheritagemuseum.org or 815-962-7402 Address: 1129 S. Main St.
Hours: 2-4 p.m. Sunday Admission: $5 adults, $3 students, $10 family Forest City Queen River Boat Built in 1979, the Forest City Queen gives 1-hour cruises down the Rock River that include a narrated history of the river and city. Contact: www.rockfordparkdistrict.org or 815987-8894 Address: Riverview Park, 324 N Madison St. Hours: Cruises on the hour 1-4 p.m. Sunday, 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, noon-8 p.m. Thursday, 2-5 p.m. Friday and noon-4 p.m. Saturday, June through August; limited rides given on weekends in September and October; check the website or call ahead for specialty cruise information Admission: $4.50 resident adults, $5 nonresident adults, $3.50 resident children ages 5-17, $4 nonresident children ages 5-17; specialty cruises are more Keeling-Puri Peace Plaza The Peace Plaza was installed to celebrate the heritage and diversity in the Rockford community. The plaza is situated on 2.5 acres and links to the 20-mile Perryville recreational trail. It features more than 40 national flags with a center peace sculpture titled “Harmony Atlas.” Contact: www.keeling-puri-peaceplaza.com Address: Perryville Bike Path at Riverside and McFarland streets
Voyager 2014~15 Klehm Arboretum & 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. Klehm is dog-friendly and leashed dogs are welcome. Contact: www.klehm.org or 815-965-8146 Address: 2715 S. Main St. Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily Admission: $6 adults, $3 seniors, students and children ages 3-17 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. The site also offers camping. Contact: www.canoethekish.com, Facebook or 815-505-3466 Address: 1951 New Milford School Road 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, action-packed laser tag for up to 30 players at a time. The multi-level arenas are alive with special lighting and music. Contact: www.laserquest.com or 815-2279090 Address: 293 Executive Parkway Hours: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 4-11 p.m. Friday, noon-11 p.m. Saturday, noon7 p.m. Sunday Admission: $8.50 for a 15-minute game, $11.50 for an Ironman game Lockwood Park Observatory Lockwood Park Observatory is a joint venture between the Rockford Amateur Astronomers and the Rockford Park District. The observatory houses a custom built 10-inch Astro-Physics refracting telescope, a 10-inch Pierkowski Coelostat solar telescope and several portable telescopes of varying designs and sizes. Contact: www.rockfordamateurastronomers. comor 815-964-6457 Address: 5209 Safford Road Hours: Public viewing at dusk the second and fourth Saturday of the month 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 offers riding trails for riders 8 and older. It also features a pony ring, wagon rides, hayrides, a petting farm, and a Native American village. Contact: www.rockfordparkdistrict.org or 815987-8809 Address: 5201 Safford Rd. Hours: Varies by attraction; check the website or call ahead Admission: Varies by attraction; check the website or call ahead
Rockford area ~ 105 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. Contact: www.magicwaterswaterpark.com or 815-966-2442 Address: 7820 Cherryvale North Blvd. Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdåay, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday and Friday, June 7-Aug. 24; check the website or call ahead for additional early- and late-season hours Admission: $18.99 resident general admission, $23.99 nonresident general admission; $12.99 resident child, 48 inches and under, $16.99 nonresident child, 48 inches and under Midway Village Museum Set on 137 acres, the Midway Village Museum campus features 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 in the late 19th and early 20th century. The campus also includes the Museum Center with exhibitions on local history and the Heritage Gardens featuring heirloom flowers, unique vegetables and native plants. Contact: www.midwayvillage.com, Facebook or 815-397-9112 Address: 6799 Guilford Road Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, January through April and September through December; 10 a.m.4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May through August; village open Thursday through Sunday in May and Tuesday through Sunday, June through August Admission: $7 adults, $5 children ages 3-17 Monkey Joe’s Monkey Joe’s is an indoor playground filled with inflatable jump equipment, slides, obstacle courses and mazes geared toward children ages 4 to 12. It also has a toddler room for children 3 and younger. Contact: www.monkeyjoes.com or 815-3995637 Address: 6663 E. State St. Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday Admission: For children ages 4-12, $7.99 Monday through Friday, $9.99 Saturday and Sunday Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens Situated along the banks of the Rock River, Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens brings the tropics to the Midwest. The facility is the third-largest conservatory in Illinois, offering an 11,000-square-foot tropical plant exhibition. The site also features the recently restored Eclipse Lagoon, with two fountains and a waterfall, as well as a pedestrian bridge and a walkway connecting the conservatory to Sinnissippi Gardens. Contact: www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/ncg or 815-987-8858 Address: 1354 N. Second St.
Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Admission: $6 resident adults, $8 nonresident adults, $4 seniors, $4 resident children ages 5-18, $6 nonresident children ages 5-17; $3 on Tuesday NickelWorld NickelWorld is a family amusement center with more than 100 games, including ticket-dispensing games, redeemable for prizes, as well as video games. Contact: www.nickelworld.comor 815-8772771 Address: 3321 N. Main St. Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily, June through August; 1-9 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, September through May Admission: $2.25 plus game fees Rockford Art Museum The museum, the largest art museum in Illinois outside of Chicago, features an extensive permanent collection of 19th and 20th century American art. It is noted for regional and national traveling artist exhibits. There also is a museum store. Contact: www.rockfordartmuseum.org or 815-968-2787 Address: 711 N. Main St. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily Admission: $7 adults, $3 seniors and students Rockford City Market Rockford City Market features local growers and vendors who sell produce, eggs, meat, cheese, flowers, herbs, baked goods, wine and more, as well as artisans and live entertainment. Trolley Car 36 makes the rounds during the market, too. Contact: www.rockfordcitymarket.com or 815-977-5124 Address: Water Street between State and Jefferson streets Hours: 3-8 p.m. Friday, May 30-Oct. 17; 3-7 p.m. Friday, after Labor Day Admission: Trolley rides are $2 Riverview Ice House This facility features a regulation size rink with grandstand seating for 750, as well as a smaller instructional rink. There also is a concession stand. Contact: www.rockfordparkdistrict.org or 815963-7408 Address: 324 N. Madison St. Hours: Varies seasonally; check the website or call ahead Admission: Open skating $2, skate rental $2 Rockford IceHogs hockey The Rockford IceHogs are an American Hockey League affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks. The team plays at the BMO Harris Bank Center. CONTINUED ON
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106 ~ Rockford area
www.saukvalley.com
Contact: www.icehogs.com or 815-968-5222 Address: 300 Elm St. Admission: Tickets range from $8 to $29 Rockford Speedway This quarter-mile track, known for its high banks, has been tabbed as “Mid-America’s finest racetrack.” The venue hosts more than 85 events each year, including the post season National Short Track Championship and National Little Car Championships. Contact: www.rockfordspeedway.com, Facebook or 815-633-1500 Address: 9572 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park Hours: Gates open at 5 p.m., race begins at 7:05 p.m. on race days Admission: Varies, but generally $12 adults, $8 students age 12-17, $5 children age 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, allterrain vehicles, go-karts and motorcycles. Contact: www.rockyglenohv.com or 815-9638081 Address: 4012 S. Main St. Hours: 2 p.m.-dusk Wednesday and 10 a.m.5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Admission: $20 adults, $10 children 12 and younger, $5 spectators Searls Park BMX race course Searls Park is considered to be northern Illinois’ premier BMX race facility. Contact: www.rockfordbmx.com, Facebook or 815-874-8719 Address: 4950 Safford Road Hours: Varies; check the website or call ahead Admission: Varies; check the website or call ahead Seth B. Atwood Park Seth B. Atwood Park features birds of prey, including eagles, hawks, owls and falcons, available for viewing. The park is situated 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. Contact: http://rockfordsportscore.com/ atwood or 815-874-7576 Address: 2685 New Milford School Road Hours: Atwood Center is open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. with a scheduled birds of prey feeding at 1 p.m. Saturday Admission: No charge to view birds during park hours Severson Dells Nature Center The Severson Dells Nature Center 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.
Magic Waters Waterpark Contact: www.seversondells.com or 815-3352915 Address: 8786 Montague Road Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 1-4:30 p.m. Sunday
Address: 411 Kent St. Hours: Tours at 1 and 3 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday Admission: $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children ages 6-17
Sinnissippi Gardens Located along the Rock River, Sinnissippi Gardens features an All-American Rose Selection rose garden with approximately 2,000 rose plants and 62 varieties, including the year’s newest award winners. The gardens also include a 32-foot floral clock, colorfully planted with thousands of annuals, and a peaceful shaded perennial garden. Adjacent to the gardens is the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, a year-round exhibition of tropical trees, plants, flowers, and changing floral displays. Contact: www.rockfordparkdistrict.org or 815987-8812 Address: 1354 N. Second St.
Trolley Car 36 Trolley Car 36 is a turn-of-the-century, openair trolley that carries guests along the scenic Rock River Recreation Path. Contact: www.rockfordparkdistrict.org or 815987-8894 Address: Riverview Park, 324 N. Madison St. Hours: Rides on the hour 1-4 p.m. Sunday, noon-8 p.m. Thursday and noon-4 p.m. Saturday, June through August; limited rides given on weekends in September and October Admission: $3.50 resident adults, $4 nonresident adults, $3 resident children ages 5-17, $3.50 nonresident children ages 5-17
Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens Tinker Swiss Cottage, the former home of onetime 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. The property includes a three-story Swissinspired barn and sprawling gardens. Contact: www.tinkercottage.com or 815-9642424
Vintage Spokes Motorcycle Museum The museum houses a private collection of motorcycles and memorabilia, of which 70 percent is Harley-Davidson motorcycles and includes British, Japanese and Italian vintage bikes, as well as a rare and unique collection of riding clothing and equipment. Contact: Facebook or 815-877-2453 Address: 4560 Shepherd Trail Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday or by appointment
Voyager 2014~15
Whiteside County ~ 107
Dog Days in Sterling
We invite you to stop by and enjoy a multi-level shopping experience
307 First Ave.,Sterling 815-564-9376 Mon.-Fri. 9 - 6p.m. Sat. 9 - 5p.m.; Sun. 10 - 4p.m.
108 ~ Whiteside County
www.saukvalley.com
Whiteside County events May 29 Sterling’s Movies at Grandon: “Monsters University�; Grandon Civic Center, downtown Sterling; concessions available; dusk; www.sterlingmainstreet.org or 815-626-8610 May 31 Shop Small Saturday; merchants in Dixon, Sterling and Rock Falls; merchants offer promotions throughout the day and specials for shoppers who wear a Sauk Valley Shop Small button; www.saukvalleyshopsmall.com, Facebook or saukvalleyshopsmall@gmail.com June 1 Blessing of the Bike; downtown Fulton; hundreds of motorcycles descend upon downtown for the annual blessing ceremony by local clergy; 1-3 p.m.; www.cityoffulton.us or 815-589-4545 June 1 Lyndon Car Show; Richmond Park, Lyndon; pancake breakfast, music by 3D Sound, playground and food; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; www.3Dsound. org or 815-778-4484 June 3-7 The Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Com-
merce’s Carnival Days; Northland Mall, 2900 E. Lincolnway, Sterling; midway and rides; www. saukvalleyareachamber.com or 815-625-2400 June 10 Twin City Cruizers’ Cruise Night; Culver’s, 1901 Harley-Davidson Drive, Rock Falls; 5 p.m.; www.twincitycruizers.com June 12 Sterling’s Movies at Grandon: “Despicable Me 2�; Grandon Civic Center, downtown Sterling; concessions available; dusk; www.sterlingmainstreet.org or 815-626-8610 June 12 Fulton Summer Nights; Den Besten Park, Fulton; old-fashioned community gathering; games, music and food; 6-8 p.m.; www.cityoffulton.us or 815-589-4545 June 19 Ice cream social; Resthave nursing home, 408 Maple Ave., Morrison; music, ice cream and picnic fare; 5:30-7 p.m.; 815-772-4021 June 19-21 Shakespeare in the Park – “Much Ado
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About Nothing�; Woodlawn Arts Academy, 3807 Woodlawn Road, Sterling; bring lawn chairs, blankets, food and beverages; 7 p.m.; www.svcc.edu/finearts/theatre, “SVCC Theatre� on Facebook or 815-835-6366 June 21 Dog Days – A Celebration of Pets; Central Park/Grandon Civic Center, downtown Sterling; pooch-related contests, exhibits, demonstrations and vendors; leashed dogs welcome; 815626-8610 June 21 Blue Grass Festival; Heritage Canyon, 515 N. Fourth St.; $5 per person or $10 per family; 1-6 p.m.; www.cityoffulton.us or 815589-4545 June 24 Carson and Barnes Circus; Gieson Motorsports, 800 E. Rock Falls Road, Rock Falls; circus, petting zoo, elephant rides and camel rides; www.rockfallschamber.com or 815625-4500
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110
Voyager 2014~15
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Huge Selection of New & Pre-Owned Bikes
Ladies Apparel New For Spring/Summer
Whiteside County ~ 109
GET YOUR GEAR ON THIS SEASON
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Outdoor Entertaining Harley Style
We carry a wide variety of Helmets, Glasses, & Outerwear
Workman Harley-Davidson, Inc. 1903 Harley-Davidson Drive, 9VJR -HSSZ ‹
Voyager 2014~15
Bureau County ~ 11
Bureau County events Through December Festival 56 summer theatre festival; Grace Performing Arts Center, 316 S. Main St., Princeton; www.festival56.com or 815-879-5656 June 1, 15 and 29 Princeton Community Band concert; Soldiers and Sailors Park, Princeton; bring a lawn chair, refreshments available; 6 p.m.; 815-875-2631 June 1 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.; www.w9mks.org, Facebook or 815-313-5924 June 6-8 Buffalo Days; LaMoille; buffalo burgers and pork chops, beer garden, live music, 5K run/ walk, carnival, tractor show, petting zoo, and more; www.lamoillebuffalodays.org June 7 Art in the Park; Soldiers and Sailors Park, Princeton; www.princetonchamber-il.com or 815-875-2616 June 13-14 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.; www. moreon34.com, Facebook or 815-875-2616 June 13-14 Neponset Picnic Days; Neponset; pancake breakfast, 5K run/walk, parade, car show, antique implement and tractor show, beer garden, music, children’s games, and more; Facebook or 815-594-2201 June 14 Strawberry Festival; West Park, Tiskilwa; Plow Creek Farm berries, ice cream and strawberry shortcake, plus lunch fare; 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; www.plowcreek.org/farm, Facebook or 815646-4862 June 20-21 Cattleman’s Beef and Ag Festival; Princeton; steak dinners and live music; www.princetonchamber-il.com or 815-875-2616 June 21 Spring Valley Outdoors Expo; downtown Spring Valley; hunting, fishing, boating and other outdoor sports vendors; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; 815-303-4327 June 21 Old Wheels Car Show; First Lutheran Church, 116 N. Pleasant St., Princeton; 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Facebook
July 3-7 Walnut Hometown Celebration; Walnut; 10K bicycle race and 5K family bicycle ride, Little Miss Bureau Valley pageant, carnival, craft show, car and truck show, parade, and more; www. villageofwalnut.com or 815-379-2141 July 3 Fireworks; Hall High School, 800 W. Erie St., Spring Valley; dusk July 4 Fourth of July celebration and fireworks; Zearing Park, Princeton; dusk July 6, 20 and 27 Princeton Community Band concert; Soldiers and Sailors Park, Princeton; bring a lawn chair, refreshments available; 6 p.m.; 815-875-2631 July 10-12 Wyanet Summer Festival; Memorial Park, Wyanet; live music, beer garden, parade, 5K run/walk, Little Miss/Mister contest, bags tournament, and more; www.wyanetfestival.com or 815-699-2224 July 11-13 Ladd Daze; War Memorial Park, Ladd; live music, beer garden, Golden Chicken race, children’s games, and more; 815-894-2440 July 19-20 Ol’ Fashun Threshun Days; Albrecht Grove, Ohio; threshing demonstrations, flea market, craft show, petting zoo, tractor pull, music, and more; admission is $4; 815-498-2013 July 24-27 Bureau County 4-H Fair; Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W. Peru St., Princeton; displays of 4-H projects and a livestock and horse show; http://web.extension.illinois.edu, Facebook, or 815-875-2878 July 25-27 Lake DePue National Championship Boat Races; Lake DePue, DePue; boat races, live music, 5K run/walk, food, and more; admission is $3; www.depuemensclub.org or 815-228-1320 July 26 Mingle on Main; The Feed Store & Watering Hole, 212 Main St., Malden; car, truck, motorcycle and tractor show, craft show, music, food, and more; 815-643-2549 July 31-Aug. 3 Pow-Wow Days; West Park, Tiskilwa; Lil’ Spurs Rodeo, car show, parade, 5K run/walk, petting zoo, children’s games, and more; www. powwowdays.com, “Tiskilwa Community Association” on Facebook or 815-646-4121
Aug. 20-24 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; www.bureaucountyfair.com, Facebook or 815-875-2905 Sept. 12-14 Homestead Festival; Princeton; parade, rib cook-off, car show, arts and craft show, horsedrawn wagon rides, petting zoo, and more; www.homesteadfestival.com or 815-875-3461 Sept. 13 Spring Valley Historic Association Antique Car Show; 100 and 200 blocks of West St. Paul Street, Spring Valley; DJ, 50/50 raffle and food; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Debb Ladgenski at 815-830-4303 Oct. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25 Nightmare on Fairgrounds Road; Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W. Peru St., Princeton; haunted fairgrounds, plus hayrack rides, bonfire and food; 7-9:30 p.m.; www.nightmareonfairgroundsroad.com or 815-875-2905 Oct. 11-12 Shadows of the Blue and Gray Civil War reenactment; City County Park, Princeton; admission is $5 for adults and children 6 and older; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday; www.shadowsoftheblueandgray. com or 815-760-0487 Nov. 8-9 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.; www.bureaucountyfair.com or 815-303-2905 Nov. 15 Christmas in the Valley; downtown Spring Valley; vendor show to benefit the local food pantry, family holiday activities, and more; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; www.spring-valley.il.us or 815-664-2753 Nov. 15 Northern Illinois Model Train Fair and Farm Toy Show; Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W. Peru St., Princeton; admission is $4; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; www.bureaucountyfair.com or 815-875-2176 Dec. 6 Lighted Santa Parade; downtown Spring Valley; 6 p.m. www.spring-valley.il.us or 815-664-2753 Dec. 19-21 Live nativity; Walnut Community Bible Church, 125 Jackson St., Walnut; 6-8 p.m.; walnutcommunitybiblechurch.org or 815-379-2645
110 ~ Whiteside County
www.saukvalley.com
June 26-28 Shakespeare in the Park – “Much Ado About Nothing”; Woodlawn Arts Academy, 3807 Woodlawn Road, Sterling; bring lawn chairs, blankets, food and beverages; 7 p.m.; www.svcc.edu/finearts/theatre, “SVCC Theatre” on Facebook or 815-835-6366 June 26 Sterling’s Movies at Grandon: “The Fox and the Hound”; Grandon Civic Center, downtown Sterling; concessions available; dusk; www.sterlingmainstreet.org or 815-626-8610 June 27 Fourth Fridays; Sterling; businesses host artists and musicians and offer activities and promotions; www.sterlingmainstreet.org/fourthfridays, Facebook or 815-626-8610 June 27-29 Summer Splash; riverfront, Rock Falls; buffalo, elk, alligator, pork chops and brats, children’s activities, vendors and more; 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; www.rockfallschamber.com or 815-625-4500
June 28-29 Rock Falls River Chase; riverfront, Rock Falls; boat races on the Rock River; bring a lawn chair; 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; www.rockfallschamber.com or 815-625-4500 June 30 “Mother Jones: A Force of Nature”; Windmill Cultural Center, 111 10th Ave., Fulton; talk presented by Simon Cordery of Western Illinois University; 6 p.m.; www.cityoffulton.us or 815-589-4545 July 3 Sauk Valley Jaycees fireworks display; Westwood Sports and Fitness Center, 1900 Westwood Drive, Sterling; music, children’s activities, and food; admission is $5 for a carload; fireworks at dusk; Adam Johnson at 815-718-5089 July 3 Prophetstown Streetscape; Eclipse Memorial Park, Prophetstown; children paint measured squares of the street, plus a 5K run/walk and 1-mile fun run; 9 a.m.-4 p.m., race at 6 p.m. www.prophetstownil.com or 815-537-5139
July 4 Prophetstown Fourth of July fireworks celebration; Prophetstown State Park, Prophetstown; music, children’s races, 3-on-3-basketball tournament, fireworks, and more; www. prophetstownil.com or 815-537-5598 July 5 Firecracker Weekend Bogs-Drags-Demo; The Bike Barn, 13524 Black Road, Morrison; 4x4 mud bogs, drags, 500 class drags and demolition derby; 11 a.m.; www.peatmonster. com, www.omanationals.com or 815-775-3641 July 8 Twin City Cruizers’ Cruise Night; Culver’s, 1901 Harley-Davidson Drive, Rock Falls; 5 p.m.; www.twincitycruizers.com July 9 “Life’s A Breeze: Presidential Rest and Relaxation”; Windmill Cultural Center, 111 10th Ave., Fulton; presented by Ron Koehn, retired Fulton High School teacher; 6 p.m.; www.cityoffulton.us or 815-589-4545
Sauk Valley Jaycees fireworks display in Sterling
Voyager 2014~15
Whiteside County ~ 111
July 10 Sterling’s Movies at Grandon: “Frozen”; Grandon Civic Center, downtown Sterling; concessions available; dusk; www.sterlingmainstreet.org or 815-626-8610
July 25 Fourth Fridays; Sterling; businesses host artists and musicians and offer activities and promotions; www.sterlingmainstreet.org/fourthfridays, Facebook or 815-626-8610
July 10 Fulton Summer Nights; Den Besten Park, Fulton; old-fashioned community gathering; games, music and food; free; 6-8 p.m.; www. cityoffulton.us or 815-589-4545
July 26 Sterling Main Street Music Fest; Central Park/Grandon Civic Center, downtown Sterling; four bands, arts and crafts show and food; admission is $5 for adults and children 13 and older; gates open at 1 p.m.; www.sterlingmainstreet.org, Facebook or 815-626-8610
July 12-13 Whiteside County Barn Tour; throughout Whiteside County; 11 historic barns, antique farm equipment displays, and lunch by the Whiteside County Cattleman’s Association; 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; www.whitesidecountybarntour. com or 815-772-2165 July 14-17 Whiteside County 4-H Show; Whiteside County Fairgrounds, 201 W. Winfield St., Morrison; 4-H projects, pork chop barbecue, Sale of Champions; web.extension.illinois.edu/clw or 815-772-4075 July 24 Sterling’s Movies at Grandon: “The Muppet Movie”; Grandon Civic Center, downtown Sterling; concessions available; dusk; www.sterlingmainstreet.org or 815-626-8610
Aug. 1 Hot Dog Day; downtown Sterling; merchants offer 25-cent hot dogs and sodas over the lunch hour; www.sterlingmainstreet.org or 815-6268610 Aug. 1 “Gaelic Songs: Beauty and Nature”; Windmill Cultural Center, 111 10th Ave., Fulton; presented by Dan Haughey, musician and storyteller; free; 6 p.m.; www.cityoffulton.us or 815-589-4545 Aug. 2 Touch-a-Truck and Corn Boil Family Day; Second Street and Avenue A, Rock Falls; vehicles from area agencies and businesses on display, plus Selmi’s sweet corn and other food; 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; “Optimist Club of Rock Falls IL” on Facebook or John Watts, 815-631-3012
Aug. 2-3 Native American Pow-Wow; Prophetstown State Park, Prophetstown; Native American encampment, dancing, drumming, music, food, and more; 10 a.m., grand entries at 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday; www.prophetstownil.com or 815-537-5139 Aug. 7 Sterling’s Movies at Grandon: “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”; Grandon Civic Center, downtown Sterling; concessions available; dusk; www.sterlingmainstreet.org or 815-626-8610 Aug. 8-9 Lincoln Buy-Way; miles and miles of rummage sales along the Lincoln Highway; www. drivelincolnhighway.com Aug. 10 Twin City Cruizers’ Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show; Centennial Park, Rock Falls; music by 3D Sound; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; www.twincitycruizers.com or 815-625-1839 Aug. 12-16 Whiteside County Fair; Whiteside County Fairgrounds, 201 W. Winfield St., Morrison; demolition derby, harness racing, pro bull riding, truck and tractor pulls, livestock shows, antique tractor parade, concerts, carnival, food, exhibits and more; www. whitesidecountyfair.org or 815-772-7329 CONTINUED ON
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112 ~ Whiteside County
www.saukvalley.com
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Whiteside County ~ 113
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Whiteside County Fair in Morrison
Aug. 12 Twin City Cruizers’ Cruise Night; Culver’s, 1901 Harley-Davidson Drive, Rock Falls; 5 p.m.; www.twincitycruizers.com
family activities including a fishing derby in the swimming pool, rock climbing and archery; free hot dog lunch provided; http://srf.saukvalleyymcas.org or 815-535-9622
Aug. 14 Fulton Summer Nights; Den Besten Park, Fulton; old-fashioned community gathering; games, music and food; free; 6-8 p.m.; www. cityoffulton.us or 815-589-4545
Aug. 23 Shop Small Saturday; merchants in Dixon, Sterling and Rock Falls; merchants offer promotions throughout the day and specials for shoppers who wear a Sauk Valley Shop Small button; www.saukvalleyshopsmall.com, Facebook or saukvalleyshopsmall@gmail.com
Aug. 16 Team Underwires Proud to Wear Pink! motorcycle ride; Workman Harley-Davidson, 1903 First Ave., Rock Falls; proceeds benefit breast cancer programs; register from 10 a.m. to noon; cost is $20 for riders 16 and older, $5 for children; www. teamunderwires.com or 815-441-4458 Aug. 22 Fourth Fridays; Sterling; businesses host artists and musicians and offer activities and promotions; www.sterlingmainstreet.org/fourthfridays, Facebook or 815-626-8610 Aug. 23 Outdoor Adventure Fest; Sterling-Rock Falls Family YMCA, 2505 YMCA Way, Sterling; free
Aug. 29 Sterling Storytelling and Art Festival; Woodlawn Arts Academy, 3807 Woodlawn Road, Sterling; storytelling by Al Batt of Heartland, Minn., and Susan O’Halloran of the Chicago area and juried art show; admission is a $7 donation; art show 6-8 p.m., stories at 8 p.m.; http://sterlingfestival.org or 815-625-1370 Sept. 6 Taste of Fiesta; Central Park/Grandon Civic Center, downtown Sterling; Mexican musicians and dancers, folk art, children’s activities and giveaways, and food; children’s activities noon-3 p.m., food and entertainment noon-6 p.m.; “Fiesta Days
in Sterling-Rock Falls” on Facebook or Irene LewisWimbley at 815-625-0013, ext. 119 Sept. 6 Arts on the Square; Eclipse Square Park, Prophetstown; art show, live music, scarecrow contest, and food; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; www.prophetstownil.com or 815-537-5139 Sept. 9 Twin City Cruizers’ Cruise Night; Culver’s, 1901 Harley-Davidson Drive, Rock Falls; 5 p.m.; www.twincitycruizers.com Sept. 11 Featured Food Walk; downtown Fulton; local businesses offer items featuring pumpkin, door prizes and special sales; get a punch card at the Masonic Lodge, 1012 Fourth St.; 4-7 p.m.; www.cityoffulton.us or 815-589-4545 Sept. 13 Fiesta Day parade; Sterling and Rock Falls; parade from Sterling to Rock Falls, closing ceremony at bandshell in Veterans Memorial Park, Rock Falls, art display at Lincoln Learning Center, 611 E. Third St., Sterling; Irene LewisWimbley at 815-625-0013, ext. 119
Voyager 2014~15
Whiteside County ~ 115
Sept. 15 The Rock River Valley Barbershop Chorus’ annual Youth in Harmony Festival concert; Centennial Auditorium, 1608 Fourth Ave., Sterling; admission is $5; 6:30 p.m.; Facebook or 815-973-3956
Oct. 4-5 Fall Festival; Heritage Canyon, 515 N. Fourth St., Fulton; crafters in period clothing give demonstrations of pioneer living; admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; www.cityoffulton.us or 815-589-4545
Sept. 20 Paint the Town; downtown Morrison; paint your own 5-by-5-foot square on the street; entertainment, food and more; noon; www. paintthetownmorrison.com or Facebook
Oct. 11 Harvest Moon Festival; downtown Sterling; children’s activities, hay rack rides, arts and crafts, and more; www.sterlingmainstreet. org, Facebook or 815-626-8610
Sept. 22 “Chad Pregracke’s River Cleanup Projects�; Windmill Cultural Center, 111 10th Ave.; presented by KeeKee Pregracke of Black Hawk College; 6 p.m.; www.cityoffulton.us or 815589-4545
Oct. 18 Beggar’s Night; Heritage Canyon, 515 N. Fourth St., Fulton; trick-or-treat in a historic 1800s village; 4-8 p.m.; www.cityoffulton.us or 815-589-4545
Sept. 26 Fourth Fridays; Sterling; businesses host artists and musicians and offer activities and promotions; www.sterlingmainstreet.org/fourthfridays, Facebook or 815-626-8610 Oct. 4 Fall Festival; downtown Fulton; pumpkin painting, gunny sack races, straw bale maze, arts and crafts show, petting zoo, music and food; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; www.cityoffulton.us or 815-589-4545
Oct. 19 Coon Creek Men’s Club Farm Toy Show; Prophetstown High School, 310 W. Riverside Drive, Prophetstown; farm toys, construction toys, collectibles, antique tractor display, and food; admission is $2 for adults and children 13 and older; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; www.prophetstownil. com, 815-537-5139 or 815-537-2631 Oct. 22 “Bird Life at the Top of the World�; Windmill Cultural Center, 111 10th Ave.; a 73-minute video presented by the Aldo Leopold Foundation; 6 p.m.; www.cityoffulton.us or 815-589-4545
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Oct. 24 Fourth Fridays; Sterling; businesses host artists and musicians and offer activities and promotions; www.sterlingmainstreet.org/fourthfridays, Facebook or 815-626-8610 Oct. 26 Twin City Cruizers’ Toy Run Cruize; Culver’s, 1901 Harley-Davidson Drive, Rock Falls; music by 3D Sound, bake sale and auction; entry is a new, unwrapped toy to benefit Toys for Tots; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; www. twincitycruizers.com Nov. 4 “Green Fire: Aldo Leopold and a Land Ethic for Our Time�; Windmill Cultural Center, 111 10th Ave.; presented by Kurt Burnham, president, High Arctic Institute; 6 p.m.; www.cityoffulton.us or 815-589-4545 Nov. 7-8 and 14-15 The Great Route 64/84 Holiday Shop Hop; 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.; www.cityoffulton.us or 815589-4545 CONTINUED ON
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116 ~ Whiteside County
www.saukvalley.com
Nov. 18-23 Festival of Trees; Woodlawn Arts Academy, 3807 Woodlawn Road, Sterling; event benefits Hospice of the Rock River Valley; holiday trees and decor on display, country store, and entertainment; 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; www.hospicerockriver.org or 815-288-3673 Nov. 20-23 Hometown Holidays; downtown Rock Falls; Christmas walk, craft show, parade, live reindeer, children’s party, and more; www.rockfallschamber.com or 815-625-4500 Nov. 22 Twin Cities Holiday Parade; parade starts in Sterling, ends in Rock Falls; www.rockfallschamber.com, www.saukvalleyareachamber.com or www.sterlingmainstreet.org Nov. 28 Fourth Fridays; Sterling; businesses host artists and musicians and offer activities and promotions; www.sterlingmainstreet.org/fourthfridays, Facebook or 815-626-8610 Nov. 29 Christmas in Prophetstown and lighted parade; downtown Prophetstown; 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.; www.prophetstownil.com or 815-537-5139 Dec. 3-7 Seasonal Sights and Sounds; downtown Sterling; music, Christmas Walk, visits with Santa, children’s activities, and more; www. saukvalleyareachamber.com, Facebook or 815625-2400 Dec. 5 Christmas Walk; downtown Fulton; 2-mile run/walk, arts and craft show, ice carving, live nativity, puppet show, children’s activities, music and food; 5-7:30 p.m.; www.cityoffulton.us or 815-589-2616 Dec. 6 Christmas at Heritage Canyon; Heritage Canyon, 515 N. Fourth St., Fulton; crafters in period clothing give demonstrations of pioneer living; noon7 p.m.; www.cityoffulton.us or 815-589-2616 Dec. 6 Morrison Christmas Walk; downtown Morrison; craft fair, lighted parade, visits with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves, horse-drawn wagon rides, and more; morrisonchamber.com or 815772-3757 Dec. 6 Taste of Prophetstown; Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, 320 LaFayette St., Prophetstown; wine and beer tasting, appetizers, live music and charity auction; tickets are $20, which includes a souvenir glass and six samples; 6 p.m.; www. prophetstownil.com or 815-537-5139 CONTINUED ON
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Festival of Trees in Sterling
Voyager 2014~15
Whiteside County ~ 117
1910 E. 4th Street, Stering, IL.
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Summit Grills Q Gas Grill
www.jimprescottbbqshop.com
118 ~ Whiteside County
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Voyager 2014~15
Whiteside County ~ 119
Dec. 5-7 Dillon Home Christmas Walk; Dillon Home Museum, 1005 E. Third St., Sterling; tours of the home, which is decorated for the holidays, “Christmases Past� open house by the Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society Museum in the carriage house; admission is $2.50 for adults, $1.50 for seniors and $5 for a family; tours on the hour 10 a.m.-3 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. 6 Christmas in the Country; downtown Tampico; visits with Santa, lighting of the Christmas tree and more; 4:30 p.m.; www.tampicohistoricalsociety.com or Joan Johnson at 815-622-8705 Dec. 26 Fourth Fridays; Sterling; businesses host artists and musicians and offer activities and promotions; www.sterlingmainstreet.org/fourth-fridays, Facebook or 815-626-8610 Jan. 10 Bald Eagle Watch; Lock and Dam 13; info@cityoffulton.us or 815-5892616 May 1-2 Dutch Days; downtown Fulton; residents of Fulton celebrate their Dutch heritage, arts and crafts vendors, windmill tours, Dutch dancing and costumes, antique tractor display, parade and food and concession stands; info@cityoffulton.us or 815-589-2616
JULY 12-13, 2014 Saturday, July 12, 9a.m. to 5p.m. Sunday, July 13, 9a.m. to 3p.m.
