SVM_Sauk Valley Summer Explorer_052919

e r o l p Ex Valley Sauk

and more !

Calendar of Events from June - December 2019 A

PUBLICATION • MAY 29, 2019

in Bureau, Carroll, Lee, Ogle & Whiteside counties, plus Quad Cities & Clinton, IA

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www.saukvalley.com

Bureau County WITNESS TR EE ,R

Bureau County is in northcentral Illinois, 115 miles southwest of Chicago and 65 miles east of the Quad Cities on Interstate 80. Its county seat is Princeton.

JUNE 2

Starved Rock Radio Club’s Ham Fest;

Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W. Peru St., Princeton; ham radio, model and computer items for sale or trade; tickets $7 in advance or $8 at the gate; 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; w9mks.org/hamfest, Facebook or 815-252-6383

JUNE 7-8

Princeton Sidewalk Sale Days; downtown; sales

at business on North and South Main Street; princetonchamber-il.com or 815-875-2616

JUNE 7-9

Buffalo Days; Lamoille; buffalo burgers and pork

chops, beer garden, live music, 5K run/walk, carnival, tractor show, petting zoo, and more; lamoillebuffalodays.org and Facebook

JUNE 8

Neponset Picnic Day; park pavilion; parade, petting zoo, vendors, antiques, crafts, farmers market, live music and more; 309-594-2201 and Facebook

JUNE 14

Summer Solstice on Main Street; downtown Princeton; food and wine tasting, music and shopping; 4-8 p.m.; princetonchamber-il.com or 815-875-2616

JUNE 22

Beef Days; Soldiers and Sailors Park, Princeton; steak dinners and live music; 5-9 p.m., show starts at 6 p.m.; princetonchamber-il.com or 815-875-2616

JUNE 28-29

Spring Valley Park Board Summerfest; carnival,

music, food, beer garden, fireworks; all day both days in Kirby Park; spring-valley. il.us or 815-664-2753

JUNE 29

Old Wheels Car Show;

First Lutheran Church, 116 N. Pleasant St., Princeton; vintage cars, trucks, tractors and street rods, music, and food; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Facebook or 815-8751685

JULY 6 Sheffield Tractor Pull; northwest side of town, across from railroad tracks, watch for signs; $10, free for 12 and younger; 10 a.m.; Facebook

JULY 13 The Boat Drunks band plays tangy, tropical rock music, plus food and a beer garden; all day in Spring

Valley Mini Park, downtown; bring a lawn chair; 7:30 p.m.; spring-valley.il.us or 815-664-2753

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June 15-16

Spectator/ Family Friendly event!

Fourth of July celebration and fireworks; Zearing Park, Princeton; dusk

JULY 5-7

Walnut Days Celebration; Little Miss Indepen-

JUNE 14-15

JUNE 14, 21, 28

JULY 5, 12, 19 AND 26

Spring Valley Municipal Band concerts; Mini Park, downtown; bring a lawn chair; 7:30 p.m.; spring-valley.il.us or 815-664-2753

Park, downtown; bring a lawn chair; 7:30 p.m.; spring-valley.il.us or 815-664-2753

JULY 4

dence pageant, 5K run/ walk, bags and softball tournaments, soap box derby, car and truck show, parade, fireworks, and more; walnutdays.com, Facebook or 815-3793068

More on 34; along U.S. Route 34 and Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W. Peru St., Princeton; rummage sales and events; 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; moreon34. com, Facebook or 815-875-2616 or 815-303-2905

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Princeton Community Band concert; Soldiers and Sailors Park; bring a lawn chair, refreshments available; 6 p.m.; princetonchamber-il.com or 815875-2616

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JUNE 2, 16, 30

Down on Main Street Concert; downtown Princeton; bring lawn chairs, food and beverages will be sold, no outside food or drinks allowed; 5-8 p.m.; princetonchamber-il.com or 815-875-2616

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Festival 56 summer theatre festival; Grace Performing Arts Center, 316 S. Main St., Princeton; festival56.com or 815-879-5656

JUNE 21

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THROUGH AUGUST

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BUREAU COUNTY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Spring Valley Municipal Band concerts; Mini

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

www.sunsetridgemx.com

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Explore Sauk Valley

JULY 7, 14, 21, 28

Princeton Community Band concert;

Soldiers and Sailors Park; bring a lawn chair, refreshments available; 6 p.m.; princetonchamber-il.com or 815875-2616

JULY 11-14

Wyanet Summer Festival;

Memorial Park; live music, beer garden, parade, 5K run/walk, Little Miss Wyanet pageant, bags tournament, and more; Facebook or 815-303-2229

JULY 19

eton; bring lawn chairs, food and beverages will be sold, no outside food or drinks allowed; 5-8 p.m.; princetonchamber-il.com or 815-875-2616

AUG. 17

Spring Valley Historic Association Antique Car Cruise, 100 and 200 West St. Paul Street; noon-5 p.m.; featuring vehicles from 1994 and earlier, 50-50 raffle, music and food; spring-valley.il.us or 815-3034327

AUG. 21-25

Bureau County Fair; Bureau County Fairgrounds,

Down on Main Street Concert; downtown Princeton; bring lawn chairs, food and beverages will be sold, no outside food or drinks allowed; 5-8 p.m.; princetonchamber-il.com or 815-875-2616

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 ages 7-12; bureaucountyfair.com, Facebook or 815-875-2905

JULY 18-20

SEPT. 5

Bureau County 4-H Fair;

Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W. Peru St., Princeton; displays of 4-H projects and a livestock and horse show; web.extension.illinois.edu/blmp/bureau4h, facebook.com/ blmp4H or 815-875-2878

Down on Main Street Concert; downtown Princeton; bring lawn chairs, food and beverages will be sold, no outside food or drinks allowed; 5-8 p.m.; princetonchamber-il.com or 815-875-2616

JULY 19-21

SEPT. 6-8

garden, Golden Chicken race, children’s games, and more; villageofladd.com or 815-894-2440

walk, rib cook-off, car show, arts and craft show, flea market, horse-drawn wagon rides, petting zoo, and more; homesteadfestival.com or 815-875-3461

Ladd Daze; War Memorial Park; live music, beer

JULY 20

Convoy Against Cancer Big Truck Show;

Main Street in Ladd; truck display, food, music, raffles; benefits American Cancer Society Relay for Life; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Facebook

JULY 20-24

Ol’ Fashun Threshun Days; Albrecht Grove, Ohio; threshing demonstrations, flea market, craft show, petting zoo, tractor pull, music, and more; admission is $4; Ray Forrer at 815-498-2013 or 815-824-6810

JULY 26-28

Lake DePue Pro National Championship Boat Races; Lake DePue; boat races, live music, 5K run/ walk, food, and more; admission is $3; depuemensclub.org or Steve Solorio, 815-447-2893

AUG. 1-4

Pow-Wow Days;

West Park, Tiskilwa; Lil’ Spurs Rodeo, car show, parade, 5K run/walk, petting zoo, children’s games, and more; powwowdays.com, “Tiskilwa Community Association” on Facebook or 815-646-4121

AUG. 6

National Night Out; Kirby Park in Spring Valley; Displays from police, fire department, ambulance, and more; 5-8 p.m.; spring-valley.il.us; 815-664-4221

AUG. 10

Music on Main; 7-11 p.m. in downtown Spring Valley; live music, food, beer garden, 50-50 raffle; proceeds to benefit the Spring Valley Volunteer Fire Department; spring-valley.il.us or 815-303-4327

AUG. 16

Down on Main Street Concert; downtown Princ-

Homestead Festival; Princeton; parade, 5K run/

SEPT. 7

Artisan Market; Hornbaker Garden, 22937 1140 N. Ave., Princeton; more than 30 fine artists, wine tasting, home-baked items, craft beer, live music and more; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; free admission; hornbakergardens.com or 815-659-3282

SEPT. 8

Flea market, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W. Peru St., Princeton; 815-866-8598 and bureaucountyfair.com

SEPT. 21

Harvest Fest; Veterans Park in Sheffield; children’s games and competitions, adult games, live music, local food, craft beers, scarecrow contest; times TBA; Facebook

SEPT. 28

Down on Main Street Concert; downtown Princeton; bring lawn chairs, food and beverages will be sold, no outside food or drinks allowed; 5-8 p.m.; princetonchamber-il.com or 815-875-2616

OCT. 4-5, 11-13, 18-19, 25-26

Nightmare on Fairgrounds Road, Bureau Coun-

ty Fairgrounds, 811 W. Peru St., Princeton; spooky old buildings, creepy characters, Mummies Cafe, and more; $10, or $15 for a VIP pass; nightmareonfairgroundsroad.com and Facebook

OCT. 20

Flea market, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W. Peru St., Princeton; 815-8668598 and bureaucountyfair.com

OCT. 26

Scarecrow Festival; downtown Princeton; scarecrows on display, costume contest, pumpkin races, pumpkin decorating, music and food; princetonchamber-il.com or 815-875-2616

Halloween parade; downtown Spring Valley; children in costume parade from St. Margaret’s Hospital billing parking lot to Mini Park; registration at 11:30 a.m., parade at 1 p.m.; spring-valley.il.us or 815664-2753

OCT. 26-27

Sauk Trail Gun Collectors Show and Sale;

Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W. Peru St., Princeton; buy, sell, trade all types of guns, ammo and collectible items; 8:30-4 p.m. Saturday, and 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday; 309-689-1934

NOV. 9

Christmas in the Valley; downtown Spring Valley; vendor show to benefit the local food pantry, Christmas tree silent auction to benefit the March of Dimes, family holiday activities, and more; 10 a.m.3 p.m. Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday; spring-valley. il.us or 815-664-2753

NOV. 22-24

Princeton’s annual Christmas Walk; Main Street; tree lighting, live window displays, carolers, carriage rides, visits with Santa and music; tree lighting at 6 p.m. Friday; princetonchamber-il.com or 815-875-2616

NOV. 17

Motorcycle Swap Meet; Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W. Peru St., Princeton; antique, classic and modern American and British bikes, vendors, and more; admission is $6 for adults and children 14 and older; 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; walneckswap.com or 630985-2097

NOV. 23-24

Sauk Trail Gun Collectors Show and Sale;

Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W. Peru St., Princeton; buy, sell, trade all types of guns, ammo and collectible items; 8:30-4 p.m. Saturday, and 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday; 309-689-1934

NOV. 30

Lighted Santa Parade; downtown Spring Valley; lighted floats, vehicles and walkers; parade begins at 6 p.m. at Hall High School; ends at City Hall with visits with Santa; spring-valley.il.us or 815-664-2753

DEC. 7

OCT. 12-13

Flea market, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W. Peru St., Princeton; 815-866-8598 and bureaucountyfair.com

$5 for adults and children 6 and older; 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Saturday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday; period dance at 7 p.m. Saturday; shadowsbluegray.com or 815878-1861

Christmas Parade; Main Street, Princeton; breakfast with Santa, parade down Mains Street and children’s activities; breakfast 8-10 a.m., parade at 1:30 p.m.; princetonchamber-il.com or 815-875-2616

Shadows of the Blue and Gray Civil War reenactment; City County Park, Princeton; admission is

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www.saukvalley.com

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

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

Located just south of Mount Carroll, Illinois about 10 miles from the Mississippi River, TLP is a short drive from Fulton, Sterling and Rockford, Illinois.

The current theatre building opened in 1975 with 371 seats. The building is fully air conditioned, and the fifteen-acre wooded campus is perfect for any other activity you and your guests desire. From picnicking on the deck overlooking beautiful Timber Lake to attending a pre-show activity in our newly acquired rustic barn, or walking through the woods on the nature trails to dining on The Deck prior to our weekend shows, TLP is a great destination for a day of fun.

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

The best talent from around the country

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

Throughout the Summer

SUMMER SUBSCRIPTION SERIES

Telling stories that inspire & entertain

SM-ST1660135

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

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Explore Sauk Valley

Carroll County MISSISSI PP I

APRIL THROUGH OCTOBER Farmers market, Mount Carroll; 100 block of East Market Street; fresh produce, baked goods, plants, handmade crafts, music and more; 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays; mtcarrollil.org, 800-244-9594

MAY THROUGH SEPTEMBER Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll; timberlakeplayhouse.org, Facebook, 815-244-2048 for information or 815-244-2035 for tickets

DECEMBER MIC Acoustic Jam Unplugged, Mount Carroll Community House, 101 W. Main St.; everyone welcome; bring your own nonalcoholic beverage; 1 p.m. setup; 1:30-3:30 p.m. Second Saturday; 815244-0150

MAY 24 Felix & Fingers - Dueling Pianos, Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll; 7 p.m.; timberlakeplayhouse.org, Facebook, 815-244-2048 for information or 815-244-2035 for tickets

MAY 24-26

MAY 25

Iron Horse Social Club - Memorial Day

Weekend 2019, 314 Main St., Savanna; 1-10 p.m., Facebook

Timber Lake Playhouse open house,

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Carroll Community House, 101 W. Main St.; everyone welcome; bring your own nonalcoholic beverage; 1 p.m setup; 1:30-3:30 p.m. first Saturday; 815-244-0150

Mount Carroll Mayfest, arts and crafts, beer and wine garden, car show noon-3 p.m. on the 26th, music and more; mtcarrollil.org or 224-442-0469

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MIC Acoustic Jam Unplugged, Mount

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CARROLL COUNTY CALENDAR OF EVENTS JANUARY-NOVEMBER MAY 24-26

PA LI S

Carroll County, in northwest Illinois, is bordered on the west by the Mississippi River.

It encompasses 467 square miles, or 298,800 acres, with prime farmland on the eastern side of the county and hills and bluffs on the western side. It is home to about 15,000 people.

Riverview Road, Thomson; meet at 7:45 a.m.; tours 8-10 a.m.; 815-273-2732, stewardsumrr.org

JUNE 7 Rolling Hills 18th annual Golf Outing, Lake Carroll Golf Course, 29 Lake Carroll Blvd., Lanark; 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; golflakecarroll.com or 815-493-2808

JUNE 7 thru OCTOBER

Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll; tours 10 a.m.-noon; hot dogs in dining hall at noon; timberlakeplayhouse.org, Facebook, 815-2442048

Farmers market, 240 W. Claremont St., Lanark; fresh produce, demonstrations, classes, music, food, arts and crafts, kids’ events and more; 3-6 p.m. Tuesdays; visitcarrollcountyil.com

JUNE 1

JUNE 7-9

house, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll; noon-1:30 p.m.; timberlakeplayhouse.org, Facebook, 815-244-2048 for information or 815-244-2035 for tickets

Milledgeville Village Jamboree, Milledgeville; live music, ball tournaments, live entertainment, bags tournament, kids’ activities, 5K and raffles; Milledgeville Jamboree on Facebook

JUNE 2

JUNE 14

Brunch with Ariel, Timber Lake Play-

Jeep Jamboree Sunday Funday,

Poopy’s Pub & Grub, 1030 Viaduct Road, Savanna; 1 p.m.; Facebook, 815-2734516, poopys.com

JUNE 6, 13, 20, 27

Music on the Square; lawn on the square, downtown Mount Carroll; live music; 6:30-8:30 p.m.; “Mount Carroll Music on the Square” on Facebook; wemueller725@hotmail.com or 815-2440150

Memorial Day Weekend Car and Bike Show, Poopy’s Pub & Grub, 1030

JUNE 6, 15, 20

Viaduct Road, Savanna; times vary; Facebook, 815-273-4516, poopys.com

River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center, 7071

Golf Cart Tours, Upper Mississippi

Annual Fireman’s Ball, south parking lot at 101 Main St., Savanna; music and food; bring lawn chairs and coolers; tickets $5 in advance, $7 at the gate; 6 p.m.; band from 7:30-11:30 p.m.; rain date June 15; 815-273-2248

JUNE 15 Cruise Night - Car Show, downtown Mount Carroll; 4 p.m.; mtcarrollil.org or 224-442.0469

JUNE 17 Thomson Depot Day, Thomson; 9 a.m.4 p.m.; bicycle ride, Art in the Park, bake sale, bingo, food tent, petting zoo, food, Continued on page 6

6 outhouse races on Main Street and more; visitcarrollcountyil.com

JUNE 22 Company Cabaret, Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll; after the show on the deck; timberlakeplayhouse.org, Facebook, 815244-2048 for information or 815-2442035 for tickets

JUNE 23 Slingshot Sunday Funday, Poopy’s Pub & Grub, 1030 Viaduct Road, Savanna; 1 p.m.; Facebook, 815-273-4516, poopys. com

JUNE 28-30 Old Settlers Days, Light It Up; Lanark; entertainment and more; Facebook or 815-297-5988

JUNE 29 Mystery Dinner Theatre, Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll; 6:30 p.m.; timberlakeplayhouse. org, Facebook, 815-244-2048 for information or 815-244-2035 for tickets

JULY 3, 4, 5 Poopy’s 4th of July Weekend Bash, Poopy’s Pub & Grub, 1030 Viaduct Road, Savanna; times vary; Facebook, 815-2734516, poopys.com

JULY 4 Fourth of July fireworks, Mount Carroll; 815-244-4424 or mtcarrollil.org

JULY 4, 11, 18, 25 Music on the Square; lawn on the square, downtown Mount Carroll; live music; 6:30-8:30 p.m.; “Mount Carroll Music on the Square” on Facebook; wemueller725@hotmail.com or 815-244-0150

JULY 4, 18, 20 Golf Cart Tours, Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center, 7071 Riverview Road, Thomson; meet at 7:45 a.m.; tours 8-10 a.m.; 815-273-2732, stewardsumrr.org

www.saukvalley.com

JULY 14

AUG. 17

Bad Ass Truck Sunday Funday, Poopy’s Pub & Grub, 1030 Viaduct Road, Savanna; 1 p.m.; Facebook, 815-273-4516, poopys. com

Cruise Night - Car Show, downtown Mount Carroll; 4 p.m.; mtcarrollil.org or 224442.0469

JULY 20

Mount Carroll Brick Street Saturday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Farmer’s Market and Vendor Fair, shopping, family games and activities; the date is tentative, check www.mountcarrollil.org or the Mount Carroll Chamber of Commerce Facebook page for updates.

Cruise Night - Car Show, downtown Mount Carroll; 4 p.m.; mtcarrollil.org or 224442-0469 The band LAVA Rock invades Mount Carroll; Timber Lake Resort and Campground, 8216 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll; 7-10 p.m.; Facebook

JULY 27 Company Cabaret, Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll; after the show on the deck; timberlakeplayhouse. org, Facebook, 815-244-2048 for information or 815-244-2035 for tickets

AUG. 1, 15, 17 Golf Cart Tours, Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center, 7071 Riverview Road, Thomson; meet at 7:45 a.m.; tours 8-10 a.m.; 815-273-2732, stewardsumrr. org

AUG. 3 Mama Mia! The Gala;Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll; 6 p.m. doors open and hors d’oeuvres, 6:30 performance and live auction, 7:30 silent auction and dinner in tent, dancing and music follow; boho-chic casual dress; timberlakeplayhouse.org or 815-244-2048 for information or 815-244-2035 for tickets

AUG. 6-10 Carroll County Fair, Schell Park, Milled-

AUG. 24

AUG. 24-26 Timber Lake Playhouse Alumni Weekend, Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll; annual cabaret performance Monday night; timberlakeplayhouse.org, Facebook, 815-244-2048 for information, 815-244-2035 for tickets

AUG. 31, SEPT. 1-2, LABOR DAY WEEKEND Shannon Homecoming Labor Days, details in the works; check visitcarrollcountyil. com for updates

SEPT. 5, 19, 21 Golf cart tours, Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center, 7071 Riverview Road, Thomson; meet at 7:45 a.m.; tours 8-10 a.m.; 815-273-2732, stewardsumrr.org

SEPT. 7 The Four C Notes, Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll; a Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons tribute at 7 p.m.; timberlakeplayhouse.org, Facebook, 815-244-2048 for information, 815-2442035 for tickets

SEPT. 11

geville; music, exhibits, carnival, demolition derby, rodeo, tractor pull, food and more; carrollcountyfair.info or 815-225-7444

wick; 9 a.m.; details in the works, check Facebook and visitcarrollcountyil.com

AUG. 16, 17, 18

SEPT. 21

Country Music Festival Weekend, Poopy’s Pub & Grub, 1030 Viaduct Road, Savanna; times vary; Facebook, 815-2734516, poopys.com

Second Fall Festival, downtown Chad-

Cruise Night - Car Show, downtown Mount Carroll; 4 p.m.; mtcarrollil.org or 224442-0469 Thomson Depot Days, tours of the Thomson

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Explore Sauk Valley Depot Museum 9 a.m.-4 p.m., music, food, entertainment, outhouse races; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

SEPT. 28 Heartache Tonight, Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll; an Eagles tribute at 7 p.m.; timberlakeplayhouse.org, Facebook, 815-244-2048 for information or 815-244-2035 for tickets

OCT. 5, 12, 19, 26 Timber Lake Terror - Haunted House and Trails, Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll; 6:30-10 p.m.; timberlakeplayhouse.org, Facebook, 815244-2048 for information or 815-244-2035 for tickets.

Escape Room, Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll; try to solve the puzzle; 6, 7:30 and 9 p.m.; timberlakeplayhouse.org, Facebook, 815244-2048 for information or 815-2442035 for tickets

Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com

Jaxton Helfrich of Milledgeville plays on a bounce house in the Kids Village during the 2017 Village Jamboree in Milledgeville.

Mount Carroll, IL Brick Streets and Country Charm

OCT. 26 “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,� Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll; contests start at 8 p.m.; movie screening at 9 p.m.; prop bags for purchase; timberlakeplayhouse.org, Facebook, 815244-2048 for information or 815-244-2035 for tickets Pumpkinfest, Mount Carroll; the day starts with farmers market and crafters; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; pumpkin street drags 1 p.m.; the date is tentative, check mtcarrollil.org

NOV. 9, 10, 11

Country Christmas Shop Hop Lake Carroll, Lanark, Mount Carroll; artists, artisans, antiques, a craft mall, a winery, a bookstore, a quilt shop, a Christmas tree farm and more; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. for most shops; visitcarrollcountyil.com

DEC. 6-7 Christmas Walk & Tour of Homes, Mount Carroll; merchants ring in the holiday season with refreshments and Christmas sales, photos with Santa, strolling Dickens characters, Festival of Trees and more; 4-8 p.m. Dec. 6 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 7; mtcarrollil.org or 815-244-4424

Historic District * Festivals * Camping * Live Music Antiques * Artisans * Farmers Market * Summer Stock Theatre www.mtcarrollil.org

Mount Carroll Chamber of Commerce

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www.saukvalley.com

Lee County

Amboy Summer Concert Series; band-

ANKLIN GROV E , FR

JUNE 1

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Fifth Fridays in Franklin Grove;

7 p.m. at the H.I. Lincoln Building, 136 N. Elm St.; The Assemblymen, gospel music with humor and messages; $10, which includes snacks and a beverage; 815-456-3030

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MAY 31

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Musical Fridays on the Riverfront;

noon-1 p.m.; Heritage Crossing, South Hennepin Ave. in Dixon; Kathy Cecchetti will sing; free; discoverdixon.com or 815284-3361

JUNE 8

GR AS S

LEE COUNTY CALENDAR OF EVENTS stand, Main Street; 7-9 p.m.; leecountyMAY 31 fun.com or 815-857-3814

NACHUS A

Lee County, formed in 1839 out of adjacent Ogle County, is rife with history. It is named in honor of Richard “Lighthorse” Harry Lee, an officer in the Revolutionary War and a member of the Continental Congress, whose only active military duty here was served during the Black Hawk War. John Deere, Orson Welles, Charles Walgreen and Ronald Reagan all are favored sons.

Amboy Summer Concert Series; bandstand, Main Street; 7-9 p.m.; leecountyfun.com or 815-857-3814

JUNE 1 Cabela’s King Kat Tournament;

JUNE 8

Rock River, Dixon; anglers compete for cash, prizes and a chance to advance to national tournament; fishing 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m., weigh-in at 4 p.m. in Page Park; kingkatusa.com, discoverdixon.com or 815-284-3361

Rosbrook Street Fair, music, vendors, crafters, kids’ activities, food and more; 3-10 p.m., downtown Dixon; Rosebrook Studio on Facebook

JUNE 7

JUNE 8 Bloomin’ on the Rock; 5-10 p.m.; Dixon Riverfront Plaza, 100 W. River St.; Okoberfest in June; cocktails, appetizers, German-inspired dinner, live auction of garden creations; Jim Busta Band 5-10

Musical Fridays on the Riverfront;

noon-1 p.m.; Heritage Crossing, South Hennepin Ave. in Dixon; Nate Gordon; free; discoverdixon.com or 815-2843361

Lee County Historical and Genealogical Society Home of the Stella Grobe Research Center and Rita Welsh Memorial Library Library Hours: Tues, Wed, Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 9am-Noon, Mon & Thurs by appt.

The Memorial Cabin at President's Park is open for tours: Saturday, July 6, 2019 from 10 am - 2:00 pm The 125th Anniversary Celebration of building the Memorial Cabin: Sunday, August 11 at 2:00 pm

Lee County 4-H Fair & Jr. Show

July 25-28 Lee Co. 4-H Center and Fairgrounds

(1196 Franklin Rd., Amboy)

Daily: Bluegrass Rides Carnival and RC Races Grandstand (presenting sponsor AFSCME Local 448)

Tractor/Truck Pulls

The Annual Cemetery Walk with costumed presenters at Oakwood Cemetery in Dixon, IL: Sunday, September 29 from 1 - 3:30 pm

July 25 &26

Broken Horn Rodeo July 27

New: Whimsey Pixie Paint July 27 @ 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

113 S. Hennepin Avenue Dixon, IL 61021 815-284-1134 leecountyhgs@gmail.com www.leecountyhgs.org SM-ST1660385

Great family fun all day every day!

SM-ST1659426

Full fair schedule at

www.leecounty4hcenter.com Lee Co. 4-H Fair & Jr. Show for latest fair details

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Explore Sauk Valley p.m.; $60; Rock River Garden Club fundraiser; Facebook, rockrivergc@gmail. com or 815-632-8055

klingroveil.org or 815-456-3030

their wares, plus pioneer-era games for children; free; johndeerehistoricsite.com or 815-652-4551

JUNE 21 Musical Fridays on the Riverfront;

JUNE 9 Ashton Lions Club Car Show and antique auto flea market; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.;

noon-1 p.m.; Heritage Crossing, South Hennepin Ave. in Dixon; Todd Lorenc; free; discoverdixon.com or 815-284-3361

cars, trucks, motorcycles and tractors on display; register 8 a.m.-noon; awards at 3 p.m.; also 50-50 raffle, DJ music by 3DSound; 815- 677-1601www.leecountyfun.events/event/ashton-car-show/ and Facebook

JUNE 22

JUNE 14

World War II reenactment; Elks Page Park, 7883 S. Lowell Park Road, Dixon; reenactment with display of camps and equipment, mock battles with armored vehicles and machine guns; admission is $5; sneak peak Friday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saturday and 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sunday; WWII-recreated-dixon.weebly.com

Musical Fridays on the Riverfront;

noon-1 p.m.; Heritage Crossing, South Hennepin Ave. in Dixon; Steve McIntyre; free; discoverdixon.com or 815-284-3361

JUNE 15 Amboy Summer Concert Series; bandstand, Main Street; 7-9 p.m.; leecountyfun.com or 815-857-3814

JUNE 21 Blues and Bluegrass; H.I. Lincoln Building, 136 N. Elm St., Franklin Grove; open stage for acoustic musicians; 7 p.m.; fran-

Amboy Summer Concert Series; bandstand, Main Street; 7-9 p.m.; leecountyfun.com or 815-857-3814

JUNE 22-23

JUNE 23 Music and Crafting Through Time;

9 a.m.-4 p.m.., John Deere Historic Site, 8334 S. Clinton St., Grand Detour; regional artists demonstrate candle making, basket weaving, broom making, quilting, tatting, and soap making, and sell

gift shop • field trips

• Ronald Reagan’s Beautifully restored classroom

JUNE 28 Musical Fridays on the Riverfront;

noon-1 p.m.; Heritage Crossing, South Hennepin Ave. in Dixon; Josh Naylon; free; discoverdixon.com or 815-2843361

JUNE 28 Fourth Fridays Open Mic; 7 p.m. at Post House Community Center, 100 W. Second St., Dixon; acoustic music by various musicians; free; 815-288-9236

JUNE 29 Amboy Summer Concert Series; bandstand, Main Street; 7-9 p.m.; leecountyfun.com or 815-857-3814

JULY 3-7

Petunia Festival; downtown Dixon; pancake breakfast, bags and poker tournaments, tennis and soccer tournaments, car show, craft show, carnival, live music, parade and fireworks; petuniafestival.org, Facebook or 815-288Continued on page 10 7465

tours • event space for rent

featured exhibits include:

• Original Reagan Diplomas & Movie Posters

• Blackhawk War & Early American Farming Exhibits with Lifelike Talking Figures

• Walgreen Family History Room, Art Gallery & Historical Paintings

• Beautiful Models & Dioramas Of Dixon In The 1800’s

• Military Room • Bison Room Exhibit

Schedule a guided tour for a group Schedule school field trips Northwest Territory Historic Center 205 West Fifth Street | P.O. Box 345, Dixon, IL 61021 Phone: 815-288-5508 | Fax: 815-288-5749

www.nthc.org

S W BESEITE FOREH OURS

NO ADMIS CHARGSEION DONA ON ACCETI PTEDS

10

JULY 4 Brush & Bloom; 200 block of West First

Street, Dixon; families are invited to paint a 4-by-4 square of the street; registration is $10 in advance, $15 the day of the event; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; discoverdixon.com or 815-284-3361

JULY 6 Amboy Summer Concert Series; band-

www.saukvalley.com

JULY 19

AUG. 3

Blues and Bluegrass; H.I. Lincoln Building, 136 N. Elm St., Franklin Grove; open stage for acoustic musicians; 7 p.m.; franklingroveil.org or 815-456-3030

Big Rig Show; Atkinson Trucking, 351 N. State St., Franklin Grove; trucks on display, plus music, food and 50-50 raffle; proceeds of show benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children in Chicago; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Facebook or Brian Atkinson at 815-440-8304

JULY 26 Musical Fridays on the Riverfront;

noon-1 p.m.; Heritage Crossing, South Hennepin Ave. in Dixon; Jonna & Vickie; free; discoverdixon.com or 815-284-3361

stand, Main Street; 7-9 p.m.; leecountyfun.com or 815-857-3814

JULY 26

JULY 6

Fourth Fridays Open Mic; 7 p.m. at Post House Community Center, 100 W. Second St., Dixon; acoustic music by various musicians; free; 815-288-9236

music and more; Amboy Sports Park and downtown Amboy; Fire Department; 815857-2325

JULY 6

Tour the Old Settler’s Cabin at President’s Park, 115 Lincoln Statue Drive, Dixon; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; free

JULY 6 Nuts About Art; John Dixon Park, 515 N. Galena Ave., Dixon; juried art show; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; thenextpictureshow.com or 815-285-4924

JULY 12 Musical Fridays on the Riverfront;

noon-1 p.m.; Heritage Crossing, South Hennepin Ave. in Dixon; Robbie LeBlanc; free; discoverdixon.com or 815-2843361

JULY 13 Amboy Summer Concert Series; band-

stand, Main Street; 7-9 p.m.; leecountyfun.com or 815-857-3814

JULY 19 Musical Fridays on the Riverfront;

noon-1 p.m.; Heritage Crossing, South Hennepin Ave. in Dixon; Mary Townley; free; discoverdixon.com or 815-2843361

JULY 20 Amboy Summer Concert Series; bandstand, Main Street; 7-9 p.m.; leecountyfun.com or 815-857-3814

JULY 26-28 Lee County 4-H Fair and Junior Show; Lee County Fairgrounds, 1196

Franklin Road, Amboy; 4-H exhibits, truck and tractor pulls, mud bogs and dirt drags, carnival, music, food and more; admission is $5, grandstand admission is more; Facebook or 815-857-2603

AUG. 2 Musical Fridays on the Riverfront;

noon-1 p.m.; Heritage Crossing, South Hennepin Ave. in Dixon; LoJo Russo; free; discoverdixon.com or 815-284-3361

AUG. 2-4 Green Iron Days, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., John

Deere Historic Site, 8334 S. Clinton St., Grand Detour; pre-1979 tractors on display, tours of the homesite, archaeological artifacts, live blacksmith demonstrations, vintage tractors parade through town 7 p.m. Saturday; free; 815-652-4551 or JohnDeereHistoricSite@JohnDeere.com to register tractors or for more information

AUG. 2-4 Summer Harvest Festival; Franklin

Grove; village-wide rummage sales, historic building tours, art festival, antique equipment show, music, parade; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; chaplincreek.com or 815456-3030

Musical Fridays on the Riverfront;

noon-1 p.m.; Heritage Crossing, South Hennepin Ave. in Dixon; Jay Vonn; free; discoverdixon.com or 815-284-3361

AUG. 10 Masquerade Mystery on the Riverfront; Heritage Crossing, Dixon; new

magical-themed event, magicians, food, music, more being planned; free; discoverdixon.com or 815-284-3361

AUG. 11 Celebration of the 125th anniversary of the building of the Old Settler’s Cabin at President’s Park, 115 Lincoln

Statue Drive, Dixon; 2 p.m.; free

AUG. 16 Musical Fridays on the Riverfront; noon1 p.m.; Heritage Crossing, South Hennepin Ave. in Dixon; Steve Robery; free; discoverdixon.com or 815-284-3361

AUG. 16 Blues and Bluegrass; H.I. Lincoln Building, 136 N. Elm St., Franklin Grove; open stage for acoustic musicians; 7 p.m.; franklingroveil.org or 815-456-3030 Continued on page 12

Ronald Reagan’s Birthplace Museum and Gift Shop Take a Walk Through History Summer Hours:

SM-ST1660749

Amboy Fireworks; fire truck rides,

AUG. 9

Mon-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 1pm-4pm We welcome tour groups & bus trips!

111 Main Street, Tampico 815-622-8705 www.tampicohistoricalsociety.com

11

Explore Sauk Valley

RENT THE TOOLS THAT THE PROS USE!

DAILY, WEEKLY, AND MONTHLY RENTALS AVAILABLE

900 N. Galena Ave., Dixon, IL 815-288-RENT (7368) www.acerentalplacedixon.com Mon-Fri 7:00 am - 7:00 pm Sat & Sun 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

SINCE 1977

12

AUG. 17 Gardenstock Art and Music Festival;

outdoors at Distinctive Gardens, 2020 Lowell Park Road, Dixon; art, multiple bands, food, or bring your own coolers and food; proceeds benefit Sinnissippi Center’s youth gardening program; 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; nominal donation at the gate; diggersdelight.com or 815-2850014

AUG. 22-25 Depot Days; downtown Amboy; car

show, tractor show, arts and crafts show, 5K walk/run, garage sales, music, mega 50-50 raffle, carnival and parade; depotdays.com, Facebook or 815-8573814

AUG. 23 Musical Fridays on the Riverfront;

noon-1 p.m.; Heritage Crossing, South Hennepin Ave. in Dixon; Mark Hobbs; free; discoverdixon.com or 815-2843361

AUG. 23 Fourth Fridays Open Mic; 7 p.m. at Post House Community Center, 100 W. Second St., Dixon; acoustic music by various musicians; free; 815-288-9236.

AUG. 30 Musical Fridays on the Riverfront;

noon-1 p.m.; Heritage Crossing, South Hennepin Ave. in Dixon; Cathy Cecchetti; free; discoverdixon.com or 815284-3361

AUG. 30 Fifth Fridays in Franklin Grove; 7

p.m. at the H.I. Lincoln Building, 136 N. Elm St.; artists vary each concert; $10, which includes snacks and a beverage; 815-456-3030

SEPT. 1-2 Lions Club Labor Day Celebration;

www.saukvalley.com featuring Kaiser-Frazer, Willys-Overland, Hudson and Nash vehicles, plus a special Chevrolet exhibit; subletteweb.com or Don Dinges at 815-713-5675

the state Route 38 entrance; suggested donation $5 for 13 and older

SEPT. 8

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.; discoverdixon.com or 815284-3361 (Editor’s note: This is the likely date, but it could change. Check the Dixon Chamber & Main Street Facebook page to verify.)

Pullin’ in the Park, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. in Centennial Park, Sublette; tractor pull, bounce house, games; admission $5 for 13 and older; Sublette365 on Facebook, or Nick Dinges at 815-857-2000

SEPT. 8 Grand Detour Arts Festival; John Deere Historic Site, 8334 S. Clinton St.; juried art show, student art, music and food; admission is $3 or a nonperishable food item for the local food pantry; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; thenextpictureshow.com or 815-652-8663

SEPT. 20 Blues and Bluegrass; H.I. Lincoln Building, 136 N. Elm St., Franklin Grove; open stage for acoustic musicians; 7 p.m.; franklingroveil.org or 815-456-3030

SEPT. 21 Autumn on the Prairie; Nachusa

Grasslands, South Lowden Road, Franklin Grove; horse-drawn wagon rides, live music, artist demonstrations, birds of prey and more; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; parking is $5; nachusagrasslands.org or Bill Kleiman at 815-456-2340

SEPT. 21 Blues, Brews, BBQ and Bags for the Brave; 100 block of First Street, Dixon;

blues festival and Honor Flight fundraiser

by Dixon Police Association; noon-10 p.m.; $5; discoverdixon.com or 815284-3361

SEPT. 27 Fourth Fridays Open Mic; 7 p.m. at

Post House Community Center, 100 W. Second St., Dixon; acoustic music by various musicians; free; 815-288-9236

Village Park, Paw Paw; street dance, truck and tractor pull, car show, craft show, parade and more; admission to tractor pull is $5; 815-790-3030

SEPT. 29

SEPT. 7

Tales from Beyond the Grave Cemetery Walk, 1-3:30 p.m. at Oakwood

Sublette Fall Car Show; 10 a.m.3 p.m. across from Vaessen Brothers Chevrolet, 505 N. Pennsylvania Ave.;

Cemetery, 416 S. Dement Ave; local actors in period costumes depict historical Dixonites from days gone by; use

OCT. 6

OCT. 12 Fall Festival, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., John Deere Historic Site, 8334 S. Clinton St., Grand Detour; old-fashioned kids; games, covered wagon rides, bobbing for apples, pumpkin decorating; free; 815-652-4551 or JohnDeereHistoricSite.com

OCT. 18 Blues and Bluegrass; H.I. Lincoln Building, 136 N. Elm St., Franklin Grove; open stage for acoustic musicians; 7 p.m.; franklingroveil.org or 815-456-3030

OCT. 25 Fourth Fridays Open Mic; 7 p.m. at Post House Community Center, 100 W. Second St., Dixon; acoustic music by various musicians; free; 815-288-9236

OCT. 26 Halloween parade, Scarecrow Festival and Treat Street; all in downtown Dixon;

parade begins in Haymarket Square, West Third Street; costume judging at 9:30 a.m., parade at 10 a.m.; then scarecrow-decorating contest, trick-or-treating and other fall fun; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Dixon Main Street, discoverdixon.com or 815284-3361

NOV. 15 Blues and Bluegrass; H.I. Lincoln Building, 136 N. Elm St., Franklin Grove; open stage for acoustic musicians; 7 p.m.; franklingroveil.org or 815-456-3030

NOV. 22 Fourth Fridays Open Mic; 7 p.m. at Post House Community Center, 100 W. Second St., Dixon; acoustic music by various musicians; free; 815-288-9236.

Continued on page 14

13

Explore Sauk Valley

Run To The in Lee C ounty!

Upcoming Events Ashton Lions Club Car Show JUNE 9 • ASHTON

World War II Re-Created

MUSIC & ART

FAIRS & FEST IVALS

JUNE 21-23 • DIXON

55th Annual Petunia Festival JULY 3-7 • DIXON

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

Harvest Festival & LHAEA Antique Tractor Show

CAMPING & NAT URE

AUG 2-4 • FRANKLIN GROVE

Depot Days & Car Show AUG 22-25 • AMBOY

Lions Club Labor Day Celebration SEPT 1-2 • PAW PAW

RONALD REAGAN BOYHOOD HOME & VISITORS CENTER

Nachusa Grasslands Autumn on the Prairie

SEPT 21 • FRANKLIN GROVE

HISTORY & MUSEUMS DON’T MISS A THING!

• 815.288.1840

leecountyfun.com

SEE WHAT’S HAPPENING!

leecountyfun.events

14

www.saukvalley.com

NOV. 29

DEC. 13

Fifth Fridays in Franklin Grove; 7 p.m. at the H.I. Lincoln Building, 136 N. Elm St.; artists vary each concert; $10, which includes snacks and a beverage; 815-456-3030

Christmas in the Grove; Franklin Grove; horse-drawn wagon rides, carolers, door prizes and a visit from Santa; 5-8 p.m.; franklingroveil.org or 815-4563030

DEC. 6

DEC. 20

Dixon Christmas Walk; downtown;

Christmas tree lighting, visits with Santa, and other Christmastime fun; 6-9 p.m.; discoverdixon.com or 815-284-3361

Blues and Bluegrass; H.I. Lincoln Build-

ing, 136 N. Elm St., Franklin Grove; open stage for acoustic musicians; 7 p.m.; franklingroveil.org or 815-456-3030

DEC. 27 Fourth Fridays Open Mic; 7 p.m. at Post House Community Center, 100 W. Second St., Dixon; acoustic music by various musicians; free; 815-288-9236

DEC. 6 Annual Christmas Celebration; Paw Paw; Christmas treat lighting at 5:45 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus visit at 6; pawpawil.org or Facebook; 815-6272531

DEC. 7 Santa’s Workshop; Post House Ballroom, 100 W. Second St., Dixon; breakfast, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, children’s shopping in Santa’s Workshop; breakfast at 8 a.m., workshop open 8-11 a.m.; lccoa.com or 815-288-9236

Submitted

Among the amenities at O’Connell’s Jellystone Park: two fishing lakes, paddleboats, and more, all nestled inside a wooded area, full of the sights and sounds of nature.

The Railside Bar & Grill

SPRING & FALL RATES Weekday - $20 for 18, $10 for 9 Weekend - $25 for 18, $13 for 9

Regular Menu Available Wed-Sun 10-9 SPECIALS (5-9PM)

Tuesday - Tacos Wednesday - Wacky Burgers Thursday - ½ Chicken & Spaghetti Friday - Grilled or Fried Fish Saturday - Prime Rib Sunday - Biscuits & Gravy Until 11:00am

Banquet Room seats up to 200 207 S. BUTLER, NELSON, IL 815-251-4633

Lunch & Dinner Served Daily Closed Mondays

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

Kids 13 and under always play free with a paying adult or member. Kids 14-18 play anytime for half price. Ladies play all day for $10 on Wednesday.

Thursday is Two for One green fees with a cart for all golfers.

577 US Highway 52, Sublette, IL (Located on Rt. 52 Between Amboy & Sublette) SM-ST1659450

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

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

Explore Sauk Valley

Photos by Jennifer Lubbs

SM-ST1659734

15

16

www.saukvalley.com

LEE COUNTY TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AMBOY Amboy Depot Museum

The two-story former railroad depot, built of brick and cut Joliet limestone, is on the National Register of Historic Places. It has been completely restored and includes the original brick tarmac surrounding the depot and the grounds of the former railyard, now preserved as a city park. The museum houses artifacts from both the history of Amboy and the Illinois Central Railroad, including a steam locomotive.

Address: 99 E. Main St. Phone: 815-857-4700 Online: amboydepotmuseum.org or Facebook Hours: 1-4 p.m. Sunday and Thursday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday and Saturday Admission: By donation

Green River Oaks Resort

The Green River and two creeks run though this forested resort. Enjoy weekend camping in your RV or one of the rental trailers. There’s a camp store and a game room, as well as modern showers and flush toilets.