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www.saukvalley.com
Bureau County tourist attractions B
ureau County is in north-central Illinois, 115 miles southwest of Chicago and 65 miles east of the Quad Cities on Interstate 80. Its county seat is Princeton, at exit 56 on I-80.
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-of-theprairie, 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. Contact: 815-244-3655 Address: 3.5 miles south of Bureau Junction on state Route 29 Admission: Free 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. Contact: 815-894-3338 or 815-894-2919 Address: State Route 89/South Main Street 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. Contact: www.dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/ PARKS/R1/Don.htm or 815-447-2353 Address: 1001 W. Fourth St. Ladd 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 and tennis courts. Restrooms are available. Contact: www.vil.ladd.il.us/archives/2-veterans-memorial-monument or 815-894-2440 Address: State Route 89/South Main Avenue A Vintage Venue Antiques and Collectibles Contact: Facebook or 815-894-8038 Address: 126 S. LaSalle Ave. Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily; closed Tuesday and Wednesday 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.
Contact: 815-638-2233 Address: 301 Main St. First Congregational Church of LaMoille Founded in the 1800s, this Italianate-style church is on the National Register of Historic Places. Contact: Facebook or 815-638-2077 Address: 94 E. Franklin St. Mineral 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. Contact: 815-875-8732 Address: 150 East Road, 4.5 miles north of Mineral on state Route 10 Mineral Pride Historical Museum The museum offers a model train set, an early 1900s post office, and memorabilia from the former high school and businesses. Contact: www.illinoishsglorydays.com/mineralhistoricalsociety or 309-288-5371 Address: 115 Main St. Hours: Noon-4 p.m. Saturday, or by appointment Admission: Free
Neponset Neponset Township Historical Society Museum The museum features artifacts, family histories, and school memorabilia. Contact: 309-594-2197 Address: 113 Commercial St. Hours: By appointment Admission: Free Princeton Annie’s Little Pots This shop, housed in a restored 1880s building, sells hand-crafted pottery and art for home and garden, and offers pottery classes and paint-your-own pottery. Contact: Facebook, www.annieslittlepots. com or 815-875-2372 Address: 906 N. Main St. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday Beetz Me! Located in a vintage hardware store, this shop offers specialty gifts, wine, jewelry, chocolates, a coffee shop, and more. Contact: Facebook, www.beetzme.com or 815-879-7777 Address: 952 N. Main St. Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday 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
8,000 sq. ft.
120 ~ Whiteside County
www.saukvalley.com
Whiteside County tourist attractions
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hiteside County was established 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 (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 Lincoln Highway. Fulton 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.
Contact: www.cityoffulton.us/visit-fulton/ fulton-attractions/de-immigrant-windmill.html or 815-589-4545 Address: Corner of 10th Avenue and First Street Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Memorial Day through Labor Day; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 4 through October
Centennial Park in Rock Falls
Admission: By donation Fulton Martin House Museum The home of the Fulton Historical Society, this Civil War-era home built in the Italianate style in 1855 contains a Fulton memorabilia collection, an extensive Fulton photo collection and a genealogy research room. CONTINUED ON
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Voyager 2014~15
Whiteside County ~ 121
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122 ~ Whiteside County Contact: www.cityoffulton.us/visit-fulton/ fulton-attractions/fulton-martin-house-museum. html or 815-589-3809 Address: 707 10th Ave. Hours: 2-4 p.m. daily and by appointment Heritage Canyon This 12-acre restored and furnished mid1800s 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 re-enactors, and other groups populate the area and bring history to life. Contact: www.cityoffulton.us/visit-fulton/ fulton-attractions/heritage-canyon.html or 815589-4545 Address: 515 N. Fourth St. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, mid-April through mid-December, and for special events Admission: By donation; for special events, $2 adults and $1 children younger than 14 Morrison 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, or Volckman furniture. Contact: 815-772-8889 Address: 202 E. Lincolnway Hours: 1-4 p.m. Friday through Sunday, last Friday in April to Thanksgiving Admission: Free 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. Contact: dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/ PARKS/R1/Morrison.htm or 815-772-4708 Address: 18750 Lake Road 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. Contact: www.tampicohistoricalsociety.com/ Prophetstown_Historical_Soc.html or 815-5372224 Address: 320 Washington St.
www.saukvalley.com 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 Native American prophet Wa-bo-kie-shiek (White Cloud). Coon Creek flows through the park and feeds into the Rock River. Contact: dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/ PARKS/R1/Prophet.htm or 815-537-2926 Address: Riverside Drive 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. Contact: dnr.state.il.us/Lands/landmgt/parks/ R1/BIGBEND.HTM or 815-537-2270 Address: Van Damme Road 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 only. Contact: www.colomatownshipparkdistrict. com or 815-625-0272 Address: 508 E. 11th St. Crystal Lake Recreation Crystal Lake offers a lake with a beach for swimming and other water activities. It also has go-karts and aqua golf, as well as a campground. Contact: www.crystallake1.com or 815-6225974 Address: 511 E. U.S. Route 30 Hours: noon-6 p.m. daily in the summer Admission: Lake usage is $5 adults and children 11 and older, $4 children ages 3-10 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. The museum showcases vintage firefighting vehicles, equipment and memorabilia. Contact: www.firehouseofgodministries.com/ firemuseum.htm, Facebook or 815-622-9490 Address: 403 W. Second St.
Hours: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May through October, 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. Contact: dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/ PARKS/R1/Hennpin.htm or 815-454-2328 Address: 209 Emmons Ave. 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 sought-after, prized blue ribbon. Contact: www.drivelincolnhighway.com or 866-455-4249 Address: 1412 W. Rock Falls Road Poci’s Market & Greenhouse This locally owned farm, which opened in 1971, offers sweet corn, cucumbers, eggplants, gourds, muskmelons, peppers, pumpkins, squash, tomatoes and watermelon, as well as plants. Contact: Facebook or 815-626-0630 Address: 9571 Hoover Road Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily, May through October 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. Contact: 815-622-1135 Address: 1013 Seventh Ave. Selmi’s Greenhouse and Farmers Market 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, wagon rides, and pumpkins. Contact: www.selmi.com or 815-626-3830 Address: 1206 Dixon Ave. Hours: Varies seasonally 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. Contact: www.sterlingparks.org or 815-6226202
Voyager 2014~15
Whiteside County ~ 123
Firehouse Ministries Fire Museum in Rock Falls Address: 1005 E. Third St. Hours: Guided tours at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesday Thursday and Saturday and 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday Admission: $2.50 adults, $1.50 seniors, and $5 family Lawrence Park Considered the first park in Sterling, Lawrence Park offers boat and fishing access, horseshoes and, in the winter, eagle watching. Contact: www.sterlingparks.org/facilities-a-parks/parks/lawrence-park. html or 815-622-6200 Address: Off the Avenue G bridge between Sterling and Rock Falls “Lincoln in Sterling” statue The statue is a life-sized bronze sculpture of Abraham Lincoln. It was dedicated on July 18, 2006, on the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s 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. Contact: http://ci.sterling.il.us/history.cfm or 815-632-6621 Address: 506 E. Sixth St. in Propheter Park Lincoln-Manahan Home Museum The Lincoln-Manahan Home Museum is a restored 1847 home, where Abraham Lincoln spent the night July 18, 1856. Contact: www.srfhs.com, Facebook or 815-622-6215. Address: 607 E. Third St. Hours: 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April through October, and by appointment Admission: Free CONTINUED ON
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Great River Road Antiques Flea Market
OPEN DAILY 9 am - 5 pm Every weekend April through October Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas Day
Mall located on Route 84 between Thomson & Fulton
Mall Hours: 10-6pm (April - October) 10-6pm (November (November - March)
(815) 589-3355
124 ~ Whiteside County
www.saukvalley.com
New River Model Railroad Museum Diesel and steam locomotives run on a double main line through the elaborate and highly detailed model railroad landscape, which includes mountains, tunnels, villages and industrial areas replicating the Chesapeake & Ohio RR in West Virginia in the 1950s. The layout is over 36 feet by 30 feet and is H.O. scale. Contact: www.newriverrailroad.com or 815625-7699 Address: 17845 Rigler Drive Hours: By appointment Admission: $10 adults, $5 children 12 and younger 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 the city parks, Sinnissippi is the site for the Hopewellian Indian Mounds, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places; they contained a dolmen built of flat pieces of fossiliferous limestone. The dolmen was used as a burial area for the Native Americans. The park features bluffs overlooking the scenic Rock River, ball diamonds, 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. Contact: www.sterlingparks.org/facilities-aparks/parks/sinnissippi-park.html or 815-622-6200 Address: Sinnissippi Road Speed Bowl Park Two bog pits, an 1/8-mile track for go-kart and lawn mower racing, a demolition derby track, grass drags and truck and tractor pulls make this racetrack an exciting weekend venue. Contact: Facebook Address: 3504 W. Lincolnway Hours: Gates open at 9 a.m. race days; mud bogs start at noon 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. Contact: www.srfhs.com, Facebook or 815622-6215 Address: 1005 E. Third St. Hours: 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday Admission: Free Twin City Market The Twin City Market, open year-round, offers locally produced meat, eggs, produce, baked goods, canned goods and crafts inside the historic Twin City Produce Building. Contact: twincityfarmersmarket.com, Facebook or 815-499-7268
Address: 106 Ave. A Hours: 8 a.m.-noon Saturday Tampico Ronald Reagan Birthplace and Museum President Ronald Reagan was born Feb. 6, 1911, in an apartment above a bakery. The First National Bank bought the bakery in 1919 and operated as a bank until the 1930s. The apartment has been restored to look as it did when Reagan was born there. The bank also has been restored. The store to the south of the bank originally was a grocery and now houses the gift shop. Contact: www.tampicohistoricalsociety. com/R_Reagan_Birthplace_Museum.html or 815-622-8705 Address: 111-113 S. Main St. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 1-4 p.m. Sunday, April through October Admission: By donation Tampico Area Historical Society & Museum The museum has two levels offering various displays of clothing, photos, antiques and other memorabilia. The upper level also is the Family History Library & Research Center for geneaology research. The only newspaper was published from 1876 to 1966 and is archived there. The library also has cemetery lists, funeral logs, family history files, photographs, plat maps and more. Contact: www.tampicohistoricalsociety.com/ Home_Page.html, Facebook or 815-590-2143 Address: 119 Main St. Hours: By appointment Admission: Free
Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society Museum in Sterling
Voyager 2014~15 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. Contact: Facebook, www.bureaucountyhistoricalsociety.com or 815-875-2184 Address: 109 Park Ave. West Hours: 1-5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, March through November. Guided tours by appointment. Admission: $3 adults, $1 children 12 and younger
Bureau County ~ 13 Hattie’s Arts and Antiques Three floors of antiques. Contact: 815-875-9151 Address: 24 Long St. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday Hoffman’s Patterns of the Past Replacements for missing or broken china, teapots, canisters, crystal, flatware, collectibles, jewelry, and more. Three generations of the Murphey family have operated the business since 1940, but the original store opened in the 1890s. Contact: Facebook, www.patternsofthepast. com or 815-875-1944 Address: 513 S. Main St. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday
Hornbaker Gardens in Princeton
Hornbaker Gardens Established in 1987, Hornbaker Gardens originated as a wholesale nursery owned and operated by Rich and Kathy Hornbaker. Hornbaker’s 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. Contact: Facebook, www.hornbakergardens. com or 815-659-3282 Address: 22937 1140 North Ave. Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday, mid-April through mid-July; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed Sunday, mid-July through mid-October CONTINUED ON
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14 ~ Bureau County A Hundred Acre Orchard and Market The orchard has apple and peach trees, a children’s play area and a wine store, and sells apple cider, honey, apples, doughnuts, gourds, as well as gifts, lotions, candles and other items. It’s also home to The Cider Mill wedding venue and banquet facility. Contact: Facebook, www.ahundredacresorchard.com or 815-915-8145 for the market and 815-303-1045 for the banquet facility Address: 14180 1800 East St. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 19, through Oct. 31, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, through Dec. 22 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. Contact: www.lovejoyhomestead.com or 815875-2616 Address: East Peru Street Hours: 1-4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday or by appointment, May through September, and by appointment only April and October Princeton Amtrak Depot This historic depot, still in operation, was built in 1911 by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad (now BNSF Railway). Contact: www.princeton-il.com/local-government/departments/amtrak-depot.html or 815872-4310 Address: 105 Bicentennial Drive Red Covered Bridge One of only five remaining covered bridges in Illinois, it was built in 1863 and is still open to traffic. It crosses Big Bureau Creek and once was part of the Peoria-Galena Trail. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Contact: 815-875-2616 Address: State Route 26, 1.5 miles north of Princeton Sherwood Antique Mall This huge mall has space for 450 vendors. Contact: 815-872-2580 Address: 1661 N. Main St. Hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily Sweeties Caramel Creations Co. This family-owned sweet shop offers handmade caramel corn, chocolate-covered toffee, peanut and almond brittle, caramels, chocolates, and wedding favors. Contact: 815-872-2676 Address: 646 S. Main St. Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday
www.saukvalley.com Warnecke Woods Warnecke Woods is a 33.5-acre 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. Contact: 815-875-8732 Address: 41 1835 N. Ave.
Sheffield Historical Society Museum The museum includes a research library for genealogy. Rooms showcase military uniforms and artifact exhibits, clothing from yesteryear, art, school memorabilia, and more. Contact: 815-454-2850 Address: 325 S. Washington St. Hours: Noon-4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday and Saturday; call ahead, hours are subject to seasonal changes
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. Contact: 815-875-8732 Address: Junction of County Road 1300N and County Road 10/100E
Tiskilwa The Museum on Main Located in a former Methodist church, it houses photographs, artifacts, and other visuals that reflect the history of Tiskilwa. Contact: www.tiskilwahistoricalsociety.org, Facebook, or 815-646-4016 or 815-866-9128 Address: 110 E Main St. Hours: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, or by appointment
Sheffield Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park Visitors will enjoy biking, boating, canoeing, camping, horseback riding, fishing, hiking, hunting, picnicking, and winter sports, such as cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. The handicapped-accessible visitors’ center has displays about plant and animal life and the manmade canal’s history. Contact: www.dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/ parks/r1/hennpin.htm or 815-454-2328 Address: 16006 875 East St. Hours: Trail open year-round; visitors center open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday (except Christmas and New Year’s Day), but hours might vary Admission: Donations accepted at visitors’ center J&S Antiques Specialty antique shop with multiple vendors. Contact: 815-454-2066 Address: 16713 state Route 40 Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday Mary Ann-tiques Housed in a shoe shop built in the late 1800s, its tin walls and ceiling create an inviting atmosphere. Contact: Facebook or 815-878-1846 Address: 134 S. Main St. Hours: Noon-8 p.m. Saturday year-round or by appointment 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. Contact: dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/ r1/mautino.htm or 815-454-2328 Address: 16006 875 East St.
Walnut Avanti Foods Established in 1932, Avanti makes about 7,000 frozen pizzas daily. Visitors can watch production from the viewing area, then visit the gift shop. Contact: www.avantifoods.com or 815-3792155 Address: 109 Depot St. Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday Green River Country Club This 9-hole course has a bar area and has space to rent for celebrations. Contact: 815-379-2227 Address: 15212 state Route 92 Walnut Park District Pool and Park Swimming pool, baseball fields, disc golf, tennis courts, picnic shelter, and playgrounds. Contact: 815-379-2213 Address: 403 Sunset Ave. Hours: Open swimming 1-5 p.m. and 7-8 p.m. daily, June through August Admission: $4 for first-graders 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. Contact: Facebook or 815-699-2459 Address: 320 E. Second St. Hours: 1-4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April through October
Voyager 2014~15
Carroll County ~ 15
Carroll County events Through August Timber Lake Playhouse; 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll; www.timberlakeplayhouse.org, Facebook or 815-2442035 June 7 Lions Family Night Out; Old Mill Park, Savanna; food, big-screen movie, games and music; 6 p.m.; www.savannail.com or 815-273-2722 June 13 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 $6 at the gate, with all proceeds going to new fire equipment; 5 p.m., band at 8:30 p.m.; 815-273-2248 June 14 Migratory Bird Walk; Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center, 7071 Riverview Road, Thomson; 8 a.m.; stewardsumrr. org, or 815-273-2732 CONTINUED ON
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www.grannyoneils.com www.bedandbreakfast.com
Granny O’Neil’s Bed & Breakfast Serving Full Breakfast
31 3rd St., Savanna, IL (behind Kentucky Fried Chicken)
815-273-4726
Cell: 815-590-6161
New
GG’s Guesthouse
3 bedroom home perfect for family or group getaways Reservations booked through Granny O’Neils
629 Chicago Ave., Savanna, IL 61074
Migratory Bird Walk in Thomson
16 ~ Carroll County
www.saukvalley.com
June 21; July 12; Aug. 23; Sept. 27 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. 4-10 Carroll County Fair; Schell Park, Milledgeville; music, exhibits, carnival, demolition derby, rodeo, tractor pull, food and more; www.carrollcountyfair.info or 815-225-7444
Oct. 11 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
June 26-29 Old Settler’s Days; Lanark; food, music, beer garden, car show, antique tractor show and pull, 5K walk/run, bags tournament, children’s activities and vendors; www.lanarkil.com, “Lanark’s Old Settler’s Days” on Facebook or 815-541-0557
Aug. 8-9 Lincoln Buy-Way; miles and miles of rummage sales along the Lincoln Highway; www. drivelincolnhighway.com
Nov. 7-8, 14-15 The Great Route 64/84 Holiday Shop Hop; 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.; www. cityoffulton.us or 815-589-4545
July 4 Fourth of July celebration; West Carroll Middle School, 633 S. East St., Mount Carroll; pork chops, parade, music, entertainment and fireworks; www. mtcarrollil.org, 815-244-4424 or 800-244-9594 July 4 Fireworks; West Carroll High School, 500 Cragmoor, Savanna; food, fire truck rides, face painting and fireworks; www.savannail.com or 815-273-2722 July 12 Migratory Bird Walk; Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center, 7071 Riverview Road, Thomson; 8 a.m.; stewardsumrr.org, or 815-273-2732
FREE TENT CAMPING!
AND
Aug. 9 Migratory Bird Walk; Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center, 7071 Riverview Road, Thomson; 8 a.m.; stewardsumrr.org or 815-273-2732 Sept. 13 Migratory Bird Walk; Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center, 7071 Riverview Road, Thomson; 8 a.m.; stewardsumrr.org, or 815-273-2732 Sept. 26-28 The Havencrest Castle Players Presents “Putting It Together”; A musical revue of Stephen Sondheim. 800 Chicago Ave., Savanna; www.TheCastlePlayers.com or 815-990-7159
LIVE
ENTERTAINMENT OUTSIDE EVERY WEEKEND!
Orders to go 815-273-4516 Breakfast 6am-11am Lunch 11am-4pm OUTSI D DE SERVE FOOD 12 AM DINING Dinner 4-10pm L I & T N BAR U T. I. & SA Bar Hours 6am-2am AVAILA ON FR BLE! 7 Days A Week
1030 Viaduct Rd., Savanna, IL South of Savanna on Rt. 84 /PEN $AYS ! 7E7EK s AM PM Restaurant Open Days A Week
www.poopys.com
Nov. 8 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 Dec. 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
866-493-2300
www.isenhartrealty.com
LET OUR PROFESSIONAL TEAM OF BROKERS WORK FOR YOU! LAKE CARROLL Nick Isenhart Managing Broker 815-864-2390 24490 Payne Road Shannon, IL 61078
LANARK Amy Barnes Managing Broker/Owner 815-493-2323 107 N. Broad Street Lanark, IL 61046
Voyager 2014~15
Carroll County ~ 17
Carroll County tourist attractions
C
arroll 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.
Lanark Silver Moon Winery Silver Moon Winery is a family-owned winemaking estate. The winery offers handcrafted wines in northwestern Illinois’ wine country. It sells varietals that pair well with everyday foods. Contact: www.silvermoonwineryinc.com or 815-493-6888 Address: 21305 Zier Road Hours: noon-5 p.m. Saturday, noon-3 p.m. Sunday, April through December, with longer hours June through August Mount Carroll Campbell Center for Historic Preservation Studies In late 2012, Campbell Center broke ground on the new Frances Wood Shimer Memorial Arboretum on the campus, 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. Contact: www.campbellcenter.org or 815244-1173 Address: 203 E. Seminary St. Driftless Area Stillroom This wine shop offers wine tastings and private parties and also sells specialty meats and cheeses, homemade bread, jams, jellies, and other goods. Contact: 815-244-4058 Address: 116 E. Market St. Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday; hours change for winter, call ahead CONTINUED ON
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END OF THE ROAD 308 S.E. LANARK AVENUE, LANARK
RANDY WELP
Open daily at 10 a.m. or by appointment call 815-493-6487
Havencrest Castle in Savanna
2014 Carroll County Fair August 5-9
Fun is in the Air! Visit our ATM location at: 451 N. Main Avenue, Milledgeville
451 North Main Ave., Ave., Milledgeville
815-225-7171
www.milledgevillebank.com
18 ~ Carroll County
www.saukvalley.com
Ideas n’ Designs Antiques Ideas n’ Designs and Mad Hatter Tea Room is an antique shop that picks items to fit into the many displays throughout the store, giving customers ideas on how to incorporate their finds into their collecting motif. Contact: www.ideasndesigns.com or 815244-7875 Address: 116 W. Market St. and 409 Main St. Hours: Noon-5 p.m. Friday through Sunday, April through December; by appointment, January through March New Morning Glass Studio New Morning Glass Studio uses centuriesold glassblowing techniques to create custom glassware. Visitors can watch mid-September through December. Contact: Facebook, www.newmorningglass. com or 815-244-6000 Address: 113 W. Market St. Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, or by appointment Raven’s Grin Inn Part performance art, part art gallery, the home of Jim Warfield offers a year-round haunted house that displays his artwork and his twisted sense of humor. Tours are an hour to an hour and a half long. Contact: Facebook, www.hauntedravensgrin. com or 815-244-4746 Address: 411 N. Carroll St.
Hours: 7 p.m.-midnight daily, 2-5 p.m. and 7 p.m.-midnight Saturday and Sunday, spring through fall Admission: $15, $13 for children 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. Contact: www.timberlakeplayhouse.org, Facebook, or 815-244-2035 Address: 8215 Black Oak Road Hours: Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 2 p.m. Wednesday and some Sundays, and 2 p.m. Saturday on opening weekends Admission: Tickets are $23 for adults, $21 for seniors, and $17 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 walking opportunities. The trail 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.
Havencrest Castle Rising up from a hill over downtown Savanna rests Havencrest Castle – likely the most unique and luxurious home in the region. The sprawling, ornately decorated, 65-room mansion opened for public tours and events in July 2013. Contact: havencrestcastle@gmail.com or 815990-7159 Address: 140 N. Fifth St. Admission: $20 per person, group rates available Mississippi Palisades State Park This park is near the confluence of the Mississippi and Apple rivers in northwestern Illinois. The 2,500-acre park, a national landmark since 1973, is rich in Native American history, and features limestone caves and erosion-carved rock formations. The park has 15 miles of trails for hiking as well as more than 200 campsites. The park also has picnic tables and playgrounds. Contact: dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/ r1/palisade.htm or 815-273-2731 Address: 16327A state Route 84, about 3 miles north of Savanna 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. Contact: savannamuseum.com, Facebook or 815-273-0316
August
2014 Carroll County Fair
Saturday, August 9th Tuesday, August 5th 8:30am Judging: Pleasure Horse Show 7:00pm Illini State Truck Pull Participants enter West Gate & Tri County Pullers (mini rods) 1:00pm Pedal Tractor Pull Wednesday, August 6th 7:00pm Demolition Derby 6:00pm Tractor Parade ADMISSION PRICES: 6:30pm Badger State Tractor Pull Season Tickets - $20 Daily Admission - $6 Thursday, August 7th Kids 7 & Under FREE 4:30pm Ag Olympics (FREE Grandstand) FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT 7:30pm Funky Munky Wrestling FAIR OFFICE 815-225-7444 Friday, August 8th www.carrollcountyfair.info 8:00pm Tracy Lawrence in Concert
ANTIQUE TRACTOR DISPLAY TUESDAY - SATURDAY
28374 Milledgeville Road ALL EVENTS AT THE FAIRGROUNDS, MILLEDGEVILLE, IL
5-9
Voyager 2014~15
Carroll County ~ 19
Mississippi Palisades State Park in Savanna Address: 406 Main St. Hours: Unavailable Admission: Free
Luli & Ni Nia a Owners
Savanna Train Car Museum The museum preserves the historical railroad car as a piece of local history. It has a gift shop. Contact: www.savannail.com/biz_pages/SavTrainCar.php or 815-273-3292 Address: 25 Main St. Hours: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. daily or as posted Thomson Heirloom Market & Cafe This unique market offers a unique shopping and dining experience. It has books, crafts, locally harvested honey, grass-fed beef, gourmet coffee, craft beers and local wine, grilled panini, salads, homemade soups, and freshbaked goods. Everything is made fresh from scratch on the premises. Address: 2200 state Route 84 Contact: www.theheirloommarket.com, Facebook or 815-259-0125 Hours: 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday 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. Contact: www.recreation.gov or 815-259-3628 Address: 2017 Lewis Ave. Hours: Open mid-April through October Admission: Camping fees range from $10 to $18
Breakfast Served ALL DAY Free Wi-Fi 411 Main Street, Savanna, Illinois 61074
815-273-0210 Hours:
Tuesdays through Sunday 6:30 am - 2:00 pm
20 ~ Carroll County
www.saukvalley.com
HENRY'S DOUBLE K
Come enjoy a magical day in the Land of Oz OPEN 6-9 DAILY
Come Join the Fun!
LAND OF OZ offers a large Rt. 64 fueling station, convenience store, deli, bakery and a LARGE FOOD COURT featuring an extended menu, seating for 60 and easy in & out for trailers, boats & campers.
Video Gaming IS HERE!
LAND OF OZ CRAFT MALL OPEN FRI-SAT-SUN 10-3
Now Booking Weddings & All Occasion Parties
Featuring...�There’s no place like home� Shop for handcrafted quilts, sewn items, seasonal floral, candles, ceramics, wood crafted items and handmade soaps & lotions
Large Christmas Corner
LAND LAND OF OF OZ OZ
Dining Room Open Early June
Home of our Famous Breakfast Pizzas
815-244-0180 834 S. Jackson Street, Mt. Carroll
Located in Historic Mount Carroll, IL /N (WY 2T s 244-3739
www.mtcarroll.org
Discover Mount Carroll
Shelly Tautz, Owner
CLOTHING
902 S. Jackson St. Mt. Carroll, IL
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Voyager 2014~15
Carroll County ~ 21
Discover Mount Carroll Prairie Path Gues Guest House BED & BREAKFAST BREAKFAST 1002 N. Lowden Rd., Mt. Carroll, IL
815-244-3462
www.bbonline www .bbonline.com/il/pr .com/il/prairiepath/ airiepath/ AFFORDABLE RATES!
Our cabins are now open the year round. Pick any season and enjoy these handsomely decorated units with complete amenities. You can enjoy all the comforts as you relax or follow your adventure here in scenic Northern Illinois.