Address: 1442 Sleepy Hollow Road Phone: 815-857-2815 Online: greenriveroaks.com or Facebook Hours: Check-in is 3-8:30 p.m. and checkout is 2:30 p.m.

Admission: Day fees are $5, overnight fees are $10 and campsite rentals start at $45 a night

Mendota Hills Campground

The campground offers 130 acres of rolling hills nestled in an oak tree forest, a swimming lake and beach, three lakes for fishing (no license needed) and row boating. The camp store sells groceries, handdipped ice cream, firewood and ice, along with an arcade room with a billiard table.

Address: 642 U.S. Route 52 Phone: 815-849-5930 Online: mendotahillscampground.com or Facebook Hours: Check-in and check-out are at noon Admission: Day fees are $4, overnight guests are $6, rustic tent sites start at $32 per night and water/electric sites start at $38 per night

O’Connell’s Jellystone Park

The resort boasts three swimming pools, three kiddie pools, two adult spas, two fishing lakes, an outdoor movie theater,

a game room, sand volleyball court, horseshoes and 700 campsites with five bathhouses. There’s also a camp store, laundry, golf cart rentals, paddle boats, kayaks and mini golf.

Address: 970 Green Wing Road Phone: 815-857-3860 Online: jellystoneamboy.com or Facebook Hours: Check-in and check-out at 3 p.m.

Admission: Day fees are $7, tent sites start at $66 per night and water/electric sites start at $81 per night; cabin and cottage rentals are more

Pine View Campgrounds

The grounds offer camping under 40 acres of pine trees. The campground has a playground, as well as equipment for volleyball, badminton, shuffleboard and horseshoes. There also is a sandy lake for swimming and a lake stocked with bass, bullheads and catfish.

Address: 1273 Sleepy Hollow Road Phone: 815-857-3694 Online: pineviewcampgrounds.com Hours: Check-in is 3 p.m.. and check-out is 2:30 p.m.

Admission: Day fees are $5, tent sites are $25 per night and water/electric sites are $32 per night

Temperance Hill Cemetery Prairie

The cemetery, which dates back to 1846, sits on virgin prairie and a state nature preserve featuring big bluestem, Indian grass, and various sedge species.

Address: U.S. Route 52, north of Amboy Phone: 815-857-3223 Online: www.dnr.illinois.gov/INPC/ Pages/Area1LeeTemperanceHillCemeteryPrairie.aspx

ASHTON Mills & Petrie Memorial Building

The building, dedicated in 1936 and named in honor of a pair of Civil War veterans who “adopted” the town, houses city offices, the public library and a gym, and features plaques honoring local war veterans. Tours are available.

Address: 704 N. First St. Phone: 815-453-2213 Online: millspetrielibrary.weebly.com or Facebook Hours: 1-6:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday

DIXON Dixon Telegraph Museum

The museum showcases the newspaper and its role in the history of Dixon, including an 1850s printing press, historic newspapers, and photographs showcasing the Telegraph and Dixon history. It also features a tribute to Ronald Reagan.

Address: 113 S. Peoria Ave. Phone: 815-284-2224 Hours: 8 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Admission: Free

Lee County Historical and Genealogical Society

The research center is dedicated to providing information about the history of Lee County and the surrounding area, and helping people trace their ancestry.

Address: 113 S. Hennepin Ave. Phone: 815-284-1134 Online: leecountyhgs.org or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m.-noon Saturday; or by appointment

Historic Dixon Theatre

This restored center for the performing arts, which opened in 1922, boasts a rare Barton theater pipe organ.

Address: 114 S. Galena Ave. Phone: 815-285-1917 Online: dixontheatre.com or Facebook Hours: Doors open 1 hour before events Admission: Varies by event; check the website or call ahead

The Lincoln statue

Sculptor Leonard Crunelle portrays Abraham Lincoln as he might have looked in 1832, while captain of a company of soldiers during the Black Hawk War. It is the only known statue of Lincoln showing him in military dress and without a beard. The bronze dominates the site of the old Dixon blockhouse.

Address: President’s Park, 100 Lincoln Statue Drive Phone: 815-288-1840 Online: dixonparkdistrict.com/lincolnmemorial-old-settlers-cabin

Loveland Community House & Museum

Exhibits include Civil War artifacts, old farm tools, a pioneer kitchen and bedroom, along with personal items from city founder John Dixon. The museum also has an extensive Ronald Reagan exhibit.

Continued on page 18

17

Explore Sauk Valley

EXPLORE ALL THAT DIXON HAS TO OFFER Grab a

Cone!

Meusel’s

DAIRY DELITE 118 E. 7th St Dixon, IL

303 S. Mason (Rt. 52) Amboy, IL

Open Every Day

Open Every Day

Soft & Homemade Hard Ice Creams Sugar Free Frozen Yogurts Fresh Fruit Slushes All your Favorite Shakes & Sundaes Made from Scratch Brownie Supreme & Strawberry Shortcake

80 S. Hennepin Ave, Dixon, Illinois (815) 288-9335

BAR HOURS: Mon-Sat 10am-1am, Sun 11am-11pm

KITCHEN HOURS: Mon-Sun 11am-7pm

Dixon Furniture Mart 815-288-2488

The

PAPER ESCAPE

A NEW & USED FURNITURE STORE...AND MORE!

2400 W. 4th St. • Dixon • 815-288-2488 Mon-Fri 10:00-4:00, Sat. 10:00-3:00

BUNNY’S BAIT SHOP 24 Hours/7 Days a Week • Live Bait & Tackle ◗ After Hour Live Bait ◗ Tackle Accessories ◗ Worms ◗ Cheese Bait

◗ Reels ◗ Licenses Available ◗ 24 Hour Convenience ◗ much more!

1024 E. River St., Dixon 815-288-3812

SM-ST1659440

Furniture-Quality, American Made. Best Home Furnishings (IN), Best Croft (WI), Lancer (NC), The Bedding Group (IL)...to name a few New & Used, Antiques, Home Decor & much more!

90 Day Layaway

SM-ST1659452

Comic Books, Trading Cards and Supplies Largest Selection Of Magic Packs In The Area Role Playing Games and Accessories, Board Games Fantasy Collectibles, Coin Supplies & Much More!

205 W. First St., Dixon 815-284-7567 www.paperescape.com Over 35 years in Downtown Dixon! Check us out on Facebook!

18 Address: 513 W. Second St. Phone: 815-284-2741 Online: lovelandcommunityhouse.org or Facebook Hours: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday Admission: Free

Lowell Park

Established in 1907 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this 200-acre park along the Rock River, where Ronald Reagan once spent his summers as a lifeguard, offers a spacious picnic and recreation area, a playground, several hiking trails, cross-country skiing, fishing, boat docks, a nature center and a 40-acre state nature preserve. Rooms in the historic Woodcote lodge, built in 1909 with native limestone quarried on site, are available to rent.

Address: 2114 Lowell Park Road Phone: 815-284-3306 Online: dixonparkdistrict.com/lowell-park

Old Settlers Cabin

Maintained by the Lee County Historical Society, the Old Settlers Cabin was built in 1894 as a memorial to the area’s early settlers, and moved to its present site in President’s Park in 1969. It houses antiques and articles that belonged to early-day settlers, including city founder John Dixon.

Address: 115 Lincoln Statue Drive Phone: 815-284-1134 Hours: Generally open during Petunia Festival in early July; call ahead for specific dates and times

Nachusa House Hotel

Once considered the oldest continually operating hotel in Illinois, today it is one of the five oldest in the country. It was named Nachusa House for city founder John Dixon, whose Indian name, Nachusa, means “head-hair-white.” Five U.S. presidents – Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft and Ronald Reagan – stayed there, as did Jefferson Davis, Stephen A. Douglas, William Jennings Bryan and evangelist Bill Sunday. It now is apartments for senior citizens.

Address: 215 S. Galena Ave. Phone: 815-284-0190

The Next Picture Show

This nonprofit art gallery and fine arts center offers two floors of changing exhibits by local professional and student artists. It also hosts workshops, classes and special events.

Address: 113 W First St. Phone: 815-285-4924

www.saukvalley.com Online: thenextpictureshow.com or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday or by appointment Admission: Free

Northwest Territory Historic Center

Originally South Central School, and now a museum and research center, it features Ronald Reagan’s restored sixth-grade classroom, historical displays and an art gallery.

In 2014, two new permanent exhibits were added – one of regional Native American life and another of early American farming; the additions prompted a name change from the Dixon Historic Center to its new name. It is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution.

Address: 205 W. Fifth St. Phone: 815-288-5508 Online: nthc.org or Facebook Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday Admission: By donation

Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home & Visitors Center

The two-story white house, built in 1891, became the home of the Reagan family on Dec. 6, 1920, just 2 months shy of Ron’s 10th birthday. They lived there 3 years. The next-door Visitors Center is chock full of information on all things Reagan. Ronald Reagan Memorial Park includes a statue of the former president.

Address: 816 S. Hennepin Ave. Phone: 815-288-5176 Online: reaganhome.org or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday, April-October Admission: $8 for adults, $5 children age 5-12 and veterans, free for children younger than 5 and active duty military, law enforcement and firefighters

Veterans Memorial Park

Dedicated to all who have served in the military, the park has military artifacts of all kinds, including an F-105 Thunderchief fighter plane, a Howitzer tank, a Cobra helicopter, and a landing ship tank anchor. It also features a 9/11 memorial and a small museum. It is handicapped-accessible.

Address: 668 Veterans Parkway Phone: 815-288-1911 Online: honorourvets.org or Facebook

Victory Memorial Arch

Dixon’s signature arch was built in 1919 to celebrate victory in World War I and to honor its veterans. At the time, it read, “A

grateful people pause in their welcome to the victorious living to pay silent tribute to the illustrious dead.” Now, it simply reads, “Dixon.”

Address: South Galena Avenue between Second and Third streets

Wings of Peace and Freedom Park

A Bulgarian immigrant donated the Wings of Peace and Freedom sculpture to the city. The little park, which also has a full-size replica of a section of the Berlin Wall, recognizes President Ronald Reagan’s efforts to attain worldwide peace and freedom.

Address: Northeast corner of Second Street and Galena Avenue

FRANKLIN GROVE Chaplin Creek Village

Chaplin Creek Village is an evolving, fullscale historical restoration project depicting a mid-1800s prairie settlement. The site, established and maintained by the Franklin Grove Area Historical Society, is home to the Chaplin Creek Muzzleloaders, a group of local antique and historic gun collectors.

Address: 1715 Whitney Road Online: Facebook Hours: Site open for visitors to drive through, buildings open by appointment Admission: Free

Franklin Creek State Natural Area

This 882-acre park features natural springs, hardwood forests, bedrock outcroppings, and a large variety of flora and fauna. It also contains a 198-acre nature preserve. Fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, and hiking are permitted, and the nonprofit Rock River Trail and Horseman Association (rrtha.tripod.com), the oldest chartered saddle club in Illinois, has built and maintains horseback-riding trails, a shelter and a show ring.

Address: 1872 Twist Road Phone: 815-456-2878 Online: www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/ Pages/FranklinCreek.aspx

SUBLETTE Mesker storefront

The Mesker building is listed with the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency because of its rare sheet metal and cast iron facade made by Mesker Co. in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Address: 111 W. Main St. Online: leecountyfun.com/mesker-storefront

19

Explore Sauk Valley

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20

www.saukvalley.com

Ogle County White Pines Dinner Theatre; White Pines Inn, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mount Morris; whitepinesinn.com, Facebook or 815-946-3817

perform on residents’ porches from 1 to 5 p.m., followed by a concert at the bandshell downtown, with food vendors; maps available online and at the Old Sandstone Gallery, 122 S. Wesley Ave.; encoreporchfest.info

MAY 31-JUNE 2

JUNE 11

Leaf River Summer Daze; Leaf River; antique tractor show, car show, craft show, bags tournament, children’s activities, parade, fireworks and more; leafriversummerdaze.org or Paul Lindstrom at 815-738-2761

JUNE 1-2 Railfan Appreciation Days; Rochelle Railroad Park, 124 N. Ninth St., Rochelle; entertainment, railroadiana displays and vendors and food; 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; rochellerailroadpark.org/about-the-park/ railroad-days or 815-562-7031

JUNE 4 Concerts in the Park with The Hat Guys; Oregon Park West; free; bring a

lawn chair, blanket, food and drinks; no alcohol or pets; at the Oregon Coliseum at Franklin and Fourth streets if the weather turns; oregonpark.org

JUNE 7 Mount Morris Jamboree free Friday night concert with The Jimmys (blues, funk, rhythm and blues); bandshell

downtown; bring chair or blanket, bench seating available; concessions sold starting at 6 p.m.; 7-9 p.m.; Larry Ubben at 815-973-6786 or David Bailey at 815677-5383

JUNE 8 PorchFest; Mount Morris; musicians

Concerts in the Park with Heartache Tonight; Oregon Park West; free; bring

a lawn chair, blanket, food and drinks; no alcohol or pets; at the Oregon Coliseum at Franklin and Fourth streets if the weather turns; oregonpark.org

JUNE 12 Kable Band Concerts; bandshell in Mount Morris; guest performers contribute every week; ice cream social at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30; mtmorrisil.net/concerts

JUNE 12-16 Town and Country Days; Polo; entertainment, car show, craft show, carnival, parade, fireworks, beer garden and food; admission is $5 for beer garden; polodays.org and Facebook

JUNE 14 Brown Bag Lunch on the Oregon Courthouse lawn, with music by Dina Bach; bring lunch, buy from a vendor or

grab it to go from a local business; 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; free; oregonpark.org

JUNE 14 Mount Morris Jamboree free Friday night concerts with Lyle Grobe and the Rhythm Ramblers (classic country);

bandshell downtown; bring chair or blanket, bench seating available; concessions

RAND DETO E, G UR SIT

MAY THROUGH DECEMBER

C RI TO

OGLE COUNTY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JOH N D E ER EH IS

Ogle County was formed from a part of JoDaviess County in 1836, and Oregon was chosen to be the county seat in 1837. The county courthouse was built in 1891 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The county boasts three state parks and many historic sites, as well as a flourishing industrial presence that includes agriculture, food distribution and processing, implement manufacturing, and energy production.

sold starting at 6 p.m.; 7-9 p.m.; Larry Ubben at 815-973-6786 or David Bailey at 815-677-5383

JUNE 15 Polo Car Show sponsored by Gateway to the Pines Car Club; car, truck and

motorcycle show; 7 a.m.-2 p.m.; Crossroads Community Church, 205 N. Jefferson Ave., Polo; www.gatewaytothepines. org or 815-973-6932

JUNE 15-16 Rockin’ River Fest; Washington and Second streets along the Rock River in Oregon; gated event will feature various vendors, food, a car show, a beer garden, a bags tourney, family activities, inflatables, a teen area, live music, the Tug Across The Rock and the Rock River Adventure Tri; 6:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, car show only; admission is $5, $3 ages 4-12; rockinriverfest.net and Facebook

JUNE 18 Oregon Lion’s Club Father’s Day Car Show and Pancake Breakfast; Oregon

Park East at North River Road and Mix Lane; all-you-can-eat breakfast, lunch will be sold, live music, trophies to Top 50 and more; 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; 815-4403581

JUNE 18 Concerts in the Park with Miles Nielsen and The Rusted Hearts; Oregon

Park West; free; bring a lawn chair, blanket, food and drinks; no alcohol or pets; at the Oregon Coliseum at Franklin and Fourth streets if the weather turns; oregonpark.org

21

Explore Sauk Valley

JUNE 19 Kable Band Concerts; bandshell in Mount Morris; guest performers contribute every week; ice cream social at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30; mtmorrisil.net/concerts

JUNE 21 Mount Morris Jamboree free Friday night concerts Waco (jamgrass, classic rock); bandshell downtown; bring chair

every week; ice cream social at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30; mtmorrisil.net/concerts

JULY 4

JUNE 28

Atwood Park, Rochelle; parade, band concert and fireworks; 4 p.m., fireworks at dusk; cityofrochelle.net and 815-5626161

Mount Morris Jamboree free Friday night concerts with the Harmons (bluegrass); bandshell downtown; bring chair

JUNE 28

JUNE 25

Louise D. Quick Park in downtown Polo; free popcorn; shows start at dusk; polochamber.org

lawn chair, blanket, food and drinks; no alcohol or pets; at the Oregon Coliseum at Franklin and Fourth streets if the weather turns; oregonpark.org

JUNE 26 Kable Band Concerts; bandshell in

Mount Morris; guest performers contribute

JULY 4

or blanket, bench seating available; concessions sold starting at 6 p.m.; 7-9 p.m.; Larry Ubben at 815-973-6786 or David Bailey at 815-677-5383

or blanket, bench seating available; concessions sold starting at 6 p.m.; 7-9 p.m.; Larry Ubben at 815-973-6786 or David Bailey at 815-677-5383

Concerts in the Park with Spoken Four; Oregon Park West; free; bring a

Independence Day Celebration;

Fireworks begin at dusk at Byron Dragway, 7287 N. River Road. Gates

open at 6 p.m.; admission is by donation; 815-391-1000 and Facebook

JULY 4-7

Movies in the Park: “Lego Movie II”;

Let Freedom Ring Festival; Mount Morris; live music, children’s activities, car show, craft fair, parade, and food, plus fireworks at dusk July 4; letfreedomringfestival.com and Facebook

JUNE 29 Ale on Lincoln; 400 block of Lincoln

JULY 5

Highway, downtown Rochelle; local beer, food and live music; tickets cost $15 and include 10 beer-tastings and a souvenir glass; 5-9 p.m.; enjoyrochelle.com or 815-562-6161

Mount Morris Jamboree free Friday night concerts with Shindig (oldies, classic rock); bandshell downtown; bring

chair or blanket, bench seating available;

Continued on page 22

WHITE PINES RANCH Horsin’ and Kiddin’ around since 1958

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

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

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August 10, 2019 Byron Forest Preserve, 7993 N River Road, Byron illinoisrenew.org SM-ST1659710

815-732-7332

22 concessions sold starting at 6 p.m.; 7-9 p.m.; Larry Ubben at 815-973-6786 or David Bailey at 815-677-5383

JULY 5 First Fridays Open Stage music show;

Mount Morris Moose Family Center, 485 E. Hitt St.; registration at 6:30 p.m., performances at 7 p.m.; country, bluegrass, blues, gospel, folk and soft rock; food and beverages available; admission is by donation; 815-973-0942

JULY 9 Concerts in the Park with 28 Days;

www.saukvalley.com

JULY 13

JULY 26

Hib Reber Memorial Car Show, Colfax Street, Byron; registration 8 to

Movies in the Park: “A Dog’s Way Home; Louise D. Quick Park in downtown

11 :30 a.m., awards at 2 p.m.; plus United Church of Byron Trash to Treasure sale, Colfax and Second Street; music, concessions; Darrell Reber, 815-9972390 and Facebook

JULY 16 Concerts in the Park with Burn N’ Bush; Oregon Park West; free; bring a

Oregon Park West; free; bring a lawn chair, blanket, food and drinks; no alcohol or pets; at the Oregon Coliseum at Franklin and Fourth streets if the weather turns; oregonpark.org

lawn chair, blanket, food and drinks; no alcohol or pets; at the Oregon Coliseum at Franklin and Fourth streets if the weather turns; oregonpark.org

JULY 10

JULY 17

Kable Band Concerts; bandshell in Mount Morris; guest performers contribute every week; ice cream social at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30; mtmorrisil.net/concerts

Kable Band Concerts; bandshell in Mount Morris; guest performers contribute every week; ice cream social at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30; mtmorrisil.net/ concerts

JULY 12 Movies in the Park: “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom”; Louise D. Quick Park in downtown Polo; free popcorn; shows start at dusk; polochamber.org

JULY 12

JULY 19 Mount Morris Jamboree free Friday night concerts with Dave Weld and the Imperial Flames (Chicago blues); band-

or grab it to go from a local business; 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; free; oregonpark.org

shell downtown; bring chair or blanket, bench seating available; concessions sold starting at 6 p.m.; 7-9 p.m.; Larry Ubben at 815-973-6786 or David Bailey at 815677-5383

JULY 12

JULY 23

Mount Morris Jamboree free Friday night concerts with the Jodi beach Quartet (jazz); bandshell downtown;

Concerts in the Park with Ethan Bell Band; Oregon Park West; free; bring a

Brown Bag Lunch on the Oregon Courthouse lawn, with One Man Country Band; bring lunch, buy from a vendor

Polo; free popcorn; shows start at dusk; polochamber.org

JULY 26 Mount Morris Jamboree free Friday night concerts with Webb Wilder and the Beatnecks (roots rock); bandshell

downtown; bring chair or blanket, bench seating available; concessions sold starting at 6 p.m.; 7-9 p.m.; Larry Ubben at 815-973-6786 or David Bailey at 815677-5383

JULY 31 Kable Band Concerts; bandshell in Mount Morris; guest performers contribute every week; ice cream social at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30; mtmorrisil.net/concerts

JULY 31-AUG. 4 Ogle County Fair; Ogle County Fairgrounds, 1440 Limekiln Road, Oregon; exhibits, entertainment, demolition derby, truck and tractor pull, rodeo, carnival and food; admission is $8; oglecountyfair.com or 815-732-6962

AUG. 2

Mount Morris Jamboree free Friday night concerts with Shindigs (oldies);

bandshell downtown; bring chair or blanket, bench seating available; concessions sold starting at 6 p.m.; 7-9 p.m.; Larry Ubben at 815-973-6786 or David Bailey at 815-677-5383

AUG. 2 First Fridays Open Stage music show;

bring chair or blanket, bench seating available; concessions sold starting at 6 p.m.; 7-9 p.m.; Larry Ubben at 815-9736786 or David Bailey at 815-677-5383

lawn chair, blanket, food and drinks; no alcohol or pets; at the Oregon Coliseum at Franklin and Fourth streets if the weather turns; oregonpark.org