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800-485-0145 www.timberlakeresort.com info@timberlakeresort.com
www.mtcarroll.org
22 ~ Clinton County, Iowa
www.saukvalley.com
Clinton County, Iowa, events Through September Clinton LumberKings baseball; Ashford University Field; 537 Ball Park Drive, Clinton; www. lumberkings.com or 563-242-0727 Through August Clinton Area Showboat Theatre; 303 Riverview Road, Clinton; www.clintonshowboat. org or 563-242-6760 June 6 and 27; Aug. 1; Sept. 5 Finally Friday at the River; bandshell at Riverview Park, Clinton; bring a lawn chair; 6 p.m.; www.finallyfriday-clinton.com or Facebook June 7 Lumberjack Festival; Sawmill Museum, 2321 Grant St., Clinton; lumberjack and barbecue competitions, logrolling demonstrations, train rides, games and food; www.thesawmillmuseum.org, Facebook or 563-242-0343 June 8 Clinton Symphony Orchestra annual pops concert; bandshell at Riverview Park, Clinton; 6:30 p.m.; www.clintonsymphony.org or 815625-0922
June 21 Felix Adler Day Festival; Felix Adler Children’s Discovery Center, 332 Eighth Ave. S., Clinton; activities, games and food; 9:30 a.m.4:30 p.m.; www.adlerdiscoverycenter.org or 563-243-3600
July 12 Art Under the Stars; Tuscany Special Events Center at Rastrelli’s, 238 Main Ave., Clinton; art, music and food to benefit the YWCA; 6-9 p.m.; www.ywcaclinton.org or Sarah Hood, 563-2422110, Ext. 103
June 21 Cruise In; 1050 N. 18th St., Clinton; car show to benefit the Clinton Humane Society and Relay for Life; music, silent auction, 50/50 raffle, grand prize drawing and food; 10 a.m.-2 p.m., registration begins at 8:30 a.m.; www.theinsgroup. org or Mike Determan, 563-242-4000
Oct. 25 Halloween House of Wonders; lodge at Eagle Point Park, 3900 N. Third St., Clinton; trick-or-treating in a kid-friendly, activity-themed environment to benefit the YWCA and the MakeA-Wish Foundation; $2 per person; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; www.ywcaclinton.org or Roxanne Eversoll at 563-244-8340
June 21 Expedition Restore; contemporary Christian concert with guest speakers; 7-9 p.m.; Ashford University Field, Clinton; 612-401-6600 June 22 Garden Walk; throughout Clinton County; five gardens on display; $5 per person; noon-4 p.m.; Clinton County Extension, 563-259-5125 or Bickelhaupt Arboretum, 563-242-4771
American Lumber Experience for the Whole Family
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Nov. 27-Dec. 30 Symphony of Lights; Eagle Point Park, 3900 N. Third St., Clinton; Christmas light display and holiday celebration (special events on specific dates); $7 per carload; 6-9 p.m.; www.symphonyoflights.org or Facebook
Shopping, Dining & Entertainment
Visit The Lyons Neighborhood
Located At North End of Clinton on Main Avenue
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Voyager 2014~15
Clinton County, Iowa ~ 23
Clinton County, Iowa, tourist attractions
C
linton County, 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. Contact: www.clintoncounty-ia.gov/PAGE/ mwp.aspx or 563-847-7202 Address: 215th Street and 160th Avenue 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 in the park, and public star parties are held several times a year. Contact: www.clintoncounty-ia.gov/PAGE/ Sherman.aspx or 563-357-4134 Address: 2776 160th Ave. 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. Contact: www.mycountyparks.com/county/ Clinton/Content/Blue-Heron-Eco-Cruises. aspx or 563-259-1876 Address: Rock Creek Marina and Campground, 3942 291st St. Hours: Tours 7 p.m. Thursday, May through October, and 9 a.m. Saturday until Labor Day; other special tours are offered 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. Contact: 563-259-1285, 563-259-1280 or 563-259-1175 Address: 102 12th Ave.
Hours: By appointment Admission: Free Camanche Historical Museum The museum houses the Clinton County/Gateway Genealogical Library as well as collections from the city’s past. Contact: 563-259-1285, 563-259-1280 or 563-259-1175 Address: 1307 S. Washington Blvd. Hours: By appointment Admission: Free Folletts Park The 7-acre park features an 18-hole disc golf course, a playground and a picnic shelter. Contact: www.clintoncounty-ia.gov/PAGE/ Folletts.aspx or 563-847-7202 Address: U.S. Highway 67, 5 miles southwest of Camanche Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily CONTINUED ON
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Visit the
George Curtis Mansion 420 5th Avenue South, Clinton, Iowa
Memorial Day through Labor Day Tuesday Teas 1-4 $2 Donation Wednesday Tours 1:30 - 3:30 $6 Donation Open Daily. Please call for private rental and tour information.
563.242.8556
24 ~ Clinton County, Iowa
Mississippi River Eco-Tourism Center The state-of-the-art eco-tourism center opened in 2012. The centerpiece of the center is an 8,000-gallon aquarium stocked with Mississippi River fish species. 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 also has a camp store and cafe, 200-plus-seat community meeting room, 30-seat meeting room and theater, large deck overlooking backwaters, and a marina. Contact: www.mycountyparks.com/county/ Clinton/Content/Mississippi-River-Eco-TourismCenter.aspx or 563-259-1876 Address: Rock Creek Marina and Campground, 3942 291st St. 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
www.saukvalley.com
Bickelhaupt Arboretum in Clinton
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 daylilies, a Monarch Watch butterfly station, American Hosta Society National Display Garden, a bird haven and an herb garden. Contact: www.bickelhaupt.org or 563-242-4771 Address: 340 S.14th St. Hours: Dawn to dusk daily; learning center 9 a.m.-noon, Monday through 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, named after the Clinton
native who was one of the most popular stars of the 1890s. The season runs June through August. Contact: www.clintonshowboat.org or 563242-6760 Address: 303 Riverview Road 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 even 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. Contact: 563-242-1201 Address: 601 S. First St. Hours: 9-11 a.m. Monday through Friday, 1-4 p.m. Sunday and by appointment Admission: Free
Voyager 2014~15
Clinton County, Iowa ~ 25
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. Contact: www.lumberkings.com or 563-2420727 Address: 537 Ball Park Drive 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. Contact: www.thesawmillmuseum.org or 563242-0343 Address: 2231 Grant St. Hours: 1-6 p.m. Monday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday Admission: $4 adults, $3 ages 4-12 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. Contact: www.clintonsymphony.org or 815625-0922 Admission: $15 adults, $5 students
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 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. Contact: adlerdiscoverycenter.org or 563243-3600 Address: 332 Eighth Ave. S. Hours: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, 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. Contact: www.carouselschoolofdance.com or 563-242-1002 Address: 233 Fifth Ave. South Admission: Tickets prices vary; call the school
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. Contact: 563-242-8556 Address: 420 Fifth Ave. South, Clinton Hours: Tours 1:30-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Memorial Day through Labor Day Admission: Free
Tom & Audrey’s Antique Antiqu e & Collectibles Mall Mall
2 FLOORS TO EXPLORE! 505 S. 2nd Street Downtown Clinton, IA
563-243-3439
Open 7 Days a Week 10am-5pm
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. Contact: www.clintonartassociation.com or 563-243-3300 Address: 229 Fifth Ave. S. 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. Contact: 563-242-4673 Address: 101 S. First St. Hours: 1-7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 6 through Aug. 13 Admission: $1.50 ages 4 and younger, $3.50 ages 5-17, $4.50 adults CONTINUED ON
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Like Us At
The Dressing Room at Deja Vu OR Deja Vu Furniture and Accessories
2204 N. 2nd Street Clinton, IA 52732 563-243-2296
Open 10-5 Tues. - Sun. Closed Monday in the Historic Ball Mansion Email us at: thebspoke@gmail.com
Wide vari Wide variety ety of quality goods
Vendor Space Available
26 ~ Clinton County, Iowa
www.saukvalley.com
Soaring Eagle Nature Center The nature center, which sits on 40 acres of forest and restored tallgrass 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. Contact: www.sencinfo.com or 563-242-9088 Address: 3923 N. Third St. 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. Contact: www.wideriverwinery.com or 563519-9463 Address: 1776 E. Deer Creek Road Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday DeWitt Central Community Historical Society & Museum The museum features items that capture the rich history of DeWitt and the surrounding area, including American Indian tools, military artifacts, household equipment, furniture and a school
Westbrook Park in DeWitt room filled with desks, books and clocks. Contact: www.centralcommhistsoc-museum. org, Facebook or 563-659-9717 Address: 628 Sixth Ave. Hours: 8-11:30 a.m. Monday, 8-10:30 a.m. Thursday, 1-4 p.m. Sunday Admission: Free
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. Contact: parks.cityofdewittiowa.org or 563659-3541 Address: 1000 14th St.
CAMANCHE DAYS AUG. 7-10
Bring the whole family out to Platt Park, Camanche
Business 563-243-2019 Fax 563-243-2009 Wed, Thurs, Fri 10-5 Email Karen@r-k-unusualreusables.com
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TRIVIA CONTEST
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Voyager 2014~15
Clinton County, Iowa ~ 27
Hours: 1-8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m.-7 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 non-swimming adults with children
with foot trails and the 10-foot wide, 5-mile Paul Skeffington Memorial Trail, a multipurpose trail for walking, running and cycling. Contact: parks.cityofdewittiowa.org Address: 520 Westbrook Drive Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
German Hausbarn The thatched-roof building, dismantled in Niebull, Germany, shipped to the city and rebuilt by volunteers, houses a German museum, as well as the local chamber of commerce and a development company. Contact: DeWitt Chamber of Commerce, 563659-8500 Address: 1010 Sixth Ave. Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, by appointment Saturday and Sunday
Delmar Brookfield Recreation Trail The 21-mile hiking trail was formed from abandoned Milwaukee Railroad right-of-way. It offers scenic views perfect for bird watching. Contact: 563-847-7202 Address: 210th Avenue, between Highway 136 and 130th Street Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
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 disc golf course. Contact: www.clintoncounty-ia.gov/PAGE/ Lakes.aspx or 563-847-7202 Address: 3942 291st St. 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. Contact: Facebook or 563-547-4077 Address: 414 Lincoln Ave. 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
Westbrook Park The 100-acre park, the largest in the city, features baseball/softball diamonds, playgrounds, horseshoe courts, volleyball courts and a disc golf course. It also includes a natural timber area
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. Contact: www.clintoncounty-ia.gov/PAGE/ Barber.aspx or 563-652-3132 Address: 247th Avenue, 5 miles south of Grand Mound Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily Lost Nation 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. Contact: www.clintoncounty-ia.gov/PAGE/ Ketelsen.aspx or 563-847-7202 Address: 150th Street, 6 miles east of Lost Nation Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily 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. Contact: www.lostnationiowa.com/SmithtownChurch.html, www.clintoncounty-ia.gov/ PAGE/Smithtown.aspx or 563-847-7202 Address: 125th Street, 4 miles north of Lost Nation
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28 ~ DeKalb County
www.saukvalley.com
DeKalb County events May 31-June 1 Northern Illinois Art Show; lawn of the DeKalb County Courthouse, 133 state Route 23, Sycamore; fine arts and crafts from artists across the Midwest; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; www.kval.us
July 4 DeKalb Municipal Band concert; Hopkins Park Band Shell, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb; 8 p.m.; www.dekalbparkdistrict.com/district/ dekalb-municipal-band or 815-758-6663
June 7-9 Malta Days; downtown Malta; live music, carnival, craft fair, car show, 5K run/walk, parade, petting zoo, beer garden, and more; www.villageofmalta.net or 815-825-2330
July 4 Fourth of July Celebration; Hopkins Park, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb; craft show, live music, fireworks, food and more; fireworks at dusk; www.dekalbparkdistrict.com, Facebook or 815-758-6663
June 8 Sunday at Sandwich Antique Show; Sandwich Fairgrounds, 1401 Suydam Road, Sandwich; antiques, collectibles, and food; admission is $5 for adults and children 12 and older; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; www.sundayatsandwichantiques. com, Facebook or 847-321-1712 or 309-3103596 June 10, 17 and 24 DeKalb Municipal Band concert; Hopkins Park Band Shell, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb; 8 p.m.; www.dekalbparkdistrict.com/district/ dekalb-municipal-band or 815-758-6663 June 11-14 Genoa Days; downtown Genoa; parade, rides and entertainment; www.genoamainstreet.com or 815-784-3412 June 12-14 Treasures from the Attic; Sycamore; citywide estate, garage and sidewalk sales; www.discoversycamore.com or 815-895-3456 June 21 Folk Music Fest; Gurler House, 205 Pine St., DeKalb; live bluegrass and Celtic music by Dave Balika & Friends and Last Night’s Fun, plus headliner Jim Kanas; bring a lawn chair or blanket, refreshments available; noon-5 p.m.; gurlerhouse.org, Facebook or 815-758-4897 June 28-29 Walleye contest weekend; Shabbona Lake State Park, Shabbona; www.shabbonalake. com or 815-824-2106 July 8, 15, 22 and 29 DeKalb Municipal Band concert; Hopkins Park Band Shell, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb; 8 p.m.; www.dekalbparkdistrict.com/district/ dekalb-municipal-band or 815-758-6663 July 3-5 Kirkland Lions Club Fourth of July celebration; downtown Kirkland; carnival rides, parade, car show, tractor show, flea market, live entertainment, beer tent, fireworks and more; www. kirkland4thofjuly.com or 815-547-6229
July 4-5 Fourth of July celebration; Shabbona; pancake breakfast, rides and games, parade, fireworks, and more; www.shecevents.com or Jamie Deutsch at 815-739-4928 July 5-6 Sandwich Fourth of July celebration; Sandwich Fairgrounds, 1401 Suydam Road, Sandwich; parade, 5K run/walk, water fights, fireworks and more; www.sandwichparkdistrict. org or 815-786-8044 July 12 Master Gardener Garden Walk and Plant Sale; DeKalb County Center for Agriculture, 1350 W. Prairie Drive, Sycamore; browse gardens in the DeKalb-Sycamore area; plant sale includes a garden boutique and a Master Gardener helpdesk; tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door (admission to plant sale is free); 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; extension.illinois.edu/go/dekalbgardenwalk or 815-758-8194 July 12-13 Bluegill contest weekend; Shabbona Lake State Park, Shabbona; www.shabbonalake. com or 815-824-2106 July 13 Sunday at Sandwich Antique Show; Sandwich Fairgrounds, 1401 Suydam Road, Sandwich; antiques, collectibles, and food; admission is $5 for adults and children 12 and older; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; www.sundayatsandwichantiques.com, Facebook or 847-321-1712 or 309-310-3596 July 18-20 Let’s Dance Big Band Weekend; Duke Ellington Ballroom, Holmes Student Center, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb; swing music and ballroom dancing lessons; www.justmakeithappen-dekalb.com or 815-758-1093 July 19 Kingston Fest and Kardboard Boat Regatta; Kingston Township Park, Kingston; craft show, cardboard boat races on the Kishwaukee River, 5K run/walk, and more; www.villageofkingston. org or 815-784-5572
July 19 Waterman Lions Summerfest and Antique Tractor and Truck Show; Lions Park, 435 S. Birch St., Waterman; tractor and truck show, craft show, live music, hot-air balloon rides, train rides, hay rides, beer garden, fireworks, and more; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; www.watermanlionstractorshowandsummerfest.com or Facebook July 19-27 Kishwaukee Fest; DeKalb, Sycamore and Malta; flea market, cruise night, BaconPalooza Swine and Wine Festival, music, parade, street dance, and more; www.kishwaukeefest.com or 815-756-1263 July 26-27 Catfish contest weekend; Shabbona Lake State Park, Shabbona; www.shabbonalake. com or 815-824-2106 July 25-26 Somonauk Summer Fest; downtown Somonauk; craft show, cruise night, 5K run/ walk, truck and tractor pull, live music, beer garden, parade, children’s activities, and more; www.somonauksummerfest.com, Facebook or 815-498-3500 July 26-27 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; www.discoversycamore.com or 815-895-3456 Aug. 3 Art at Ellwood; Ellwood House, 509 N. First St.; DeKalb; art show, garden show, tours of the Ellwood House, DeKalb Municipal Band concert, and ice cream social; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; www.ellwoodhouse.org or 815-756-4609 Aug. 5, 12 and 19 DeKalb Municipal Band concert; Hopkins Park Band Shell, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb; 8 p.m.; www.dekalbparkdistrict.com/district/ dekalb-municipal-band or 815-758-6663 Aug. 8-9 Cortland Summer Fest; Cortland Community Park, Cortland; live music, beer garden, petting zoo, children’s activities, parade, fireworks, and more; $5 for adults 21 and older; www.cortlandil.org Aug. 9 DeKalb County Barn Tour; DeKalb area; five historic barns, plus Joseph F. Glidden Homestead and DeKalb Area Agricultural Heritage Association photography exhibition; tickets are $20 per carload and include a tour booklet and map; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; www.gliddenhomestead.org or 815-756-7904 CONTINUED ON
30
Voyager 2014~15
DeKalb County ~ 29
Sales - Service - Storage Propane - New / Used Tent Campers Travel Trailers - Fifthwheels
815-756-9438
Visit us at: www.holidayhour.com
30 ~ DeKalb County
www.saukvalley.com
Aug. 10 Arts at the Barn; Joseph F. Glidden Homestead, 921 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb; art show, blacksmith demonstrations, and tours of the homestead; noon-4 p.m.; www.gliddenhomestead.org or 815-756-7904
Sept. 3-7 Sandwich Fair; Sandwich Fairgrounds, 1401 Suydam Road, Sandwich; carnival, harness races, truck pulls, demolition derby, and more; admission is $9 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12; www. sandwichfair.com, Facebook or 815-786-2159
Oct. 22-26 Sycamore Pumpkin Fest; downtown Sycamore; more than 1,000 decorated pumpkins on display, two carnivals, two craft shows, parade, and more; www.sycamorepumpkinfestival. com or 815-895-3456
Aug. 10 Sunday at Sandwich Antique Show; Sandwich Fairgrounds, 1401 Suydam Road, Sandwich; antiques, collectibles, and food; admission is $5 for adults and children 12 and older; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; www.sundayatsandwichantiques. com, Facebook or 847-321-1712 or 309-3103596
Sept. 14 DeKalb Kite Festival; corner of Lucinda Avenue and Kishwaukee Drive, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb; stunt kites, dancing kites, fighting kites, kite-making, candy drop, food, and more; 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; www.dekalbcountycvb.com, Facebook or 815-756-1336
Nov. 2 Patent Day Celebration; Joseph F. Glidden Homestead, 921 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb; event commemorates Glidden’s barbed wire patent in 1874; special displays, blacksmith demonstrations, and tours of the homestead; barbed wire sites bus tours (11 a.m. and 2 p.m., reservations required, tickets are $15); noon-4 p.m.; www.gliddenhomestead.org or 815-7567904
Aug. 14-17 Sycamore Steam Show & Threshing Bee; Taylor Marshall Farm, 27702 Lukens Road, Sycamore; 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 for adults and children 12 and older; 7 a.m.-6 p.m. daily; www. threshingbee.org Aug. 16-17 Striped bass contest weekend; Shabbona Lake State Park, Shabbona; www.shabbonalake.com or 815-824-2106 Date unavailable (in late August) Kishwaukee Valley Historical Society’s Pioneer Day; downtown Genoa; old-time tradesmen and artisan demonstrations, stagecoach rides and more; www.genoamainstreet.com or 815-784-5559 Aug. 29-31 DeKalb Corn Fest; downtown DeKalb; summer music festival includes beer garden, corn boil, carnival, children’s activities, and more; admission is $5 for beer garden; www.cornfest. com or 815-746-2676 Aug. 30-Sept. 1 Maple Park Fun Fest; downtown Maple Park; live entertainment, arts and crafts show, car show, toilet bowl races, 5K run/walk, beer garden, parade, fireworks, and more; mapleparkfunfest.com
Sept. 20-21 Muskie contest weekend; Shabbona Lake State Park, Shabbona; www.shabbonalake. com or 815-824-2106.2 Dates unavailable (in October) Sycamore Film Festival; Sycamore Train Depot, 475 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore; festival benefits Sycamore High School scholarships; more than 30 films, plus a late-night concert; www.sycamorefilmfestival.com or 815-895-6746 Oct. 12 Sunday at Sandwich Antique Show; Sandwich Fairgrounds, 1401 Suydam Road, Sandwich; antiques, collectibles, and food; admission is $5 for adults and children 12 and older; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; www.sundayatsandwichantiques.com, Facebook or 847-321-1712 or 309-310-3596 Oct. 12 Cortland Fall Fest; Cortland Community Park, Cortland; parade and carnival rides; parade at 1 p.m.; www.cortlandil.org Oct. 17-19, 24-26, 30-31 and Nov. 1 Amenti: Haunted House; Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St., DeKalb; proceeds benefit the theater; more than 20 scenes on six levels; admission is $13; 7 p.m.; www.amenti.info, Facebook or 815-758-1215 Oct. 19-20 Crappie/bluegill contest weekend; Shabbona Lake State Park, Shabbona; www.shabbonalake.com or 815-824-2106
Nov. 15-Nov. 30 Ellwood Elegance; Ellwood House, 509 N. First St., DeKalb; tours of the Ellwood House, decorated for the holidays; special open house Dec. 5-7; www.ellwoodhouse.org or 815-7564609 Nov. 16 Holiday Open House; Joseph F. Glidden Homestead, 921 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb; noon-4 p.m.; www.gliddenhomestead.org or 815-756-7904 Weekends in December Holiday Lights Train; Waterman & Western Railroad, 435 S. Birch St., Waterman; park is decorated for the holidays with more than 250,000 lights; train rides, Santa Claus, popcorn and hot chocolate; www.petestrain.com
Dec. 5 Walk with Santa; downtown Sycamore; Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and the elves parade from the Midwest Museum of Natural History to the courthouse lawn to light the holiday tree; 5:30 p.m.; www.discoversycamore.com or 815-895-3456 Dec. 5 Celebrate the Season; downtown Genoa; Jingle Bell parade, tree lighting, live nativity, carriage and wagon rides, petting zoo, carolers, and more; 5-8 p.m.; www.genoaareachamber. com or 815-784-2212
Voyager 2014~15
DeKalb County ~ 31
DeKalb County tourist attractions
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ounded 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. Contact: 815-895-7191 Address: 13600 Crego Road 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. Contact: http://dekalbareawomenscenter. weebly.com, Facebook or 815-758-1351 Address: 1021 State St. Hours: Yoga 6:30-8 p.m. Monday and Wednesday and 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, karate 4:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, and open gallery viewing 7-9 p.m. Friday Egyptian Theatre Opened in 1929 for the DeKalb Theatre Company, the Egyptian Theatre is 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. The theater now is used for a variety of events; it seats almost 1,400. Contact: www.egyptiantheatre.org, Facebook or 815-758-1215 Address: 135 N. Second St. Hours: Box office open 2-6 p.m. Tuesday, 11 a.m.-3 pm. Thursday and 1 hour prior to events; tours are available by appointment Admission: Tickets for shows vary; call the box office. Tours are $8 for adults and $4 for children 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. Contact: www.ellwoodhouse.org or 815-7564609 Address: 509 N. First St.
Hours: Tours are 1 and 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Sunday Admission: Free 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. Contact: www.gurlerhouse.org, Facebook or 815-753-8473 Address: 205 Pine St. Hours: By appointment; call 630-715-7901 Admission: By donation Joseph F. Glidden Homestead andHistorical Center The home of Joseph Glidden, inventor of barbed wire, along with the barn, one of the oldest stillstanding 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, Tuesdays and Sundays, May through November. Contact: www.gliddenhomestead.org or 815756-7904 Address: 921 W. Lincoln Highway Hours: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, mid-May through mid-November; noon-4 p.m. second and fourth Sundays, June through October Admission: Adults $4, children 14 and younger with family are free 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. Contact: www.drivelincolnhighway.com or 866-455-4249 Address: Lincoln Highway and Eleventh Street Northern Illinois University Anthropology Museum The museum houses more than 12,000 objects comprised 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. Contact: www.niu.edu/anthro_museum, Facebook or 815-753-2520
Address: Cole Hall, across from the visitor parking lot at 200 Carroll Ave. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and noon-4 p.m. 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 sculptures. Contact: www.niu.edu/artmuseum or 815753-1936 Address: Altgeld Hall, Castle Drive and College Avenue Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and noon-4 p.m. Saturday; closed during the summer Admission: Free Northern Illinois University Blackwell History of Education Museum The museum offers artifacts, documents, and even a one-room school that showcase the history of American education. Contact: www.cedu.niu.edu/blackwell or 815753-1236 Address: The Learning Center, Gabel Hall, Stadium Drive Hours: By appointment 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 County. It houses three related sets of historical records: the University Archives, regional collections and local government records. Contact: www.ulib.niu.edu/reghist/regionalhistory.cfm or 815-753-1779 Address: Room 400, Founders Memorial Library, Norris Road Hours: 8 a.m.-noon and 1-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Clock The clock is a World War I memorial, originally dedicated in 1921. It also is home to the town mural. Contact: Renew DeKalb, 815-748-7788 Address: Memorial Park, northwest corner of First Street and Lincoln Highway
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32 ~ DeKalb County
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Genoa Chamberlain Skate Park The skate park is open to skateboarders and in-line skaters. It is unsupervised. Contact: www.genoaparks.com or 815-7845612 Address: 400 E. Second St. Hours: 8 a.m.-dusk daily Chamberlain Park Pool 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 includes a splash pad and a concession stand. Contact: www.genoaparks.com or 815-7845612 Address: 400 E. Second St. Hours: noon-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon-5 p.m. Saturday, and 1-6 p.m. Sunday Admission: $5 for resident adults and children, $4 for resident children 48 inches and under; $7 for nonresident adults and children, $6 for nonresident children 48 inches and under; $3 on Thursday 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, scalemodel trains, an old printing press and a collection of telephones made in Genoa. Contact: http://dekalb.illinoisgenweb.org/ KishValHistSoc/New_Homepage.htm or 815784-5559 Address: 622 Park Ave. Hours: 1-5 p.m. Wednesday, 2-4 p.m. second Saturday of the month, and by appointment Admission: Free 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. Road dragging contests were held as part of a campaign to improve Illinois highways. Contact: www.drivelincolnhighway.com or 866-455-4249 Address: 240 W. Main St. 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. Contact: 815-784-2000 Address: Russell Woods Forest Preserve, 11750 state Route 72 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 on Saturday.
Shabbona Lake State Park Contact: www.prairiestatewinery.com, Facebook or 815-784-4540 Address: 217 W. Main St. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, and noon-4 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. Contact: 815-895-7191 Address: 12595 Baseline Road Kirkland Adee’s Woods Adee’s Woods provides an area for a picnic and a walk through the woods. Contact: 815-895-7191 Address: 4106 Old State Road Northern Illinois Veterans Memorial The memorial honors northern Illinois veterans, from those of the Civil War to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Contact: Facebook or 815-522-6179 Address: Franklin Township Park, Third and South streets
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. Contact: www.jonamacorchard.com, Facebook or 815-825-2158 Address: 19412 Shabbona Road Hours: Apple picking 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, country store open 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily, August to 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.” Contact: www.drivelincolnhighway.com or 866-455-4249 Address: Kishwaukee College, 21193 Malta Road Malta Historical & Genealogical Society Housed in the old town hall, the society archives photos and documents related to the history of the railroad town.
Voyager 2014~15 Contact: www.villageofmalta.net/maltahistorcialsociety.htm or 815-825-2367 or 815-825-2330 Address: 127 N. Third St. 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. Several tours are available, too. Contact: www.acquavivawinery.com, Facebook or 630-365-0333 Address: 47W614 state Route 38 Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday through 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. Contact: www.sycamorespeedway.com, Facebook or 815-895-9712 Address: 50W086 Old State Road Hours: Races are 8 p.m. Friday and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; time trials are an hour before races Admission: Adults $12, children ages 6-13 $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 the National Register of Historic Places and restored to its 1890s look. It was reopened in 1986, and the building now functions as a community facility for theater performances, lectures and special events. Tours are available during normal business hours. Contact: www.sandwichoperahouse.org, Facebook or 815-786-2555 Address: 140 E. Railroad St. Hours: Box office is open 8 a.m.-noon and 1-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1 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 manmade fishing lake. It offers a unique mix of grass-covered 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. Contact: http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/ parks/r1/shabbona.htm or 815-824-2106 Address: 4201 Shabbona Grove Road Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily, April through October; hours vary seasonally
DeKalb County ~ 33 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. Contact: www.rootsweb.ancestry. com/~ilslrhm or 815-824-2597 Address: 199 W. Comanche Ave. 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 late attorney L. B. Olmstead, who named it for his late wife. He was a collector of relics and antiques since his youth. Contact: 815-498-3154 Address: 100 S. Depot St. 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. Contact: www.sycamoreartattack.org or 815899-9440 Address: 215 W. Elm St. Hours: Check the website or call ahead 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 sculls, 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. Contact: www.mmnh.org or 815-895-9777 Address: 425 W. State St. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday Admission: Free for members and for all on Wednesdays; $6 adults, $5 seniors and children 12 and younger Paper Doll House Scrapbookers and shoppers can stay the weekend in this late Victorian Queen Anne house, built in 1893 by civic leader Charles O. Boynton as a wedding present to his only daughter, Mary, and her husband, Frederick B. Townsend.
Contact: www.thepaperdollhouse.com or 815-899-8903 Address: 331 N. Main St. Hours: Check-in for weekend stays is 2 p.m. Friday and check-out is 4 p.m. Sunday; day crops are 2 p.m.-midnight Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m.-midnight Saturday, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday Admission: All-inclusive weekends are $299 and include lodging, meals and use of scrapbooking equipment; day crop events are $40 or $80 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. Contact: www.sycamorehistory.org, Facebook or 815-895-5762 Address: 1730 N. Main St. Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday Admission: Free for members, otherwise $5 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. Contact: www.honeyhillorchard.com or 815264-3337 Address: 11783 Waterman Road Hours: Opens for the season in late August; call ahead for hours Waterman Area Heritage Society This “museum” in a former barbershop has exhibits of telephones, DeKalb Ag-Monsanto memorabilia, school items, barbering items and more. Contact: 815-264-3461 or 815-264-7717 Address: 180 W. Lincoln Highway 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. Tours also are available and must be arranged several weeks in advance. Contact: www.sunsetwines.net or 815-2643268 Address: 11582 Waterman Road Hours: Noon-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April through December, or by appointment Admission: Tastings are $5
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Grundy County events June 7-8 Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament; downtown Morris; 3-on-3 basketball tournament played on the streets; www.downtownmorris. com or 815-941-0245
June 14 Morris Cruise Night; Liberty Street, downtown Morris; park on or cruise Liberty Street; 6-9 p.m.; www.cruisenight.com
June 12-15 Braceville Summer Kick Off; downtown Braceville; carnival, parade, beer garden, softball tournament, fireworks and more; 815-955-0058
June 10-14 Fireman’s Carnival; Morris Community High School, 1000 Union St., Morris; 6-9 p.m. June 10-13, and noon-9 p.m. June 14; www.downtownmorris.com or 815-941-0245
June 6-8 Dulcimer Festival; Gebbard Woods, Morris; concerts, workshops, old time dance, children’s activities, vendors and more; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday; www.gebharddulcimer.org or 708-331-6875
June 14-15 Warrior Dash; Dollinger Family Farm, 7502 E. Hansel Road, Channahon; The World’s Largest Running Series stops in Channahon to provide runners with an obstacle challenge like no other; www.warriordash.com
June 14 3 French Hens French Country Market; CanalPort Park, Morris; antiques, artisans, handcrafted items, fresh produce, baked goods and flowers; http://3frenchhensmarket.blogspot.com or 815-941-0752
June 21 Coal City Cruise Night; Campbell Park, South Broadway Street, Coal City; 4-9 p.m.; The Lincoln Hot Rods perform from 6 to 9 p.m.; 815634-8608
June 18-21 Shipyard Days Festival; downtown Seneca; education, history, live entertainment, food booths, beer garden and much more; www.senecashipyarddays.com or 815-3576144 June 18-22 Carbon Hill Homecoming; Carbon Hill; parade 1 p.m. Sunday, fireworks Sunday after dark, softball tournament, music and more; 815634-4791 June 21-22 Minooka Summerfest; downtown Minooka; music, kids games, parade, activities, craft fair, 5K run, food and more; 815-467-2151 June 26-28 LIberty Days; Morris; concerts, antique autos, children’s activities and much more; www.downtownmorris.com or 815-941-0245
Museum of the
Grundy County Historical Society
The Grundy County Historical Society was established in 1923 and we are PROUD of our new display space. Our exhibits include quilts, military, Mazon fossils, Illinois and Michigan Canal, Indian artifacts, a 1900 living room, a 1900 dry goods store, a tool shed as well as photos and information on people, places, and events in Grundy County. Stop in and see us to find out more.
Open Hours: 10-3:00 p.m. Days: Thursday, Friday and Saturday Tours available of museum and caboose any time with 2 days notice. A meeting room is also available for use prior or after a tour.
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Voyager 2014~15 July 3 Liberty 5K/Walk; downtown Morris; hosted by the Morris Downtown Development Partnership and the Grundy County Farm Bureau Foundation; www.downtownmorris.com or 815-9410245 July 12 3 French Hens French Country Market; CanalPort Park, Morris; antiques, artisans, handcrafted items, fresh produce, baked goods and flowers; http://3frenchhensmarket.blogspot.com or 815-941-0752 July 12 Morris Cruise Night; Liberty Street, downtown Morris; park on or cruise Liberty Street; 6-9 p.m.; www.cruisenight.com Aug. 9 3 French Hens French Country Market; CanalPort Park, Morris; antiques, artisans, handcrafted items, fresh produce, baked goods and flowers; http://3frenchhensmarket.blogspot.com or 815-941-0752
Grundy County ~ 35 Sept. 24-28 Grundy County Corn Festival; Morris; 5 days of food, fun and activities, with a parade Sunday afternoon; www.cornfestival.org or 815-9422676 Sept. 27-Oct. 30 Dollinger Pumpkin Farm; Dollinger Family Farm, 7502 E. Hansel Road, Channahon; Corn Maze, Haunted Barn, petting zoo, miniature steam train, horse drawn hayrides and pumpkins; free admission and parking; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily; www.dollingerfarms.com or 815-467-6766 Oct. 11 3 French Hens French Country Market; CanalPort Park, Morris; antiques, artisans, handcrafted items, fresh produce, baked goods and flowers; http://3frenchhensmarket.blogspot.com or 815-941-0752
Oct. 11 Morris Cruise Night; Liberty Street, downtown Morris; park on or cruise Liberty Street; 6-9 p.m.; www.cruisenight.com Oct. 18-19 Civil War Days; Dollinger Family Farm, 7502 E. Hansel Road, Channahon; Civil War Days Reenactment, more than 500 re-enactors participate; there are live horses, booming cannons and a spectacular battle scene; battles at 2 p.m.; www.dollingerfarms.com or 815-467-6766 Nov. 28-29 Home For The Holidays; downtown Morris; lighted parade, Christmas Housewalk, children’s activities, live reindeer on the courthouse lawn, Breakfast with Santa, Festival of Trees, children’s lantern making and winter carnival, and the lighting of the trees in Chapin Park; www. morrisdowntown.com or 815-941-0245
Aug. 9 Morris Cruise Night; Liberty Street, downtown Morris; park on or cruise Liberty Street; 6-9 p.m.; www.cruisenight.com Aug. 6-10 Three Rivers Festival; Central Park, Channahon; carnival rides, games, food, Exxon Mobil Kidz Zone, entertainment, petting zoo, car show, Little Miss Channahon and Beautiful Baby Contests, beer and wine garden, Pro-Motion Physical Therapy Firefly 5K and 1-Mile Kids races, and much more; www.threeriversfest.info or 815-671-0550
66th Annual Grundy County Corn Festival Sept. 24-28, 2014
Aug. 24 Seneca Cruise Night; downtown Seneca; open to all cars, trucks, semi tractor trucks, motorcycles and antique tractors/fire trucks; 6-10 p.m.; caddyguy@csky.net or 815-3578006
2014 Theme:
“Coming together to help our neighbors”
Sept. 13 3 French Hens French Country Market; CanalPort Park, Morris; antiques, artisans, handcrafted items, fresh produce, baked goods and flowers; http://3frenchhensmarket.blogspot.com or 815-941-0752
JOIN US FOR 5 DAYS OF FUN INCLUDING: Skinner Amusements Carnival Over 20 food vendors Beer Garden Craft Show/Flea Market Photo Show Water Fights Farm Fair, Train Rides, Antique Tractor Show
Sept. 13 Morris Cruise Night; Liberty Street, downtown Morris; park on or cruise Liberty Street; 6-9 p.m.; www.cruisenight.com
NIGHTLY ENTERTAINMENT (On Multiple Stages)
Headline Bands
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Sept. 20 Prairie Day; Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area, 5020 N. Jugtown Road, Morris; presentations on the environment and nature play a very important part of the day’s activities as well as playing on the special features of the park itself; free; 10 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.; http://gooselakeprairie. org or 815-942-2899
Libido Funk Circus Too White Crew Additional Bands TBA
Corn, Grain and Flower Show Hobby/Handicraft Show Art Show Krazy Karaoke Spectacular Fireworks Show Kids Pie Eating Contest Local High School Bands
For more information call
815-942-CORN or go to
www.cornfestival.org
Don’t miss our famous Sunday Parade on September 28!
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Grundy County tourist attractions
W
ithin 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 wildlifewatching opportunities. Many parks are handicapped accessible.
Braidwood Mazonia State Fish and Wildlife Area The 1,017-acre Mazonia State Fish and Wildlife Area features sport fishing, waterfowl hunting and a variety of other outdoor recreational opportunities, such as upland game hunting, furbearer trapping, picnicking, birding and nature study, and water dog training. Mazonia also is well known for Pennsylvanianage fossils. A day permit is required to collect fossils, which is allowed from March 1 to Sept. 30. Contact: 815-237-0063 Address: State Route 53 and Huston Road Morris Illinois and Michigan Canal History buffs, nature lovers and sportsmen all appreciate the beauty of the 96-mile Illinois and Michigan Canal that runs through the county. Along its banks are numerous state parks, restored historical sites and distinctive landscapes, from bluffs to rolling hills. Contact: www.canalcor.org or 815-942-0796 Gebhard Woods State Park Hikers, campers, picnickers, and canoeists frequent Gebhard Woods State Park, a 30-acre site bordered on the south by the Illinois and Michigan Canal and to the north by Nettle Creek, which flows along the perimeter and through the park. Contact: www.stateparks.com or 815-9420796 Address: 401 Ottawa St. Goose Lake Prairie Located about a mile southwest of the confluence of the Kankakee and Des Plaines rivers, more than half of Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area is a nature preserve. In addition to furnishing a look into Illinois’ past, 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. The trails are not for motorized vehicles, bicycles, or dog sled teams. Contact: www.gooselakeprairie.org or 815942-2899 Address: 5010 N. Jugtown Road Heidecke Lake Fish and Wildlife Area Adjacent to Goose Lake Prairie is the 2,000acre 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 for those purposes only. No water skiing, swimming, wading, sailboating or personal watercraft is allowed. The bank fishing area is on the east side of the lake, on Old Collins Road.
Gebhard Woods State Park in Morris Contact: 815-942-6352 Address: 5010 N. Jugtown Road Hours: Boat access: 6 a.m.-sunset, 7 days a week, weather permitting. Bank fishing access: 6:30 a.m.-sunset. Morris Wetlands State Fish and Wildlife Area The newly purchased Morris Wetlands is 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. Contact: 815-942-6352 Address: 5010 N. Jugtown Road Grundy County Historical Society The Grundy County Historical Society, near the historic I&M Canal, features an array of historical items. There are several cases on display filled with WWI and WWII memorabilia, artifacts from the Civil War era, and local history objects. There also is an EJ&E railroad caboose open for tours upon request. Contact: www.grundycountyhs.org or 815942-4880 Address: 510 W. Illinois Ave. Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday through Saturday
Grundy County Speedway Billed as Illinois’ finest 1/3-mile high-banked paved oval racetrack, the Grundy County Speedway features stock car racing every Friday night, midgets on Saturday nights, from the end of April through Labor Day, along with other special racing events, including street car drags and motorcycle races. The Speedway’s divisions: super late models, midAmerican sportsman, street stock, and 4-cylinders. Contact: www.grundycountyspeedway.com, 815-942-5958 or find them on Facebook Address: Grundy County Fairgrounds, 8890 N. state Route 47, a mile north of I-80 exit 112 Hours: 8-10:30 p.m. daily Admission: Regular: Ages 12 and older $12; seniors $10, 11 and younger free. Special events: $15, $12 and free. William G. Stratton State Park Named after an Illinois governor, William G. Stratton State Park, along the I&M Canal, was developed in 1959 to provide boat access to the Illinois River. It offers four public boat launching ramps to facilitate boating, fishing and water-skiing activities. A jet ski launching area is east of the boat ramps. Contact: www.stateparks.com or 815-942-0796 Address: Griggs Drive
Voyager 2014~15
Henry County ~ 37
Henry County events Through December Richmond Hill Players; Richmond Hill Barn Theatre, 600 H.K. Robinson Drive, Geneseo; www.rhplayers.com or 309-944-2244
June 13-14 More on 34; along U.S. Route 34; rummage sales and events; 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; www.moreon34.com, Facebook or 877-436-7926
June 7-8 More Fun on 81; Andover; 309-476-8228; antique lawn and farm tractor show, arts and crafts show, fishing derby, talent show, pickle ball, Orion Community Band concert, and more; www.andovertourism.com or 309-476-8228
June 13-15 Music Fest; City Park, Geneseo; live music, children’s activities, 1- and 4-mile runs, parade, and more; www.geneseo.org or 309944-2686
June 6-8 Annawan Fun Days; Howe’s Park, Annawan; children’s activities, live entertainment, 5K run/ walk, car show, pie auction, parade, and more; www.annawanillinois.org or 309-935-6266 June 13 Rock the Rail, featuring Funktastic Five; downtown Geneseo; cover charge is $2; 8-10:30 p.m.; www.geneseo.org or 309-944-2686
June 14 Orion Community Garage Sale Day; Orion; 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; www.mainstreetorion.com or 309526-8299 June 19 and 26 Kewanee Chamber of Commerce Concert in the Park; Veterans Park, 401 E. Third St., Kewanee; food at 5 p.m., music at 6:30 p.m.; www.kewanee-il.com or 309-852-2175
June 21 Midsommar Music Festival; Village Park, Bishop Hill; Maypole procession, barn dance, and more; 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; www.bishophill.com or 309-927-3311 June 24-29 Henry County Fair; Henry County Fairgrounds, 311 E. North Street, Cambridge; carnival, live music, tractor pull, demolition derby, and more; admission is $5, grandstand admission is more; www.henrycountyfairil.com, Facebook or 309-937-3391 June 28 Concert in the Park; Central Park, Orion; music by Orion Community Band and Tangent; www.mainstreetorion.com, Facebook or 309526-8299
Midsommar Music Festival in Bishop Hill
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38 ~ Henry County
www.saukvalley.com
World Rolle Bolle Tournament in Annawan
June 28 Hooppole Fun Day; City Park, Hooppole; parade, frog/toad jumping contest (bring your own), children’s games, fireworks, and more; Facebook
July 4 Geneseo Aisle of Flags; City Park, Geneseo; more than 600 flags honoring those who served in the military; Facebook or 309-944-6343
June 29 Colona Freedom Celebration; Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park, Colona; 5K run/walk, fishing derby, car show, fireworks, and more; www.colonail.com or 309-792-9536
July 12 Bishop Hill Country Antique Market; Colony School, Bishop Hill; antiques, collectibles, folk art, pottery, textiles, and more; admission $5; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; www.bishophill.com, www.sweetannieprimitives.net, 309-927-3042 or 309-927-3037
July 3-4 Galva Freedom Fest; Galva; parade, car show, entertainment, 5K run/walk, lunch in the park, fireworks and more; www.galvail.gov, Facebook or 309-932-2555
July 12 Apple Anne’s Antique & Flea Market; Alwood Elementary School, 101 E. A St., Alpha; more than 30 vendors; admission is $5 for early birds 7-8 a.m. and $2 after 8 a.m.; 7 a.m.-5 p.m.; 309-629-8011
July 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 Kewanee Chamber of Commerce Concert in the Park; Veterans Park, 401 E. Third St., Kewanee; food at 5 p.m., music at 6:30 p.m.; www.kewanee-il.com or 309-852-2175
July 16-19 Prairie Chicken Festival; Kewanee; mural painting, car show, entertainment, beer tent, children’s activities, and more; www.kewaneewalldogs.com or Diane at 309-854-6661
July 4 July 4th Celebration; Francis Park, Kewanee; pancake breakfast, tractor drive, car show, entertainment, and more; www.kewanee-il. com or 309-856-5336
July 18 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.; www.annawanillinois.org or 309-236-7836
July 18 Wine Down; Lavender Crest Winery, 5401 U.S. Route 6, Colona; all-you-can-eat prime rib, dancing and music by the Jimmy Valentine Quintet; cover charge is $5 (reservations are suggested); food served at 5 p.m., music and dancing 6:30-9:30 p.m.; www.lavendercrest. com or 309-949-2565 July 27 Bishop Hill Old Settlers’ Association Antique Car Show; Village Park, Bishop Hill; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; www.bishophill.com or 309-9322474 Aug. 7, 14, 21 and 28 Kewanee Chamber of Commerce Concert in the Park; Veterans Park, 401 E. Third St., Kewanee; food at 5 p.m., music at 6:30 p.m.; www.kewanee-il.com or 309-852-2175 Aug. 8 Wine Down; Lavender Crest Winery, 5401 U.S. Route 6, Colona; all-you-can-eat prime rib, dancing and music by the Jimmy Valentine Quintet; cover charge is $5 (reservations are suggested); food served at 5 p.m., music and dancing 6:30-9:30 p.m.; www.lavendercrest. com or 309-949-2565
Voyager 2014~15 Aug. 9 Freedom Fest’s Car Show; Wiley Park, Galva; cars, trucks and motorcycles on display, 1950s and ’60s music, raffles, food, and more; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; www.galvafreedomfest.org or 309-932-2555 Aug. 9 Rock the Rail featuring Smooth Groove; downtown Geneseo; cover charge is $2; 8-10:30 p.m.; www.geneseo.org or 309-944-2686 Aug. 16 Cambridge Fest and Auto Show; downtown Cambridge; craft show, train display, petting zoo, children’s games, sweet corn-eating contest, music, and more; www.cambridgeil.org or 309-937-2570 Aug. 16 The Back Road Music Festival; Galva Park District, Southeast Sixth Street, Galva; four country music acts plus food vendors; tickets are $40 in advance, $45 after July 1 and $50 the day of the festival; gates open at 2 p.m., music starts at 4 p.m.; www.thebackroadmusicfestival. com, Facebook or 309-932-2070 Aug. 16-17 Clay and Fiber Fest; Prairie Arts Center, Bishop Hill; pottery demonstrations, make-and-take projects, old-fashioned pie and ice cream social, soup supper, and more; soup supper is $10 and include a bowl to keep; 9 a.m.-dusk; www.bishophillpottery.com or 309-927-3008 Aug. 23 Belgian Heritage Day; downtown Atkinson; 5K run/walk, Rolle Bolle tournament, meat and soup cook-off, car show, and more; www.atkinsonil.org or 309-936-7658 Aug. 29-31 Orion Fall Festival; Central Park, Orion; carnival, arts and crafts show, car show, talent show, 10-mile and 5K run/walk, pie auction, parade, and more; www.mainstreetorion.com or 309-526-8320 Aug. 29-Sept. 1 Kewanee Hog Days; downtown Kewanee; “world’s largest” outdoor barbecue, 64-mile bike ride and 4-mile run/walk, Model T and Model A rally and car show, flea market, parade, carnival, and more; www.kewaneehogdays.comor 309852-4644 Sept. 4-6 Trains, Planes and Automobiles; Geneseo; fly-in luncheon, golf cart cruise, car show, food, and more; www.geneseo.org or 309-944-2686 Sept. 5 Wine Down; Lavender Crest Winery, 5401 U.S. Route 6, Colona; all-you-can-eat prime rib, dancing and music by the Jimmy Valentine Quintet; cover charge is $5 (reservations are suggested); food served at 5 p.m., music and dancing 6:30-9:30 p.m.; www.lavendercrest. com or 309-949-2565
Henry County ~ 39 Sept. 5 Rock the Rail, featuring The Candymakers; downtown Geneseo; cover charge is $2; 8-10:30 p.m.; www.geneseo.org or 309-944-2686 Sept. 6 Bishop Hill Chautauqua; Village Park, Bishop Hill; re-enactors tell inspiring stories of historical figures; 3 p.m.; www.bishophillheritage.org or 309-927-3899 Sept. 12-14 Antique Engine & 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, and more; dinner, square dancing, pie auction, and more, too; admission is $5; www.ae-ta.com or 309314-3603 or 309-945-8664 Sept. 12 Harvest Moon Lighted Parade; Alpha; lighted parade and food; dusk; 309-629-4008 Sept. 13-14 Old Settlers’ Day; Bishop Hill; celebrate the 168th anniversary of the Bishop Hill Colony; chicken dinner, High Society Band concert and program featuring Bishop Hill Colony descendants; 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; www.bishophill.com or 309-927-3044
Sept. 20-21 Old Time Harvest Festival; Country Corner Farm Market, 5333 U.S. Route 150, Alpha; farm equipment display, music, pony rides, corn maze, and more; 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday; www.country-corner.com, Facebook or 309-629-2359 Sept. 27-28 Jordbruksdagarna – Agriculture Days; Bishop Hill; 19th century harvest activities and demonstrations, music, farm produce, Colony stew, and more; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; www.bishophill.com or 309-927-3345 Oct. 3 Wine Down; Lavender Crest Winery, 5401 U.S. Route 6, Colona; all-you-can-eat prime rib, dancing and music by the Jimmy Valentine Quintet; cover charge is $5 (reservations are suggested); food served at 5 p.m., music and dancing 6:30-9:30 p.m.; www.lavendercrest. com or 309-949-2565 Oct. 3-5, 10-12, 17-19, 24-26 Torment at Twelve Hundred; 5030 N. 1200th Ave., Orion; haunted attraction; not recommended for children younger than 13; tickets are $15; 7 p.m.; www.tormentwelve. com or Facebook CONTINUED ON
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40 ~ Henry County
www.saukvalley.com
Trains, Planes and Automobiles in Geneseo
Oct. 10-12 Fort Obie Rendezvous and Living History Encampment; 817 Cleveland Road, Colona; tipi encampment, black powder shoots, bow shoots, tomahawk and knife throwing, pre-1840 demonstrations, pre-1840 trade goods and more; admission is $2; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; www. colonail.com or 309-876-2423 Oct. 18 Beta Sigma Phi Annual Craft Show; Galva High School, 1020 N. Center Ave., Galva; admission $2; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; www.galvacraftshow.info Nov. 7 Wine Down; Lavender Crest Winery, 5401 U.S. Route 6, Colona; all-you-can-eat prime rib, dancing and music by the Jimmy Valentine Quintet; cover charge is $5 (reservations are suggested); food served at 5 p.m., music and dancing 6:30-9:30 p.m.; www.lavendercrest. com or 309-949-2565 Nov. 8 Geneseo Home for the Holidays Art & Craft Fair; Geneseo Middle School, 333 E. Ogden Ave., Geneseo; www.geneseo.org or 309-944-2686 Nov. 18-Dec. 13 Geneseo Art League Christmas Celebration; 113 N. State St., Geneseo; display and auction of decorated trees, gingerbread houses and holiday artwork; www.geneseoartleague. com, Facebook or 309-944-4402 Nov. 28-30 Julmarknad – Christmas Market; Bishop Hill; Christmas music, roaming Swedish folk characters, Swedish food, Cookie walk, and more; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; www.bishophill.com or 309-927-3311
Nov. 29 Ol’-Fashioned Christmas; Galva; breakfast with Santa, make-and-take ornaments, carriage rides, candy cane hunt, chocolate fair, lighted decorations (in Veterans Park), entertainment, and more; 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; www.galvail.gov or 309-932-2555 Dec. 6 Andover Christmas Walk; Andover; tree lighting ceremony and sing-along (at Andover Lake Park), visits with Santa, lighted decorations and luminaries, and more; 5-8 p.m.; 309-476-8228 Dec. 6-7 Julmarknad – Christmas Market; Bishop Hill; Christmas music, roaming Swedish folk characters, Swedish food, chocolate walk, and more; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; www.bishophill.com or 309-927-3311 Dec. 7 Lighted Parade and Windmont Park Lighting; Windmont Park, Kewanee; parade, park lighting and fireworks; 5-10 p.m.; www. kewanee-il.com or 309-852-2175 Dec. 7 Christmas on the Square; Cambridge; horsedrawn carriage rides, tours of decorated homes, visits with Santa, Festival of Trees, and more; www.cambridgeil.org or 309-937-2570 Dec. 10 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
Dec. 12-14 Lucia Nights; Bishop Hill; coffee and sweets served by girls dressed as St. Lucia serve, special music, and more; 6-9 p.m.; www.bishophill. com or 309-927-3899 Dec. 13 Christmas Walk; Geneseo; storefront windows are decorated or feature live presentations, 5K run/walk, family activities, lighted Christmas parade, and more; www.geneseo.org or 309-944-2686 Dec. 14 Christmas Tour of Homes; Geneseo; www. geneseo.org or 309-944-2686 Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Service; Jenny Lind Chapel, 604 Oak St., Andover; candlelit Christmas service; 11 p.m.; www.jennylindchapel.org, helios. augustana.edu or 309-521-8127 Dec. 25 Andover Christmas Julotta; Augustana Lutheran Church, 628 Sixth St., Andover; a 164year tradition; candlelit 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.; www.bishophill.com or 309-927-3345
Voyager 2014~15
Henry County ~ 41
Henry County tourist attractions
H
enry 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. Alpha Apple Anne’s Antique & Flea Market The annual Apple Anne’s Antique Market is a picker’s paradise with more than 30 vendors spread out on the lawn of the elementary school. Contact: 309-629-8011 Address: Alwood Elementary School, 101 E. A St. Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. July 12 Admission: $5 early birds, 7-8 a.m.; $2 all others, after 8 a.m. 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.
Contact: 309-476-8228 Address: 418 Locust St. Hours: During Andover’s Festival the first weekend in June or by appointment 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. Contact: http://helios.augustana.edu/jlc or 309-521-8127
Jenny Lind Chapel in Andover
Address: Sixth and Oak streets Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, April through October Admission: Free Annawan 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 also is 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 from May through October. CONTINUED ON
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42 ~ Henry County
www.saukvalley.com
Contact: www.dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/ parks/r1/johnson.htm or 309-853-2425 Address: 28616 Sauk Trail Road Hours: Sunrise-10 p.m. daily, May 1 through Nov. 1, and sunrise-sunset daily, Nov. 1 through May 1 Bishop Hill 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 two-story 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. Contact: 309-927-3345 Address: www.state.il.us/hpa/hs/bishop_hill. htm or 304 S. Bishop Hill St. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, March through October, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, November through February Admission: By donation 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. Contact: 309-927-3528 Address: 202 S. Park St. 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. Contact: www.vasaarchives.com or 309-9273898 Address: 106 S. Bishop Hill St. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, April 1-Dec. 20 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.
Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park in Colona Contact: 309-937-3572 Address: 307 W. Center St. Hours: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday Heritage Village Heritage Village is home to several historic buildings, including the old courthouse, sheriff’s horse barn and train depot. Contact: 309-937-2015 Address: 209 E. Court St. Hours: During Cambridge Main Street Fest or by appointment 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 Illinois and Mississippi rivers and provided a shortcut that was cheaper than rail transportation but 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, a paved bike path (Green Rock Memorial Bike Path), dozens of camping sites and several picnic areas. The Visitors Center, near Sheffield, features displays that illustrate the history and operation of the canal. The canal is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Contact: dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/ r1/hennpin.htm or 815-454-2328 Address: Parallel to Interstate 80; Visitors Center is 1 mile south of I-80, just west of state Route 40 Hours: Visitor Center hours usually 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, but can vary; call ahead 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. Contact: www.lavendercrest.com or 309-9492565 Address: 5401 U.S. Highway 6 Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday 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. Contact: 309-932-8992 Address: 906 W. Division St. Hours: By appointment Admission: Free
Voyager 2014~15
Henry County ~ 43
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. The museum features 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. Contact: www.geneseohistoricalmuseum.com or 309-944-3043 Address: 205 S. State St. 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-the-round-style playhouse in an old barn. The theater group stages six productions a season from February through October. Contact: http://rhplayers.com or 309-9442244 Address: 600 H. K. Robinson Drive Hours: Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday Admission: Tickets are $10
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 Jesus 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. The shrine has been recognized as a Diocesan Shrine of Mary by the Peoria Diocese and by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Contact: 309-935-6911 Address: 24772 St. Mary’s Road Hours: Open daily for quiet prayer and reflection; Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is at 4 p.m. the second Sunday of the month; 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 features 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. Contact: http://cityofkewanee.com/francis. php or 309-852-0511 Address: 29862 N. 900 Ave. Hours: Tours of Woodland Palace are noon-4 p.m. daily Admission: $2 adults, $1 children 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 horror-filled saga each year. The indoor-outdoor adventure features scary displays, wood-framed hallways and themed rooms, in addition to a large cast of characters. The attraction is not recommended for children younger than 13. Contact: www.tormentwelve.com Address: 5030 N. 1200th Ave. Hours: 7 p.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday, 7-10 p.m. Sunday and Halloween in October Admission: $15
Woodland Palace at Francis Park in Kewanee
44 ~ Kane County
www.saukvalley.com
Kane County events Through September Kane County Cougars baseball; Fifth Third Bank Ballpark, 34W002 Cherry Lane, Geneva; www.kccougars.com or 630-232-8811 Through September Sculpture in the Park; Mt. St. Mary Park, St, Charles; exhibit of original and unique sculptures; www.st-charlesparks.org or 630-5136200 May 31-June 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 adults; noon-5 p.m. Saturday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday; www.kanecountyfleamarket.com or 630-377-2252 June 1 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, non-competitive division; post-race party featuring music, prize drawings and awards; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org or 630-966-4527 June 6-8 Pride of the Fox RiverFest; east bank of the Fox River, St. Charles; dragon boat races, water ski shows, a 40-ton sand sculpture, live music, carnival, family activities, and more; www. prideofthefox.com or 630-296-7683
June 8 Dairy breakfast; Primrose Farm, 5N726 Crane Road, St. Charles; old-fashioned farm breakfast featuring locally grown food, hayrides, and more; tickets are $12 for resident adults and $6 for resident children, $18 for nonresident adults and $9 for nonresident children; 9 a.m.-noon; www. primrosefarmpark.com/SpecialEvents/specialevents.html or 630-513-4370 June 8 Kids Day; Fox Valley Aero Club Field, Karl Madsen Drive, St. Charles; Aero Club members provide hands-on training to youth to fly radiocontrolled model airplanes; www.foxvalleyaero. com June 8 Railroadiana & Model Train Show and Sale; Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles; admission is $5.50; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; www.kanecountyrrshow.com or 847-358-1185 June 13 Sculpture in the Park reception; Mt. St. Mary Park, St. Charles; exhibit of original and unique sculptures with sculptors on site; www. st-charlesparks.org or 630-513-6200 June 17-22 Swedish Days; downtown Geneva; parade, carnival, talent show, pie-eating contest, music, food, and more; www.visitgenevail.com or 630232-6060
July 4 Aurora Fourth of July celebration; downtown Aurora; patriotic ceremony, parade, live music, family activities, food, and fireworks; ceremony at 9:15 a.m., parade at 10 a.m., fireworks at dusk; www.aurora-il.org or 630-264-4636 July 4 Yorkville’s 4th of July Celebration; Town Square Park, Yorkville; parade, children’s activities, food, fireworks, and more; parade at 9 a.m., fireworks at dusk; www.yorkville.il.us or 630-553-6186 July 4 Fourth of July celebration; Pottawatomie Park, St. Charles; pool and mini golf available in the park, plus music and fireworks; music starts at 4 p.m., fireworks at dusk; www.stcparks.org or 630-513-6200 July 5-6 Kane County Flea Market; Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles; as many as 1,000 dealers display and sell antiques and collectibles; admission is $5 adults; noon-5 p.m. Saturday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday; www. kanecountyfleamarket.com or 630-377-2252 July 8, 15, 22 and 29 Cruise Nite; downtown St. Charles; 5-8 p.m.; www.stcharleschamber.com
Photo submitted by Greater St. Charles Central Visitors Bureau
St. Charles Scarecrow Festival
Voyager 2014~15 July 10-13 Windmill City Festival; Riverwalk, downtown Batavia; live entertainment, beer garden, carnival, 5K run/walk, craft show and flea market, pet parade, outdoor games, and more; www.windmillcityfest.org or 630-454-2000 July 16-20 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; www.kanecountyfair.com or 630-584-6926 July 19 Barn dance; Primrose Farm, 5N726 Crane Road, St. Charles; traditional 1930s barn dance with bonfire and music by Jake Sanders Quartet; lindy hop lessons available; tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door; 7-10 p.m.; dance lessons offered at 6:15 p.m.; www.primrosefarmpark.com/SpecialEvents/specialevents.html or 630-513-4370 July 25-27 Sugar Grove Corn Boil; 61 Main St., Sugar Grove; live music, craft show, carnival, 5K run/ walk, children’s activities, cooking contests, parade, fireworks, and more; sugargrovecornboil.org or 630-466-5166 July 26-27 Geneva Arts Fair; 8 S. Third St., Geneva; outdoor juried art show featuring more than 140 artists; www.genevachamber.com or 630-2626060 Aug. 1-3 North Aurora Days; Clock Tower Plaza, Oak Street and Randall Road, North Aurora; car, truck and bike show, garage sale, 5K/10K run/ walk, pet parade, fishing derby, wine and beer tasting, and more; www.northauroradays.com Aug. 2-3 Kane County Flea Market; Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles; as many as 1,000 dealers display and sell antiques and collectibles; admission is $5 adults; noon-5 p.m. Saturday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday; www. kanecountyfleamarket.com or 630-377-2252 Aug. 5, 12, 19 and 26 Cruise Nite; downtown St. Charles; 5-8 p.m.; www.stcharleschamber.com Aug. 9 Big Truck Show; James O. Breen Community Park, St. Charles; emergency vehicles, garbage trucks, street sweepers, tractors, and more open and on display; 10 a.m.-noon; stcparks. org or 630-513-6200 Aug. 15-17 Elburn Days; Lions Park, Elburn; live music, carnival, sidewalk sales, craft show, 5K run/walk, parade, and more; www.elburnlions.com/elburndays, Facebook or 630-365-6315
Kane County ~ 45 Aug. 16-17 Festival Of The Horse & Drum; Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles; Native American pow-wow and drum performances, equine abilities expo, horse show, equine film festival, children’s activities, multicultural food, and more; 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday; www.festivalofthehorseanddrum.com Sept. 6-7 Kane County Flea Market; Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles; as many as 1,000 dealers display and sell antiques and collectibles; admission is $5 adults; noon-5 p.m. Saturday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday; www. kanecountyfleamarket.com or 630-377-2252 Sept. 5-7 Festival of the Vine; downtown Geneva; live music, arts and crafts show, wine tasting, food, and more; www.genevachamber.com or 630232-6060 Sept. 19-21 Art in your Eye Fine Art Show & Festival; Riverwalk, downtown Batavia; outdoor fine art show featuring more than 70 artists, plus children’s art activities, live music, and more; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday; www.artinyoureye.com or 630-761-3528 Sept. 21 Farm Frolic; Primrose Farm, 5N726 Crane Road, St. Charles; pumpkin painting, hay rides, petting zoo, pony rides, straw maze, oldfashioned games, antique and modern farm equipment display, farming demonstrations, and more; admission is $8 for adults and children 12 and older and $4 for children 2-11; 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; www.primrosefarmpark.com/SpecialEvents/specialevents.html or 630-513-4370 Oct. 4-5 Kane County Flea Market; Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles; as many as 1,000 dealers display and sell antiques and collectibles; admission is $5 adults; noon-5 p.m. Saturday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday; www. kanecountyfleamarket.com or 630-377-2252 Oct. 10-11, 17-18, 24-25 Moonlight hayrides; Primrose Farm, 5N726 Crane Road, St. Charles; 30-minute tractordrawn hayrides through the fields, plus bonfire, marshmallows, hot chocolate and mulled cider; tickets are $8 for resident adults, $12 for nonresident adults; 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.; www. primrosefarmpark.com/SpecialEvents/specialevents.html or 630-513-4370 Oct. 10-12 St. Charles Scarecrow Festival; Main Street, St. Charles; contest featuring more than 150 hand-crafted scarecrows, live 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; www.scarecrowfest.com or 630-377-6161
Oct. 17-31 Gallery of Ghoulish Homes Tour; St. Charles; tour of homes decorated for Halloween; judging night Oct. 18; dusk until 10 p.m.; stcparks.org or 630-513-6200 Oct. 18-19 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 $8; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday; csada.com Oct. 25 BatFest; Riverwalk, downtown Batavia; trickor-treating, pumpkin roll, contests and games, parade, and more; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; www.downtownbatavia.com or 630-761-3528 Nov. 1-2 Kane County Flea Market; Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles; as many as 1,000 dealers display and sell antiques and collectibles; admission is $5 adults; noon-5 p.m. Saturday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday; www. kanecountyfleamarket.com or 630-377-2252 Nov. 28-29 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; www.downtownstcharles.org or 630-443-3969 Dates unavailable (late November through December) Holiday Festival of Lights; Phillips Park, 1000 Ray Moses Drive, Aurora; animated displays, lighted tunnels, a forest full of light, and more; 5-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 5-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; www.aurorafestivaloflights. com Dates unavailable (in early December) Polar Express; location and time TBD; ornament-making, photos with Santa, music and more; stcparks.org or 630-513-6200 Dec. 5-6 Christmas Walk; downtown Geneva; Santa Lucia and Santa Claus, live nativity, carriage rides, holiday treats, and more; tour of five homes decorated for the holidays; www.genevachamber.com or 630-232-6060 Dates unavailable (in December) Holiday Lights Tour; St. Charles; self-guided driving tour of homes decorated for the holidays; stcparks.org or 630-513-6200 Dec. 6-7 Kane County Flea Market; Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles; as many as 1,000 dealers display and sell antiques and collectibles; admission is $5 adults; noon-5 p.m. Saturday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday; www. kanecountyfleamarket.com or 630-377-2252
46 ~ Kane County
www.saukvalley.com
Kane County tourist attractions
K
ane County, once a wilderness of rolling prairie and forests, is now home to more than 515,000 residents. 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. Contact: www.auroraregionalfiremuseum.org, Facebook or 630-892-1572 Address: 53 N. Broadway St. Hours: 1-4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday 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. Contact: www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org or 630-892-1550 Address: 100 S. Barnes Rd. Hours: 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m.5 p.m. Sunday, May to September Admission: $8 adults, $7 children and seniors; resident admission is less Chicago Premium Outlets With 120 outlet stores, this center is a bargain hunter’s haven. Contact: www.premiumoutlets.com or 630585-2200 Address: 1650 Premium Outlets Blvd. Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday 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. Contact: www.aurorahistory.net or 630-9060650 Address: 20 E. Downer Place Hours: Noon-4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday Admission: Free Phillips Park 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 multiple use trail, war memorials and the Winter Recreation Area Contact: www.phillipsparkaurora.com or 630256-3861 Address: 1000 Ray Moses Dr. Hours: Varies by attraction; check the website to call ahead
Admission: Varies by attraction; check the website or call ahead SciTech Hands-On Museum Aurora’s interactive science and technology center offers more than 200 hands-on exhibits demonstrating the principles of electricity, weather, astronomy and nuclear energy. Contact: http://scitechmuseum.org, Facebook or 630-859-3434 Address: 18 W. Benton St. Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday Admission: $8, $6 seniors, free for children 3 and younger Two Brothers Roundhouse Originally constructed 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. Contact: www.twobrothersroundhouse.com, Facebook or 630-264-2739 Address: 205 N. Broadway St. Hours: 11 a.m.-midnight Monday through Thursday William Tanner House Museum Built in 1857, this Italianate-style house was the home to prominent merchant William Tanner and his family. The house features high ceilings, oak grained woodwork, ornate plaster decoration, and antique furnishings. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Next door is the Aurora History Center with documents and photographs of Aurora history. Contact: www.aurorahistory.net or 630-9060650 Address: Corner of Oak and Cedar streets Hours: Hours vary by season; call ahead Admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 students, free for children younger than 12 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. Contact: www.funway.com or 630-879-8717 Address: 1335 S. River St. Hours: Varies by attraction; check website or call ahead Admission: Varies by attraction; check website or call ahead
Harold Hall Quarry Beach A former stone quarry, the 60,000-square-foot beach includes islands, slides, and a diving area. Contact: www.bataviaparks.org/harold-hallquarry-beach or 630-879-5235 or 630-4065275 Address: 400 S. Water St. Hours: Noon-6 p.m. June through mid-August Admission: $8 residents, $11 non-residents Batavia Train Depot Museum The museum, in an abandoned Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad depot built in 1854, features exhibits of the railroad companies that operated in the area, railroad artifacts and a detailed exhibit about the telegraph system. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Contact: www.bataviahistoricalsociety.org/ depot_museum.htm or 630-406-5274 Address: 155 Houston St. Hours: 2-4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday through Sunday, March through Thanksgiving Admission: Free Geneva Fabyan Forest Preserve Located on a beautiful 235-acre preserve with forest, ponds, prairie, and gardens, Fabyan Forest Preserve is a peaceful oasis to enjoy nature. Many trails offer scenic areas to bike, hike, jog or ride horseback. Fishing also is popular in the park. Attractions in the preserve include Japanese gardens, a windmill, and the historic home of George and Nelle Fabyan, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Contact: www.kaneforest.com or 630-2325980 Address: 1925 Batavia Ave. Hours: Sunrise to sunset Kane County Cougars baseball The Kane County Cougars are a professional, Class A, Midwest League affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. The team plays at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark. Contact: www.kccougars.com or 630-2328811 Address: Fifth Third Bank Ballpark, 34W002 Cherry Lane Admission: $11 for reserved seats, $13 for box seats 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.