Mount Morris Moose Family Center, 485 E. Hitt St.; registration at 6:30 p.m., performances at 7 p.m.; country, bluegrass, blues, gospel, folk and soft rock; food and beverages available; admission is by donation; 815-973-0942

JULY 12-14

JULY 24

AUG. 9

ByronFest; Byron; gospel concert,

carnival, car show, quilt show, vendor show, bags tournament, 5K walk/run, entertainment, parade, beer garden and food; admission is $8; byronfest.org or 815-234-5500

Kable Band Concerts; bandshell in Mount Morris; guest performers contribute every week; ice cream social at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30; mtmorrisil.net/concerts

Brown Bag Lunch on the Oregon Courthouse lawn with Burn N’ Bush;

bring lunch, buy from a vendor or grab it to go from a local business; 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; free; oregonpark.org

23

Explore Sauk Valley

AUG. 9 Mount Morris Jamboree free Friday night concerts with Kyle Lacy and the Harlem River Noise (rockabilly); band-

shell downtown; bring chair or blanket, bench seating available; concessions sold starting at 6 p.m.; 7-9 p.m.; Larry Ubben at 815-973-6786 or David Bailey at 815677-5383

AUG. 10 Polo Car Show; car, truck and motor-

cycle show, plus trivia competition, music and 50/50 raffle; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; poloil. org or 815-946-3131

AUG. 16 Movies in the Park: “Finding Dory”;

Louise D. Quick Park in downtown Polo; free popcorn; shows start at dusk; polochamber.org

AUG. 16 Mount Morris Jamboree free Friday night concerts with the Chicago Tribute Anthology (a Chicago tribute band); bandshell downtown; bring chair or blan-

ket, bench seating available; concessions sold starting at 6 p.m.; 7-9 p.m.; Larry Ubben at 815-973-6786 or David Bailey at 815-677-5383

AUG. 16-18 Lincoln Highway Heritage Festival;

Rochelle; Little Miss Peanut pageant, car show, entertainment, beer garden, parade and more; lincolnhighwayheritagefestival. com or Facebook

AUG. 23 Mount Morris Jamboree free Friday night concerts with DFS (rockabilly);

bandshell downtown; bring chair or blanket, bench seating available; concessions sold starting at 6 p.m.; 7-9 p.m.; Larry Ubben at 815-973-6786 or David Bailey at 815-677-5383

AUG. 30 Mount Morris Jamboree free Friday night concerts with Barb City Stompers (swing jazz); bandshell downtown; bring

chair or blanket, bench seating available; concessions sold starting at 6 p.m.; 7-9

p.m.; Larry Ubben at 815-973-6786 or David Bailey at 815-677-5383

SEPT. 6 First Fridays Open Stage music show;

Mount Morris Moose Family Center, 485 E. Hitt St.; registration at 6:30 p.m., performances at 7 p.m.; country, bluegrass, blues, gospel, folk and soft rock; food and beverages available; admission is by donation; 815-973-0942

SEPT. 8 Grand Detour Arts Festival; John Deere Historic Site, 8334 S. Clinton St., Grand Detour; juried art show, student art, music and food; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; thenextpictureshow.com or 815-652-8663

SEPT. 21 Wine on Lincoln; Lincoln Highway, downtown Rochelle; local wine, steak dinners, cheese and chocolate, plus music; tickets are $25 in advance or $30 the day of the event and include a souvenir glass; 5-9 p.m.; enjoyrochelle.com or 815-562-6161 Continued on page 24

201 9 Polo Town & Country Days June 12th –16th Carnival Rides & Bingo all weekend, Fireworks on Thursday, Beer Garden on Friday & Saturday nights.

For a complete schedule of events, visit our website at www.polodays.org

24

www.saukvalley.com

SEPT. 20-22 Stillman Valley Fall Festival; car show, tractor show, craft show, bags tournament, parade, music and food; parade at 1 p.m. Sunday; stillmanvalleyfallfestival. com or Facebook

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

OCT. 4 First Fridays Open Stage music show;

Mount Morris Moose Family Center, 485 E. Hitt St.; registration at 6:30 p.m., performances at 7 p.m.; country, bluegrass, blues, gospel, folk and soft rock; food and beverages available; admission is by donation; 815-973-0942

OCT. 5-6 Autumn on Parade; Oregon; farmers market, arts and crafts fair, entertainment, Olde English Faire, car show, tractor show, 5K walk/run, parade, food and more; parade at 1 p.m. Sunday; autumnonparade.org or 815-732-3465

OCT. 10 Illinois Renewable Energy & Lifestyle Fair; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Jarrett Prairie Center, 7993 N. River Road, Byron; renewable energy and sustainable living ideas, plus children’s activities, entertainment and food; illinoisrenew.org or 815732-7332

OCT. 27 Halloween on the Prairie, noon-4 p.m., Jarrett Prairie Center, 7993 N. River Road, Byron; hayride, games, face-painting, free lunch; byronforestpreserve.com or 815-234-8535

NOV. 1 First Fridays Open Stage music show;

Mount Morris Moose Family Center, 485 E. Hitt St.; registration at 6:30 p.m., performances at 7 p.m.; country, bluegrass, blues, gospel, folk and soft rock; food and beverages available; admission is by donation; 815-973-0942

SVM file photo

The Leaf River Historical Museum, 203 E. Third St. in Leaf River.

NOV. 2 Byron Forest Preserve’s holiday gift sale, 9 a.m-3 p.m., Jarrett Prairie Center,

7993 N. River Road; 30 vendors and crafters, concessions; free admission; byronforestpreserve.com or 815-2348535, ext. 224.

NOV. 30 Candlelight Walk; downtown Oregon; horse-drawn carriage rides, reindeer, visits with Santa, holiday gift fair and more; 4-8 p.m.; oregonil.com or 815-732-2100

DEC. 6 Christmas Walk and Lighted Parade;

downtown Rochelle; lighted Christmas parade, visits with Santa, tree lighting and more; enjoyrochelle.com, cityofrochelle. net or 815-562-6161

DEC. 6 First Fridays Open Stage music show;

Mount Morris Moose Family Center, 485 E. Hitt St.; registration at 6:30 p.m., performances at 7 p.m.; country, bluegrass, blues, gospel, folk and soft rock; food and beverages available; admission is by donation; 815-973-0942

DEC. 7 Christmas on the Village Square;

downtown Mount Morris; pancake breakfast, craft fair and holiday bake sale, children’s Christmas party, story time with Mrs. Claus and lighting of the village square; mtmorrisil.net, “Mt. Morris Christmas on the Village Square” on Facebook

25

Explore Sauk Valley

OGLE COUNTY TOURIST ATTRACTIONS BYRON

Byron Dragway

Admission: By donation

J. Weiskopf Observatory

This track is home to National Hot Rod Association championship drag racing.

Address: 7287 River Road Phone: 815-391-0000 or 815-2348405 Online: byrondragway.com or Facebook Hours: Gates open at 8 a.m., racing starts at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, April through November Admission: Varies by event; check the website or call ahead

The observatory, with its 11-foot Celestron reflecting telescope, is available for public viewing and special programs.

Address: 7993 N. River Road Phone: 815-234-8535 Online: byronforestpreserve.com and Facebook Hours: Public viewing begins at dark and lasts 3 hours Saturday year-round and Tuesday in June, July and August Admission: Free

Byron Museum of History and Lucius Read House

GRAND DETOUR

The museum offers exhibits on local history. The Read House, built in the early 1840s, is one of the oldest structures in Byron. The Reads were active in the abolitionist movement and provided safe haven for runaway slaves being smuggled north through the Underground Railroad.

Address: 110 N. Union St. Phone: 815-234-5031 Online: byronmuseum.org or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday Admission: Free

Heritage Farm Museum

This farm dates back to 1843. The Byron Forest Preserve has restored its buildings to allow future generations to learn about early country life.

Address: 8059 N. River Road Phone: 815-234-8535 Online: byronforestpreserve.com and Facebook Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 2-6 p.m. Sunday, April 1 to Oct. 31 Admission: Free

Jarrett Prairie Center

The educational center and museum is on one of the highest points in the county, overlooking 450 acres of restored prairie.

Habitat exhibits, dioramas and audio interpretation help visitors understand the nature of the area. There also is a gift shop and hiking trails.

Address: 7993 N. River Road Phone: 815-234-8535 Online: byronforestpreserve.com and Facebook Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

The John Deere Historic Site

This 19th century prairie village features an archaeological site, blacksmith shop, and John Deere’s home, as well as a visitor’s center, gift shop, and natural prairie as it existed more than a century ago.

Address: 8334 S. Clinton St. Phone: 815-652-4551 Online: shawurl.com/32g8 Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon-4 p.m. Sunday, March through December Admission: Free

LEAF RIVER Leaf River Historical Museum

Located in a former church built in 1895, the museum contains exhibits that include a dog treadmill from the 1800s, military artifacts, farm and agriculture equipment, railroad memorabilia and more.

Address: 201 E. Third St. Phone: Unavailable Hours: 1-4 p.m. first and third Sunday of the month, April through October Admission: Free

MOUNT MORRIS Bald Hill Prairie Preserve

This 160-acre preserve between Leaf River and Mount Morris boasts native prairie plants, two endangered raptor species, rare woolly milkweed, gravel and sand deposits dating back to the Ice Age – and, at 28.5 feet around and 122 feet tall, the state’s Big Tree Champion, an eastern cottonwood estimated to be around 200 years old. At 925 feet above sea level, the preserve also is the second-highest point in Ogle County,

with a dramatic sloping of land and stunning scenic views.

Address: 5502 N. Silver Creek Road Phone: 815-234-8535 Online: byronforestpreserve.com and Facebook

Illinois Freedom Bell

In 1963, Mount Morris became the first village in Illinois to reinstate the tradition of ringing bells on Independence Day. The city’s bell was cast in the early 1860s as a replica of the Liberty Bell. Its first was in a belfry of an old church in Lake Geneva, Wis., but eventually made its way to Mount Morris. This 1,500pound bell graces the town square lawn.

It is rung during the annual Let Freedom Ring Festival, which draws thousands to celebrate an old-fashioned Fourth of July.

Address: Wesley Avenue Online: mtmorrisil.net/freedom-bell

White Pines Forest State Park

This 385-acre state park along the meandering banks of Spring and Pine creeks boasts magnificent trees that share moss-covered cliffs strung with trailing vines. It is one of the southernmost stands of white pines left in the United States.

The site offers seven marked trails for hiking, as well as fishing and camping.

It also is home to the White Pines Inn, which offers cabins for rent and a restaurant.

Address: 6712 W. Pines Road Phone: 815-946-3717 Online: www.dnr.illinois.gov/parks/ pages/whitepinesforest.aspx

OREGON Castle Rock State Park

The 2,000-acre park includes rock formations, ravines, and unique northern plants.

In one valley, 27 types of ferns have been identified. A sandstone bluff, adjacent to the river, gives the park its name. There are 6 miles of marked hiking trails, a scenic overlook, and a public boat ramp.

Address: 1365 W. Castle Road Phone: 815-732-7329 Online: www.dnr.illinois.gov/parks/ pages/castlerock.aspx

Conover Square Shopping Village

A piano factory until the 1970s, this 120,000-square-foot building is a shopping village. It features unique stores (including several antique shops), and the free Billy Barnhart Museum in a unique, historic setting. Haunted ghost tours are offered by reservation.

Continued on page 26

26 Address: 201 N. Third St. Phone: 815-732-3950 Online: conoversquaremall.com or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday; some store hours vary

Lowden State Park

This 207-acre state park, perhaps one of the most picturesque along the Rock River, boasts the 50-foot concrete statue of Chief Black Hawk, called “The Eternal Indian,” as well as almost 4 miles of foot trails. Camping, boating and fishing also are available.

Address: 1411 N. River Road Phone: 732-6828 Online: www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/ Pages/Lowden.aspx

Lowden-Miller State Forest

At 2,291 acres, the forest is one of the county’s most beautiful and historic sites.

Hunting for deer, squirrel and turkey is popular, as is hiking on more than 20 miles of maintained trails.

Address: 1365 W. Castle Rock Road Phone: 815-732-7329 Online: www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/ Pages/LowdenMiller.aspx

Mix Park

The 2.5-acre park is home to Lorado Taft’s “Boys with Fish” sculpture and Jeff Adams’ “Paths of Conviction, Footsteps of Fate,” as well as a playground.

Address: 701 N. Fourth St. Phone: 815-732-3101 Online: oregonpark.org/mix-park

Park East

This 23-acre site provides access above and below the Oregon dam for fishing and canoeing. There’s an observation deck along the east side of the dam, overlooking the Rock River Valley and downtown Oregon. It is home to historic Chana School and has a bike trail and a playground.

Address: River Road, north of state Route 64 Phone: 815-732-3101 Online: oregonpark.org/park-east

Park West

The park is surrounded by a bike trail that wanders through prairie, pines, and oaks on the north end and athletic fields on the south. It has tennis courts, lighted basketball courts, lighted baseball diamonds, soccer fields, sand volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, playgrounds, a skate park, a splash park and a boardwalk.

Address: Oregon Trail Road Phone: 815-732-3101

www.saukvalley.com Online: oregonpark.org/park-west Hours: Splash Canyon Spray Park and Prairie Side Skate Park have separate hours; check the website or call ahead

Ruby Nash Home/Ogle County Historical Museum

Built in 1878 in Midwestern prairie architecture, the Nash Home and Museum, which opened in 1962, originally was home to Chester Nash and his family.

His daughter, Ruby, taught school from 1891 to 1941. Nash School, now Nash Recreation Center, was named after her.

The museum offers artifacts from around the county — some from the earliest settlers.

Address: 111 N. Sixth St. Phone: 815-732-7545 Online: oglecountyhistoricalsociety.com or Facebook Hours: 9 a.m.-noon Thursday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday, May through September, select Saturdays (May 26, June 16, Sept.

1, Oct. 6, and Nov. 24) or by appointment Admission: By donation

POLO Aplington House

This 1853 home belonged to Zenas Aplington, a Civil War soldier who founded Polo. Abraham Lincoln spent 2 nights in the house in 1856. Visitors will see period clothing and hats, exhibits of churches and schools, and Underground Railroad exhibits.

Address: 123 N. Franklin Ave. Phone: 815-946-4142 Hours: By appointment Admission: By donation

Campbell Law Office

Judge Campbell was Polo’s first mayor; his office was made in 1875 from blue limestone hauled by wagon from the quarry west of town. It now is a private law office.

Address: 111 N. Franklin Ave. Phone: 815-946-4142 Hours: By appointment

Henry School

The 1878 school is on the Galena Trail, where Abraham Lincoln walked during the Black Hawk War in 1832. It features displays about the war and a World War II hemp mill.

Address: State Route 26, south of Polo Phone: 815-946-4142 Hours: Wednesday afternoons, April through October, and by appointment

Polo History Museum

The building, a gift to the Polo Historical Society from Shaw Printing Co., houses vintage printing machines along with military memorabilia, surveying tools used to plot the Galena Trail in 1833, historic agricultural tools, and many other artifacts.

Address: 113 N. Franklin Ave. Phone: 815-946-4142 Hours: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and by appointment

Buffalo Grove Lime Kiln

The kiln, constructed in 1870 of native limestone quarried on site, is one of two old lime kilns in Illinois on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a woodburning perpetual kiln, or draw-down kiln, which meant it had to be continuously fired. It operated until the early 1900s.

Address: Galena Trail Road Phone: 815-946-4142

Burns House

This 1854 brick home, the first of its kind in Polo, belonged to the town’s first doctor, W W. Burns. Today, it is the office of Blackhawk Waterways Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Address: 201 N. Franklin Ave. Phone: 815-946-4142 Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday

Submitted

Buffalo Grove Lime Kiln in Polo is one of two old lime kilns in Illinois on the National Register of Historic Places.

27

Explore Sauk Valley

G O L F

BUREAU County Chapel Hill Golf Course 12927 State Rt. 26, Princeton (815) 879-6531 chapelhillprinceton.com Green River Country Club 15212 State Rt. 92, Walnut (815) 379-2227 Hidden Lake Golf Club 12985 645 East St., Sheffield (815) 454-2660 Indian Hills Golf Club 9468 1725 East St., Tiskilwa (815) 646-4856 Mendota Golf Club 35666 U.S. Route 34 W., Mendota (815) 538-7241 mendotagolfclub.com Spring Creek Golf Course 286 Spring Creek Dr., Spring Valley (815) 894-2137 springcreek-golfcourse.com Wyaton Hills Golf Course 17879 1500 North Ave., Princeton (815) 872-2641 CARROLL County Lake Carroll Golf Course 2911 Ironwood Blvd., Lake Carroll (815) 493-2808 golflakecarroll.com

Palisades Golf Course 18280 Illinois Route 84, Savanna (815) 273-2141 palisadesgolfcourse.com Sandburr Run 5020 State Rt. 84, Thomson 815-902-6063 thesandburr.com LEE County Lost Nation Golf Club 6931 S. Lost Nation Road, Dixon (815) 652-4212 lostnationgolf.com

G O L F

Sunset Golf Course 216 Sunset Lane, Mount Morris (815) 734-4839 sunsetgolfmm.com WHITESIDE County Deer Valley Golf Club 3298 Hoover Road, Deer Grove (815) 438-4653 dvforegolf.com Emerald Hill Golf Course 16802 Prairieville Road, Sterling (815) 622-6204 emeraldhillgolf.com

Shady Oaks Country Club 577 U.S. Route 52 South, Sublette (815) 849-5424 shadyoakscc.com

Fulton Country Club 20727 Cattail Road, Fulton (815) 589-2440 fultonccgolf.com

OGLE County Fairways Golf Course 533 S. 7th St., Rochelle 815-562-6666 fairwaysgolfcourse.com

Lake Erie Country Club 900 Lakeside Drive, Erie (309) 659-2250 lakeeriecountryclub.com

PrairieView Golf Club 7993 N. River Road, Byron (815) 234-4653 prairieviewgolf.com

Prophet Hills Country Club 4319 Bishop Road, Prophetstown (815) 537-5226 prophethills.com

Silver Ridge Golf Course 3069 N. Hill Road, Oregon (815) 734-4440 silverridgegolf.com

Rock River Golf & Pool 3901 Dixon Ave., Rock Falls (815) 625-2322 rrgap.com

Golf Course SUMMER SPECIAL

AFTERNOON SPECIAL

$29

$19

Sat, Sun & Holidays

Sat, Sun & Holidays

Mon-Fri

After 1pm | Mon-Fri

TWILIGHT SPECIAL

Unlimited Holes Until Dark Mon-Fri after 4pm

$15

Includes cart

Sat, Sun & Holidays after 5pm

$39

$29

*Coupon must be presented and cannot be used with any other offer.

*Coupon must be presented and cannot be used with any other offer.

*Coupon must be presented and cannot be used with any other offer.

Expires Sept. 15th 2019

Expires Sept. 15th 2019

Expires Sept. 15th 2019

$20

Includes cart

golflakecarroll.com • 2911 Ironwood Dr., Lanark For more information, call the Lake Carroll Golf Course 815-493-2808

SM-ST1660132

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www.saukvalley.com

Whiteside County T HE H E N NE PIN

Whiteside County was established in 1836. It is the namesake of Gen. Samuel Whiteside, who as a major fought in the Indian Wars in this part of the country from 1812 until the close of the Black Hawk War. The county – specifically the village of Tampico – also is the birthplace of President Ronald Reagan and has a segment of one of the first continental highways: U.S. Route 30, better known as the Lincolnway Highway.

Movies at Grandon: “Ralph Breaks the Internet”; Grandon Civic Center, downtown Sterling; concessions available; dusk (about 8:30 p.m.); sterlingmainstreet.org/ movies-at-grandon or 815-626-8610

JUNE 5 Sterling Municipal Band, 7:30-9:30

p.m. at the Grandon Civic Center; free, concessions available, bring a lawn chair or blanket; sterlingmunicipalband.com

JUNE 7 Food Truck Fridays, food vendors 11 a.m.3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. at RB&W District Park, 301 E. Second St., Rock Falls; live music, other entertainment during the evening session; visitrockfalls.com or 815-622-1106

JUNE 8 Bluegrass Festival; Heritage Canyon,

515 N. Fourth St., Fulton; five bands; admission is $10 for adults and children 14 and older; noon-6 p.m.; cityoffulton. us, Facebook or 815-589-3925

JUNE 12 Sterling Municipal Band, 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the Grandon Civic Center; free,

JUNE 15 Dick Brown Fishing Derby; Prophetstown State Park, Park Avenue; 8-11 a.m., registration begins at 7:30 a.m.; 815-5375139

Summer Splash; riverfront, Rock Falls; buffalo, elk, alligator, pork chops and brats, children’s activities, cruise-in, family movie, fireworks, pub crawl and more; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday; rockfallschamber. com or 815-625-4500

JUNE 26 Sterling Municipal Band, 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the Grandon Civic Center; free, concessions available, bring a lawn chair or blanket; sterlingmunicipalband.com

Attractions

Andresen Nature Center

JUNE 18

de Immigrant Windmill

Movies at Grandon: “The Princess Bride”; Gran-

Downtown Shopping Dist.