Voyager 2014~15
Kane County ~ 47
Contact: http://fvia.us, Facebook or 630-2620690 Address: 1996 S. Kirk Road 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, $6 for children ages 6-11. Skate rental is $4. Geneva French Market This bountiful market offers fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, and handmade goods in a European-style marketplace. Contact: 630-232-7494 Address: Fourth and South streets Hours: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, late May through early November Geneva Green Market The non-profit Geneva Green Market, an educational association which promotes local, organic and sustainably-produced products from local artisan farmers and producers, boasts farm-fresh produce, as well as baked goods and locally made wine. Contact: www.genevagreenmarket.org, Facebook or 847-501-0430 Address: To be announced; check the website or call ahead Hours: To be announced; check the website or call ahead 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. Contact: www.acquavivawinery.com, Address: 47W614 state Route 38 Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon-8 p.m. Sunday Admission: Tours range from $10 to $30 La Fox 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 listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. Contact: www.garfieldfarm.org, Facebook or 630-584-8485 Address: Garfield Road, north of state Route 38 Hours: 1-4 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday, June through September, or by appointment year-round Admission: Tours are $3 adults and $2 children younger than 13 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 theater was remodeled and upgraded in 2005. The 900-seat theater still boasts its original pipe organ.
Photo submitted by Greater St. Charles Central Visitors Bureau
St. Charles Paddlewheel Riverboats Contact: www.oshows.com, Facebook or 630-962-7000 Address: 105 E. Main St. Hours: Box office is open noon-6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 2 hours prior to events. 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 this 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. Contact: www.ppfv.org/beith.htm or 630-3776424 Address: 8 Indiana St. Hours: 1-4 p.m. Tuesday, June 1 to Aug. 31, or when staff is on site Admission: $1 or $3 per family Durant House Museum Costumed docents and prairie children bring the past to life at this authentically restored 1843 prairie farmhouse, fondly recognized as Kane County’s own “Little House on the Prairie.” The house is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Contact: www.ppfv.org/durant.htm or 630377-6424 Address: 37W700 Dean St. Hours: 1-4 p.m. Thursday and Sunday, June through August 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. Contact: www.ppfv.org/fabyan.htm or 630377-6424 Address: 1511 S. Batavia Avenue (Route 31) Hours: Guided tours are offered 1-4 p.m. Wednesday, 1-4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 1 through Oct. 15; self-guided tours are available 1-4 p.m. Thursday, June through August; private tours are offered, weather permitting, by appointment, October through April Admission: $2 adults, $1 children CONTINUED ON
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48 ~ Kane County Fabyan Windmill On the east side of Fabyan Forest Preserve stands this authentic, five-story, 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. Contact: www.kaneforest.com/historicsites/ fabyanwindmill.aspx or 630-208-8662 Address: 1600 Crissey Ave. Hours: 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 15 through Oct. 15 Fine Line Creative Arts Center This regional arts center features galleries and offers hands-on classes, including textiles, ceramics, metals, glass and painting. Contact: www.fineline.org or 630-584-9443 Address: 37W570 Bolcum Road Hours: Classes vary; check the website or call ahead 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. Contact: www.healinggardensatstonehillfarm. com or 630-377-1846 Address: 37W249 Dean Street Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. the second Sunday of the month, April through October, or by appointment Admission: $5, $10 per family, cancer survivors free 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 LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified building, the first of its kind in Kane County. Contact: www.stcnature.org or 630-513-4399 Address: 3795 Campton Hills Road Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday Admission: By donation Kane County Flea Market Going strong for more than 45 years, the Kane County Flea Market features antiques, collectibles and other treasures at shows throughout the year. Located at the Kane County Fairgrounds, the flea market attracts hundreds of dealers, rain or shine. Contact: www.kanecountyfleamarket.comor 630-377-2252
www.saukvalley.com Address: 525 S. Randall Road Hours: Noon-5 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday during shows; check the website or call ahead for show dates Admission: $5 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. Contact: www.stcparks.org or 630-584-1885 Address: Prairie Street east of state Route 31 Hours: Dawn to dusk Norris Cultural Arts Center The Dellora A. Norris Cultural Arts Center, founded in 1978, includes an art gallery and a 1,000-seat performing arts theater. The center hosts numerous art, theater, dance and music productions throughout the year. Contact: www.norrisculturalarts.com or 630584-7200 Address: 1040 Dunham Road Hours: Performance times vary; check the website or call ahead Admission: Ticket prices vary; check the website or call ahead 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. Contact: www.ottercove.org or 630-513-4377 Address: 3615 Campton Hills Road Hours: Vary by week; open May 24 through Sept. 1 Admission: $13 non-residents, $9 residents Pioneer Sholes School This one-room country school, located at the LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, is a living museum. The school was built around 1872 and closed around 1946. It never was converted and has been restored. Contact: www.pioneersholesschool.org Address: 37W370 Dean St. Hours: 1-4 p.m. Sunday, mid-June through mid-October; afternoon of the first Sunday in December; 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. Contact: www.stcmuseum.org, Facebook or 630-584-6967 Address: 215 E. Main St. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; noon-4 p.m. Sunday, June through August only
Admission: $2 adults, $1 students and seniors 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. Contact: www.stcriverboats.com or 630-5842334 Address: 2 North Ave. Hours: Cruises are offered May through midOctober at various times; check the website or call ahead Admission: $7.50 adults, $6 children 15 and younger Tekakwitha Woods Nature Center The Fox River diorama is the main attraction at this nature center and allows visitors an underwater experience without getting wet. The center also includes a bison display, a children’s discovery corner, activity center, and a wildlife observation area. Guided or self-guided nature hikes in the preserve’s 64 acres also are available. Contact: www.kaneforest.com/ForestPreserveView.aspx?ID=42 or 630-232-5980 Address: 35W076 Villa Marie Road Hours: Trails open 8 a.m.-sunset; Nature Center open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and noon- 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 1 through Nov. 30; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, an by appointment Tuesday and Thursday, Dec. 1 through March 31 Admission: By donation 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. Contact: www.airclassicsmuseum.org or 630466-0888 Address: 44W546 U.S. Route 30 Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Admission: $8 adults, $5 seniors and children 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. Contact: sugargrovehistory.org or 630-4669726 Address: 259 Main St. Hours: 1-4 p.m. Tuesday or by appointment Admission: By donation
Voyager 2014~15
Lake County ~ 49
Lake County events June, July and August Antioch’s Reflections on the Chain Charity Public Art Program; visit the 50 Artistic Reflections Mirrors on display and join monthly Scavenger Contests for a chance to win prizes; antiochchamber.org June 6 Fox Lake Annual Golf Outing; Fox Lake Country Club, State Park Road, Fox Lake July 10-13 Dog Days of Summer; Cook Park, Libertyville; feature event is DockDogs – Road to the National Championship 2013, K-9 demonstrations, various family and dog participation games, music and more; www.pamperedpupz.com June 14-15 Antioch’s Summer Arts and Crafts Faire; downtown Antioch; enjoy browsing, kids activities including princesses and petting zoo; antiochchamber.org June 21, July 19, Aug. 16, Sept. 20, Oct. 18, Nov. 15, Dec. 20 ArtWauk; downtown Waukegan, Genesee and Clayton streets; paintings, sculpture, film, dance, theater, music, and food; 5-10 p.m.; www.artwauk.com or 847-623-6650 June 21 Concert by the Lake; Lakefront Park, 71 Nippersink Blvd., Fox Lake; musical venue under the stars, with food and beer tent; 7-10 p.m.; 847-587-7474 June 17-Aug. 5 Summer Concerts at Independence Grove; Independence Grove Forest Preserve, 16400 W. Buckley Road, Libertyville; free concerts, $6 per vehicle parking fee, food available for purchase; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday rain or shine; 847-968-3499 June 18, July 16, Aug. 20, Sept. 17 Car Fun on 21; Church Street between Milwaukee and Brainerd avenues, Libertyville; car show, food and entertainment; 6-9 p.m.; www. mainstreetlibertyville.org or 847-680-0336 June 23 MainStreet Libertyville Golf Outing; Glen Flora Golf Course, 2200 N. Sheridan Road, Waukegan; 11:30 a.m. shotgun start; $110 per golfer, $125 after June 7; 847-680-0336 June 28-29 Fox Lake Fire Department 55th Annual Festival; FLVFD Bingo Hall, 114 Washington St., Ingleside; water fights, food, raffles and entertainment; 847-587-3312
Venetian Night on Pistakee Lake in Fox Lake June 28 Taste of Grayslake; Central Park; family picnic, beer tent, community and business booths, children’s rides, face painting, live entertainment and fireworks at dusk; 3-10 p.m.; www.glpd. com or 847-223-7529 July 5 Celebrate Fox Lake July 4th Celebration; Lakefront Park, 71 Nippersink Blvd., Fox Lake; parade steps off at 10 a.m. from Grant Community High School and travels west on Grand Avenue; arts and crafts show, live entertainment and food, beer tent at Lakefront Park; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; www.foxlake.org or 847-587-2151
July 6 Old-Fashioned Pie and Ice Cream Social; Grant Hall Museum, 411 Washington St., Ingleside; hosted by Fox Lake-Grant Township Area Historical Society; noon- 3 p.m.; 847-587-7474 July 12-13 Wauconda Rodeo; Golden Oaks Rodeo Grounds, Rand and Case roads, Wauconda; rodeo, live music, food and vendors; rodeo starts at 7 p.m. Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday; www.waucondarodeo.com or 847-526-5580 CONTINUED ON
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50 ~ Lake County July 12-13 Civil War Days; Lakewood Forest Preserve, state Route 176 and Fairfield Road, Wauconda; battle re-enactments, civilian camps, drill demonstrations, and Civil War-era vendors; $8 adults, $4 youths age 4-17, free children 3 and under – price includes parking and admission to Lake County Discovery Museum; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday; www. lcfdp.org or 847-968-3400 July 17-20 Antioch’s Taste of Summer Festival; downtown Antioch; food, music, carnival and sidewalk sales throughout this 4-day event; antiochchamber.org July 19 Fox Lake Movie by the Lake; Lakefront Park; “Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs 2”; dusk July 20 Celebrate the Beatles 50th Anniversary at Antioch’s Taste of Summer; downtown Antioch; free; noon-3 p.m.; antiochchamber.org July 25 Third Annual Guns and Hoses Golf Outing; Fox Lake Country Club, 7220 State Park Road, Fox Lake; shotgun start at 11 a.m.; 847-8400029 Aug 1-5 Lake County Fair; new Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake; livestock shows, carnival rides, games, demonstrations, beauty pageants, food, live music and more; www.lcfair.com or 847-680-7200 Aug. 2 Venetian Night on Pistakee Lake; West Grand Avenue, Fox Lake; block party, boat parade and fireworks; 6-9:30 p.m.; 847-5877474 Aug. 7-10 Gurnee Days – Ahoy Matey!; Gurnee; golf outing, parade, 10K and 2-mile fun run and walk, food, games, baby contest, open houses at police and fire departments, rib fest and fireworks; www.gurneedays.com or 847-249-9613 Aug. 10 Rally by the Lake Car and Bike Show; Lakefront Park, 71 Nippersink Blvd., Fox Lake; vendor booths, raffles, food, music and refreshments; free admission, free parking; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; 847-587-7474 Aug. 17 Sixteenth Annual Cardboard Cup Regatta; Lakefront Park, 71 Nippersink Blvd., Fox Lake; family activities, food and beer tent; 8 a.m. onsite registration and building, noon race; 847587-7474
www.saukvalley.com Sept. 6 Home Town Festival; Round Lake; familyfriendly event featuring a variety of activities and entertainment; 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; www.eroundlake. com or 847-546-5400 Sept. 6 Antioch’s Beer and BBQ Fall Holiday Walk; downtown Antioch; tickets go on sale Aug. 1; craft beers and barbecue; only 300 tickets sold; antiochchamber.org Sept. 6-7 Antioch’s Fall Fest; downtown Antioch; activities for all ages, food, fun, and music; antiochchamber.org Sept. 6-7 Antioch’s Fall Arts and Crafts Faire; downtown Antioch; Artisans from around the Midwest flock to Antioch to display their seasonal crafts; antiochchamber.org Sept. 12 Mayor’s Challenge 5K Run and Walk Pasta Dinner; FLVFD Bingo Hall, 114 Washington St., Ingleside; pre-race spaghetti dinner; 4-8 p.m.; 847-587-7474 Sept. 13 Mayor’s Challenge 5K Run and Walk; Millennium Park, Rollins Road and Grand Avenue, Fox Lake; proceeds benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation; 7 a.m. registration, 8 a.m. race Oct 11 Fox Lake Oktoberfest Beer and Wine Walk; Grand Avenue, Fox Lake; 1-4:30 p.m.; 847-5877474 or 847-587-3944 Sept. 20 Oktoberfest Street Dance; Church Street, Libertyville; live music, food (including German), fun, games, and your favorite beverages; tickets $10 in advance, $15 at the door; 6-11 p.m.; 847-680-0336 Oct. 4 Octoberfest; Lakefront Park, 71 Nippersink Blvd., Fox Lake; live entertainment, food and beer – adults over age 21 only; 6-11 p.m.; 847587-7474 Oct. 5 Fall Festival; Lakefront Park, 71 Nippersink Blvd., Fox Lake; family activities; 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; 847-587-7474 Oct 11 Fox Lake Oktoberfest Beer and Wine Walk; Grand Avenue, Fox Lake; 1-4:30 p.m.; 847-5877474 or 847-587-3944
Oct. 16 Senior Fair; Maravela’s, 4 Washington St., Fox Lake; vendors, lunch and raffles; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; 847-587-7474 Oct. 31 Halloween Howl; Fox Lake Police Department, 301 S. Route 59, Fox Lake; costumes, safety tours and a witch’s kitchen; 4-7 p.m.; 847-587-3100 Nov. 11 Veterans Day Parade; Grand Avenue and Genesee Street, Waukegan; 10:30 a.m.; a moment of silence and rifle salute will take place at 11:11 a.m.; www.waukeganweb.net or 847599-2949 Nov. 11 Veterans Day Celebration; Fox Lake Train Station, 32 Nippersink Blvd., Fox Lake; 11 a.m.; 847-587-7474 Nov 28 Fox Lake Village Tree Lighting at Millennium Park; Millennium Park, Fox Lake Nov 29 Korpan’s Christmas Parade; Grant Township High School, 285 E. Grand Ave., Fox Lake; parade with children’s party following at Lakefront Park Building, 71 Nippersink Blvd.; www. foxlake.org or 847-587-2151 Dec. 6 and 13 Dickens of a Holiday; Cook Park, downtown Libertyville; families can visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, tours of the Cook Mansion and shopping at the Children’s Holiday Shoppe at the Libertyville Civic Center, 135 W. Church St.; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; www.mainstreetlibertyville.org or 847-680-0336 Dec. 6 and 13 Holiday Tea; St. Lawrence Episcopal Church, 125 W. Church St., Libertyville; drink English tea and eat finger sandwiches and bite-sized desserts among the stained glass windows of the church; reservations required; 11 a.m.; www. mainstreetlibertyville.org or 847-680-0336 Dec. 13-14, 20-21 Breakfast with Santa; Magnolia Cafe & Bakery, 14245 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville; 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; $15.95 per person, kids 23 months and younger eat free with a $7.95 charge for all activities and photo with Santa, reservations required; lambsfarm.org or 847-362-5050 Dec. 13 Santa’s Pasta Dinner and Santa’s Workshop; Lakefront Park, 71 Nippersink Blvd., Fox Lake; vendor gift booths, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, dinner, entertainment and raffles; 3-7 p.m.; 847-587-7474
Voyager 2014~15
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52 ~ Lake County
www.saukvalley.com
Lake County tourist attractions
L
ake 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 Buffalo Grove Farmers Market The farmers market features vendors selling farm-fresh, locally grown produce; locally made and raised meats and cheeses; homemade baked goods and plants. Contact: www.vbg.org/index.aspx?nid=619, 847-459-2525 or 847-459-7906 Address: Mike Rylko Community Park, 951 McHenry Road Hours: 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sunday, June 17, through Oct. 7; closed Sept. 2 Admission: Free Deerfield Deerfield Farmers Market The farmers market features vendors selling farm-fresh, locally grown produce; locally produced cheese and honey and homemade baked goods and other foods. Contact: www.deerfield.il.us/residents/farmers_market or 847-945-5000 or 847-945-0214 Address: Metra commuter lot, Robert York Avenue and Deerfield Road Hours: 7 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, June 16, through Oct. 13 Admission: Free 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. Contact: www.deerfieldparks.org/pkjewett. html or 847-945-0650 Address: 836 Jewett Park Drive 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. Contact: www.deerfieldparks.org/pkjewetttreehouse.html or 847-945-0650 Address: Jewett Park Community Center, 836 Jewett Park Drive Hours: 9:15-11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday; 10 a.m.-noon Saturday; and 1-3 p.m. Sunday, September through May Admission: $2 children, $17 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 walkthrough exhibits and viewing stations. Contact: www.lcfpd.org/preserves or 847367-6640 Address: Sheridan and Elm roads Hours: 6:30 a.m.-sunset Admission: Free
Great Lakes Great Lakes Naval Museum The official 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. Contact: www.history.navy.mil/museums/ greatlakes/index.htm or 847-688-3154 Address: 620 Farragut Ave., Building 42 Hours: 1-5 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday; and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday Admission: Free
Glencoe Chicago Botanic Garden The Chicago Botanic Garden, with its worldrenowned 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. Contact: www.chicagobotanic.org or 847835-5440 Address: 1000 Lake Cook Road Hours: 8 a.m.-sunset Admission: Free; parking fees are $20 per car, $7 for seniors on Tuesday and $25 per van
Gurnee The Button Room The Button Room is a vintage and antique button museum with displays that rotate monthly. Contact: www.thebuttonroom.org or 224399-9870 Address: 4072 Old Grand Ave. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday Admission: $6 adults, $3 seniors, $3 age 6-16
Grayslake Grayslake Farmers Market The farmers market features more than 60 vendors in the summer and more than 15 in the spring and fall selling farm-fresh, locally grown produce; locally produced meat and eggs; homemade baked goods and other foods and plants. Contact: www.grayslakefarmersmarket. com, 847-691-8006 or 847-223-4685 Address: 149 Center St. Hours: 3-7 p.m. Wednesday; and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April through December Admission: Free 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 façade. Contact: www.villageofgrayslake.com Address: 164 Hawley St. Hours: Noon-4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday Admission: Free
Gurnee Farmers Market The farmers market features vendors selling farm-fresh, locally grown produce; locally produced meat and eggs and homemade baked goods and other foods. It also offers music, cooking classes and demonstrations. Contact: www.gurneeparkdistrict.com/specialevents or 847-599-3745 or 847-623-8121 Address: Esper Petersen Park, Grand Avenue and Kilbourne Road Hours: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, June 8 through Sept. 28 Admission: Free Mother Rudd House and 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. Contact: motherrudd.org/about.html or 847263-9540 Address: 4690 Old Grand Ave. Hours: One Sunday a month, call for dates Admission: Free
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54 ~ Lake County 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. Contact: www.sixflags.com/greatAmerica/ index.aspx or 847-249-4636 Address: 1 Great America Parkway Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday; check the calendar online for exact hours; park opens May 5; water park opens May 26 Admission: $39.99 online or $59.99 at the park for adults and $39.99 for children shorter than 4 feet at the park; parking is $20 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. Contact: www.pdhp.org/index.aspx?page=96 or 847-433-3170 Address: 1220 Fredrickson Place Hours: 4-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4-7 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Admission: $7 for Highland Park residents and $12 for non-residents Ingleside Volo Bog State Natural Area Volo Bog State Natural Area is home to Volo Bog, the only remaining open-water “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 visitors center originally housed a dairy barn and now includes exhibits and a hands-on discovery center. Contact: http://dnr.state.il.us or 217-782-9175 Address: 28478 W. Brandenburg Road Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. May through September; the visitors center is open 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday Admission: Free Lake Bluff Lake Bluff Farmers Market The farmers market features vendors selling farm-fresh, locally grown produce; homemade baked goods and plants. Contact: www.lakebluff.org, 847-234-0774 or 847-234-7254 Address: Village Green, 40 E. Center Ave. Hours: 7 a.m.-noon Friday, June 8 through Oct. 12 Admission: Free North Shore Distillery North Shore Distillery, which opened in 2005, is the first craft distillery in the state. It features award-winning vodkas, gins and liqueurs and a tasting room. Tours of the facility are conducted Saturdays and include a tasting.
www.saukvalley.com Contact: www.northshoredistillery.com or 847-574-2499 Address: 28913 Herky Drive, Unit 308 Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; the tasting room is open 4-8 p.m. Friday and 2-8 p.m. Saturday; Tours are offered at 2 and 4 p.m. Saturday Admission: Tours are $10 Lake Forest Citadel Theatre Company Citadel Theatre offers professional theater productions throughout the year. Contact: www.citadeltheatre.org or 847-7358554 Address: 300 S. Waukegan Road Hours: Showtimes are 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday; check the schedule online or call the box office for show dates Admission: Tickets are $37.50 for general admission and $32.50 for seniors and students Lake Forest Farmers Market The farmers market features more than 20 vendors selling farm-fresh, locally grown produce; locally raised meats and homemade baked goods. Contact: www.cityoflakeforest.com or 847613-7005 Address: East Lake Forest train station, 691 N. Western Ave. Hours: 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, June 23 through Oct. 13 Admission: Free Wildlife Discovery Center The Wildlife Discovery Center offers children’s classes, adult programs and school field trips that focus on wildlife conservation, field biology and ecology. The 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. Contact: www.cityoflakeforest.com/cs/rec/ cs_rec2d2.htm or 847-810-3663 Address: 1401 Middlefork Drive, Lake Forest Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, Friday and Saturday and noon-4 p.m. Sunday Admission: Free Libertyville 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 listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Contact: www.lcfpd.org/preserves or 847968-3400 Address: 25200 N. St. Mary’s Road Hours: The self-guided trails around the property are open from 6:30 a.m. to sunset daily; the building and exhibits are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily April through October C&A Robot Factory C&A Robot Factory, which opened in 2011, is a place for children to build with LEGOs and learn with LEGO machines and robots.