Fulton Marina

don Civic Center, downtown Sterling; concessions available; dusk (about 8:30 p.m.); sterlingmainstreet.org/ movies-at-grandon or 815-626-8610

Great River Road Great River Trail Heritage Canyon Lincoln Highway

JUNE 19 Sterling Municipal Band, 7:30-

9:30 p.m. at the Grandon Civic Center; free, concessions available, bring a lawn chair or blanket; sterlingmunicipalband. com

SM-ST1660115

JUNE 4

of the Sauk Valley, 412 First Ave., Sterling; entertainment, children’s activities and a free meal; organized by the Diversity Committee of the Sauk Valley, 815590 9350 and on Facebook

A LL S CK F

Lyndon Car Show; Richmond Park,

Lyndon; pancake breakfast, music by 3D Sound, playground and food; 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; 3Dsound.org or 815-778-4484 or 563-320-8821

Juneteenth CommUNITY Freedom Festival; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the YWCA

O ,R

JUNE 2

JUNE 15

AL N

Pop-up market, 5 to 8 p.m., Dale Park at the foot of Locust Street in downtown Sterling; live music, vendors, nearby food and beverage options; sterlingmainstreet .org

CA

WHITESIDE COUNTY CALENDAR OF EVENTS concessions available, bring a lawn chair JUNE 21-22 MAY 30 or blanket; sterlingmunicipalband.com

2019 Events Dutch Days 1st Weekend in May

Blessing of the Bikes 1st Sun in June Bluegrass Festival - June 8 Fulton Summer Nights Jul 2 & Aug 8 Mainly Marathons - July 10

Lock & Dam 13

American Queen July 11, 25 & Aug 8

Martin House Museum

American Duchess - Aug 14

Mississippi River

Movie in the Canyon - Oct 19

Ronald Reagan Trail

Citywide Yard Sale -Aug 9 & 10

Windmill Cultural Center

Hometown Christmas - Dec 7

For more information www.cityoffulton.us Fulton Tourism 815-589-3925 Like us on Facebook “Fulton Illinois Tourism”

29

Explore Sauk Valley

Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com

A splash of color lights up the dusk sky along the Rock Falls riverfront as fireworks cap off the day during the Summer Splash at Bowman Park in Rock Falls.

JUNE 27 Pop-up market, 5 to 8 p.m., Dale Park at the foot of Locust Street in downtown Sterling; live music, vendors, nearby food and beverage options; sterlingmainsgtreet.org

JUNE 29-30 Rock Falls River Chase; riverfront; boat

races on the Rock River; bring a lawn chair; 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; marineracingclub. com, Facebook or 815-625-4500

JULY 2 Movies at Grandon: “Small Foot”;

Grandon Civic Center, downtown Sterling; concessions available; dusk (about 8:30 p.m.); sterlingmainstreet.org/movies-at-grandon or 815-626-8610

JULY 3 Sterling Municipal Band presents a

patriotic concert, complete with can-

nons, 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the Grandon Civic Center; free, concessions available, bring a lawn chair or blanket; sterlingmunicipalband.com

JULY 4 Prophetstown Fourth of July celebration; Prophetstown State Park, Prophet-

stown; music, children’s races, 3-on-3-basketball tournament, fireworks and more; prophetstownil.com or 815-537-5598

JULY 5 Food Truck Fridays, food vendors 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5- 8 p.m. at RB&W District Park, 301 E. Second St., Rock Falls; live music, other entertainment during the evening session; visitrockfalls.com or 815622-1106

JULY 6-7

Whiteside County Barn Tour; selfguided tours of historic barns with presentations at some of the farms; tickets cost $20 a carload and include a tour book and a map; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday; whitesidecountybarntour.org, Facebook or 815-772-2165

JULY 10 Sterling Municipal Band, 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the Grandon Civic Center; free, concessions available, bring a lawn chair or blanket; sterlingmunicipalband.com

JULY 11-13 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 815-6323611 Continued on page 30

30

www.saukvalley.com

JULY 13

JULY 25

622-1106

Rock Falls Antique Tractor & Engine Show, 7 a.m.-5 p.m., Triple P’s BBQ,

AUG. 2

3312 Rock Falls Road/West U.S. Route 30; admission is free; 309-530-9209 and Facebook

Pop-up market, 5 to 8 p.m., Dale Park at the foot of Locust Street in downtown Sterling; live music, vendors, nearby food and beverage options; sterlingmainsgreet .org

JULY 16

JULY 27

Movies at Grandon: “Casablanca”; Grandon Civic Center, downtown Ster-

ling; concessions available; dusk (about 8:30 p.m.); sterlingmainstreet.org/moviesat-grandon or 815-626-8610

JULY 17 Sterling Municipal Band, 7:30-9:30

p.m. at the Grandon Civic Center; free, concessions available, bring a lawn chair or blanket; sterlingmunicipalband. com

JULY 18-21 Tampico Fest, baseball, family activi-

ties, fishing derby, mud volleyball, live music, craft show, parade, car show fireworks, dunk tank, watermelon-eating contest, raffles and more; www.tampicoil.com and Facebook.

JULY 20 Water Broncs Water Ski Show,

performances at noon and 5 p.m. off Seward’s Riverside Park, 604 E. Second St., Rock Falls. Food and craft vendors on site; free; www.skibroncs.com

JULY 24 Sterling Municipal Band, 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the Grandon Civic Center; free, concessions available, bring a lawn chair or blanket; sterlingmunicipalband.com

Hot Dog Day; downtown Sterling; merchants offer 25-cent hot dogs and sodas from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; sterlingmainstreet. org or 815-626-8610

AUG. 7

Morrison’s Summer Extravaganza;

Sterling Municipal Band’s last concert of the season, 7:30-9:30 p.m. at

noon-8 p.m. at the Sports Complex, 315 Bishop Road; vendor fair, volleyball, bags tourney, kids activities, live music, food, beer garden, fireworks; 815-7723757 or Morrison Chamber of Commerce on Facebook

the Grandon Civic Center; free, concessions available, bring a lawn chair or blanket; sterlingmunicipalband.com

AUG. 8-10

JULY 30

Lincoln Highway Buy-way; citywide yard sales from the Mississippi River in Fulton east through the middle of the state; illinoislincolnhighwayassociation. org for locations, schedules, maps

Movies at Grandon: “Incredibles 2”;

Grandon Civic Center, downtown Sterling; concessions available; dusk (about 8:30 p.m.); sterlingmainstreet.org/ movies-at-grandon or 815-626-8610

AUG. 13-17

JULY 31

Whiteside County Fair; Whiteside County Fairgrounds, 201 W. Winfield St., Morrison; demolition derby, harness racing, bull riding, truck and tractor

Sterling Municipal Band, 7:30-9:30

p.m. at the Grandon Civic Center; free, concessions available, bring a lawn chair or blanket; sterlingmunicipalband. com

AUG. 2 Food Truck Fridays, food vendors

11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5- 8 p.m. at RB&W District Park, 301 E. Second St., Rock Falls; live music, other entertainment during the evening session; visitrockfalls.com or 815-

f

u n

j

u m p

Kids Party @ Fun Jump

KIDS BOUNCING

OFF THE WALLS? Follow us to check out our SPECIALS!!

Private Party -Rent the building!

UELY MADE GIFTS UNIQ 123 W Main St., Morrison • 815-772-4653 Mon. - Thurs. 8-7, Fri. 8-6, Sat. 8-12

Unique Gifts • Jewelry Lawn Ornaments Handcrafted Items • Antiques

Invite large group family & friends

Party Package - We Do the work!

Pizza & beverage plus table supplies

DIY Party

Party Room with group rate.

Walk-In Party - Just Come!

Group rate admission for 5 or more Indoor Inflatable Playground

SM-ST1660126

For kids ages 2- 12 • On site snacks 505 West Lynn Blvd., Sterling (Located behind Kroger) www.funjump.us • (815) 632-3630

SUMMER HOURS

Tue. - Fri. 2pm-6pm Sat. 10am-6pm Sun.-Mon. Closed for Private Parties

31

Explore Sauk Valley

Breanne N. Hunter/For Sauk Valley Media

Jacob Mertes of Morrison was on a roll when he laid the groundwork for his masterpiece at Paint the Town in Morrison. Judging by the splotches of paint on his forehead, the talented tyke must have been scratching his noggin as he summoned up his next flash of inspiration. pulls, livestock shows, antique tractor parade, music, carnival, food, exhibits and more; whitesidecountyfair.org or 815-772-7329

AUG. 29 Last pop-up market of the season, 5 to 8 p.m., Dale Park at the foot of Locust Street in downtown Sterling; live music, vendors, nearby food and beverage options; sterlingmainstreet.org

SEPT. 7 Art in the Park Sculpture Walk, 2-7 p.m. in RB&W District Park, 301 E. Second St., Rock Falls; fine art, food, beer, wine and interactive displays; admission is free; Facebook, visitrockfalls.com or 815-622-1106

SEPT. 14 Fiesta Day parade; Sterling and Rock Falls; parade from Sterling to Rock Falls, closing ceremony and activities follow from 1-5 p.m.; 815-625-2400 or saukvalleyareachamber.com

SEPT. 21 Paint the Town; downtown Morrison; paint your own 5-by-5-foot square on the street; entertainment, food and more; noon; paintthetownmorrison.com, Facebook or 815-772-2670

SEPT. 21 Taste of Fiesta; noon-5 p.m., RB&W District Park, 301 E. Second St., Rock Falls; food, art, music, Latin dances; free admission; Facebook

SEPT. 27-29 Big Cat Quest Fishing Tournament;

registration Friday a the Eagles Club, 321 W. Second St., Rock Falls, fishing from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday along the Rock River, weigh-in at 4 p.m. Sunday; visitrockfalls.com or 815-622-1106

SEPT. 27-OCT. 31 Haunted Haven haunted barn, Route 40 and Grennan Road, Rock Falls; 7-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Sept.

27-Oct. 26, 7-10 p.m. Oct. 27 and on Halloween; admission $12; hauntedhaven.org and Facebook Continued on page 32

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www.saukvalley.com

SEPT. 28

OCT. 5-6

Arts on the Square; Eclipse Square Park, Prophetstown; art show, chili cookoff, car show, live music, scarecrow contest and food; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; prophetstownil.com or 815-537-5139

SEPT. 28 Youth Fishing Extravaganza, 8 a.m.-

noon, Lower Dam Park in Rock Falls; food, prizes, free admission; register at Bo’s Bait & Tackle or at rockfallscatfishtournament.com

OCT. 5 The Sterling Park District’s annual Pumpkin Dash, for kids 12 and younger, at Hoover Park, 3807 Woodlawn Road; registration begins at 9, the first race at 11 a.m.; winners get a large pumpkin, the first 1,000 finishers get a small pumpkin, candy, and a hot dog lunch. There also will be a petting zoo, bounce houses, hayrack rides, ambulance tours, face painting and crafts; free; 815-622-6200 and on Facebook

Fall Festival; downtown Fulton,

Heritage Canyon, 515 N. Fourth St. and Andresen Nature Center 409 N. Fourth; pumpkin painting, gunny sack races, straw bale maze, car show, arts and crafts show, color walk/run, petting zoo, music and food; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; cityoffulton.us or 815-589-4545

OCT. 12 Haunted Train Walk at the Dillon Home, 1005 E. Third St., Sterling; gates

open at 6:30 p.m.; see the 1929 steam engine come back to life with a skeleton crew, follow the spooky trail of animated ghouls and visit the haunted caboose; children younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult; free; with free goodie bags while they last; rain date 6 p.m. Oct. 19; www.sterlingparks.org or 815-622-6200

OCT. 12 Hops on the Rock: A Craft Beer Festival; Avenue A and West Second Street in

Sterling; must be 21 or older; 2-6 p.m.;

sterlingmainstreet.org or Facebook for ticket and other information

OCT. 25 Uptown Trick-or-Treat; downtown Rock Falls; trick-or-treating at business, children’s activities and more; 4-6 p.m.; rockfallschamber.com or 815-625-4500

OCT. 26 Harvest Moon Festival; downtown Sterling; farmers market, arts and crafts, children’s activities and more; sterlingmainstreet.org, Facebook or 815-6268610

OCT. 26 Halloween parade; downtown Morrison; children in costume parade down Main Street; 1:30 p.m., lineup at 12:45 p.m.; 815-772-3757

NOV. 21-23 Hometown Holidays; downtown Rock Falls; Christmas walk, bingo, craft show, parade, live reindeer, children’s party and more; rockfallschamber.com, rock

Great River Road Antiques Flea Market OPEN 9am - 4pm Every weekend April through October

Mall located on Route 84 between Thomson & Fulton

Summer

Fun

Chaparral, Freedom Express, Brookstone, Catalina, Aspen, Kodiak, Sunset, Durango, Venom - Service, Parts & Accessories

Mall Hours: 10-6pm (April - October) 10-5pm (November - March) Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas Day SM-ST1660128

(815) 589-3355

SM-ST1660130

33

Explore Sauk Valley fallschamber.com, 815-625-4500 and Facebook.

NOV. 30 Christmas in Prophetstown and lighted parade; downtown; Small Business Saturday, visits with Santa, soup supper, lighting of the Love Light Tree at 5:30 p.m. and parade at 6:30 p.m.; prophetstownil.com or 815-537-5139

DEC. 6 Seasonal Sights and Sounds of Sterling Downtown Christmas Walk; 5

p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; holiday shopping, children’s activities, lighting of the Library Plaza Christmas tree, live entertainment, Santa, music and more; sterlingmainstreet. org or call the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, 815-625-2400, or Sterling

Main Street, 815-626-8610.

DEC. 6-8 Dillon Home Christmas Walk, 1005

E. Third St., Sterling; walk-through tours of Italianate mansion on the National Register of Historic Places decorated for the holiday; 7-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 1-5 p.m.

Sunday; regularly scheduled guided tours also available during the day Friday and Saturday; $5 ages 13 and older, $4 for seniors; 815-622-6202 and on Facebook.

DEC. 7 Christmas in the Canyon, Heritage Canyon, 515 N. Fourth St., Fulton, and Andresen Nature Center, 409 N. Fourth; Early American Crafters in period clothing give demonstrations of pioneer living; noon-7 p.m.

Also, Old-Fashioned Hometown Christmas Walk; downtown Fulton; visits

with Santa and Mrs. Claus, children’s activities, music and food; 5-7:30 p.m.; cityoffulton.us or 815-589-4545

JAN. 4 Bald Eagle Watch along the Mississippi River at Lock and Dam 13 in Fulton and at Clinton (Iowa) Community College; 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; indoor educational programs, environmental exhibits, live animals, puppets, songs, food and drinks at the college, 1000 Lincoln Blvd., outdoor eagle viewing, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Lock and Dam 13 off Highway 84, bus available to take people back and forth, limited parking at the lock and dam; Thomson Rangers, 815-2593628, or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 815-273-2732

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

The Sterling Theater got into the Christmas spirit during 2018’s Seasonal Sights and Sounds of Sterling Downtown Christmas Walk.

34

www.saukvalley.com

WHITESIDE COUNTY TOURIST ATTRACTIONS FULTON Andresen Nature Center

The Andresen Nature Center features displays of local wildlife, insects and flora found along the watershed of the upper Mississippi River. The University of Illinois Extension hosts special programs from March through August.

Address: 409 N. Fourth St. Phone: 815-208-7059 Online: cityoffulton.us/visit-fulton/fultonattractions/andresen-nature-center.html or Facebook Hours: Open for major events, special programs and private tours; director often on site so call ahead.

Admission: Free

De Immigrant and the Windmill Cultural Center

This authentic windmill built in the Netherlands and assembled in Fulton honors the town’s rich Dutch heritage. Stoneground buckwheat, corn, rye, and wheat SVM file photo flours all are manufactured at De Immigrant Heritage Canyon in Fulton is nestled in an old limestone quarry that and are for sale in the gift shop. The cultural operated from the mid-1800s to 1954. center, dedicated in 2010, houses a collection of 21 European windmills and hosts special exhibits throughout the year.

Address: 111 10th Ave. Phone: 815-589-3925 Online: cityoffulton.us/visit-fulton/fulton-attractions/de-immigrant-windmill.html and Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Succulents, Cactus and Memorial Day through Labor Day; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. MondayFriday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Labor Herbs Day-October (grown in our own greenhouse) Admission: By donation

Gardeners Wanted!

Fulton Martin House Museum

The home of the Fulton Historical Society, this Civil War-era, Italianate-style home built in 1855 is on the National Register of Historic Places, and contains a Fulton memorabilia collection, an extensive Fulton photo collection and a genealogy research room.

Address: 707 10th Ave. Phone: 815-589-3809 Online: www.cityoffulton.us/city/fulton-directory/attractions/ fulton-martin-house-museum.html Hours: 2-4 p.m. daily and by appointment Admission: Free

Heritage Canyon

This 12-acre restored and furnished mid-1800s settlement in a former quarry is nestled on the Mississippi River and features homesites, a doctor’s office, a blacksmith shop, a schoolhouse, a church, a swinging bridge and a covered bridge. During special events, the Early American Crafters, a group of Civil War reenactors, and other groups populate the area and bring history to life.

Address: 515 N. Fourth St.

Ornamental Trees Water Gardens (fish, plants, supplies)

Raspberry, Blueberry & Strawberry Plants Fruit Trees Unusual House Plants Hanging Baskets Lawn & Garden Gifts

K&R GREENHOUSE

15543 Bishop Rd, Morrison • 815-772-4595 East of Morrison 1 mi. North on Bishop Rd. just off Rt. 30 8:00am to 7:00pm Mon thru Fri, 9:00am to 5:00pm Sat & Sun

35

Explore Sauk Valley Phone: 815-589-4600 Online: cityoffulton.us/city/fulton-directory/attractions/heritage-canyon.html or Facebook Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, mid-April through mid-December, and for special events Admission: By donation; $2 adults and $1 for 13 and younger during special events

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, and Volckman furniture.

Address: 202 E. Lincolnway/U.S. Route 30 Phone: 815-772-3013 or 815-7724558 Online: illinoisadventuretv.org/index. asp?page=st&site=1093 Hours: 1-4 p.m. Friday-Sunday, last Friday in April to Thanksgiving Admission: Free

Morrison-Rockwood State Park

Morrison-Rockwood State Park comprises 1,164 acres just north of Morrison.

It’s named for the city and a combination of nearby Rock Creek and the heavily wooded park area. Lake Carlton, a focal point of the park, is a watershed impoundment built in 1969 with a 38-foot-high, 1,800-foot-long earthen dam across a stream. Fishing, boating, camping, hiking and hunting are available, along with playgrounds, picnic shelters and a concession stand/bait shop/boat rental.

Address: 18750 Lake Road Phone: 815-772-4708 Online: www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/ Pages/MorrisonRockwood.aspx

PROPHETSTOWN Prophetstown Area Historical Society

The society’s collection contains information about Native American life in the Prophetstown area, its early settlers and local history.

Phone: 815-537-2224 Address: 320 Washington St. Online: tampicohistoricalsociety.com/

Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com

Fishermen enjoy a sunny afternoon at Morrison-Rockwood State Park in Morrison. The state park has a variety of attractions, including camping, fishing, hiking, picnic areas and boating.

Prophetstown_Historical_Soc.html or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday Admission: Free

Prophetstown State Park

Camping, fishing and hiking all are available at this wooded park on the northeast edge of the city, along the south bank of the Rock River. Once the site of a Native American village, the 53-acre park derives its name from the prophet Wa-bo-kie-shiek, or White Cloud. Coon Creek flows through the park and feeds into the Rock River.

Address: Riverside Drive Phone: 815-537-2926 Online: www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/ Pages/Prophetstown.aspx

Big Bend State Fish and Wildlife Area

This 2,376-acre site along the Rock River has about 250 acres of upland forest, with the remainder of the property a mix of native grassland, tree plantings, tracts of woods, two oxbows and several small wetlands and marshes. Big Bend offers limited hiking and fishing opportunities, with the site’s primary focus on hunting.

Address: Van Damme Road Phone: 815-537-2270 Online: www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/

ROCK FALLS Art in the Park

The Art in the Park Sculpture Tour is on display at RB&W District Park, 301 E. Second St. Stroll through the works of 10 Chicago artists, installed until September,

when new pieces will arrive to replace those that are sold.

Address: 301 E. Second St. Phone: 815-622-1106 Online: visitrockfalls.com and Facebook

Centennial Park

This 50-acre park offers a playground; a butterfly garden, 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.

Address: 508 E. 11th St. Phone: 815-625-0272 Online: www.visitrockfalls.com/what-todo/centennial-park.html

Crystal Lake RV Park

Crystal Lake, adjacent to the Hennepin Canal Parkway and across the highway from Centennial Park, has a beach, water activities such as slides, a water trampoline and aqua golf, a go-kart track, fishing, a campground, and a snack bar.

Address: 511 E. U.S. Route 30 Phone: 815-622-5974 Online: crystallake1.com or Facebook Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily in the summer Admission: Lake and beach fees are $6 for 11 and older, $5 ages 3-10; go-karts and aqua golf are additional Continued on page 36

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Adam Arians of Prophetstown rolls down a road along the Rock River at Prophetstown State Park.

Firehouse Ministries Fire Museum

Firehouse of God minister and part-time firefighter Brian Tribley saved the former Rock Falls Fire Department building from demolition in 2012 by creating a museum that honors the profession by showcasing vintage firefighting vehicles, equipment and memorabilia.

Address: 403 W. Second St. Phone: 815-622-9490 Online: www.visitrockfalls.com/what-todo/firehouse-ministries-fire-museum.html or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, June through August, and by appointment Admission: Free

Hennepin Canal State Park

The Hennepin Feeder Canal, on the National Register of Historic Places, extends from Rock Falls to Sheffield, and offers biking and hiking paths, canoeing, fishing and historical sites along the way.

Address: 209 Emmons Ave. Phone: 815-454-2328 Online: www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/ Pages/HennepinCanal.aspx

Lincoln Highway Interpretive Mural

One of 30 murals along the historic Lincoln Highway that showcases a unique event that took place during the early years of the highway: the Corn Carnival

and an enormous, highly sought-after, prized blue ribbon.

Address: 1412 W. Rock Falls Road Phone: 866-455-4249 Online: drivelincolnhighway.com

Selmi’s Greenhouse, Farm and Pumpkin Patch

Selmi’s, a fifth-generation family farm, has a greenhouse, a farmers market, a pumpkin patch and fall market, and a gift shop. The fall market has a haunted house, petting farm, corn maze, wagon rides, and pumpkins.

Address: 1206 Dixon Ave. Phone: 815-626-3830 Online: selmi.com or Facebook Hours: Vary seasonally by attraction; check the website or call ahead Admission: Varies by attraction; check the website or call ahead

STERLING Dillon Home Museum

The Dillon Home, on the National Register of Historic Places, was donated to the park district in 1980 in memory of Paul W. Dillon, president of Northwestern Steel & Wire Co. The home, built circa 1858, is an example of Italianate architecture; it was bought by steel magnate Washington M. Dillon, Paul’s father, in 1882.

SVM file photo

Address: 1005 E. Third St. Phone: 815-622-6202 Online: sterlingparks.org/location/ dillon-home-museum or Facebook Hours: Guided tours at 10 and 11 a.m., and 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday; 2, 3, 4 and 5 p.m. Friday Admission: $5 for ages 13 and older, $4 seniors

Lawrence Park

Considered the first park in Sterling, Lawrence Park offers boat and fishing access, picnic shelters and, in the winter, eagle watching.

Address: Off the Avenue G bridge between Sterling and Rock Falls Phone: 815-622-6200 Online: sterlingparks.org/location/ lawrence-park

“Lincoln in Sterling” statue

This life-sized bronze sculpture of Abraham Lincoln was dedicated July 18, 2006, on the 150th anniversary of his speech in Propheter Park. Lincoln was campaigning for the newly formed Republican Party and its first candidate for president, John C. Fremont. Don Morris of Rock Falls was the sculptor.

Address: Propheter Park, 506 E. Sixth St. Phone: 815-632-6621 Online: ci.sterling.il.us/history.cfm

37

Explore Sauk Valley Lincoln-Manahan Home Museum

The Lincoln-Manahan Home Museum is a restored 1847 home where Abraham Lincoln spent the night on July 18, 1856.

Address: 607 E. Third St. Phone: 815-622-6215 Online: srfhs.com Hours: 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April through October, and by appointment Admission: Free

Sinnissippi Dam and Pedestrian Bridge

Built in 1906, this dam raised the Rock River water level by 11 feet so it would flow into the Hennepin Canal. It was restored in 2008 with an added pedestrian walkway. On the Sterling side, enjoy a leisurely stroll and check out the Dillon Home Museum and Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society. On the Rock Falls side, enjoy the Jim Arduini Boat Launch, the Hennepin Canal or a walk along the river’s edge into the downtown or nearby Seward’s Park.

Address: Second Street and Emmons Avenue

Sinnissippi Park

Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com

Aiden Kaczmarck of Aurora fishes for trout at Centennial Park in Rock Falls.

The largest of Sterling’s city parks, Sinnissippi is the site for the Hopewellian Indian Mounds, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The park features bluffs overlooking the scenic Rock River, ball diamonds, a playground, a disc golf course, and the S.M.A.R.T. trail.

Nature trails provide bird watching and cross-country skiing, and the bayou is a popular year-round fishing spot.

Address: Sinnissippi Road Phone: 815-622-6200 Online: sterlingparks.org/location/sinnissippi-park

1102 4th Street ▪ Fulton, IL

Home Decor Accessories Jewelry | Purses & Much, Much More!

Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society Museum

Housed in the Carriage House of the Dillon Home, the museum houses a large collection of items related to local history.

Address: 1005 E. Third St. Phone: 815-622-6215 Online: srfhs.com or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and 2-6 p.m. Friday Admission: Free

TAMPICO Ronald Reagan Birthplace and Museum

President Ronald Reagan was born Feb. 6, 1911, in an apartment above a bakery. The First National Bank bought the bakery in 1919 and was there until the 1930s. The apartment has been restored to look as it did when Reagan was born. The bank also has been restored. The store to the south of the bank, originally a grocery store, now houses the gift shop.

Address: 111-113 S. Main St. Phone: 815-622-8705

Continued on page 38

Hours: M-F 10-5 ▪ Sat 10-4

815-589-2937

Touches of garden, river & nature all rolled in to one.

Stop in today!

Mon-Fri 10am-5pm Sat 10am-4pm 1115 4th St., Fulton (815) 589-3710

38

www.saukvalley.com

Andrea Mills/Sauk Valley Media

A rear view of the Dillon Home Museum in Sterling shows the porch, replete with windows, on this side of the Italianate-style house that was once home to the Dillon family.

Online: tampicohistoricalsociety.com/R_Reagan_Birthplace_Museum.html or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1-4 p.m. Sunday, April through October, and for special events Admission: By donation

Tampico Area Historical Society and Museum

The museum has two levels with displays of clothing, photos, antiques and other memorabilia. The upper level also is the Family History Library & Research Center for genealogy research. The town’s only newspaper, published from 1876 to 1966, is archived there. The library also has cemetery lists, funeral logs, family history files, photographs, plat maps and more.

Address: 119 Main St. Phone: 815-590-2143 Online: tampicohistoricalsociety.com/Home_Page.html or Facebook Hours: By appointment Admission: Free

39

Explore Sauk Valley

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40

www.saukvalley.com “Apparition Schmoosh,”(right)

by Charles Yost of Chicago, and “Can’t Keep a Good Man Down” (below) by Ted Sitting Crow Garner of Chicago, are two of the several sculptures on display in “Art in the Park,” at RB&W District Park, along Rock Falls’ riverfront. Yost spearheaded the effort to get the sculptures displayed in Rock Falls.

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

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Explore Sauk Valley

Quad-City area FIG G E A R TM US E

The Quad Cities line the shores of the Mississippi River with a regional population of more than 300,000. The riverfront communities include Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa and Rock Island, Moline and East Moline in Illinois. The cities are home to the Skybridge in Davenport, Government Bridge and John Deere World Headquarters in Moline, among other noteworthy attractions.

JUNE 8 Gumbo Ya Ya; Daiquiri Factory, 1809

Second Ave., Rock Island; zydeco, blues and jazz music, street performers, Cajun food, Mardi Gras beads and more; admission is $10, kids 12 and younger admitted free; gates open at 4 p.m.; Facebook

JUNE 8-9 Pioneer Days; Colonel Davenport

Historical House, Arsenal Island in Rock Island; activities for children and adults; Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for seniors, and free for children 12 and younger; noon to 4 p.m.; davenporthouse.org/ events.php

JUNE 21-23 Planet Funk Con; Comic Con featuring guests and panels, cosplay competitions video game tournaments, tabletop games and vendors; $20 per day, $50 weekend pass; planetfunkcon.com

JUNE 29-30 Quad Cities Air Show; Davenport Municipal Airport, 9230 Harrison St.; featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, aero-

RT

Rhubarb Festival; downtown Aledo; more than 3,000 homemade rhubarb pies for sale, rhubarb samples, rhubarb seed giveaway, crafts, antiques and flea market, entertainment, 5K walk/run and more; aledorhubarbfest.com or 309-5822751

O ENP AV ,D

JUNE 7-8

M

Quad Cities Kwik Star Criterium;

Lindsay Park, East Davenport; more than 650 cyclists compete in 12 races; children’s play area and races; quadcitiescriterium.com or Facebook

U

QUAD CITY AREA CALENDAR OF EVENTS batic teams, sky divers as well as planes MAY 27 and helicopters on the ground 8 a.m.-

5 p.m.; tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for ages 6-10; quadcityairshow.com/

distance runners from around the world compete for prize money in this worldrenowned 7-mile race, plus USA 7-Mile Championships; 8 a.m.; bix7.com

JULY 3

JULY 30-AUG. 4

Red, White and Boom!; Davenport and Rock Island; fireworks over the river, plus music, family activities, food and more; 6 p.m.; redwhiteboom.org

Mississippi Valley Fair; Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, 2815 W. Locust St., Davenport; grandstand entertainment, carnival, food and more; admission is $10 for adults and $5 for ages 4-12; grandstand admission is by “fun card” only; mvfair. com

JULY 5-6 Mississippi Valley Blues Festival;

LeClaire Park, Davenport; blues music, plus workshops and a photo exhibit; advance tickets are $15 for Friday, $25 for Saturday, and $35 for both days, or $20, $30, and $45 at the gate; mvbs. org/blues-fest.php

JULY 8-14 John Deere Classic; TPC Deere Run, 3100 Heather Knoll, Silvis; PGA Tour event; tickets start at $30; johndeereclassic.com

JULY 16-20

AUG. 1-3 Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival; The Rhythm City Casino, 7077

Elmore Ave., Davenport; traditional Dixieland jazz music; day passes start at $55 and single-session tickets start at $30; bixsociety.org or 563-324-7170

AUGUST Tug Fest (date to be determined);

giant tug-of-war across the Mississippi River between LeClaire, Iowa, and Port Byron, plus music, carnival, community tailgate party, 5K walk/run, parade, fireworks and more; admission is $5; tug is at 12:30 p.m. Saturday; tugfest.org or Facebook

Rock Island County Fair; Rock Island County Fairgrounds, 4200 Archer Drive, East Moline; 4-H exhibits, livestock, carnival, music, trailer races, truck and tractor pull, demolition derby, monster truck rally, food and more; gate admission is $2 for ages 13 and older, $1 for ages 6 to 12 and free for 5 and under; or $5 after 8:30 p.m., grandstand admission is $10; rockislandfair.org, Facebook or 309-796-1620

AUG, 17

JULY 26-27

AUG. 17

Street Fest; Second Street, Davenport;

music, arts and crafts vendors, family activities and more; downtowndavenport. com or 563-823-2681

JULY 27 Bix 7; downtown Davenport; elite

Wine Walk, East Davenport; sip and stroll through participating businesses; $25 cash donation to Gilda’s Club of the QCA; 3-6 p.m.; villageofeastdavenport.com Floatzilla; Sunset Marina, Rock Island; paddle sports festival that includes an attempt to break the world record for the largest flotilla of canoes and kayaks; floatzilla.org or Facebook Continued on page 42

42

www.saukvalley.com

These kids hopped on board the train table in the Family Museum in Bettendorf, Iowa.

AUG. 17 Quad City Symphony Riverfront Pops;

LeClaire Park, downtown Davenport; a symphonic tribute to the music of Queen; gates open at 4 p.m.; advance tickets are $20 for adults, $5 for children; qcso.org/ event

AUG. 22-25 Alternating Currents, Downtown Davenport; music, comedy, film and art festival at venues across the area with 50-plus acts; more information to come; alternatingcurrentsqc.com or Facebook

AUG. 24-25 Farm Days in the Village, East Daven-

port; farm displays, tractor rides, petting zoo, arts and crafts and entertainment; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday; villageofeastdavenport.com

AUG. 31-SEPT. 1 Rock Island Grand Prix; downtown Rock Island; largest and most prestigious kart street race, plus music, family activities, and more; rockislandgrandprix.com, Facebook or 309-292-8133

SEPT. 7-8

Beaux Arts Fair; Figge Art Museum

plaza, Second Street, Davenport; juried art show, music, children’s activities and food; beauxartsfair.com or Facebook

SEPT. 21-22 Celtic Festival & Highland Games;

Centennial Park, Davenport; traditional Scottish “games of strength,” music, dancing and more; celtichighlandgames.org

SEPTEMBER Brew Ha Ha (date to be announced);

LeClaire Park, Davenport; beer-tasting, music and more; tickets are $30 in advance, $45 day of; 1-5 p.m.; jayceesqc.org/brewhaha or 563-484-0041

SEPT. 21-22 Riverssance Festival of Fine Arts; Lind-

say Park, East Davenport; juried art show, music, children’s activities and food; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sunday; admission is $4 per person, $6 for 2-day pass, children 12 and younger admitted free; midcoast.org or 309-7378910

SEPT. 27-29 Quad Cities Balloon Festival; Rock Island County Fairgrounds, 4200 Archer Drive, East Moline; hot-air balloons launch

Submitted

and land and are illuminated at night, plus children’s activities and tethered balloon rides; quadcitiesballoonfestival.com or Facebook

NOVEMBER Quad City Arts Festival of Trees (date to be determined); RiverCenter, 136 E.

Third St., Davenport; 100 designer trees, helium balloon parade, parties, TreatShoppe and more; admission is $10 for adults, $6 for seniors, $3 for ages 2-10; quadcityarts.com or 309-793-1213

DECEMBER 19th Century Christmas (date to be determined); Butterworth Center and

Deere-Wiman House, 1105 Eighth St., Moline; historic homes decorated for the holidays, plus music, visits with Santa, make-and-take crafts and more; noon-5 p.m.; butterworthcenter.com or 309-7432700

DEC. 14-15 Quad City Symphony Holiday Brass;

North Scott Fine Arts Auditorium; 200 S. First St., Eldridge; shows at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for students; qcso.org/events/

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Explore Sauk Valley

QUAD CITY AREA TOURIST ATTRACTIONS BETTENDORF, IOWA Centennial Garden

Centennial Garden is a tribute, decade by decade, to Bettendorf history. The garden is in the shape of a flower, and each petal is a separate garden representing a decade, and filled with thousands of varieties of flowers, plants, grasses, scrubs and trees popular during that decade.

Address: 2407 Middle Road Phone: 563-344-4113 Online: visitquadcities.com/partners/ centennial-garden Hours: 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m. daily

Channel Cat Water Taxi

These open-air, pontoon-style boats shuttle passengers back and forth across the Mississippi River to landings in Davenport, Bettendorf and Moline. Passengers can stop at any landing to shop, eat or enjoy other activities. Tickets are good all day.

Address: Bettendorf landing, 17th Street and Isle Parkway at the Isle of Capri Casino Phone: 309-788-3360 Online: gogreenmetro.com/231/ Channel-Cat Hours: 11 a.m.-7:40 p.m. MondayThursday and 9 a.m.-7:15 p.m. FridaySunday, Memorial Day-Labor Day Tickets: $8 ages 11 and older, $4 ages 2-10

Crow Creek Park Skate Park

This skate park is designed for skateboarders of all ages and skill levels. BMX biking paths also are available during limited hours.

Address: 4800 N. Devils Glen Road Phone: 563-344-4113 Online: bettendorf.org/parks Hours: 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m. daily

Family Museum

The museum is an interactive destination with indoor and outdoor playgrounds and exhibits. Families can do everything from make a cloud and touch a tornado to drive a combine and climb a tree house.

The venue is filled with music, sound, light and learning experiences.

Address: 2900 Learning Campus Drive Phone: 563-344-4106 Online: familymuseum.org or Facebook Hours: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday Admission: $9 ages 2 and older; $5 for seniors, and active military personnel, their spouse, and children residing in the

household

Splash Landing Aquatic Center

Splash Landing has a zero-depth entry pool with water geysers, a children’s boat slide, a flume and speed slide, a drop slide and a toddler pool area with a slide, spray features and a sand play area.

There is a concession stand, too.

Address: 2220 23rd St. Phone: 563-344-4124 Online: bettendorf.org/splash Hours: 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily and 6:30-8 p.m. Monday-Friday Admission: $6 for ages 3 to adults, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m., $3 3:30-5 and 6:308 p.m.

DAVENPORT, IOWA

Annie Wittenmyer Aquatic Center

This aquatic facility features a zero-depth pool, water slide, drop slide, shallow water toys, a sand play area and a concession stand.

Address: 2828 Eastern Ave. Phone: 563-326-7828 or 563-326-7812 Hours: 12:30-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.

Monday-Friday and 1-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Admission: $4 for residents, $5 for nonresidents

Centennial Park Skate Park This skate park, located to the west of Centennial Park, offers a dedicated space for skateboarding, inline skating and BMX biking.

Phone: 563-326-7763 Address: 900 W. River Drive Online: visitquadcities.com/partners/ davenport-skatepark Hours: Sunrise to half-hour after sunset Centennial Park Sprayground

This spray park offers a number of decorative water spray features for children of all ages.

Address: 315 S. Marquette St. Phone: 563-328-7275 Online: cityofdavenportiowa.com Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day Admission: Free

Credit Island Park and Natural Historic Preserve

The park, on the Mississippi River, offers kayak, canoe and bike rentals, an 18-hole disc golf course, ball diamonds, basketball courts, tennis courts, horseshoe pits and bike trails.

Address: 2301 W. River Drive Phone: 563-326-7812 Online: cityofdavenportiowa.com

Fejervary Park

This park is known for its children’s nature center, which includes a children’s garden with 50 trees, one from each state. There are wooded picnic areas, walking paths and a sensory garden.

Fejervary Aquatic Center also is in the park.

Address: 1800 W. 12th St. Phone: 563-326-7812 Online: cityofdavenportiowa.com Hours: Learning Center is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and noon-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; Aquatic Center is open 12:30-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.

Monday-Friday and 1-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Admission: Aquatic Center admission is $4 residents and $5 nonresidents

Figge Art Museum

Featuring both permanent and traveling exhibits from around the world, the award-winning museum is home to works

by Warhol, Pollock, Wood and Matisse. It also has a hands-on children’s art area.

Address: 225 W. Second St. Phone: 563-326-7804 Online: figgeartmuseum.org/ or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday Admission: $10 adults, $6 seniors and students, $4 ages 4-12

German American Heritage Center

Originally built in 1862 as a hotel for German immigrants, the center takes visitors on an interactive journey as the immigrants traveled by sea, train and foot to their new home. The “Step in my Shoes” exhibit allows visitors to step in the footprints of a child or adult to trigger a character from the era whose story was developed from diary entries and historical documents.

Address: 712 W. Second St. Phone: 563-322-8844 Online: gahc.org or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday Admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 ages 5-17

Harborview Production (Isabel Bloom) Studio

Isabel Bloom sculptures have become

Continued on page 44

44 treasured 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.

Address: 736 Federal St. Phone: 800-273-5436 Online: ibloom.com or Facebook Hours: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday; Tours normally scheduled at 10 a.m.

Admission: Free, but reservations required

Michael’s Fun World

This indoor-outdoor facility offers go-karts, laser tag, miniature golf, batting cages, and more.

Address: 345 W. 76th St. Phone: 563-386-3826 Online: michaelsfunworld.com or Facebook Hours: Varies by season; check the website or call ahead Admission: Varies by attraction; check the website or call ahead

Nahant Marsh Education Center

Nahant Marsh is a 265-acre preserve, part of a 513-acre wetland complex that includes a forest, open water habitat and marsh adjacent to the Mississippi River. The marsh features trails, bird watching and an educational center on more than 500 acres.

Address: 4220 Wapello Ave. Phone: 563-336-3370 Online: nahantmarsh.org or Facebook Hours: Educational center open 8:30 a.m.4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays on April through September and 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays October through March Admission: Free

Putnam Museum

The Putnam Museum features permanent exhibits on the Mississippi River, ancient Egypt and Asia, and traveling exhibits. A new Science Center offers 45 hands-on stations that showcase aerospace, robotics, architecture and more. The museum also is home to the National Geographic Giant Screen Theater, an enormous 6-storytall, 7-story-wide digital surround sound venue with one of the most technologically advanced projection systems in the world.

Address: 1717 W. 12th St. Phone: 563-324-1933 Online: putnam.org or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday Admission: $9 adults, $8 children age 3-18, seniors and military personnel with ID (admission to the museum and Science Center); tickets to documentaries are more

Quad Cities River Bandits baseball

The Quad Cities River Bandits are a Class

www.saukvalley.com A, Midwest League affiliate of the Houston Astros. The team plays at Modern Woodmen Park.

Address: 209 S. Gaines St. Phone: 563-324-3000 Online: riverbandits.com or Facebook Hours: Vary; check the website or call ahead for games dates and times Admission: $14 club seats, $12 lower box seats, $10 upper box seats, $7 bleachers

Quad City Rollers The Quad City Rollers are a female, flattrack roller derby team.

Address: Eldridge Community Center and Skatepark, 400 S. 16th Ave., Eldridge Online: quadcityrollers.com or Facebook Hours: Vary; check the website or call ahead for games dates and times Admission: $10 in advance, $12 at the door; free for 12 and younger

The River’s Edge ice arena The River’s Edge is a premier, 75,000-square-foot indoor sports facility that offers an Olympic-size ice rink and an indoor turf field for soccer, football, baseball, lacrosse and golf.

Address: 700 W. River Drive Phone: 563-328-7275 Online: cityofdavenportiowa.com Hours: Public skating hours vary; check the website or call ahead Admission: Public skating is $5.50, skate rental is $3.50

Schuetzen Park Schuetzen Park is a privately owned nature and recreation area. Established in 1870 as a German-American entertainment retreat, it once offered a shooting range, as well as an inn, dance hall, music pavilion and more. Today it is preserved as a “wildpark,” and the only original building that remains is a 1911 street car waiting station, now called the Trolley Car Pavilion.

The 20-acre site is designated as a nature preserve and features rustic nature trails. It also hosts special events.

Address: 3401 Schuetzen Lane Phone: 563-449-2358 Online: schuetzenpark.info or Facebook Hours: Daylight hours or during special occasions

Skybridge The 600-foot-long Skybridge, built in 2005, rises 50 feet in the air, providing panoramic views of the Mississippi River.

The glass walkway and stairwells offer amazing views of the river and surrounding cityscape. The inside of the bridge features kaleidoscope lighting.

Address: 121 W. Second St. Phone: 563-326-7810 Online: cityofdavenportiowa.com

Vander Veer Botanical Park

This 33-acre park is home to an extensive collection of gardens and trees, including many planted in the early 1890s. It has a lagoon, historic stone fountain, rose garden and brick walking paths. The conservatory has seasonal plant and flower exhibits as well as year-round exhibits on regional, desert and tropical plants and flowers. There also is a gift shop.

Address: 215 W. Central Park Ave. Phone: 563-328-7275 Online: cityofdavenportiowa.com Hours: Conservatory, greenhouses and store are open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. TuesdaySunday Admission: free

COAL VALLEY Niabi Zoo

This 40-acre zoo is home to more than 600 animals from more than 200 species around the world. Other attractions include a carousel, replica steam engine, and concession areas.

Address: 13010 Niabi Zoo Road Phone: 309-799-3482 Online: niabizoo.com or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April-Sept. 9; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday Sept. 10-Oct. 27; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Sunday November and December Admission: $9 adults, $8 seniors, $6.50 ages 3-12; train rides, carousel rides and pony rides have an additional fee

MOLINE Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House

The historic homes once belonged to John Deere’s descendants and are within a half block of each other in the Overlook District.

The Butterworth Center, built in 1892, was a wedding present from Charles Deere to his daughter, Katherine, and her husband, William Butterworth. The Butterworths called their home “Hillcrest,” and it features a rebuilt pipe organ and a library designed to hold an 18th century Italian ceiling painting. The Deere-Wiman House was built in 1872,

by John Deere’s son, Charles. He called it “Overlook;” it was built in the Victorian style until its roof line was changed after a fire in 1899 caused extensive damage. Both homes are surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Address: 817 11th Ave. and 1105 Eighth St.