Contact: www.carobotfactory.com or 847996-0123 Address: 326 Peterson Road Hours: 3:30-7 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday Admission: $5 for Day Play Independence Grove Forest Preserve The scenic 1,135-acre preserve is 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 Tuesday nights. Contact: www.lcfpd.org/preserves or 847968-3499 Address: 16400 W. Buckley Road Hours: The visitors center is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily Admission: Parking is free for Lake County residents and $5 per car for non-residents Monday to Thursday and $10 Friday, Saturday, 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 ride and an oldworld carousel. All the businesses at Lambs Farm benefit programs for people with developmental disabilities. Contact: www.lambsfarm.org or 847-3624636 Address: 14245 W. Rockland Road Hours: 10 a.m.-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 children’s day pass Libertyville Farmers Market The farmers market features vendors selling farm-fresh, locally grown produce; locally raised meats; locally produced cheese and eggs; homemade baked goods and other food and plants. Contact: www.libertyvillefarmersmarket.org 847-680-0336 or 847-680-0370 Address: 120 W. Church St. Hours: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, June 21 through Oct. 18 Admission: Free Libertyville Sports Complex The Libertyville Sports Complex features a 360-degree climbing mountain, a 40-tee driving range and a fitness center. Contact: www.libertyville.com or 847-3671502 Address: 1950 N. Highway 45, Libertyville Hours: Varies; call for hours Admission: Varies; call for prices
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56 ~ Lake County Long Grove Valentino Vineyards Valentino Vineyards, which opened to the public in 2001, features award-winning wines, a 20-acre vineyard with 20 varieties of grapes and a tasting room. Tours of the facility are conducted by appointment. Contact: www.valentinovineyards.com or 847634-2831 Address: 5175 Aptakisic Road Hours: Tastings are 5-7 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and noon-4 p.m. Sunday Admission: $8 for tours and $10 for tastings Mundelein Mundelein Farmers Market The farmers market features more than 20 vendors selling farm-fresh, locally grown produce; locally produced meat, cheese and honey and homemade baked goods. Contact: www.mundelein.org/farmers_market or 847-970-9235 or 847-970-9282 Address: Park Street and Seymour Avenue Hours: 3-7 p.m. Friday, June 1 through Oct. 12 Admission: Free North Chicago Green Youth Farm’s North Chicago Farm Stand The farmers market features fresh, organic produce grown by teenagers on a 1-acre farm. Contact: www.chicagobotanic.org/greenyouthfarm, 224-612-2635 or 847-242-6348 Address: Greenbelt Forest Preserve, 1215 Green Bay Road
www.saukvalley.com Hours: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday, July 11 through Oct. 6 Admission: Free 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. Contact: www.tempelfarms.com or 847-6237272 Address: 17000 Wadsworth Road Hours: Showtimes vary; check the schedule online or call the box office for show dates Admission: Tickets start at $25 for adults and $15 for children younger than 15 in advance Round Lake 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. Contact: www.rlapd.org/facilities-aquatics.cfm or 847-740-9823 Address: 860 Hart Road
Hours: The Aquatic Center is open from 1 to 7 p.m.; the Nature Museum is open 9:30 a.m.2 p.m. Tuesday, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and 9:30 a.m.noon Saturday Admission: Swim passes are $5 for Round Lake resident students ages 4 to 18 and $6 for nonresident students, $6 for resident adults and $8 for non-resident adults; museum admission is free 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. Contact: http://dnr.state.il.us or 847-5875512 Address: 8916 Wilmot Road Hours: 6 a.m.-9 p.m. daily Admission: Free Vernon Hills Cuneo Mansion and Gardens The Cuneo Mansion is a historic Italianate mansion nestled on 75 acres of vistas and formal gardens. Contact: www.cuneomansion.org or 847-3623042 Address: 1350 N. Milwaukee Ave. Hours: Docent-led tours are offered at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday
Voyager 2014~15
Lake County ~ 57
Admission: $10 for adults and $9 for seniors and students
Admission: Tickets are $19.60 online or at the box office
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. Contact: www.whirlyball.com or 847-918-0800 Address: 285 Center Drive Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11-1 a.m. Friday and 11-2 a.m. Saturday Admission: $15 for 30 minutes
Lake County Discovery Museum The nationally accredited, award-winning museum features hands-on, interactive exhibits, including the largest collection of picture postcards in the world. Contact: www.lcfpd.org/discovery_museum or 847-968-3400 Address: 27277 Forest Preserve Drive Hours: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 1-4:30 p.m. Sunday Admission: $6 for adults, $3 for seniors and students and $2.50 for children ages 4-17; $3 for adults and free for children ages 4-17 on Tuesday
Volo Historic Volo Country Village The 30-acre antique “theme park” not only is home to the Volo Auto Museum, but also boasts four antique malls with goods from more than 400 dealers. Contact: www.voloantiques.com or 815-3446062 Address: 27640 W. Volo Village Road Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily Admission: Free 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. Contact: www.volocars.com or 815-385-3644 Address: 27582 West Volo Village Road, Volo Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily Admission: $11.95 for adults, $9.95 for seniors and $6.95 for children ages 5-12 Wadsworth 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. The home features an enormous statue of Ramses II and a replica of King Tut’s tomb. Contact: http://goldpyramid.com or 847-6627777 Address: 37921 Dilleys Road Hours: By appointment Admission: $15 for adults and $7 for children younger than 12 Wauconda Clockwise Theatre Clockwise Theatre offers alternative entertainment choices, including world premieres of plays with an emphasis on Midwestern playwrights, new or unusual small-scale musicals and programming for the young adult audience, from October through May. Contact: www.clockwisetheatre.org or 847775-1500 Address: 221 N. Genesee St. Hours: Showtimes are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday; check the schedule online or call the box office for show dates.
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. Contact: www.waukeganparks.org or 847360-4700 Address: 1800 N. Sheridan Road Hours: Sunrise to sunset daily Admission: Free Jack Benny Center for the Arts The Bowen Park Theatre and Opera companies provide professional theatre, opera and shows for young audiences, as well as classes in art, music, dance and theatre. Contact: www.waukeganparks.org/culturalarts/jack-benny-center.htm or 847-360-4740 Address: 39 Jack Benny Drive Hours: Showtimes vary; check the schedule online or call the box office for show dates Admission: Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $10 for students at the box office Waukegan BMX Track The Waukegan BMX Track, designed by a nationally known builder of BMX tracks, is 1,200 feet long and features several obstacles. Contact: www.waukeganbmx.com or 224430-4762 Address: 2785 York House Road Hours: Practices are at 5 p.m. Wednesday; races start with registration at 4:30 p.m. Thursday and Saturday; check the schedule online for race dates Admission: Race trials are $1; USA BMX memberships start at $25 Waukegan History Museum The museum, inside the historic Haines farmhouse built in 1843, features artifacts that depict the history of the city.
Contact: www.waukeganhistorical.org/museum.html or 847-336-1859 Address: Bowen Park, 1917 N. Sheridan Road 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. No lifeguards supervise the beach. Contact: www.waukeganweb.net/beach.html or 847-599-2525 Address: 201 Sea Horse Drive Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily 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. Contact: www.waukeganparks.org/parks/ waukegan-skate-park.htm or 847-360-4700 Address: Bowen Park, 1815 N. Sheridan Road, Waukegan Hours: When front gate is open to sunset daily Admission: Free Zion 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 visitors center. Contact: http://dnr.state.il.us or 847-662-4811 Address: Sheridan and Wadsworth roads 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. Contact: www.zionhs.com or 847-746-3806 Address: 1300 Shiloh Blvd., Zion Hours: 2-5 p.m. Sunday before Memorial Day through Labor Day Admission: Free Zion Farmers Market The farmers market features vendors selling farm-fresh, locally grown produce; locally produced meat and eggs; homemade baked goods and handmade items. Contact: www.cityofzion.com/farmersmarket or 847-746-4056 or 847-746-7167 Address: Shiloh Boulevard and Sheridan Road Hours: 2-7 p.m. Thursday, June 21 to Sept. 27 Admission: Free
58 ~ Lee County
www.saukvalley.com
Petunia Festival Parade in Dixon
Lee County events May 30 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 May 31 Shop Small Saturday; merchants in Dixon, Sterling and Rock Falls; merchants offer promotions throughout the day and specials for shoppers who wear a Sauk Valley Shop Small button; www.saukvalleyshopsmall.com, Facebook or saukvalleyshopsmall@gmail.com June 6, 13, 20 and 27 Musical Fridays; Heritage Crossing, Dixon; noon-1 p.m.; www.dixonmainstreet.com or 815288-2308 June 6-7 Cabela’s King Kat Tournament; Rock River, Dixon; anglers compete for cash, prizes and a chance to advance to the national tournament in October; fishing 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m., weigh-in at 4 p.m. in Page Park; www.kingkatusa.com, www. discoverdixon.org or 815-284-3496 June 7-8 Summer Celebration; downtown Ashton; carnival, petting zoo, tractor pull, bed races, car show, craft show, music, parade, and fireworks; 815-453-2103 June 14 Second Saturdays; downtown Dixon; businesses host artists and musicians; 6-8 p.m.; www.second-saturdays.com or Facebook
June 20-22 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 p.m. Sunday; www.WWII-recreated-dixon.weebly.com or 815-284-1965 June 20 Blues and Bluegrass; H.I. Lincoln Building, 136 N. Elm St., Franklin Grove; open stage for acoustic musicians; www.franklingråeil.org or 815-456-3030 June 21-22 Bloomin’ on the Rock; Heritage Crossing, Dixon; garden walk, flower pot auction, vendors, music and food, sponsored by the Rock River Garden Club; 815-284-3496 June 28 Dixon Beer Festival; Heritage Crossing, Dixon; samples of beer, wine and spirits; food available for purchase; tickets are $20 in advance at Trein’s Jewelry, The Crystal Cork and Dixon Main Street and get the buyer a complimentary tasting glass and extra tasting tickets; 6-9 p.m.; www.dixonmainstreet.com or 815-288-2308 July 2-6 Petunia Festival; downtown Dixon; luau, pancake breakfast, bags and poker tournaments, tennis and soccer tournaments, carnival, live music, and fireworks; www.petuniafestival.org or Facebook
July 4 Independence Day Celebration; Chaplin Creek Village, 1715 Whitney Road, Franklin Grove; reading of the Declaration of Independence; 9 a.m.; www.chaplincreek.com or Max Baumgardner at 815-632-7843 July 4 Amboy Fireworks Festival; Amboy Depot Museum, 99 E. Main St., Amboy; food, music and fireworks; 7-11 p.m.; Deanne Hoy at 815857-3814 July 4, 11, 18 and 25 Musical Fridays; Heritage Crossing, Dixon; noon-1 p.m.; www.dixonmainstreet.com or 815288-2308 July 5 Nuts About Art; John Dixon Park, 515 N. Galena Ave., Dixon; juried art show and music by Kraig Kenning; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; The Next Picture Show, 815-285-4924 July 12 Second Saturdays; downtown Dixon; businesses host artists and musicians; 6-8 p.m.; www.second-saturdays.com or Facebook July 18 Blues and Bluegrass; H.I. Lincoln Building, 136 N. Elm St., Franklin Grove; open stage for acoustic musicians; www.franklingroveil.org or 815-456-3030
Voyager 2014~15
Lee County ~ 59
July 24-27 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; www. leecounty4hcenter.com or 815-857-2603 July 31 Battle of the Brains Trivia Night; Post House Ballroom, 100 W. Second St., Dixon; trivia competition, door prizes, and 50/50 raffle; event is for those 21 and older; admission is $12 for participants and $3 for spectators; lccoa.com or 815-288-9236 Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 Musical Fridays; Heritage Crossing, Dixon; noon-1 p.m.; www.dixonmainstreet.com or 815288-2308 Aug. 2-3 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.; www.franklingroveil.org, www.chaplincreek.com or 815-456-3030 Aug. 2 Big Rig Show; Atkinson Trucking, 351 N. State St., Franklin Grove; proceeds of show benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children in Chicago; trucks on display, plus music, food and 50/50 raffle; noon-6 p.m.; Facebook or 815-440-8304
Aug 6-9 Reagan Trail Days; Dixon; beer and wine tasting, ice cream social, community picnic, art sale, rubber duck races, bags tournament, historic trolley rides, kids activities, live music, sidewalk sales and more; Facebook or 815-288-2308
Aug. 21-24 Depot Days; downtown Amboy; car show, tractor show, arts and crafts show, 5K run/ walk, garage sales, music, carnival and parade; www.depotdays.com, Facebook or 815-857-3814
Aug. 6 Tractor drive; Centennial Park, West Street, Sublette; 1-day drive around the area, roadside lunch and picnic; Don Dinges, 815-849-5582
Aug. 23 Shop Small Saturday; merchants in Dixon, Sterling and Rock Falls; merchants offer promotions throughout the day and specials for shoppers who wear a Sauk Valley Shop Small button; www.saukvalleyshopsmall.com, Facebook or saukvalleyshopsmall@gmail.com
Aug. 8-10 Lincoln Buy-Way; along the Lincoln Highway; rummage sales along Lincoln Highway; www. drivelincolnhighway.com/events.php or Facebook
Aug. 23-24 Dixon Family Carp Derby; Rock River, Dixon; families compete for prizes; 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m.-noon Sunday; 815-284-3496
Aug. 9 Second Saturdays; downtown Dixon; businesses host artists and musicians; 6-8 p.m.; www.second-saturdays.com or Facebook
Aug. 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
Aug. 15 Blues and Bluegrass; H.I. Lincoln Building, 136 N. Elm St., Franklin Grove; open stage for acoustic musicians; www.franklingroveil.org or 815-456-3030 Aug. 16 Gardenstock Art and Music Festival; Distinctive Gardens, 2020 Lowell Park Road, Dixon; proceeds benefit Sinnissippi Center’s youth gardening program; art, music and food; 11 a.m.; www.diggersdelight.com or 815-285-0014
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Aug. 30 Dixon Lioness Fall Craft & Vendor Show; John Dixon Park, Dixon; crafters, vendors and raffles; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Jean Millar at 815-2882246
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Downtown Franklin Grove
Hrs: Mon-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 12pm-4pm Lynn Asp, Director 815-456-3030
61
60 ~ Lee County
www.saukvalley.com
Historic Dixon Theatre
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The Most Unique Venue in the Area
Seating for 1000 guests Receptions
Full-Service Bar State-of-the-Art Lights & Sound
Dressing Rooms Rental Items Available
Voyager 2014~15
Lee County ~ 61
Aug. 31-Sept. 1 Lions Club Labor Day Celebration; Village Park, Paw Paw; tractor pull, ice cream social, flea market, car show, music and parade; admission to tractor pull is $5; 815-762-4481 Sept. 5, 12, 19 and 26 Musical Fridays; Heritage Crossing, Dixon; noon-1 p.m.; www.dixonmainstreet.com or 815288-2308 Sept. 6 Dixon Wine Festival; Distinctive Gardens, 2020 Lowell Park Road, Dixon; samples of wine, beer and martinis; tickets are $15 in advance at Trein’s Jewelry and The Crystal Cork and get the buyer a complimentary tasting glass and extra tasting tickets; 6-10 p.m.; 815-285-3496 Sept. 7 Grand Detour Fine Arts Festival; John Deere Historic Site, 8334 S. Clinton St., Grand Detour; adult and children’s art, music and food; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; 815-652-8663 Sept. 12-14 SubletteFest 160; downtown Sublette; celebrate the village’s 160th anniversary; live music, beer tent, games, food, parade and fireworks; www.subletteweb.com or 815703-6140
Sept. 13 Second Saturdays; downtown Dixon; businesses host artists and musicians; www.second-saturdays.com or Facebook; 6-8 p.m. Sept. 19 Blues and Bluegrass; H.I. Lincoln Building, 136 N. Elm St., Franklin Grove; open stage for acoustic musicians; www.franklingroveil.org or 815-456-3030 Sept. 20 Art on the Square; Old Lee County Courthouse, 112 E. Second St., Dixon; children and adults are invited to paint squares on the sidewalk; supplies are provided; free; The Next Picture Show, 815-285-4924; 9 a.m. Sept. 20 Chilifest; Distinctive Gardens, 2020 Lowell Park Road, Dixon; chili cook-off, music and art; benefits Second Saturdays; www.diggersdelight. com or Distinctive Gardens, 815-285-0014; 5-9 p.m. Sept. 20 Autumn on the Prairie; Nachusa Grasslands, South Lowden Road, Franklin Grove; horsedrawn wagon rides, live music, artist demonstrations, birds of prey, and more; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; www.nachusagrasslands.org or Bill Kleiman, 815-456-2340
Sept. 21 Afternoon at the Mill; Franklin Creek Grist Mill, 1893 Twist Road, Franklin Grove; program to be announced; tickets are $25 and include a catered meal; 1 p.m.; Julie Hage, 815-288-5445 Sept. 27 Scarecrow Festival; downtown Dixon; scarecrow decorating contest, pumpkin painting, flower pot painting, Chalk the Walk, street performers, craft vendors, doggie zoo and food; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Dixon Main Street, www.dixonmainstreet.com or 815-288-2308 Sept. 28 Riverfront Classic Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show; Heritage Crossing, Dixon; show features supercharged street-driven vehicles, music by 3-D Sound; show benefits local charities; Steve Reuter, 815-440-3654, or Facebook; car registration 8-11 a.m., show 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 11 Second Saturdays; downtown Dixon; businesses host artists and musicians; www.second-saturdays.com or Facebook; 6-8 p.m.
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AMBOY DEPOT MUSEUM
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Museum Hours
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Amboy is located on US 52, 2 miles south of US 30. The museum can be found downtown on Main Street, two blocks west of US 52 (turn at Casey’s General Store).
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62 ~ Lee County
www.saukvalley.com
Oct. 13 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.; Carol Ortgiesen Wadsworth at 815-652-3775 Oct. 17 Blues and Bluegrass; H.I. Lincoln Building, 136 N. Elm St., Franklin Grove; open stage for acoustic musicians; www.franklingroveil.org or 815-456-3030 Oct. 19 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.; www.dixonil. com/mainstreet or 815-288-2308 Oct. 25 Halloween Parade; Haymarket Square, West Third Street, Dixon; costume judging at 9:30 a.m. and parade at 10 a.m.; Jason Nelson, 815284-8845 Oct. 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
Nov. 8 Dixon Lioness Christmas Craft & Vendor Show; Illinois National Guard Armory, 412 W. Everett St., Dixon; crafters and vendors, bake sale and raffles; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Jean Millar at 815-288-2246
in Santa’s Workshop; tickets are $3 for adults and $1.50 for children 9 and younger; breakfast at 8 a.m., workshop open 8 a.m.-noon; lccoa. com or 815-288-9236
Nov. 8 Second Saturdays; downtown Dixon; businesses host artists and musicians; 6-8 p.m.; www.second-saturdays.com or Facebook
Dec. 5 Christmas in the Village; Ellice Dinges Center, 202 West St., Sublette; Christmas music, craft show, gingerbread house contest, visit from Santa, and more; 6-9 p.m.; www.subletteweb. com or Don Dinges at 815-849-5582
Nov. 14 Blues and Bluegrass; H.I. Lincoln Building, 136 N. Elm St., Franklin Grove; open stage for acoustic musicians; www.franklingroveil.org or 815-456-3030
Dec. 6 Ashton Christmas Walk; downtown Ashton; chili supper with Santa, music and more; Dave Balch at 815-453-2103
Nov. 30 Amboy Christmas Walk; Amboy; coloring contest, reindeer games, wreath auction, music, and more; noon-3 p.m.; Colin Baker at 815-857-2458
Dec. 12 Christmas in the Grove; Franklin Grove; horse-drawn wagon rides, carolers, door prizes and a visit from Santa; 5-8 p.m.; www.franklingroveil.org or 815-456-3030
Dec. 5 Dixon Christmas Walk; downtown Dixon; snowball drop, Christmas tree lighting, horsedrawn wagon rides, visits with Santa, and chestnuts; 6-9 p.m.; www.dixonil.com/mainstreet or 815-288-2308
Dec. 13 Second Saturdays; downtown Dixon; businesses host artists and musicians; 6-8 p.m.; www.second-saturdays.com or Facebook
Dec. 6 Santa’s Workshop; Post House Ballroom, 100 W. Second St., Dixon; breakfast, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, children’s shopping
Dec. 19 Blues and Bluegrass; H.I. Lincoln Building, 136 N. Elm St., Franklin Grove; open stage for acoustic musicians; www.franklingroveil.org or 815-456-3030
CITY OF AMBOY, ILLINOIS
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Visitors Welcome, Enjoy our Midwest Hospitality
www.cityofamboy.org
AMBOY, ILLINOIS depotdays.com depotdays.com
“The Camping Center of Northern Illinois”
Voyager 2014~15
Lee County ~ 63
Lee County tourist attractions
L
ee 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, his only active military duty here 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 listed 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 of both the history of Amboy and the Illinois Central Railroad, including a steam locomotive. Contact: www.amboydepotmuseum.org or 815-857-4700 Address: 99 E. Main St. Hours: 1-4 p.m. Sunday and Thursday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday and Saturday; open Saturday only in January and February Admission: By donation
Amboy Pharmacy The pharmacy, filled with pharmaceutical antiques, is known for its old-time soda fountain. Enjoy Green Rivers phosphates, chocolate malts and ice cream sodas in an old-fashioned atmosphere with wooden floors and furnishings. Contact: 815-857-2323 Address: 202 E. Main St. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday Green River Oaks Resort The resort is full of enchanting oaks and whispering pines; the Green River and two creeks meander through the resort. Enjoy weekend camping in your RV or one of the rental trailers. Modern showers and flush toilets are available. Ice, firewood, a camp store and a game room make for extra convenience.
Contact: www.greenriveroaks.com or 815857-2815 Address: 1442 Sleepy Hollow Road Hours: Check-in is 3 p.m. and check-out is 2:30 p.m. Admission: Day fees are $5, overnight fees are $10 and campsite rentals start at $40 per 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, hand-dipped ice cream, soda, firewood and ice, along with an arcade room with a billiard table. Contact: www.mendotahillscampground.com, Facebook or 815-849-5930 CONTINUED ON
64
What better way to spend your “down time” than making memories with your familiy and friends? At Woodhaven Lakes, there are a variety of ways to spend time with loved ones or take a personal retreat. With over 1700 acres of woodlands and prairies, more than 15 miles of hiking trails, seven fishing lakes, two outdoor pools, a swimming beach, several sports courts, and plenty of beautiful wildlife, you’re sure to find many ways to pass the time. Make new friends and new memories at the greatest camp resort in Illinois!
Eager to start making your own memories? Call us today for a FREE tour!
509 LaMoille Road Sublette, IL 61367 815.849.5476
www.WoodhavenLakes.com
64 ~ Lee County
www.saukvalley.com
Address: 642 U.S. Route 52 Hours: Check-in and check-out are at noon Admission: Day fees are $4, tent sites start at $20 per night and water/electric sites start at $26 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. A camp store, on-site laundry, golf cart rentals, paddle boats, kayaks and mini golf add to the convenience and fun. Contact: www.jellystoneamboy.com or 815857-3860 Address: 970 Green Wing Road Hours: Check-in is 3 p.m. and check-out is 3 p.m. Admission: Tent sites start at $41 per night and water/electric sites start at $45 per night; cabin and cottage rentals are more Pine View Campgrounds The grounds offer camping under 40 acres of glorious pine trees. The campground offers 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 for fishing. Contact: www.pineviewcampgrounds.com or 815-857-3694 Address: 1273 Sleepy Hollow Road
Hours: Check-in is 11 a.m. and check-out is 5 p.m. Admission: Tent sites are $15 per night and water/electric sites are $25 per night Temperance Hill Cemetery and Forest Preserve 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. Contact: www.dnr.illinois.gov/INPC/Pages/ Area1LeeTemperanceHillCemeteryPrairie.aspx or 815-857-3223 Address: U.S. Route 52, north of Amboy Ashton Mills & Petrie Memorial Building The building, 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. Contact: library@ashtonusa.com, Facebook or 815-453-2213 Address: 704 N. First St. Hours: 1-6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday Dixon Dixon Telegraph Museum The museum showcases the Telegraph and its role in the history of Dixon, including an 1850s
August 7-10, 2014
Sat & Sun
The Crafter’s Marketplace & Flea Market features over 200 dealers in handmade crafts & unique merchandise.
GRAND PARADE is at 1pm on Sunday, August 10 Enjoy tons of FREE, hot, buttered, delicious Del Monte sweet corn on Sunday afternoon!
www.sweetcornfestival.com
Lee County Genealogical Society Founded in 1994, the society’s “Family Tree Center” helps people trace their history. Contact: www.leecoilgen.org or 815-2886702 Address: 111 S. Hennepin Ave. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 5-8 p.m. Thursday, and by appointment Historic Dixon Theatre This center for the performing arts opened in 1922 and has been restored to its original splendor. It also boasts a rare Barton theater pipe organ. Contact: www.dixontheatre.com, Facebook or 815-285-1917 Address: 114 S. Galena Ave. Hours: Doors open 1 hour before events Admission: Tickets vary; check the website or call ahead CONTINUED ON
THE Pa Party rty IS AT Your HOUSE!
Come to
Mendota’s 67th Annual
Carnival Food Booths FREE Entertainment
printing press, historic newspapers, and photographs showcasing the Telegraph and Dixon history. It also features a tribute to Ronald Reagan. Contact: 815-284-2224 Address: 113 S. Peoria Ave. Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m.-noon Saturday Admission: Free
LET ACE HELP YOU GET YOUR PARTY STARTED WITH...
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for Reservations!
Over 35 Years of Excellent Customer Service 900 N. Galena Ave.
DIXON, IL
Hours: Monday-Friday 8-8 Saturday & Sunday 8-5
815-288-RENT
66
Voyager 2014~15
Lee County ~ 65 Set on the idyllic Rock River, Dixon’s hometown appeal takes you back to a simpler time, when past American presidents once walked the streets of our historic downtown. Take a riverfront stroll or visit Ronald Regan’s Boyhood home. Taste our petunia wine and visit the Lincoln Hwy Exhibit; both at the Dixon Welcome Center. Shop for unique gifts, dine in our fantastic restaurants, or simply lose yourself in nature. DISCOVER DIXON.
DiscoverDixon.com : 5LYHU 6WUHHW 'L[RQ ,/ ‡ ',;21
66 ~ Lee County
www.saukvalley.com
Lee County Historical Society The research center is dedicated to providing information about the history of Lee County and the surrounding area. Contact: http://theleecountyhistoricalsociety. org, Facebook or 815-284-1134 Address: 113 Madison Ave. Hours: 9 a.m.-noon Tuesday through Thursday and by appointment Saturday The Lincoln statue Sculptor Leonard Crunelle portrays Abraham Lincoln as he might have looked while captain of a company of soldiers during the Black Hawk War in 1832. It is the only known statue of Lincoln showing him in military dress and without a beard. The bronze statue dominates the site of the old Dixon blockhouse. Contact: www.illinois.gov/ihpa/Experience/ Sites/NorthWest/Pages/Lincoln-Monument.aspx or 815-288-1840 Address: President’s Park, 100 Lincoln Statue Drive Loveland Community House and 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. Contact: lovelandcommunityhouse.org or 815-284-2741 Address: 513 W. Second St. Hours: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday Admission: Free 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, also are available for rent. Contact: www.dixonparks.com/lowellpark.htm or 815-284-3306 Address: 2114 Lowell Park Road 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. As of May, it now offers digital projection and sound. Contact: www.themidwaydrivein.net, Facebook or 847-647-3124 Address: 91 Palmyra Road Hours: Movie times to be announced; check the website or call ahead
Nachusa Grasslands in Franklin Grove Admission: $8.50 adults, $4 children 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. The cabin was 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. Contact: http://theleecountyhistoricalsociety. org 815-284-1134 Address: 115 Lincoln Statue Drive Hours: 1:30-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend, and by appointment 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 American Indian name, Nachusa, means “headhair-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. Contact: 815-284-0190
The Next Picture Show This nonprofit art gallery and fine arts center features two floors of changing exhibits by local professional and student artists. It also hosts workshops, classes and special events. Contact: www.thenextpictureshow.com or 815-285-4924 Address: 113 W First St. Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through 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. Contact: nthc.org, Facebook or 815-2885508 Address: 205 W. Fifth St. Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday Admission: By donation CONTINUED ON
68
Voyager 2014~15
Lee County ~ 67
Discover Dixon Books on First
202 West First St., Downtown Dixon
815.285.BOOK(2665) www.booksonfirst.com
Thousands of Melissa & Doug Toys!
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Fabulous Finds Looking for that special something to give your space a unique and elegant touch? 7E HAVE SQ FT OF ANTIQUES AND fresh and silk arrangements, so you’re sure to find inspired accents.
Dixon Floral, Inc.
116 E. 1st St., Dixon M-F 9-5, Sat 9-3, Sun 11-3 s
www.DixonFloral.com
Reubin's Relics
1112 S. Galena Avenue, Dixon, IL Hours: Thurs, Fri, Sat 10am-5pm
www.discoverdixon.org
68 ~ Lee County 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, of course, many varieties of plants. Contact: www.dixonil.com/gardenclub/plum_ creek_gardens.htm or 815-284-3306 Address: 626 Palmyra Road Hours: Walk-ins welcome any time; Master Gardeners on site 9 a.m.-noon Tuesday during the summer; library open 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily 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. Contact: www.reaganhome.org, Facebook or 815-288-5176 Address: 816 S. Hennepin Ave. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday, April through October Admission: $5 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 handicapped accessible. Contact: http://www.honorourvets.org Address: State Route 2 and Palmyra Road 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,� although a movement is afoot to restore the original sentiment. 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, full-scale 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.
www.saukvalley.com Contact: www.chaplincreek.com Address: 1715 Whitney Road Hours: Noon-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June through September Admission: Free
Contact: www.lincolnhighwayassoc.org or 815-456-3030 Address: 136 N. Elm St. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon-4 p.m. Sunday
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 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. Contact: www.franklincreekgristmill.com, http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/R1/ FRANKLIN.HTM or 815-456-2878 Address: 1872 Twist Road Hours: Call ahead
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. The bluestem prairie, grasslands, rolling hills and oak savannas make this a paradise for photographers, hikers and birdwatchers. Contact: www.nachusagrasslands.org or 815456-2340 Address: 8772 S. Lowden Road Hours: Dawn to dusk
Franklin Creek Grist Mill and Interpretive Area 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. Contact: www.franklincreekgristmill.com or 815-456-2718 Address: 1893 Twist Road Hours: Noon-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 1 through Oct. 31, 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.
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. Contact: www.dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/ PARKS/R1/green.htm or 815-379-2324 Address: 375 Game Road 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. Today it is home to Leffelman & Associates insurance agency. Contact: www.illinois.gov/ihpa/Preserve/ Pages/gotmesker.aspx Address: 111 W. Main St.
A 501(c)3 non-profit Fine Arts Center Fine Art Gallery Gallery Hours: Art Classes Tuesday-Saturday Community Events 8am-4pm Available to rent Groups are for any occasion welcome!
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Lee County ~ 69
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NTHC is formerly Dixon Historic Center
Fifth Street and Reagan Way, Dixon, Illinois
815-288-5508 info@nthc.org www.nthc.org
70 ~ McHenry County
www.saukvalley.com
McHenry County events June 4, 11, 18 and 25 Woodstock City Band concert; downtown square, Woodstock; bring a blanket or lawn chair; 7:30 p.m.; www.woodstockil.gov or 815338-5300 June 6-8 Harvard Milk Days; Harvard; milk-drinking contest, talent show, live music, carnival, 2-hour parade, fireworks and more; www.milkdays. com, Facebook or 815-943-4614 June 8 Heritage Trolley Tour; gazebo, downtown Crystal Lake; 45-minute trolley tour highlighting unique and historic properties; tickets are $10 (available at Heisler’s Bootery downtown) and include a keepsake booklet; tours depart every half-hour 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; 815-356-3615 or 815479-0835 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 noon; www.cardboardcup.com June 28-29 Richmond Fine Arts Festival; downtown Richmond; juried art show with as many as 90 artists; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday; richmond-il.com or 815678-4040 July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 Woodstock City Band concert; downtown square, Woodstock; bring a blanket or lawn chair; 7:30 p.m.; www.woodstockil.gov or 815338-5300 July 3-6 Lakeside Festival; Lakeside Legacy Arts Park, 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake; live music, Taste by the Lake, rides and midway games, historic tours, and more; admission is $5; www.lakesidelegacy.org or 815-455-8000 July 4 Fireworks; Emricson Park, Woodstock; dusk; www.woodstockil.gov or 815-338-4300 July 10-13 Lake in the Hills Rockin’ Ribfest; Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Road, Lake in the Hills; barbecue from nationally renowned professional ribbers plus live music and a car show; admission is $5; lithribfest.com or 847-742-3378
July 13 Heritage Fair; McHenry County Historical Society, 6422 Main St., Union; entertainment, car show, antiques auction, white elephant sale, old-fashioned cake walk, pie-baking contest, and more; www.mchsonline.org or 815-923-2267 July 18-20 Summer in the Park; Emricson Park, Woodstock; live music, beer garden, aquatic center activities, children’s activities, food, and more; www.woodstockil.gov or 815-338-4301 July 11-20 Fiesta Days; Petersen Park, McHenry; live music, 5K/10K run/walk, car show, arts and crafts fair, Shakespeare in the Park, parade, and more; www.mchenryfiestadays.com, Facebook or 815-385-4300 July 18-19 Tri-County Pro Rodeo; Milky Way Park, 300 Lawrence Road, Harvard; cowboys, bull riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, and more; tickets are $16 for adults and $11 for children 3-11; 7:30 p.m.; www.tricountyprorodeo.com or 815943-4404 July 20 Woodstock Folk Festival; Woodstock Square, Woodstock; 12:30-6 p.m.; woodstockfolkmusic.com/folkfestival or 815-479-4848 July 20 Tour de Crystal Lake; Crystal Lake; professional cyclists compete in races as part of the Intelligentsia Cup Prairie State Cycling Series, plus family bike rodeo, live music, and more; www.prairiestatecyclingseries.com
July 30-Aug. 3 McHenry County Fair; McHenry County Fairgrounds, 11900 Country Club Road, Woodstock; Miss McHenry County pageant, live music, truck and tractor pulls, demolition derby, carnival, food, and more; www.mchenrycountyfair.com or 815-338-5315 Aug. 1-3 Blues, Brews & BBQ; Petersen Park, McHenry; blues music, craft beers, and a barbecue cook-off; 5-11 p.m. Friday, 4-11 p.m. Saturday and noon-8 p.m. Sunday; admission is $10; www.mchenryrotarybluesbrewsandbbqs.com or 815-331-6428 Aug. 3 Vintage Transport Extravaganza; Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Road, Union; antique cars, trucks, tractors, motorcycles and other vehicles on display; www.irm.org or 800244-7245 Aug. 16-17 and 23-24 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 $19; gates open at 9 a.m.; www.irm.org or 800-244-7245 Aug. 29-31 Summer Sunset Festival; Sunset Park, Lake in the Hills; entertainment, arts and crafts show, car show, 5K run/walk, wine tasting, carnival, parade, fireworks, and more; www.summersunsetfest.com or 847-960-7400
July 24-27 Founders’ Days; Algonquin Lakes Park, Algonquin; live music, Taste of Founders, 5K/10K run/walk, carnival, parade, fireworks, and more; www.algonquinfoundersdays.com, Facebook or 847-658-5340
Sept. 19-20 Art of the Land; Starline Factory, 300 W. Front St., Harvard; event benefits The Land Conservancy; nature-inspired works by local artists, live music, appetizers, desserts and cash bar; www.conservemc.org, Facebook or 815337-9502
July 26-27 Gallery in the Garden; The Gardens at 600 Lawndale, 600 Lawndale Ave., Woodstock; proceeds from the event benefit CASA of McHenry County; art and music in a garden setting; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; galleryinthegarden.org, Facebook or 815-337-0697
Sept. 27 Johnny Appleseed Festival; downtown Crystal Lake; photos with Johnny Appleseed, applerelated demonstrations, live entertainment, pony rides, petting zoo, craft fair, pie-eating contest, Great Ball Race, and more; www.downtowncl. org or 815-479-0835
July 24, 26-27 and Aug. 2-3, 9-10 Woodstock Mozart Festival; Woodstock Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock; performances of music by Mozart and other composers; www.mozartfest.org, Facebook or 815-338-4212
Sept. 28 Old-Fashioned Harvest Fest; Woodstock Square, Woodstock; farmers market, old-time craftspeople, wagon rides, fiddlers’ contest, and more; www.woodstockil.gov or 815-338-2436
Voyager 2014~15
Oct. 17-19 Autumn Drive; throughout McHenry County; tour of 15 family farms, each of which offers fall displays, antiques, arts and crafts, pumpkins, and more; www.autumndrive.net, Facebook or 815-923-2529 Oct. 5 Cider Festival; McHenry County Historical Society, 6422 Main St., Union; music, harvest demonstrations, antique tractors on display, food, and more; www.mchsonline.org or 815923-2267
McHenry County ~ 71
Johnny Appleseed Festival in Crystal Lake
Date unavailable (in mid-October) Historic Halloween Haunting – “Return of the Dead”; McHenry County Historical Society, 6422 Main St., Union; McHenry County’s tragically departed return to describe the details of their demises, plus Halloween refreshments in the West Harmony one-room schoolhouse; admission $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students; doors open at 6:30 p.m.; www.mchsonline.org or 815-923-2267 Nov. 28 Lighting of the Square; Woodstock Square, Woodstock; lighting of thousands of lights on the park trees and square buildings, plus carolers, street musicians, holiday sweets, and more; 7 p.m.; www.woodstockil.gov or 815-338-4300
Nov. 28 Festival of Lights Parade; downtown Crystal Lake; lighted parade, lighting of the downtown Christmas tree, and visits with Santa; www. downtowncl.org or 815-479-0835 Nov. 30 Christmas Parade; Woodstock Square, Woodstock; parade, followed by cookies and milk with Santa; parade at 2 p.m.; www.woodstockil.gov or 815-338-4300
72 ~ McHenry County
www.saukvalley.com
McHenry County tourist attractions
M
cHenry 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. McHenry County originally stretched all the way east to Lake Michigan, with the county seat centrally in McHenry. But, in 1839, the eastern townships of the county were carved out to form Lake County. 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 McHenry-Kane 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. Contact: www.mccdistrict.org/web/re-bicycling.htm or 815-338-6223 Address: Algonquin Road, north of Algonquin 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. Contact: www.placedelamusique.org or 847691-7425 Address: 789 Plumtree Road Hours: Open only during charity events or to groups of 40 or more by appointment Admission: Contact for special event pricing Bull Valley Boger Bog 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. Contact: www.mccdistrict.org or 815-338-6223 Address: 2100 Cherry Valley Road Cary Fel-Pro RRR A gift from the Fel-Pro company owners, this site 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. Contact: www.mccdistrict.org or 815-338-6223 Address: 1520 Crystal Lake Road Fox Bluff 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. A picnic shelter, half-mile hiking trail and short quarter-mile paved trail to the river exist on the site. Contact: www.mccdistrict.org or 815-338-6223 Address: Cary-Algonquin and Cold Springs roads Hickory Grove 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. Contact: www.mccdistrict.org or 815-338-6223 Address: 500 Hickory Nut Grove Lane 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 non-motorized boats, canoes and kayaks, and fishermen 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. Contact: www.mccdistrict.org or 815-338-6223 Address: 3804 U.S. Highway 14 Silver Creek This site 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. Also at Silver Creek is a small, 1-acre fishing pond stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie. Prairieview Education Center is located on the north side of the site. Contact: www.mccdistrict.org or 815-338-6223 Address: 1200 Block Rawson Bridge Road Chemung Beck’s Woods The Piscasaw River runs through this 283-acre recreation area and provides abundant fishing opportunities for anglers. A half-mile trail, group camping and a picnic shelter also are available. Contact: www.mccdistrict.org or 815-338-6223 Address: 5940 N. Pagles Road Stone Mill Trail This 1.5-mile paved trail from Lawrence Road in Harvard to Maxon Road in Chemung historically featured a saw mill, grist mill and then a flour mill on the Chemung end dating back to 1845. Contact: www.mccdistrict.org or 815-338-6223
Address: Maxon Road, across from the Dean Foods plant, 6303 Maxon Road 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 listed 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. Contact: www.crystallakeparks.org or 815477-5873 Address: 660 E. Terra Cotta Ave. Hours: 3-7 p.m. Tuesday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday and Friday; also open the first and third Saturday of the month Admission: Free Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center Created in 1968, the nature center offers handson activities, seasonal exhibits (such as the Butterfly House) and special programs to help visitors better experience nature. Located in Veteran Acres Park, it also is the ideal starting point for a hike through Veteran Acres Woods and Wingate Park. The park also offers geocaching. Contact: www.crystallakeparks.org or 815455-1763 Address: 330 N. Main St. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday Admission: Free 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 position as a successful businessman. 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. Contact: www.lakesidelegacy.org or 815-4558000 Address: 401 Country Club Road Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and by appointment Saturday and Sunday Admission: Free
Voyager 2014~15 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. Contact: www.crystallakeparks.org or 815459-0680 Address: 800 W. state Route 176 Hours: Vary seasonally by attraction; call ahead Main Beach This beach features swimming and boating. Sailboats, paddleboats, rowboats, canoes and kayaks are available for rent. There also is a concession stand. Contact: www.crystallakeparks.org or 815459-0680 or 815-477-5404 (summer only) Address: 300 Lake Shore Drive Hours: 9 a.m.-dusk daily, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend Admission: $1 park district residents and guests (up to 4 guests), $4 additional resident guests; $10 nonresident adults, $6 nonresident seniors and children 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. Contact: www.mccdistrict.org/web/si-Prairieview.htm or 815-479-5779 Address: 2112 Behan Road Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 12:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday 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. Contact: www.rauecenter.org or 815-356-9212 Address: 26 N. Williams St. Hours: Box office is open noon-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday Admission: Ticket prices vary; check the website or call the box office
McHenry County ~ 73 Small Wonders Micro/Mini Car Museum This museum in a 15,000-square-foot, twostory building houses Ken Weger’s personal collection of scores of mini and micro cars. Contact: 815-459-5005 Address: 3515 Oak Ridge Road Hours: By appointment for groups only Admission: Donation to the local food pantry by check Three Oaks Recreation Area This reclaimed quarry offers pristine waters, excellent 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. The area also features hiking trails, a playground/spray park, and a concession stand and patio. There is sledding in the winter. Contact: www.crystallake.org/residents/ three-oaks-recreation-area, Facebook or 815459-2020 Address: Route 14 and Main Street Hours: Varies seasonally for boating and swimming; check the website or call ahead Address: Free for residents; $1 for guests of residents; $10 nonresident adults, $6 nonresident seniors and children ages 4-15 Walkup Heritage Farm & Gardens This home has been turned into a specialty garden center with plants and vegetables reminiscent of the time the house was built (1856) up to the end of the 19th century. Many of the original oak trees, now more than 200 years old, still stand on the property, 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 available for sale. Contact: www.walkupheritagefarm.com or 815-477-8978 Address: 5215 Walkup Road, across from Veteran Acres Park Hours: 1-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, and 1-5 p.m. Sunday, May 1-Oct. 31 West Beach This beach features swimming and boating. Sailboats, paddleboats, rowboats, canoes and kayaks are available for rent. There also is a concession stand. Contact: www.crystallakeparks.org or 815459-0680 Address: 2330 Lake Ave. Hours: 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. daily, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend Admission: $1 park district residents and guests (up to 4 guests), $4 additional resident guests; $10 nonresident adults, $6 nonresident seniors and children ages 4-15
X-Treme Wheels Roller Skating & Family Fun Center An indoor roller skating rink with a concession stand. Contact: www.xtremewheelsfuncenter.com, Facebook or 815-356-7000 Address: 691 Virginia Road Hours: 5:30-8 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 only scheduled group tours (40 or more people). Contact: http://bettendorfcastle.com or 847639-8280 Address: 418 Concord Ave. Harvard Brook Farm Market Brook Farm is a small, specialty crop farm that offers fresh seasonal produce and flowers. The farmers also grow popcorn and hand harvest it; they also pop it and make gourmet flavored popcorn. Contact: http://brookfarmharvard.com, Facebook or 815-943-5998 Address: 9306 Lawrence Road Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday, July through October 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. Contact: www.mccdistrict.org or 815-338-6223 Address: 20501 McGuire Road 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 full of gifts, baked goods and sweet treats, and an apple barn filled with pre-picked apples. Contact: www.royaloakfarmorchard.com, Facebook or 815-648-4141 Address: 15908 Hebron Road Hours: Vary seasonally by attraction; check the website or call ahead. CONTINUED ON
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74 ~ McHenry County Twin Garden Farms Founded in 1954, this fourth-generation family farm on 400 acres is known for its sweet corn. Contact: www.twingardenfarms.com, Facebook or 815-943-7448 Address: 23017 W. state Route 173 Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily during corn season, mid-to-late July through October Hebron Abundance Antiques and Design This antique store offers antiques and home décor in a 4,000-square-foot 1800s hardware store. Contact: Facebook or 815-648-4112 Address: 10002 Main St. Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday Hebron Trail This 7-mile trail, constructed on the former K.D. railroad line, runs from Hebron eastward through North Branch Conservation Area and links with the Prairie Trail in Richmond. Contact: www.mccdistrict.org or 815-338-6223 Address: Church Street north of state Route 173 Von Bergen’s Country Market This family-operated farm offers fresh produce. Its bi-colored sweet corn and muskmelons are specialties. There also are wagon rides, a children’s maze and a play area. Contact: www.vonbergens.com or 815-6482332 Address: 9805 state Route 173 Hours: 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. daily Grampy’s Antique Store This antique store, in the town’s original general store, offers antiques and vintage items. Contact: Facebook or 815-648-2244 Address: 10003 Main St. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday and Wednesday through Sunday Lloyd & Leota’s Antiques and Restorations Contact: 815-648-2202 Address: 10103 Main St. Prairie Avenue Antiques This historic shop is filled with treasures. It was voted the No. 1 antique shop in McHenry County in the Northwest Herald’s Best of the Fox readers’ survey 3 years in a row. Contact: Facebook or 815-648-4507 Address: 9336 W. Main St. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily Winding Creek 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. Contact: www.mccdistrict.org or 815-3386223 Address: 8415 Johnson Road
www.saukvalley.com Huntley Tom’s Farm Market & Greenhouses Known for its homegrown fruit and vegetables, especially its strawberries and sweet corn, as well as its famous pies, cookies, scones and breads baked fresh every day, Tom’s offers a farm market, bakery, garden center and gift shop. Contact: www.tomsfarmmarket.com, Facebook or 847-669-3421 Address: 10214 Algonquin Road Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Address: One block northeast of U.S. Route 20 on Prospect Street behind Marengo Middle School
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. Contact: www.mccdistrict.org or 815-3386223 Address: 9000 Lakewood Road and 9105 Miller Road
McHenry Harms Farm and Garden Center Contact: www.harmsfarmandgarden.com, Facebook or 815-385-5385 Address: 4727 W. Crystal Lake Road Hours: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April through December
Lake in the Hills Fen This almost 500-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. Contact: www.lithfen.org or 815-338-6223 Address: Barbara Key Park, 9191 Pyott Road or 1500 Jefferson St. Hours: Guided tours are at 2 p.m. the third Sunday in May and the second Sunday of each month from June through October Marengo Cody’s Farm 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. Contact: www.codysfarm.com, Facebook or 815-568-7976 Address: 19502 River Road Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, June through October 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 birdwatching is popular in the woods. Contact: www.mccdistrict.org or 815-3386223 Address: 7400 Somerset Drive 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. Contact: www.mccdistrict.org or 815-338-6223
Marengo Ridge An oak and hickory woodlands and restored prairie dominate this 818-acre conservation site. There are 5 miles of looped hiking and crosscountry 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. Contact: www.mccdistrict.org or 815-338-6223 Address: 3100 N. state Route 23
McHenry Riverwalk District At almost a mile long, the McHenry Riverwalk brings together the distinct neighborhoods of McHenry’s downtown. The district offers shopping, dining and entertainment. Contact: www.ci.mchenry.il.us/departments/ downtown/riverwalk.html or 815-363-2100 Address: Green Street to Riverside Drive Petersen Park Beach The beach on McCullom Lake offers swimming as well as paddleboat, rowboat, canoe and kayak rentals. There are special beach events in June, July and August. Contact: www.ci.mchenry.il.us/departments/ departments/parks/petersen.html or 815-363-2100 Address: 4311 Lakewood Road Hours: 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m., May 24 through Aug. 10 Admission: $1 residents, $3.75 non-residents 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 as well as a bakery that features doughnuts, pies, breads, brownies and cookies. It also offers pick-yourown strawberries. Contact: www.stadedairyfarm.com, Facebook or 815-675-6396 Address: 3709 W. Miller Road Hours: 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. daily, May through October Stickney Run Hikers and cross-country skiers can explore two half-mile trail loops through the woods. The 629acre conservation area also has a 3-acre fishing pond, scenic viewing areas and a picnic area. Contact: www.mccdistrict.org or 815-338-6223 Address: 3216 W. State Park Road
Voyager 2014~15 Richmond Antiques on Broadway This 7,000-square-foot shop boasts refinished furniture and an extensive inventory of architectural items salvaged from building projects. Contact: 815-678-7951 Address: 10309 N. Main St. Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday Elizabeth Lake Nature Preserve and Varga Archaeological Site Significant natural and archeological 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. Contact: www.mccdistrict.org or 815-338-6223 Address: Hawk’s Point Road and state Route 173 and 11000 Lakeview Road Flatwater Canoe and Kayak Rentals The rental company offers canoes and kayaks to visitors to paddle down Nippersink Creek, on a limited number of Class A creeks in Illinois. Contact: www.flatwaterrentals.com or 815353-7333 Address: 8621 U.S. Highway 12 Hours: Floats leave starting at 9 a.m. weekends and by appointment weekdays Admission: Kayak rentals start at $50 and canoe rentals are $70 North Branch The 1.5-mile multi-purpose trail winds through prairie and savanna, over Nippersink Creek, and links the Prairie Trail to the Hebron Trail. The trail offers access for hiking, biking, horseback riding and snowmobiling. Contact: www.mccdistrict.org or 815-338-6223 Address: 11500 N. Keystone Road Patyk Farm Market & Greenhouse This small family farm offers homegrown produce, farm-fresh eggs and colorful flowers. It offers pick-your-own tomatoes and pumpkins. Contact: www.patykfarms.com, Facebook or 815-648-4065 Address: 8519 E. state Route 173 Hours: 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday through Saturday, 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. Contact: www.mccdistrict.org/web/si-LostValley.htm or 815-678-4532
McHenry County ~ 75 Address: 6316 Harts Road Hours: Visitors Center open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends 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, break baking, coffee roasting and beer brewing. Contact: www.carriagehousegallery.com, Facebook or 815-219-9834 Address: 2110 Main St. Hours: Open during guest artists weekends or by appointment; check the website or call ahead 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. Contact: www.mccdistrict.org or 815-338-6223 Address: 7816 Blivin St. 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. Contact: www.mccdistrict.org or 815-3386223 Address: 400 E. U.S. Route 12 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. Contact: www.mccdistrict.org or 815-338-6223 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. Contact: www.richardsonadventurefarm.com, Facebook or 815-675-9729 Address: 909 English Prairie Road Hours: Noon-10 p.m. Sunday, 3-10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Labor Day weekend through Nov. 2 Admission: $13 for adults and children 13 and older, $10 for children ages 4-12; some attractions have additional fees 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. Contact: www.irm.org or 815-923-4000
Address: 7000 Olson Road Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays and 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. weekends; check the website for days trains are operating Admission: Fares are $10 for adults and $7 for children weekdays and weekends, April and October, and $14 for adults and $10 for 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. Contact: www.mchsonline.org or 815-923-2267 Address: 6422 Main St. Hours: 1-4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and Sunday, 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 out of the barn. Contact: www.prairieskyorchard.com, Facebook or 815-923-4834 Address: 4914 N. Union Road Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, September through mid-October Woodstock All Seasons Orchard All Seasons is an apple orchard, pumpkin patch and corn maze and offers barnyard activities, including a petting zoo, pedal kart track and jumping pillow, as well as giant swings, a tube slide and tractor tires. The farm also has a country kitchen, bakery and farm market. Contact: www.allseasonsorchard.com, Facebook or 815-338-5637 Address: 14510 state Route 176 Hours: To be announced; check the website or call ahead Admission: Varies by attraction; check the website or call ahead Brookdale Conservation Site The area features an 11-acre fishing pond with an overlook pier, a 1-mile looped nature trail and wildlife observation deck. Contact: www.mccdistrict.org/web/si-Brookdale.htm or 815-338-6223 Address: 18410 U.S. Highway 14 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. CONTINUED ON
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76 ~ McHenry County
www.saukvalley.com
Contact: www.mccdistrict.org or 815-3386223 Address: 11700 block of Country Club Road
Address: 17411 Secor Road Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. daily during apple season
The Gardens of Woodstock The botanical gardens feature several waterfalls, ponds and walking paths. There also is a nursery and garden shop. Contact: www.gardensofwoodstock.com or 815-337-2509 Address: 5211 Swanson Road Hours: Vary seasonally; check the website or call ahead
McCann Berry Farm The farm offers pick-your-own strawberries and blueberries. Contact: 815-568-8810 Address: 18110 Kishwaukee Valley Road Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. depending on availability, June through early August
Grace Farm Studios This three-season farm offers 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. Contact: www.gracefarmstudios.com or 815790-8895 Address: 2719 Franklinville Road 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. Contact: www.homesteadorchard.net, Facebook or 815-338-7443 Address: 11802 Charles Road Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday during apple season Jazz on the Square A nonprofit organization, Jazz on the Square is dedicated to providing live jazz performances and education to the region. Contact: www.jazzonthesquare.com, Facebook or 847-340-8319 Address: Varies by event; check the website or call ahead Hours: Varies by event; check the website or call ahead Kishwaukee Headwaters This wetland, sedge meadow and savanna complex offers a unique opportunity to explore where the Kishwaukee River begins its journey. There is a 1.75-mile mowed path and boardwalk. Contact: www.mccdistrict.org or 815-3386223 Address: 1606 Dean St. Knoll’s Apple Orchard and Vegetable Farm Contact: 815-337-2334 Address: 15211 Saint Patrick Road 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. Contact: www.langsorchard.com, Facebook or 815-568-7547
Meadowmoor Orchard This orchard specializes in homegrown apple varieties, including Honeycrisp. Fuji, Topaz, Crimson Crisp, Enterprise, Snow Sweet and Sweet Sixteen. It also offers cherries, peaches, pears and pumpkins. Contact: www.meadowmoororchard.com, Facebook or 815-687-8208 Address: 1514 N. state Route 47 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. Contact: www.morethandelicious.com, Facebook or 815-575-9650 Address: 9905 W. Thompson Road Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, early September through mid-October Off Square Music This nonprofit organization was formed to promote, preserve and foster the enjoyment of folk music. Contact: www.offsquaremusic.orgor 815-3385164 Address: Varies by event; check the website or call ahead Hours: Varies by event; check the website or call ahead 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. Contact: www.oneystreefarm.com, Facebook or 815-338-4108 Address: 16608 U.S. Route 14 Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, April 1-May 31, Sept. 2-Oct. 2 and Nov. 29-Dec. 15 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 also are available. Contact: www.mccdistrict.org or 815-338-6223
Address: 13315 Pleasant Valley Road Red Barn Farm Market Since 1969, this farm market has offered homegrown fruit and vegetables, as well as gourmet foods, including homegrown popcorn, honey and local meat and cheese. It also has a garden center, open in the spring, and a pumpkin festival in the fall. Halloween tours are offered in October. Contact: www.redbarn.us, Facebook or 815338-4343 Address: 3500 S. state Route 47 Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, April 15-30, and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, May through October 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. Contact: http://theatreonthegreen.com or 815-354-7435 Address: 15314 St. Patrick Road Hours: Varies 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. Contact: www.woodstockcountryorchard. com, Facebook or 815-923-4359 Address: 17015 Garden Valley Road Hours: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday through 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 theatre 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 handdrawn stencil ornamentations. Contact: www.woodstockoperahouse.com or 815-338-4212 or 815-338-5300 Address: 121 W. Van Buren St. 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 crosscountry skiers along 1.7 miles of looped trails. Contact: www.mccdistrict.or 815-338-6223 Address: 7055 McCullom Lake Road
Voyager 2014~15
Ogle County ~ 77
Ogle County events Through December White Pines Dinner Theatre; White Pines Inn, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mount Morris; www.whitepinesinn.com, Facebook or 815-946-3817 Through June 1 Leaf River Summer Daze; Leaf River; antique tractor show, car show, craft show, bags tournament, children’s activities, food, fireworks, parade, and more; leafriversummerdaze.org or Dave Borgmann at 815-994-2950 June 7-8 Rochelle Railroad Days; Rochelle Railroad Park, 124 N. Ninth St., Rochelle; live entertainment, railroadiana displays and vendors and food, plus model railroad display and antique Mack truck display downtown; www.rochellerailroadpark.org/rrdays.html or 815-562-7031 June 12-15 Town and Country Days; Polo; carnival with face painting, clowns, games and prizes, entertainment, craft and collectibles show, parade, and food; admission is $5 for beer garden, which opens at 5 p.m.; www.polodays.org, www.poloil.org or John Miller at 815-973-3507
“Nunsense” White Pines Dinner Theater in Mount Morris
June 14 Uncorked, music with Sour Grapes; Hailey’s Winery, 114 S. Franklin St., Byron; 7-9 p.m.; haileyswinery.com, Facebook or 815-234-2220 June 21 Fields Project Art Festival; Mix Park, Oregon; mix-it-up sidewalk paintings; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; www.fieldsproject.com or Russ Senti at LOMC, 815-732-2220 June 22 Fields Project Art Festival; LOMC, 1834 Illinois Route 2, Oregon; fine arts show at 11 a.m., lunch and networking with artists at noon; www.fieldsproject.com or Russ Senti at LOMC, 815-732-2220 CONTINUED ON
Pride of Oregon Riverboat
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79
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78 ~ Ogle County
www.saukvalley.com
Ogle County Fair in Oregon
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Voyager 2014~15
Ogle County ~ 79
July 3-5 Let Freedom Ring Festival; Village Square on Wesley Avenue, downtown Mount Morris; entertainment, children’s activities, parade, fireworks and food; parade 2 p.m. July 4, fireworks at dusk July 4; www.letfreedomringfestival.com or Facebook July 4 Independence Day Celebration; Atwood Park, Rochelle; band concert and fireworks; www.cityofrochelle.net or 815-562-6161 July 11-13 Polo Area Community Theatre presents “The Seussification of Romeo & Juliet”; Polo Town Hall, 117 N. Franklin Ave., Polo; 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday; www.polotheatre.org or Facebook July 11-13 ByronFest; Byron; carnival, classic car show, quilt show, arts and crafts show, bags and softball tournaments, 5K run/walk, Ultimate Fitness Challenge, children’s area, live entertainment and food; admission is $8; www.byronfest.org or 815-234-5500 July 19-20 Oregon Trail Days; Oregon; proceeds from the festival benefit the restoration of the Eternal Indian statue; Native American tipi encampments, dancing and drumming, cowboy demonstrations, 5K run/walk, and more; www.oregontraildays.org or 815-238-8672 ONTINUED ON
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Town and Country Days in Polo
80 ~ Ogle County
www.saukvalley.com
July 26 Uncorked, music with Mike & Adam and Dry White Toast; Hailey’s Winery, 114 S. Franklin St., Byron; 7-9 p.m.; haileyswinery.com, Facebook or 815-234-2220 July 30-Aug. 3 Ogle County Fair; Ogle County Fairgrounds, 1440 Limekiln Road, Oregon; exhibits, entertainment, demolition derby, truck and tractor pull, rodeo, carnival and food; www.oglecountyfair. com or 815-732-6962 Aug. 2-3 Hammer In; John Deere Historic Site, 8334 S. Clinton St., Grand Detour; demonstrations by tradesmen, tractor and equipment show, tours of John Deere home and blacksmith shop; admission is $5; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; www.johndeereattractions.com or 815-652-4551 Aug. 8-9 Lincoln Buy-Way; miles and miles of rummage sales along the Lincoln Highway; www. drivelincolnhighway.com Aug. 9 Uncorked, music with Elizabeth Steed; Hailey’s Winery, 114 S. Franklin St., Byron; 7-9 p.m.; haileyswinery.com, Facebook or 815-2342220 CONTINUED ON
Autumn on Parade in Oregon
81
The 13th Annual
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Voyager 2014~15 Aug. 9 Polo Car, Truck and Tractor Show and Swap Meet; trivia competition, music and 50/50 raffle; registration 8 a.m.-noon, show 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; www.poloil.org or Cliff at 815-718-2590 or Bob at 815-493-2948 Aug. 9 Summer Country Jam; Rochelle Municipal Airport, 1207 Gurler Road, Rochelle; performances by Joe Diffee, Brian Lavender, Courtney Rau and Dixie Still and after party with Smokin Gunz; tickets are $26 or $32; 3 p.m.; www. rochellechamber.org or 815-562-4189 Aug. 15-17 Lincoln Highway Heritage Festival; Rochelle; Little Miss Peanut pageant, car show, tractor pull, live entertainment, beer garden, parade, and more; www.lincolnhighwayheritagefestival. com, Facebook or 815-562-66667 Aug. 23 Byron Crossroads Blues Festival; Second and Union streets, downtown Byron; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; www.byroncrossroadsbluesfestival.blogspot. com, Facebook or Steve Jones at 779-537-4006 Aug. 23-24 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; www.illinoisrenew.org or 815-732-7332
Ogle County ~ 81 Sept. 13 Uncorked, music with Fuze; Hailey’s Winery, 114 S. Franklin St., Byron; 7-9 p.m.; haileyswinery.com, Facebook or 815-234-2220 Sept. 14 Arts Festival; John Deere Historic Site, 8334 S. Clinton St., Grand Detour; juried art show, music and food; www.johndeereattractions.com or 815-652-4551 Sept. 26-28 Stillman Valley Fall Festival; carnival, craft show, car show and food; parade at 2 p.m. Sunday; www.stillmanvalleyfallfestival.com, Facebook or Jill at 815-645-2011 Sept. 27 Chili Cook-Off; Polo; chili cook-off and annual Larry Lannen blood drive; blood drive at 9 a.m., chili tasting at noon; www.poloil.org or 815-946-3131 Oct. 4-5 Autumn on Parade; Oregon; farmers market, arts and crafts fair, live entertainment, Olde English Faire, car show, tractor show, parade, food, and more; parade at 1 p.m. Sunday; www. autumnonparade.org or 815-732-3465 Oct. 11 Uncorked, music with Olivia Dvorak; Hailey’s Winery, 114 S. Franklin St., Byron; 7-9 p.m.; haileyswinery.com, Facebook or 815-2342220
White Pines Ranch
Nov. 8 Uncorked, music with Derek Luttrell; Hailey’s Winery, 114 S. Franklin St., Byron; 7-9 p.m.; haileyswinery.com, Facebook or 815-2342220 Nov. 29 Candlelight Walk; downtown Oregon; horsedrawn carriage rides, reindeer, visits with Santa, holiday gift fair, and more; 4-8 p.m.; www. oregonil.com or 815-732-2100 Dec. 5 Christmas Walk and Lighted Parade; downtown Rochelle; lighted Christmas parade, visits with Santa, tree lighting, and more; www.cityofrochelle.net or 815-562-6161 Dec. 6 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; www.mtmorrisil.net or Brenda at 815-734-6335 Dec. 13 Uncorked, music with Sour Grapes; Hailey’s Winery, 114 S. Franklin St., Byron; 7-9 p.m.; haileyswinery.com, Facebook or 815-234-2220
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82 ~ Ogle County
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Voyager 2014~15
Ogle County ~ 83
Ogle County tourist attractions
O
gle 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 offers National Hot Rod Association championship drag racing. Contact: www.byrondragway.com, Facebook or 815-391-0000 or 815-234-8405 Address: 7287 River Road Hours: Gates open at 9 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.