45

Explore Sauk Valley Phone: 309-743-2700 Online: butterworthcenter.com or Facebook Hours: Tours available by appointment 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; Drop in tours offered at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday starting at the Deere-Wiman House Admission: By donation

Celebration River Cruises

The 770-passenger Celebration Belle luxury riverboat hosts lunch, dinner and all-day cruises on the Mississippi, with destinations in the Quad Cities and Dubuque and fall cruises to Wisconsin.

Address: 2501 River Drive Phone: 800-297-0034 Online: celebrationbelle.com or Facebook Hours: Vary by cruise; check the website or call ahead Admission: Varies by cruise; check the website or call ahead

Deere & Co. World Headquarters

The John Deere headquarters offers guests a look at the Deere Co. legacy of farm and industrial equipment manufacturing. View antique John Deere equipment as well as the newest innovations. Sit in a combine. Climb on a tractor. The headquarters is situated on 1,400 acres of beautiful landscaping. It also boasts an impressive art collection.

Address: 1 John Deere Place Phone: 800-765-9588 Online: johndeereattractions.com Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday Admission: Free

TaxSlayer Center

The TaxSlayer Center is a 12,000-seat, multipurpose arena, home to the Quad City Steamwheelers Indoor Football League and the Quad City Storm hockey team as well as a venue for concerts, sporting events and theater performances.

Address: 1201 River Drive Phone: 309-764-2000 Online: taxslayercenter.com or Facebook Hours: Vary by event; box office open 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.2 p.m. Saturday Admission: Varies by event; check the website or call ahead

John Deere Pavilion

The John Deere Pavilion is a tribute to the inventiveness of the John Deere legacy, long the hallmark of agricultural equipment around the world. The pavilion features hands-on exhibits.

Address: 1400 River Drive Phone: 309-765-1000

Online: johndeereattractions.com Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday Admission: Free

ROCK ISLAND

Backwater Gamblers

The Backwater Gamblers have been thrilling crowds since 1980. The 150-member ski team performs both delicate and daring water skiing feats. Pyramids, bare footing, ramp jumps and trick skiing all are part of the 1-hour show.

Address: Ben Williamson Park, 5000 44th St. Phone: 309-786-8987 Online: backwatergamblers.com or Facebook Hours: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday, Memorial Day through Labor Day Admission: Free

Bent River Brewing Co.

The Bent River Brewing Co., established in 1997, produces more than 1,500 barrels of award-winning beers annually. Its Rock Island location houses the company’s bottling line and distribution center.

Address: 512 24th St. Phone: 309-283-4811 Online: bentriverbrewing.com or Facebook Hours: Tours available by appointment Admission: Free

Black Hawk State Historic Site

The site, once home to Chief Black Hawk and the Sauk tribe, is a 208-acre wooded, steeply rolling park bordering the Rock River, with 6 miles of hiking trails, a nature center and picnic areas with stone fireplaces. The Watch Tower Lodge is home to the John Hauberg Indian Museum, which showcases the Sauk and Meskwaki tribes; life-size figures depict the daily life of the tribes from 1750 to 1830. Guided tours of the museum are available by appointment.

Address: 1510 46th Ave. Phone: 309-788-9536 Online: blackhawkpark.org Hours: Site open sunsrise to 10 p.m.; Museum open 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 2-4 p.m.

Wednesday-Sunday.

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. Call in advance to schedule a tour.

Address: 2901 12th St. Phone: 309-788-6622 Online: chippiannock.com

Quad City Arts Gallery

Quad City Arts, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the presentation, development and celebration of visual and performing arts, is housed in a former department store, of which the first floor is the gallery. The exhibition space is more than 1,500 square feet and hosts paintings, sculptures and musical and literary performances. There also is a gallery store.

Address: 1715 Second Ave. Phone: 309-793-1213 Online: quadcityarts.com or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday Admission: Free

Quad City Botanical Center

The Quad City Botanical Center brings people and plants together via an indoor tropical atrium, an accessible raised garden, several outdoor gardens, an educational greenhouse, and a gift shop.

The garden maintains hundreds of plants ranging from tropical varieties to regional perennials. It has a rare conifer collection, unique to the Quad Cities, as well as a stunning iris collection, and other special collections, including day lilies, mums and ornamental grasses. There also is an outdoor butterfly garden.

Address: 2525 Fourth Ave. Phone: 309-794-0991 Online: qcgardens.com or Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, open till 7 p.m. Tuesday Admission: $7 adults, $4 ages 2-15, free for 1 and younger

Schwiebert Riverfront Park

The park, with spectacular views of the Mississippi River, boasts digital playgrounds and an interactive fountain for children. The park also has an open-air stage, observation shelter and waterfront promenade.

Address: 17th to 20th St. Phone: 309-732-7275 Online: rigov.org/431/schwiebertriverfront-park Hours: Sunrise-10 p.m.

Sylvan Slough Natural Area

The City of Rock Island transformed this once blighted industrial property on the Mississippi, into a natural area. It now is a unique demonstration area for

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Wikipedia

The skybridge spans River Drive in Davenport, providing safe passage across the busy street as well as a view of the riverfront and downtown area.

Retain the Rain, a program of the nonprofit River Action. The natural area incorporates native plantings, bioswails, permeable paving, and other initiatives designed to educate the public about reduction of storm water runoff. The slough has a bald eagle observation area with views of Sylvan Island and Rock Island Arsenal. It is adjacent to the 64-mile Great River Trail.

Address: 4501 Third Ave. Phone: 309-732-7275 Online: rigov.org/288/sylvan-sloughnatural-area Hours: Sunrise-10 p.m.

Whitewater Junction Water Park

Whitewater Junction Water Park is a railroad-themed aquatic center with a body slide, tube slide, open drop slide and drop slide, as well as spray features.

Address: 17th Street and 18th Avenue Phone: 309-732-7946 Online: rigov.org/84/whitewater-junction-aquatic-center or Facebook Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from May 25 to Aug. 11; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from Aug. 12 to Sept. 2 Admission: $9 ages 3 and older; $5 open swim 6-8 p.m.

Colonel Davenport House

Home to one of the Quad Cities’ founding fathers, Col. George Davenport, the Federal-style house, built in 1834,

became the center of local commerce, a crossroads for trade in the region. There also is a gift shop.

Address: Davenport Avenue, Rock Island Arsenal Phone: 309-786-7336 Online: davenporthouse.org or Facebook Hours: Noon-4 p.m. WednesdaySaturday May through October; 2-4 p.m.

Nov. 11 for Veterans Day ($1 admission); by appointment, November-April Admission: $6 adults; $4 seniors; free for 12 and younger, and active military

Rock Island Arsenal

An active US Army facility and the original arsenal buildings are designated on the National Historic Landmark. The island features historical attractions and a museum.

(Visitors 16 and older must obtain a credential at the Visitor Control Center) Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Lock and Dam tours available by reservation weekends 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Online: visitquadcities.com/content/ rock-island-arsenal or Facebook

Government Bridge and Mississippi River Visitor Center

The visitor center welcomes more than 60,000 people annually who come to see the locks and dams of the Mississippi River, as well as the more than 100-yearold traffic and rail bridge – one of the oldest of its kind still in use on the river.

Address: Building 328 Phone: 309-794-5338 Online: shawurl.com/32h1 Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily Admission: Free

Rock Island Arsenal Museum

The Rock Island Arsenal Museum, opened in 1905, is the second-oldest U.S. Army museum in the United Sates and chronicles the history of the island, items manufactured there and firearms developed over the years.

Address: Building 60, 3500 North Ave. Phone: 309-782-5021 Online: arsenalhistoricalsociety.org/ museum Hours: noon-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday Admission: Free

Rock Island Arsenal National and Confederate cemeteries

The Rock Island Arsenal National Cemetery was established in 1863 as a place to bury Union soldiers, who died while serving as guards at the large Confederate prison camp on the island during the Civil War. More than 25,000 veterans of various wars and their spouses are interred there. The Confederate Prisoners of War cemetery is nearby, where 1,950 Confederate POWs are buried.

Address: Building 118 Phone: 309-782-2094 Online: www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/ rockisland.asp Hours: Dawn to dusk

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Rockford-area TROLLEY CA R

Rockford was first settled in 1834 and grew rapidly during the 19th century, when it was known for its production of agricultural machinery and furniture.

The early Swedish settlers brought both architecture and culture that still are apparent in the city on the Rock River.

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ROCKFORD AREA CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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MAY 27

Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford; see website for shows, tickets; rockvalleycollege.edu/Community/Theatre/starlight. cfm or 815-921-2160

Veterans Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St., Rockford; ceremony includes the annual riverside sinking of the ship ceremony; parade at 9 a.m., ceremony at 10:30 a.m.; veteransmemorialhall.com or 815-969-1999

Music on the Rock, Burpee Natural History Museum, 737 N. Main St. Rockford; live music featuring Chicago Blues All Stars; food and drink; tickets $15 for reserved seats, lawn seating free; 5:30-8:30 p.m.; burpee.org/ musicontherock/

MAY 31

JUNE 13-16

Music on the Mall, Edgebrook, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; featuring local musicians; 6:30-8:30 p.m.; edgebrookshops.com/ events/music-on-the-mall/

Old Settlers Days; Settlers Park, Rockton; music, carnival, 5K walk/run, parade, fireworks and more; admission passes are $6 in advance and $10 as of June 13; main stage shows are more; featuring performances by Flo Rida, Justim Moore, Adam Hambrick, Collective Soul and The Gin Blossoms; oldsettlersdays.com, Facebook or 815-206-8525

Starlight Theatre; Starlight Theatre, Rock

THROUGH AUGUST Ski Broncs Waterski Show Team; Shore-

wood Park, 235 Evelyn Ave., Loves Park; concessions available; 7 p.m. Wednesday and 6:15 Friday; skibroncs.com or Facebook

THROUGH AUGUST Rockford Rivets, 4503 Interstate Blvd, Loves

Park; part of the Northwood League; see website for schedule, tickets; northwoodsleague. com/rockford-rivets/

THROUGH SEPTEMBER Rockford Starfires Women’s Baseball;

Beyer Stadium, 200 15th Ave., Rockford; see website for schedule, tickets; rockfordstarfiresblog.wordpress.com/schedule/

THROUGH OCTOBER Rockford Speedway; featuring races, family-day activities, car shows and more; see website for full schedule, times, tickets; rockfordspeedway.com/

THROUGH DECEMBER Artists’ Ensemble Theater; Cheek Theatre, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford; see website for shows, tickets; artistsensemble.org, 815-394-5004 or Facebook

MAY 18-19 Pec Thing, Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 500 W. First St., Pecatonica; featur-

ing antiques, quilts, crafts, holiday décor, art, woodworking and more; admission is $5, free for children 12 and younger; 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; winnebagocountyfair.com/pec-thing

Memorial Day parade and ceremony;

JUNE 1-2 Garden Fair; Klehm Arboretum, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford; plant and garden sale, art and antique vendors, food and more; tickets are $8; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday; klehm.org or 815-965-8146

JUNE 5 Music on the Rock, Burpee Natural History Museum, 737 N. Main St. Rockford; live music featuring Chris O’Leary Band; food and drink; tickets $15 for reserved seats, lawn seating free; 5:30-8:30 p.m.; burpee.org/musicontherock/

JUNE 12

JUNE 14 Music on the Mall, Edgebrook, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; featuring local musicians; 6:30-8:30 p.m.; edgebrookshops.com/ events/music-on-the-mall/

JUNE 15

Music on the Mall, Edgebrook, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; featuring local musicians; 6:30-8:30 p.m.; edgebrookshops.com/ events/music-on-the-mall/

Midsommar Fest, Erlander Home Museum, 4104 S. Third St., Rockford; Swedish Historical Society celebrates the arrival of summer with entertainment, children’s activities, Viking encampment, pancake eating contest; ABBA salute concert at Veterans Memorial Hall at 7 p.m. requires tickets, $15 in advance or $20 at the door;10 a.m.-3 p.m.; swedishhistorical. org/midsommar.html

JUNE 8

JUNE 16

Artsy, Edgebrook, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; arts and crafts exhibit featuring local artisans from the community; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; edgebrookshops.com/events/artsy

Woodsong Concert, Klehm Arboretum, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford; featuring The Madtown Mannish Boys; pack a picnic, bring blanket, chairs; gates open at 4 p.m.; klehm. org or 815-965-8146

JUNE 7

JUNE 11, 14, 18, 20, 25 AND 27 Music in the Park; Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford; see website for schedule; donations requested at some concerts; 7 p.m.; rockfordparkdistrict.org

JUNE 16 Stateline Classics Car Show, downtown Durand; awards prizes in several categories;

Continued on page 48

48 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; statelineclassics.com/

JUNE 19 Council of Rockford Gardeners’ Garden Walk; Rockford; self-guided tour of area gar-

www.saukvalley.com tory Museum, 737 N. Main St. Rockford; live music featuring Groove Hotel; food and drink; tickets $15 for reserved seats, lawn seating free; 5:30-8:30 p.m.; burpee.org/musicontherock/

dens; 1-8 p.m.; councilofrockfordgardeners.org

JULY 4

JUNE 19

4th of July Celebration; downtown Rockford; breakfast, parade, at Davis Park live entertainment starting at 5 p.m., admission $5; fireworks at dusk; rockfordfireandice.com

Music on the Rock, Burpee Natural History Museum, 737 N. Main St. Rockford; live music featuring John Nemeth; food and drink; tickets $15 for reserved seats, lawn seating free; 5:30-8:30 p.m.; burpee.org/musicontherock/

JUNE 21 Solstice Celebration; Severson Dells

Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford; celebrate first day of summer and longest day of the year; music, s’mores around the campfire; 7-9 p.m.; seversondells.com/

JUNE 21 Music on the Mall, Edgebrook, 1639 N.

Alpine Road, Rockford; featuring local musicians; 6:30-8:30 p.m.; edgebrookshops.com/ events/music-on-the-mall/

JUNE 22 Family Nature Day, Nygren Wetland

Preserve, 3190 W. Rockton Road, Rockton; explore streams, forests, prairies, wetlands, hands-on learning, wagon rides, free to attend; advance registration requested;9 a.m.1 p.m.; naturalland.org

JUNE 22 Summertime Outdoor Flea Market,

Hidden Treasures Mall & Antiques, 6329 N. Second St., Loves Park; furniture, antiques, collectibles; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; hunthiddentreasures. com/

JUNE 26 Music on the Rock, Burpee Natural His-

tory Museum, 737 N. Main St. Rockford; live music featuring Steepwater Band; food and drink; tickets $15 for reserved seats, lawn seating free; 5:30-8:30 p.m.; burpee.org/ musicontherock/

JUNE 29 Show of Shows; Boylan High School, 4000

St. Francis Drive, Rockford; the best drum and bugle corps in the world perform; tickets range from $19 to $70; 7:30 p.m., gates open at 6 p.m.; dci.org

JULY 3

Music on the Rock, Burpee Natural His-

JULY 5 Music on the Mall, Edgebrook, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; featuring local musicians; 6:30-8:30 p.m.; edgebrookshops.com/ events/music-on-the-mall/

JULY 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30 Music in the Park; Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford; see website for schedule; donations requested at some concerts; 7 p.m.; rockfordparkdistrict.org

JULY 10 Music on the Rock, Burpee Natural History Museum, 737 N. Main St. Rockford; live music featuring Ivy Ford Band; food and drink; tickets $15 for reserved seats, lawn seating free; 5:30-8:30 p.m.; burpee.org/musicontherock/

JULY 12 Music on the Mall, Edgebrook, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; featuring local musicians; 6:30-8:30 p.m.; edgebrookshops.com/ events/music-on-the-mall/

JULY 12 Friday Night Flix, Davis Park at Founders Landing, 320 Wyman St., Rockford; familyfriendly movie, bring blankets and chairs; 7 p.m.; Facebook

JULY 17 Music on the Rock, Burpee Natural History Museum, 737 N. Main St. Rockford; live music featuring Kevin “BF” Burt; food and drink; tickets are $15 for reserved seats, lawn seating free; 5:30-8:30 p.m.; burpee.org/ musicontherock/

JULY 19-20 Alpine Kiwanis Brat Days, Edgewood, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; food, live entertainment and coincides with Edgebrook Summer Sidewalk Sale; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; edgebrookshops. com/events/kiwanis-brat-days/

JULY 20 Summertime Outdoor Flea Market,

Hidden Treasures Mall & Antiques, 6329 N. Second St., Loves Park; furniture, antiques, collectibles; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; hunthiddentreasures. com/

JULY 21 Woodsong Concert, Klehm Arboretum,

2715 S. Main St., Rockford; featuring The Groove Hotel; pack a picnic, bring blanket, chairs; gates open at 4 p.m.; klehm.org or 815-965-8146

JULY 24 Music on the Rock, Burpee Natural History Museum, 737 N. Main St. Rockford; live music featuring Ghost Town Blues Band; food and drink; tickets $15 for reserved seats, lawn seating free; 5:30-8:30 p.m.; burpee.org/ musicontherock/

JULY 26 Music on the Mall, Edgebrook, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; featuring local musicians; 6:30-8:30 p.m.; edgebrookshops.com/ events/music-on-the-mall/

JULY 31 Music on the Rock, Burpee Natural History Museum, 737 N. Main St. Rockford; live music featuring Dave Keller Trio; food and drink; tickets $15 for reserved seats, lawn seating free; 5:30-8:30 p.m.; burpee.org/ musicontherock/

AUG. 1, 8 Music in the Park; Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford; see website for schedule; donations requested at some concerts; 7 p.m.; rockfordparkdistrict. org

AUG. 2 Music on the Mall, Edgebrook, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; featuring local musicians; 6:30-8:30 p.m.; edgebrookshops.com/ events/music-on-the-mall/

AUG. 2 Friday Night Flix, Davis Park at Founders Landing, 320 Wyman St., Rockford; familyfriendly movie, bring blankets and chairs; 7 p.m.; Facebook

AUG. 2-4 Festa Italiana; Boylan High School grounds,

4000 St. Francis Drive, Rockford; Italian music and folk dancing, carnival, children’s activities

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Explore Sauk Valley

After crossing Giboshi Bridge, visitors will arrive at the main gate, Seimon, which separates the contemporary gardens from the more traditional ones at Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford. woodworking and more; admission $5, free for children 12 and younger; 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; winnebagocountyfair.com/pec-thing/

SEPT. 14-15

Andrea Mills for Sauk Valley Media and Italian food; festaitalianarockford.com/ or Facebook or 815-636-2902

chairs; gates open at 4 p.m.; klehm.org or 815-965-8146

AUG. 9

AUG. 23

Music on the Mall, Edgebrook, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; featuring local musicians; 6:30-8:30 p.m.; edgebrookshops.com/ events/music-on-the-mall/

Music on the Mall, Edgebrook, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; featuring local musicians; 6:30-8:30 p.m.; edgebrookshops.com/ events/music-on-the-mall/

AUG. 14-18

AUG. 25

Winnebago County Fair; Winnebago

County Fairgrounds, 500 W. First St., Pecatonica; livestock, 4-H exhibits, music, carnival and more; admission varies by day from $3 to $7, grandstand entertainment is more; winnebagocountyfair.com or 815-239-1641

AUG. 16 Music on the Mall, Edgebrook 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; featuring local musicians; 6:30-8:30 p.m.; edgebrookshops.com/ events/music-on-the-mall/

AUG. 17 Summertime Outdoor Flea Market, Hidden Treasures Mall & Antiques, 6329 N. Second St., Loves Park; furniture, antiques, collectibles; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; hunthiddentreasures.com/

AUG. 18

Midtown Ethnic Parade and Festival;

Midtown district, 500 block of Seventh Street, Rockford; a celebration of the diverse cultures in Rockford; parade of colors and customs with dancing, music and more, plus festival with ethnic food, beer garden, entertainment, genealogy, children’s activities and more; parade at 1 p.m.; 12-5 p.m.; Facebook or 815-997-5888

AUG. 30 Music on the Mall, Edgebrook, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; featuring local musicians; 6:30-8:30 p.m.; edgebrookshops.com/ events/music-on-the-mall/

SEPT. 6 Music on the Mall, Edgebrook, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; featuring local musicians; 6:30-8:30 p.m.; edgebrookshops.com/ events/music-on-the-mall/

Polish Fest; St. Stanislaus Church, 201 Buckbee St., Rockford; traditional Polish dinner, music and dancing, plus children’s games, cultural exhibits and more; st-stanislaus.org or 815-965-3913

SEPT. 13

AUG. 18

SEPT. 14-15

Woodsong Concert, Klehm Arboretum, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford; featuring Ernie Hendrickson; pack a picnic, bring blanket,

Music on the Mall, Edgebrook, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; featuring local musicians; 6:30-8:30 p.m.; edgebrookshops.com/ events/music-on-the-mall/ Pec Thing, Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 500 W. First St., Pecatonica; featuring antiques, quilts, crafts, holiday décor, art,

Greenwich Village Art Fair, Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St.; more than 150 artists display their work at outdoor show, live music, food and drink, children’s activities; admission $5 advance, $7 at gate, free for children 12 and younger; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday; rockfordartmuseum.org/greenwich-home

SEPT. 15 Hot Diggity Dog Festival, Klehm Arboretum, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford; 10 a.m.-3 p.m; more info at klehm.org or 815-965-8146

SEPT. 21 Summertime Outdoor Flea Market, Hidden Treasures Mall & Antiques, 6329 N. Second St., Loves Park; furniture, antiques, collectibles; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; hunthiddentreasures.com/

OCT. 5-6 Cider n’ Cinnamon Arts & Crafts Fair;

Edgebrook, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; more than 70 vendors displaying variety of art, jewelry, crafts, clothing, vintage decor and more, with food and live music; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday; edgebrookshops.com/events/cider-n-cinnamon or 815-226-0212

OCT. 19-20 Holidazzle Arts & Craft Show; County Fairgrounds, 500 W. First St., Pecatonica; gifts, crafts, art and holiday decor; $3 admission, free for children 12 and younger; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; winnebagocountyfair.com/pec-thing/

NOV. 22-23 Holiday Tree Lighting and Open House;

Edgebrook, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; visit with Santa, holiday carols, tree lighting at 5 p.m. Nov. 22, special sales; edgebrookshops.com/events/holiday-tree-lighting/

NOV. 30 Stroll on State, downtown Rockford; featuring holiday activities including a tree lighting, wagon rides, visit with Santa and a parade; food and drink for purchase; 2-9 p.m.; gorockford.com/stroll-on-state/

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Clinton County C U R TI S M AN SI O

THROUGH SEPTEMBER Clinton LumberKings baseball; Ashford University Field, 537 Ball Park Drive, Clinton; Class A affiliate of the Florida Marlins; see website for games, tickets; lumberkings.com or 563-242-0727

MAY 18-19 Lyons Art and Craft Show; Four Square Park on Roosevelt Street and Main Avenue in Clinton; crafts and food vendors; antique tractor and equipment show Saturday; Clinton Area Rod Club Cruise In Sunday;10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday; clintonia.com

JUNE 2 Clinton Symphony Orchestra annual riverfront pops concert; Riverview Park, Clinton; 6:30 p.m.; clintonsymphony.org or 815-625-0922

JUNE 4 Tunes in Town with Coupe DeVille and Car Show; Lincoln Park in DeWitt; food vendors; bring

chairs, blankets; 6-9 p.m.; parks.cityofdewittiowa.org

JUNE 6-9 Glenn Miller Festival, Glenn Museum, 122 W.

Clark St., Clarinda; featuring live music, picnic, Big Band Breakfast, panel discussions, dance; ticket prices vary by event; see website for tickets, schedule; glennmiller.org

JUNE 6 Music on the Avenue; 200 block of Fifth Avenue S., Clinton; featuring Eliminator; food vendors; 6 p.m.; Facebook

JUNE 7 Finally Friday at the River; bandshell at Riverview Park, Clinton; music Stone Cold Cowboys; bring a lawn chair; 6 p.m.; finallyfriday-clinton.com or Facebook

JUNE 8 Lumberjack Festival; The Sawmill Museum, 2231 Grant St., Clinton; watch logrolling, lumberjack competition, ax throwing; activities for children including inflatables, pony rides; tickets $7 adults, $6 children ages 4-12, discount for advance ticket purchase; 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; thesawmillmuseum.org/

JUNE 11 Tunes in Town with The Hitman; Lincoln Park

in DeWitt; food vendors; bring chairs, blankets; 6-8 p.m.; parks.cityofdewittiowa.org

JUNE 13

N TO

Clinton Area Showboat Theatre; 303 Riverview Road, Clinton; Showboat Players perform; see website for showtimes and tickets; clintonshowboat.org or 563242-6760

Family Move Night in the Park; Lincoln Park, Dewitt; family-friendly movie starts at dusk; concessions available; 7:30 p.m.; dewitt.chambermaster.com

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CLINTON COUNTY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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Clinton County, Iowa, on the banks of the Mississippi River, is filled with parks and other natural areas, and its two largest cities, DeWitt and Clinton, are brimming with attractions. The county covers more than 700 square miles and is home to almost 50,000 people. It is named for former New York Gov. DeWitt Clinton, an ardent advocate for the construction of the Erie Canal.

Park in DeWitt; food provided by DeWitt Nite Lions; 6-8 p.m.; parks.cityofdewittiowa.org

JUNE 27 Music on the Avenue; 200 block of Fifth Avenue S., Clinton; featuring Brook Byam; food vendors; 6 p.m.; Facebook

JUNE 29

S., Clinton; featuring Dunmore & Newman Group; food vendors; 6 p.m.; Facebook

Riverview Bacon & Brew Fest; Riverview Park, 1401 11th Ave. N, Clinton; bacon inspired food, contests, live music; must be 21 older to attend; $20; Facebook

JUNE 15

JULY 2

Music on the Avenue; 200 block of Fifth Avenue

Felix Adler Day Festival; Felix Adler Children’s Discovery Center, 332 Eighth Ave. S., Clinton; circus activities and games, pony rides, entertainment and food; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; adlerdiscoverycenter.org, Facebook or 563-243-3600 Tunes in Town with Wild Oatz; Lincoln Park in

DeWitt; food vendors; beer garden; bring chairs, blankets; 6-8 p.m.; parks.cityofdewittiowa.org

Paul Skeffington Memorial Race; downtown Lincoln Park in DeWitt; free fun run at 6:30 p.m., with 2and 5-mile race at 7; bring your lawn chair and drinks, free kids activities and post race concert; skeffrace.com

JUNE 16 NASCAR Xfinity Series Iowa 250; Iowa Speedway; Newton; see website for race times, events, tickets; iowaspeedway.com/

JUNE 18 Tunes in Town with Black Velvet Band; Lincoln

Park in DeWitt; food vendors; 6-8 p.m.; parks.cityofdewittiowa.org

JUNE 20 Music on the Avenue; 200 block of Fifth Avenue S., Clinton; featuring The Narcissists; food vendors; 6 p.m.; Facebook

JUNE 23 Human Foosball; Clinton County Fairgrounds, 328 E. Eighth St., DeWitt; minimum 6-player team, $90 by May 31, $100 after, $20 for individuals who will be placed on a team, all ages welcome; check-in starts at 11 a.m.; dewittmod@gmail.com and DeWitt’s the Place to be on Facebook.

JUNE 25 Tunes in Town with Kickin’ Back Band; Lincoln

Tunes in Town with 34th Army Band Sidewinders; Lincoln Park in DeWitt; food vendors; 6-8 p.m.; parks.cityofdewittiowa.org

JULY 4 Fourth of July Festival; Riverview Park, Clinton; bags and volleyball tournaments, parade, carnival games, food and more; parade at 1 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.; “Clinton 4th of July Festival” on Facebook or 563-243-4000

JULY 5 Finally Friday at the River; bandshell at Riverview Park, Clinton; music by 42 Romeo; bring a lawn chair; 6 p.m.; finallyfriday-clinton.com or Facebook

JULY 9 Tunes in Town with Ron Lubbers; Lincoln Park in DeWitt; food vendors; 6-8 p.m.; parks.cityofdewittiowa. org

JULY 11 Music on the Avenue; 200 block of Fifth Avenue S., Clinton; featuring Down 24; food vendors; 6 p.m.; Facebook

JULY 13 Family Move Night in the Park; Lincoln Park, Dewitt; family-friendly movie starts at dusk; 7:30 p.m.; dewitt.chambermaster.com

JULY 16 Tunes in Town with Busty Turtle & Lori G; Lincoln Park in DeWitt; food vendors; 6-8 p.m.; parks.cityofdewittiowa.org

JULY 17-21

Clinton County Fair; Clinton County Fairgrounds,

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Explore Sauk Valley 328 E. Eighth St., Dewitt; garden tractor pull, truck pull, tractor pull, bull riding and barrel races, demolition derby and 4-H; prices $5-$10, free for children 8 and younger; free July 17 with food drive donation; clintoncountyiowafair.com or 563-659-1624

golf, carnival, car show, parade, lighted boat parade, fireworks and more; free admission; Camanche Days Festival on Facebook and 563-559-0391.

Point Park’s overlook of the river; street fest during packet pickup Saturday night and a post-race party Sunday; clintonpostmarathon.com or 563-242-2110

AUG. 2

SEPT. 21

JULY 18

Finally Friday at the River; bandshell at Riverview Park, Clinton; music by Outlaws and Angels; bring a lawn chair; 6 p.m.;finally friday-clinton.com or Facebook

DeWitt’s Autumn Fest; downtown near Lincoln Park area; children’s activities and performances, antique and new car show, food vendors, and live music; most activities are free; 5-9 p.m.; dewittiowa. org

Music on the Avenue; 200 block of Fifth Avenue S., Clinton; featuring Slough Boys; food vendors; 6 p.m.; Facebook

JULY 23 Tunes in Town with Jason Carl & The Whole Damn Band; Lincoln Park in DeWitt; food vendors; 6-8

AUG. 10 Family Move Night in the Park; Lincoln Park, Dewitt; family-friendly movie starts at dusk; 7:30 p.m.; dewitt.chambermaster.com

p.m.; parks.cityofdewittiowa.org

AUG. 13

JULY 25

Tunes in Town with Man Bullet Band; Lincoln Park in DeWitt; food vendors; 6-8 p.m.; parks.cityofdewittiowa.org

Music on the Avenue; 200 block of Fifth Avenue S., Clinton; featuring Todd Striley and the Noize; food vendors; 6 p.m.; Facebook

JULY 30 Tunes in Town with Todd Striley and the Noise;

Lincoln Park in DeWitt; food vendors; 6-8 p.m.; parks. cityofdewittiowa.org

AUG. 1 YWCA Splash for Cash, 6-8 p.m., Clinton YWCA,

AUG. 20 Tunes in Town with 10 of Soul; Lincoln Park in

DeWitt; food vendors; 6-8 p.m.; parks.cityofdewittiowa. org

AUG. 27 Tunes in Town with Tail Fins; Lincoln Park in

DeWitt; featuring a car cruise in; food vendors; 6-8 p.m.; parks.cityofdewittiowa.org

317 Seventh Ave. S.; buy a duck for $10 for a chance to win $5,000 to $10,000, food, live music; ywcaclinton.org or 563-242-2110

SEPT. 7- 8

AUG. 1-4

10K, half marathon, or half marathon relay; the race starts in downtown Clinton, to Riverfront Drive along the Mississippi, with challenging hill climbs to Eagle

Camanche Days, Platt Park, softball, volleyball, bags,

Clinton Half Marathon, runners can choose 5K,

SEPT. 28 John Bloom Arts Festival; Lincoln Park; featuring work from local artists and crafters; a make-and-take art table for children; food; event is tribute to DeWitt native and artist John Bloom; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; dewitt. chambermaster.com/

OCTOBER The Great Pumpkin Festival (date to be determined); downtown; activities for all ages, highlighted by pumpkin derby race; 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Facebook

OCT. 28 Mardi Gras Halloween Parade; 343 Fourth Ave. South, Clinton; parade featuring marching bands, floats and more; Facebook

NOV. 28-DEC. 30 Symphony of Lights; Eagle Point Park, 3900 N. Third St., Clinton; 40 lighted displays, 500,000 lights, castles, streams and a gingerbread lodge all on a 1-mile loop; $8 per carload; 6-9 p.m.; symphonyoflights.org or Facebook Continued on page 52

Theatre for Young Audiences Kid Camp 6-24 to 6-29 All shows are at 11:00 am

563-242-6760 www.clintonshowboating.org

July 10, 13, 17 and 20th

July 27, 31 and Aug. 3

52 DECEMBER Lyons Winter Festival and Christmas Walk (date to be determined); Main Avenue in Clinton; family friendly activities; Facebook

DEC. 7 DeWitt’s Hometown Christmas; downtown; full

day of kids and family activities, including family holiday movie, Christmas Carnival at Emmaus Road Church, a holiday window walk and the Lighted Holiday Pickup Parade at 5 p.m.; 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; dewittiowa.org

CLINTON COUNTY TOURIST ATTRACTIONS CALAMUS Mockridge Wildlife Area

The 75-acre preserve features sand dunes filled with Scotch and white pines and teems with owls, turkeys and deer. It also has 3 miles of hiking trails.

Address: 215th Street and 160th Avenue Phone: 563-847-7202 Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

Sherman Park

The 231-acre park along the Wapsipinicon River features hiking trails, hunting grounds, campsites, a boat launch and an observatory.

The north 185 acres are open to public hunting, while the south 46 acres is a park, wildlife preserve and campground. The Quad City Astronomical Society maintains an observatory where public star parties are held several times a year.

Address: 2776 160th Ave. Phone: 563-357-4134 Online: mycountyparks.com/county/clinton/ Park/Sherman-Park.aspx Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

CAMANCHE Blue Heron Eco Cruises

The Blue Heron, a 26-passenger pontoon boat, offers educational, naturalist-led tours of the Mississippi River ecosystem. Tours last about 90 minutes.

Address: Rock Creek Marina and Campground, 3942 291st St. Phone: 563-259-1876 Online: shawurl.com/32ds Hours: Tours are 7 p.m. Thursdays, May through October; other special tours are offered; call or check the website for dates and times Admission: Free; reservations required

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.

www.saukvalley.com Address: 102 12th Ave. Phone: 563-259-1285, 563-259-1280 or 563-259-1175 Online: camancheia.org/activities-attractions Hours: By appointment Admission: Free

Camanche Historical Society

The museum houses the Clinton County/ Gateway Genealogical Library as well as collections from the city’s past.

Address: 1307 S. Washington Blvd.

Phone: 563-259-1285, 563-259-1280 or 563-259-1175 Online: On Facebook Hours: 1-4 p.m. Sunday and by appointment Admission: Free

Folletts Park

The 7-acre park features an 18-hole disc golf course, a playground and a picnic shelter.

Address: U.S. Highway 67, 5 miles southwest of Camanche Phone: 563-847-7202 Online: mycountyparks.com/county/clinton/ Park/Folletts-Park.aspx Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

Mississippi River Eco-Tourism Center

The state-of-the-art eco-tourism center opened in 2012. Its centerpiece is an 8,000-gallon aquarium stocked with Mississippi River fish.

There also is a large wetlands display, highlighting reptiles, amphibians, waterfowl and other species that call the backwaters and sloughs of the river home. The center also is home to a large collection of replicas of Iowa state record fish species, Iowa’s largest deer, live snakes and turtles. It has a camp store and cafe, 200-plus-seat community meeting room, 30-seat meeting room and theater, large deck overlooking backwaters, and a marina.

Address: Rock Creek Marina and Campground, 3942 291st St. Phone: 563-259-1876 Online: shawurl.com/32dk Hours: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekends in the summer; scaled back in cooler months Admission: Free

CLINTON Bickelhaupt Arboretum

The Bickelhaupt Arboretum is a nationally recognized, 14-acre outdoor museum of selectlabeled trees, shrubs, ground cover, perennials and annuals; it features one of the top garden conifer collections in the country. It also has native prairie grasses, flowering trees, shrub roses, wildflowers and ornamental shrubs, as well as Stout Metal day lilies, a Monarch Watch butterfly station, American Hosta Society National Display Garden, a bird haven and an herb garden.

Address: 340 S. 14th St.

Phone: 563-242-4771 Online: bickelhaupt.org or Facebook Hours: Dawn to dusk daily; learning center 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday Admission: Free

Clinton Area Showboat Theatre

The Clinton Area Showboat Theatre is a professional, nonprofit, summer stock theater aboard a restored river paddle wheeler. Its theater is named the Lillian Russell Theatre, after the Clinton native who was one of the most popular stars of the 1890s. The season runs June through August.

Address: 303 Riverview Road Phone: 563-242-6760 Online: www.clintonshowboat.org Showtimes: 3 p.m. Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.

Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday; check the schedule online or call the box office Admission: Tickets are $21 online or $23 at the box office

Clinton County Historical Society and Museum

The museum contains documents, photographs and furniture, a 1924 kitchen and the “Resolute,” a hand-powered fire engine, all of which tell the stories of the early settlers of the Mississippi River area and the booming lumber business.

Address: 601 S. First St. Phone: 563-242-1201 Online: iagenweb.org/clinton/CCHS/index. htm Hours: 9-11 a.m. Monday-Friday, 1-4 p.m.

Sunday and by appointment Admission: Free

Clinton LumberKings baseball

The Clinton LumberKings are a professional, Class A, Midwest League affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. The team plays at Ashford University Field.

Address: 537 Ballpark Drive Phone: 563-242-0727 Online: lumberkings.com Admission: $7 general admission seats, $8 for box seats

Clinton Sawmill Museum

The Clinton Sawmill Museum showcases Clinton’s pivotal role in the lumber industry; the city once was known as the “Lumber Capital of the World.” The museum houses some original pieces from the Struve Mill, which was in operation from the 1860s to 1980s, as well as an early-20th century working sawmill.

Address: 2231 Grant St. Phone: 563-242-0343 Online: thesawmillmuseum.org or Facebook Hours: 1-6 p.m. Monday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Tuesday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday Admission: $6 adults, $4 ages 4-12

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Explore Sauk Valley Clinton Symphony Orchestra

The Clinton Symphony Orchestra is a professional orchestra that performs classical concerts at various locations in Iowa and Illinois throughout the season, and puts on an annual pops concert on the riverfront in June.

Phone: 815-625-0922 Online: clintonsymphony.org or Facebook Admission: $20 adults, free for students

Curtis Mansion

The restored Victorian home of lumber baron George M. Curtis. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it features original Tiffany glass windows, carved banisters, ornate wood trim and massive fireplaces.

Address: 420 Fifth Ave. S. Phone: 563-242-8556 Online: georgemcurtismansion.org or Facebook Hours: Tours are offered at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Saturdays (and Wednesday from Memorial Day to Labor Day); the mansion also is open for special events Admission: Free

Felix Adler Children’s Discovery Center

The museum offers interactive exhibits and educational displays, including a Brio train engine, Kapla blocks, an ambulance, grocery store and a hospital. It is named after Clinton native Frank Adler, “Funny Felix, King of Clowns,” who was a famous clown with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

Address: 332 Eighth Ave. S. Phone: 563-243-3600 Online: adlerdiscoverycenter.org or Facebook Hours: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. WednesdaySaturday, 12:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday Admission: $4 children and adults, $3 seniors

Gateway Contemporary Ballet/ Carousel School of Dance

The Gateway Contemporary Ballet offers classical and modern dance, including a fulllength ballet in the spring, free riverfront concerts in the summer and a showcase of guest artists in the fall.

Address: 233 Fifth Ave. S. Phone: 563-242-1002 Online: gatewayballet.org and Facebook Admission: Ticket prices vary; call school

River Arts Center

The center, operated by the Clinton Art Association, features new exhibits in a variety of media every 6 weeks. It also hosts classes and workshops taught by local artists. The center is home to the Clinton Art Players Theatre and Rainbow Pottery, a paint-your-own ceramics shop.

Address: 229 Fifth Ave. S. Phone: 563-243-3300 Online: clintonartassociation.com or Facebook Hours: 1-4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday or by appointment

Riverview Park Swimming Pool

This pool has a water slide, a sprinkler shaped like a lighthouse, a kiddie pool less than a foot deep and a separate diving pool.

Address: 101 S. First St. Phone: 563-242-4673 or 563-243-1260 Online: cityofclintoniowa.us Hours: 1-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday late May through early September Admission: $5 for ages 18 to 54; $4 for seniors and kids 5 to 17; $2 for kids 4 and younger

Wide River Winery

Wide River Winery, which opened in 2005, features award-winning wines, a tasting room and 6.5 acres of vineyards on the bluffs of the Mississippi River.

Tours of the facility and grounds are conducted daily and include a wine-tasting. Concerts and other activities also are held at the winery.

The winery also oper-

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 variety of quality goods SM-ST1660208

ates a tasting room in LeClaire.

Address: 1776 E. Deer Creek Road Phone: 563-519-9463 Online: wideriverwinery.com or Facebook Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily

DEWITT Central Community Historical Society & Museum

Features items that capture the rich history of DeWitt and the surrounding area, including Indian tools, military artifacts, household equipment, furniture and a school room filled with desks, books and clocks.

Address: 628 6th Ave. Phone: 563-659-9717 Online: centralcommunityhissoc.com or Facebook Hours: 8:30-10:30 a.m. Monday and 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.

Address: 1000 14th St. Phone: 563-659-3541 Online: parks.cityofdewittiowa.org or Facebook Continued on page 55

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www.saukvalley.com

Saturday, June 8th 11am-3pm Professional Lumberjack Show • Open Log Rolling Tank & Axe Throwing • Inflatables • Ponies and Train Rides Sponsored by: Clinton National Bank, Howes & Jeffries, Sweetheart Bakery, Wild Rose Casino, Nestle Purina, Kiwanis Club of Clinton.

1st Gateway Credit Union

Tickets

Presale: $5 $7 adult $6 ch ild

www.thesawmillmuseum.org/lumberjack-festival.html

Saturday, June 15 S

10 am - 3 pm

FREE Admission ⚫ Pony Rides ⚫ Petting Zoo Train Rides Games & Prizes ⚫ Stage Shows Balloon Art⚫ Inflatables ⚫ Face Painting cards sold for rides & games.

Food Stand by Fulton Kiwanis! Punch Felix Adler Children’s Discovery Center Clinton, Iowa’s Children’s Museum!

332 - 8th Avenue South, Clinton IA At the foot of the Hwy30 Bridge in Clinton!

(563) 243-360 0

SM-ST1660214

Rain or shine!

Thank you to Our Generous Sponsors:

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Explore Sauk Valley

The 21-mile hiking trail was formed from abandoned Milwaukee Railroad right-of-way.

It offers scenic views perfect for bird watching.

Address: 210th Avenue, between Highway 136 and 130th Street Phone: 563-847-7202 Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

Delmar Depot Railroad Museum

Located in S.S. Norton Park, the depot, built about 1905 and restored in the 1990s, features segregated waiting rooms for men and women, the “Elizabeth” caboose and the Orphan Train mural. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Address: 414 Lincoln Ave. Phone: 563-547-4077 Online: Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily in the summer, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in the winter Admission: Free

GRAND MOUND Barber Creek Wildlife Management Area

Submitted

The Sawmill Museum in Clinton 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.

Hours: 1-8 p.m. Monday-Friday, 1-6 p.m.

Saturday, 1-7 p.m. Sunday Admission: Daily rates are $5.50 for ages 13 and older, $3.25 for ages 6-12, $2.25 for ages 5 and younger, $2.50 for nonswimming adults with children

DeWitt Operahouse Theatre

The venue has been providing entertainment to Dewitt and the surrounding communities since 1874. First and second run movies are shown here. Every 6 weeks, the First Central Art Gallery