Contact: www.byronmuseum.org, Facebook or 815-234-5031 Address: 110 N. Union St. 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 in its farm store. Contact: www.dreamsweptalpacas.com or 815-954-6210 Address: 3097 N. Marrill Road Hours: By appointment Hailey’s Winery Hailey’s Winery specializes in handcrafted wines from grape varieties native to Illinois and seasonal fruits. All wines are produced and bot-
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tled on the premises. Wine tastings are available. In addition to wine, Hailey’s offers homemade bread, cheeses, chocolates and gifts. Contact: www.haileyswinery.com, Facebook or 815-234-2220 Address: 114 S. Franklin St. Hours: Noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, noon to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday Admission: Tastings are $5 and include cheese, crackers and samples of eight wines; partial tastings are $2 and include samples of five wines Heritage Farm Museum This farm dates back to 1843. The Byron Forest Preserve has restored the farm buildings to allow future generations to learn about early country life. Contact: www.byronforestpreserve.com, Facebook or 815-234-8535 CONTINUED ON
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84 ~ Ogle County
www.saukvalley.com
Jarrett Prairie Center in Bryon
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Voyager 2014~15
Ogle County ~ 85
Address: 8059 N. River Road 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 Jarrett Prairie Center The educational center and museum is located on one of the highest points in Ogle 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. Hiking trails are nearby. Contact: www.byronforestpreserve.com or 815-234-8535 Address: 7993 N. River Road 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 1-4 p.m. Sunday Admission: By donation J. Weiskopf Observatory The observatory, with its 11-foot Celestron reflecting telescope, is available for public viewing and special programs. Visitors can see the planets, moon and fainter objects in the sky. Contact: www.byronforestpreserve.com or 815-234-8535 Address: 7993 N. River Road Hours: Public viewing begins at dark and lasts 3 hours Saturday yearround and Tuesday in June, July and August Admission: Free Creston Roadhouse Antiques The 6,000-square-foot store sells kitchenware from the early 1900s and other eras, jewelry, vinyl long play records, books, and more. Contact: Facebook or 815-384-3222 Address: 124 E. state Route 38 Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, and noon-5 p.m. Sunday Forreston WillowBend Alpaca Farm A herd of more than 100 happy alpacas live on this 15-acre farm with plenty of fresh pasture and a picturesque 100-year-old barn. Visitors are welcome. Contact: www.willowbendalpaca.com, Facebook or 815-482-1298 Address: 11971 W. East Road Hours: By appointment Grand Detour 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. Contact: www.deere.com/wps/dcom/en_US/corporate/our_company/ fans_visitors/tours_attractions/historicalsite.page or 815-652-4551 Address: 8334 S. Clinton St. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, May through October Admission: $5; free for children 11 and younger Leaf River Leaf River Historical Museum Located in a former church built in 1895, the museum contains exhibits, including a dog tread mill from the 1800s, military artifacts, farm and agriculture equipment, railroad memorabilia and more. Contact: Unavailable Address: 201 E. Third St. Hours: 1-4 p.m. first and third Sunday of the month, April through October Admission: Free CONTINUED ON
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86 ~ Ogle County
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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. It was cast in the early 1860s as a replica of the Liberty Bell. Its first location was a belfry of an old church in Lake Geneva, Wis. It eventually made its way to Mount Morris. This 1,500-pound 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. Contact: www.mtmorrisil.net/Tourism.html Address: Wesley Avenue 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. Contact: www.dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/ PARKS/R1/WHITEPNS.HTM or 815-946-3717 Address: 6712 W. Pines Road 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. Contact: www.conoversquare.com or 815732-3950 Address: 201 N. Third St. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday Admission: Free Castle Rock State Park The 2,000-acre park includes rock formations, ravines, and unique northern plant associations. 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. Contact: www.dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/ PARKS/R1/Castle.htm or 815-732-7329 Address: 1365 W. Castle Road Conover Square Mall 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. Contact: www.conoversquare.com, Facebook or 815-732-3950 Address: 201 N. Third St. Hours: Generally, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon-4 p.m. Sunday, though some store hours vary
Lowden State Park in Oregon Howlett Hill Farm This farm sells fresh vegetables, grown using natural methods, at a self-serve farm stand. In season, they include heirloom tomatoes and peppers, green beans, beets, lettuce, greens, cucumbers, squash, and pumpkins. Contact: 815-734-6648 Address: 994 N. Ridge Road Hours: Farm stand is self-serve, 24 hours a day 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 in the park. Contact: www.dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/ parks/r1/lowdensp.htm or 815-732-6828 Address: 1411 N. River Road 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 on the site. Hiking on more than 20 miles of maintained trails also is popular there. Contact: www.dnr.state.il.us/Lands/landmgt/ parks/R1/LOWDENMI.HTM or 815-732-7329 Address: 1365 W. Castle Rock Road
Mix Park The 2.5-acre park, recognized as an outstanding park in 2002, is home to Lorado Taft’s “Boys with Fish” sculpture and Jeff Adams’ “Paths of Conviction, Footsteps of Fate.” Contact: www.oregonpark.org/mix-park or 815-732-3101 Address: 701 N. Fourth St. Oregon Farmer’s Market The market offers fresh produce, baked goods, plants, and more on the lawn of the Ogle County Courthouse. Contact: 815-732-3101 Address: 106 S. Fifth St. Hours: 8:30 a.m.-noon Saturday, June through September Park East This 23-acre site provides access above and below the Oregon dam for fishing and canoeing. An observation deck rests 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. Contact: www.oregonpark.org/park-east or 815-732-3101 Address: River Road, north of state Route 64
CONTINUED ON
88
Voyager 2014~15
Ogle County ~ 87
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88 ~ Ogle County
www.saukvalley.com
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. Contact: http://www.oregonpark.org/parkwest or 815-732-3101 Address: Oregon Trail Road 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 The Nash Home and Museum opened in 1962. Built in 1878 in Midwestern prairie architecture, it 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. Contact: www.oglecountyhistoricalsociety. com, Facebook or 815-732-7545 Address: 111 N. Sixth St. Hours: 9 a.m.-noon Thursday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday, May through September, or by appointment Admission: By donation Polo Aplington House This 1853 home belonged to Zenas Aplington, a Civil War soldier and founder of Polo. Abraham Lincoln spent two 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. Contact: www.polohistoricalsociety.org or 815-946-4142 Hours: By appointment Admission: By donation Buffalo Grove Lime Kiln The kiln is one of two old lime kilns in Illinois listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The kiln was constructed of native limestone, quarried on site, in 1870. It is a wood-burning perpetual kiln, or draw-down kiln, which meant it had to be continuously fired. It operated until the early 1900s. Address: Galena Trail Road Contact: www.polohistoricalsociety.org or 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. Contact: www.polohistoricalsociety.org or 815-946-4142 Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
Ruby Nash Home/Ogle County Historical Museum in Oregon Campbell Law Office Judge Campbell was the first mayor of Polo. His office was constructed from blue limestone hauled by wagon from the quarry west of town in 1875. Today, it is a private law office. Contact: www.polohistoricalsociety.org or 815-946-4142 Address: 111 N. Franklin Ave. 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 Black Hawk War and the World War II hemp mill. Contact: www.polohistoricalsociety.org or 815-946-4142 CONTINUED ON
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SPECIALTY
Magazines
Sauk Valley Media publishes different magazines geared toward different interests. The magazines are TOTALLY FREE and will be sent to you in the mail. To request your FREE copy, simply email your requests to: kweinstock@saukvalley.com
90 ~ Ogle County
www.saukvalley.com
Address: State Route 26, south of Polo Hours: Wednesday afternoons, April through October, and by appointment Polo History Museum The building was a gift to the Polo Historical Society from Shaw Printing Co. and 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. Contact: 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. The filling station has been restored to its original design, including the canopy over the pumps and the 1918 equipment. There is filling station memorabilia on display inside. Contact: www.rochelletourism.com or 815562-7031 Address: 500 Lincoln Ave. 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, which is one of two in existence. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places. Contact: www.flaggtownshipmuseum.org, Facebook or 815-562-3040 Address: 518 Fourth Ave. Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday Admission: $3 adults, $2 children; free for all on Thursday Spring Lake Aquatic Park This outdoor swimming pool has a 150-foot slide, two diving boards, and a climbing wall. There also is a large wading pool for small children. Contact: www.rochelleparkdistrict.org or 815562-6658 Address: Eighth Street and Avenue B Hours: 12:30-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 12:30-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 1-Aug. 17; family swim is 6:30-9 p.m. Friday Admission: $6; family swim is $4 Granny’s Berries This family-owned business offers pick-yourown blueberries and raspberries. Contact: Facebook or 815-562-4462 Address: 3405 S. White Rock Road Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, when fruit is in season
1918 Standard Oil Filling Station in Rochelle Hub City Mall The mall features antiques, used furniture, crafts, collectibles and more. Contact: www.hubcitymall.com or 815-5625620 Address: 506 Lincoln Ave. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday Lyle Kunde Recreation Area/Lake Sule This 90-acre recreation area includes 77-acre Lake Sule and offers boating and fishing. Contact: www.rochelleparkdistrict.org or 815562-7813 Address: Wiscold Drive Robert’s Armory World War II Museum The museum specializes in the acquisition and display of light armored vehicles and artillery used by the U.S. Army during World War II. Contact: www.robertsarmory.com or 815561-4445 Address: 2090 Brush Grove Road Hours: 1-4 p.m. Memorial Day, May 26, 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, during the Lincoln Highway Heritage Festival, and 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, 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 affectionately known as “Ol’ Gertie,” the department’s second motorized fire truck. Contact: www.cityofrochelle.net or 815-5622122 Address: 401 Fifth Ave. Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday
Rochelle Railroad Park The park is an ideal spot for train watching, with more than 80 trains passing through each day. The park was 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 also is a gift shop. Contact: www.rochellerailroadpark.org, Facebook or 815-562-7031 Address: 124 N. Ninth St. Hours: Gift shop open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday and Wednesday through Sunday, April through October, and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday and Wednesday through Sunday, November through March Admission: Free Skare Park This 320-acre park includes horse trails, hiking/biking trails, ball fields, horseshoe pits, playgrounds, and more. There also is a new 9-hole disc golf course. The park also includes Historic Skare Homestead Museum, the former home of Norman Lincoln Skare. Contact: www.rochelleparkdistrict.org/parks-facilities/skare-park or 815-562-7813 Address: Flagg and Brooklyn roads Sweet Blessings This shop offers antiques, primitives, and more. Contact: Facebook or 815-562-6165 Address: 304 N. Sixth St.; entrance on Lincoln Avenue Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday
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92 ~ Quad Cities
www.saukvalley.com
Quad Cities events June 6-8 QC Pridefest; Davenport; kick-off bash with live music and Miss QC Pridefest Pageant, plus live entertainment, fireworks, interfaith celebration, children’s area, food, and more; www. qcpride.org or Facebook June 6-7 Rhubarb Festival; downtown Aledo; more than 3,000 rhubarb pies for sale, rhubarb samples, rhubarb seed giveaway, crafts, antiques and flea market, entertainment, 5K run/walk, and more; www. aledomainstreet.com or 309-582-2751 June 6-7 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; gumboyayafestival.com, www.ridistrict.com or 309-788-6311
June 8-14 Quad Cities Juneteenth; LeClaire Park, Davenport; worship, community forums, music, games, and more; qcjuneteenth.com or 563322-7363 June 11-14 Rally on the River; Centennial Park, Davenport; largest gathering of motorcycles in the Midwest; live music, burnout pit, bikini bike wash, stunt show, bike show, food, and more; www. mrmrally.com or 309-799-7625 June 17-21 Rock Island County Fair; Rock Island County Fairgrounds, 4200 Archer Drive, East Moline; 4-H exhibits, livestock, carnival, live music, bull riding, tractor pull, and more; admission is $5 after 8:30 p.m., grandstand admission is $10; rockislandfair.org, Facebook or 309-796-1620
Gumbo Ya Ya in Rock Island
June 21-22 BBQ and Craft Brew and Wine; LeClaire Park, Davenport, Iowa; Kansas City Barbecue Society-sanctioned competition, amateur Mr. BBQ competition and craft beer and wine tasting; www.iopro.net or 309-799-7469 June 22 Blossoms at Butterworth; Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House, 1105 Eighth St., Moline; old-fashioned garden party; antique auto show, 1800s lawn games, live music, historic tours, and more; noon-5 p.m.; www.butterworthcenter.com or 309-743-2700 July 3 Red, White and Boom!; Davenport and Rock Island; fireworks over the river, plus live music, family activities, food, and more; 6 p.m.; www. downtowndavenport.com or www.ridistrict.com
Voyager 2014~15 July 3-5 Mississippi Valley Blues Festival; LeClaire Park, Davenport; blues music, plus workshops and a photo exhibit; tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the gate; www.mvbs.org/fest July 7-13 John Deere Classic; TPC Deere Run, 3100 Heather Knoll, Silvis; PGA Tour event; www. johndeereclassic.com July 25-26 Street Fest; Second Street, Davenport; live music, arts and crafts vendors, family activities, and more; 10 a.m.-midnight Friday and 9 a.m.midnight Saturday; www.downtowndavenport. com or 563-823-2681 July 26 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.; www.bix7.com July 29-Aug. 3 Mississippi Valley Fair; Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, 2815 W. Locust St., Davenport; grandstand acts, family entertainment, carnival, food, and more; admission is $10 for adults and $4 for children 4-12; grandstand admission is by “fun card” only; www.mvfair.com, Facebook or 563-5338 July 31-Aug. 3 Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival; Adler Theater, RiverCenter and LeClaire Park, Davenport; traditional Dixieland jazz music; day passes are $55 and single session tickets are $30; www.bixsociety.org or 563-326-1732 Aug. 1 Maple City Street Machines Monmouth Cruise Night; downtown Monmouth; more than 1,400 cars, plus live music, 50/50 raffle and food; 6-10 p.m.; www.facebook.com/maplecitystreetmachines Aug. 7-9 Tug Fest; giant tug-of-war across the Mississippi River between LeClaire, Iowa, and Port Byron, plus live music, carnival, community tailgate party, 5K run/walk, parade, fireworks, and more; admission is $5; tug is at 12:30 p.m. Saturday; www.tugfest. com, Facebook or 563-289-2799 Aug. 8-9 Ya Maka My Weekend; downtown Rock Island; Reggae music, Caribbean-style food, open-air marketplace, beach and more; tickets are $9; gates open at 5 p.m. Friday and 3 p.m. Saturday; yamakamyweekend.com, www.ridistrict.com or 309-788-6311 Aug. 9-10 Quad City Air Show; Davenport Municipal Airport, 9230 Harrison St., Davenport; performances by the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor team, plus planes on display and more; tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children 4-10; gates open at 8 a.m., main show at noon; www.quadcityairshow.com or 563-322-7469
Quad Cities ~ 93 Aug. 15-16 River Roots Live; LeClaire Park, downtown Davenport; national touring musicians and barbecue from award-winning rib vendors; free before 5 p.m., $5 after 5 p.m.; www.riverrootslive.com
Sept. 26-28 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; www.quadcitiesballoonfestival.com or Facebook
Aug. 16 Floatzilla; Sunset Marina, Rock Island; paddlesports festival that includes an attempt to break the world record for the largest flotilla of canoes and kayaks; www.floatzilla.org, Facebook or 563-322-2969
Oct. 11 Quad Cities Classic Regatta; Moline; rowers from around the Midwest compete in races on the Mississippi River; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; www. tworiversymca.org or 309-797-3945
Aug. 22-24 World Series of Drag Racing; Cordova Dragway 19425 state Route 84, Cordova; www. cordovadrag.com or 309-654-2110 Aug. 31-Sept. 1 Rock Island Grand Prix; downtown Rock Island; largest and most prestigious kart street race, plus live music, family activities, and more; www.rockislandgrandprix.com, Facebook or 309-292-8133 Date TBA (in September) East West Riverfest; various locations throughout the Quad Cities; a 15-day celebration of arts, culture, heritage and the Mississippi River; www.eastwestriverfest.com or Facebook Sept. 6 Viva Quad Cities Fiesta; Holiday Inn, 226 17th St., Rock Island; food, arts and crafts, live entertainment, 5K run/walk, and more; www. vivaquadcities.com or Facebook Sept. 6 Quad City Symphony Riverfront Pops; LeClaire Park, downtown Davenport; music by the Quad City Symphony Orchestra on the banks of the Mississippi River; songs of Elton John performed by Broadway star Michael Cavanaugh; www.qcsymphony.com or 563322-7276 Sept. 6-7 Beaux Arts Fair; Figge Art Museum plaza, Second Street, Davenport; juried art show, music, children’s activities and food; www. beauxartsfair.com or Facebook Sept. 19-20 Celtic Festival & Highland Games; Centennial Park, Davenport; traditional Scottish “games of strength,” music, dancing and more; www. celtichighlandgames.org Sept. 20-21 Riverssance Festival of Fine Arts; Lindsay Park, East Davenport; juried art show, music, children’s activities and food; www.midcoast.org or 563-424 1210 Sept. 20 Brew Ha Ha; LeClaire Park, Davenport; beer and cheese tasting, live music and more; 309764-2400
Oct. 23 Fright Night; downtown Rock Island; children’s Halloween celebration with costume contest, scary stories, and make-and-take crafts; www.ridistrict.com Oct. 25-26 Boo at the Zoo; Niabi Zoo, 13010 Niabi Zoo Road, Coal Valley; trick-or-treat at the zoo; admission is $8.25 for adults and $6.25 for children 3-12; www.niabizoo.com or 309-799-3482 Nov. 21-22 Quad City Symphony Holiday Pops; Adler Theatre, inside RiverCenter, 136 E. Third St., Davenport; holiday music by the Quad City Symphony Orchestra with a special performance by Cirque de la Symphonie; shows at 8 p.m. Friday and 2:30 and 8 p.m. Saturday; www.qcsymphony.com or 563-322-7276 Nov. 22-30 Quad City Arts Festival of Trees; RiverCenter, 136 E. Third St., Davenport; 100 designer trees, helium balloon parade, parties, TreatShoppe and more; ticket prices TBA; www.quadcityarts.com/ festoftrees.asp or 309-793-1213 Nov. 22 Lighting on the Commons; John Deere Commons, downtown Moline; visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, tractor-drawn wagon rides, live music, lighting of the commons and fireworks; www.lightingonthecommons.com or Facebook Dates unavailable (in early December) Season of Light; John Deere Planetarium, Augustana College, 820 38th St., Rock Island; see what the Wise Men saw when they looked to the sky some 2,000 years ago; www.augustana.edu or 309-794-7327 Dec. 7 19th Century Christmas; Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House, 1105 Eighth St., Moline; historic homes decorated for the holidays, plus live music, visits with Santa, makeand-take crafts, and more; noon-5 p.m.; www. butterworthcenter.com or 309-743-2700 Dec. 12-13 A Christmas Messiah; Centennial Hall, Augustana College, 3703 Seventh Ave., Rock Island; 250-voice chorus and symphony perform Handel’s “Messiah”; concerts at 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday; www.augustana.edu or 309-794-7307
94 ~ Quad Cities
www.saukvalley.com
Rock Island Grand Prix
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Quad Cities tourist attractions
T
he 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, and Government Bridge and John Deere World Headquarters in Moline, among other noteworthy attractions. Iowa Bettendorf 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, filled with thousands of varieties of flowers, plants, grasses, scrubs and trees popular during that decade. Contact: www.bettendorf.org/parks or 563344-4113 Address: Middle Park, 2220 23rd St. Hours: 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m. daily
Channel Cat Water Taxi These open-air, pontoon-style boats leisurely transport passengers back and forth across the Mississippi River to landings in Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa, and Moline. Passengers can stop at any landing to shop, eat or enjoy other activities. Tickets are good for all-day usage. Contact: www.gogreenmetro.com or 309788-3360 Address: Bettendorf landing, 17th Street and Isle Parkway at the Isle of Capri Casino Hours: 11 a.m.-7:40 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m.-7:15 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Memorial Day through Labor Day
Tickets: $6 adults, $3 children 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. Contact: www.bettendorf.org/parks or 563344-4113 Address: 4800 N. Devils Glen Road Hours: 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m. daily
Channel Cat Water Taxi in Bettendorf, Iowa
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96 ~ Quad Cities 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. Contact: www.familymuseum.org, Facebook or 563-344-4106 Address: 2900 Learning Campus Drive Hours: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon-5 p.m. Sunday Admission: $7, $4 seniors 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. Contact: www.bettendorf.org/parksor 563344-4124 Address: 2220 23rd St. Hours: 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, night swim 6:30-8 p.m. Monday through Friday Admission: $6 Davenport Annie Wittenmeyer Aquatic Center This aquatic facility features a zero-depth pool, water slide, drop slide, shallow water toys, and a sand play area. There is a concession stand, too. Contact: www.cityofdavenportiowa.com or 563-326-7828 Address: 2828 Eastern Ave. Hours: Open swim 12:30-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Admission: $4 adults, $3 children 17 and younger Buck Town Center for the Arts Buck Town is a collection of more than a dozen distinctive art shops and studios in a historic building downtown. Contact: www.bucktownarts.com or 309737-2066 Address: 225 E. Second St. Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday Centennial Park SkatePark This skate park, located to the west of Centennial Park, offers a dedicated space for skateboarding, rollerblading and BMX biking. Contact: www.cityofdavenportiowa.com or 563-326-7812 Address: 905 W. River Drive Centennial Park Sprayground This spray park offers a number of decorative water spray features for children of all ages. Contact: www.cityofdavenportiowa.com or 563-328-7275 Address: 315 S. Marquette St.
www.saukvalley.com Credit Island Park and Natural Historic Preserve The park, located 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. Contact: www.cityofdavenportiowa.comor 563-326-7812 Address: 2200 W. River Drive Fejervary Park This park is known for its children’s nature center that includes a children’s garden with 50 trees, one from each state. There also are wooded picnic areas, walking paths and a sensory garden. Fejervary Aquatic Center also is in the park. Contact: www.cityofdavenportiowa.com or 563-326-7812 Address: 1759 W. 12th St. Hours: Learning center is open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 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. Contact: www.figgeart.org or 563-326-7804 Address: 225 W. Second St. 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 children ages 4-12 Freight House Farmer’s Market This market boasts more than 100 vendors, indoors and outdoors, selling produce, meat, eggs, baked goods, jams and more at the historic Freight House Building. Contact: www.freighthousefarmersmarket. com, Facebook or 563-322-6009 Address: 421 W. River Drive Hours: 3-6 p.m. Tuesday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday German American Heritage Center Originally built in 1862 as a hotel for German immigrants, the center today takes visitors on an interactive journey as the immigrants traveled by sea, train and foot to their new home on the banks of the Mississippi River at the turn of the century. 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. Contact: www.gahc.org or 563-322-8844 Address: 712 W. Second St. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday Admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 children ages 5-17 Harborview Production (Isabel Bloom) Studio Isabel Bloom sculptures have become trea-
sured heirlooms. Her studio, near the banks of the Mississippi River, is open for tours, during which visitors will see some of her original art and photos. Contact: www.ibloom.com or 800-273-5436 Address: 736 Federal St. Hours: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Thursday Admission: Free; call to make a reservation Michael’s Fun World This indoor-outdoor facility offers go-karts, laser tag, miniature golf, batting cages, and more. Contact: www.michaelsfunworld.com or 563386-3826 Address: 345 W. 76th St. Hours: Noon-10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and noon-8 p.m. Sunday, May 24-Aug. 24; check the website or call ahead for fall, winter and spring hours Admission: Varies by attraction; check the website or call ahead Nahant Marsh 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. Contact: www.nahantmarsh.org or 563-3235196 Address: 4220 Wapello Ave. Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.-noon Saturday; or by appointment Putnam Museum The Putnam Museum features permanent exhibits on the Mississippi River, ancient Egypt and Asia, and traveling exhibits. A new Science Center opened in April and 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 six-story-tall, seven-story-wide digital surround sound venue with one of the most technologically advanced projection systems in the world. Contact: www.putnam.orgor 563-324-1933 Address: 1717 W. 12th St. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday Admission: $12 adults, $10.50 children includes admission to the museum and science center and a giant-screen documentary 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. Contact: www.riverbandits.com or 563-3243000 Address: 209 S. Gaines St. Admission: $13 club seats, $10 lower box seats, $9 upper box seats, $7 bleachers
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Quad City Rollers The Quad City Rollers are a female, flat-track roller derby team that competes at the RiverCenter. Contact: www.quadcityrollers.com Address: 136 E. Third St. Hours: Doors open at 5 p.m.; junior bout starts at 6 p.m., all-stars bout starts at 7:45 p.m. on game nights; check the website or call ahead Admission: $12 adults, $5 children ages 6-12 The River’s Edge ice arena The River’s Edge is a premier, 75,000-squarefoot indoor sports facility that offers an Olympicsize ice rink and an indoor turf field for soccer, football, baseball, lacrosse and golf. Contact: www.cityofdavenportiowa.com or 563-322-5220 Address: 700 W. River Drive Hours: Varies; check the website or call ahead Admission: Public skating is $5, skate rental is $3; drop-in ice and turf time is more 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, what remains is preserved as a “wildpark.” The only original building that remains is a 1911
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Niabi Zoo in Coal Valley
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. Contact: www.schuetzenpark.info or 563449-2358 Address: 3401 Schuetzen Lane 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. Contact: www.cityofdavenportiowa.com or 563-326-7810 Address: 121 W. Second St. Hours: 7 a.m.-11 p.m. daily Admission: Free 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 features a lagoon, an historic stone fountain, a rose garden and brick walking paths. The conservatory features 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.
Contact: www.cityofdavenportiowa.com or 563-326-7818 Address: 215 W. Central Park Ave. Hours: Park is open sunrise to sunset; conservatory, greenhouses and store are open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday Admission: Conservatory entry is $1 adults and children 16 and older; free on Tuesday
Illinois Coal Valley Niabi Zoo Niabi means “young deer spared by the hunter” and describes the goal of the zoo: to share live animal experiences with the community. The 40-acre zoo is home to more than 300 animals from more than 100 special around the world. Other attractions include a carousel, replica steam engine, and concession areas. Contact: www.niabizoo.com or 309-799-5107 Address: 13010 Niabi Zoo Road Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday Admission: $8.25 adults, $7.25 seniors, $6.25 children ages 3-12; train rides, carousel rides and pony rides are extra
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98 ~ Quad Cities
www.saukvalley.com
Moline Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House The historic homes once belonged to John Deere’s descendants and are located 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. They called their home “Overlook,” and it was built in the Victorian style until its roofline was changed after a fire in 1899 caused extensive damage. Both homes are surrounded by beautiful gardens. Contact: www.butterworthcenter.com, Facebook or 309-743-2700 Address: 817 11th Ave. and 1105 Eighth St. Hours: Tours available by appointment
Admission: By donation Celebration River Cruises The Celebration Belle luxury riverboat cruises the mighty Mississippi River in style. The 770-passenger Belle hosts lunch, dinner and all-day cruises with destinations in the Quad Cities and Dubuque, Iowa, and fall cruises to Wisconsin. Contact: www.celebrationbelle.com or 800297-0034 Address: 2501 River Drive Hours: Varies 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 Company 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 impressive art collection. Contact: www.johndeereattractions.com or 800-765-9588 Address: 1 John Deere Place Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday Admission: Free iWireless Center The iWireless Center is a 12,000-seat, multipurpose arena. The arena is home to the Quad City Mallards hockey team and hosts concerts, sporting events and theater performances. Contact: www.iwirelesscenter.com or 309764-2000 Address: 1201 River Dr. Hours: Varies by event; box office open 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday Admission: Varies by event; check the website or call ahead
Deere & Co. World Headquarters in Moline
Voyager 2014~15
Quad Cities ~ 99
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. Contact: www.johndeereattractions.com or 309-765-1000 Address: 1400 River Drive Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday Admission: Free
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. Contact: 309-788-6622 Address: 2901 12th St.
Quad City Mallards hockey The Quad City Mallards are a professional, Central Hockey League affiliate of the Minnesota Wild. The team plays at the iWireless Center. Contact: http://myqcmallards.net or 309-2771364 Address: 1201 River Drive Admission: Tickets range from $10 to $25
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. Contact: www.quadcityarts.comor 309-7931213 Address: 1715 Second Ave. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; by appointment Monday Admission: Free
Rock Island Backwater Gamblers The Backwater Gamblers have been thrilling crowds since 1980. The 140-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. Contact: www.backwatergamblers.com, Facebook or 309-786-8987 Address: Ben Williamson Park, 5000 44th St. Hours: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday, Memorial Day through Labor Day Admission: Free Bent River Brewing Company The Bent River Brewing Company, established in 1997, opened its Rock Island location—its second, added to increase its brewing capacity – in 2012. The company produces more than 1,500 barrels of award-winning beers annually. The Rock Island location houses the company’s bottling line and distribution center. Contact: www.bentriverbrewery.com or 309283-4811 Address: 512 24th St. 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. The park offers 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. Contact: www.blackhawkpark.org or 309788-9536 Address: 1510 46th Ave. Hours: Museum open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, March through October, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, November through February
Quad City Botanical Center The Quad City Botanical Center brings people and plants together via an indoor tropical atrium, a physically enabling 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. Contact: www.qcgardens.com, Facebook or 309-794-0991 Address: 2525 Fourth Ave. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, November through March; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. April through October; open until 7 p.m. Tuesday; open also Easter, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve Admission: $6 adults, $5 seniors, $4 children ages 6-15, $2 children ages 2-5 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. Contact: www.rigov.org or 309-732-7275 Address: 17th to 20th Street 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. Contact: www.rigov.org or 309-732-7275 Address: 4501 Third Ave. Whitewater Junction Water Park Whitewater Junction Water Park is a railroadthemed aquatic center that features a body slide, tube slide, open drop slide and drop slide, as well as spray features. Contact: www.rigov.org/index.aspx?nid=84, Facebook or 309-732-7946 Address: 17th Street and 18th Avenue Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and holidays, Memorial Day through Labor Day Admission: $7 adults and children 3 and older; $4 open swim 6-8 p.m. Rock Island Arsenal (Visitors 16 and older must present a photo ID at entry.) Colonel Davenport House The Colonel Davenport House was home to one of the Quad Cities’ founding fathers, Col. George Davenport. The Federal-style home was built in 1834 and became the center of local commerce, a crossroads for trade in the region. There also is a gift shop. Contact: www.davenporthouse.org or 309786-7336 Address: Rock Island Arsenal Hours: Noon-4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, May through October; by appointment, November through April Admission: $5 adults, $3 seniors and active military, $10 family 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-year-old traffic and rail bridge – one of the oldest of its kind still in use on the river. Contact: 309-794-5338 Address: Building 328 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. Contact: www.arsenalhistoricalsociety.org/ museum or 309-782-5021 Address: Building 60 Hours: Noon-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday
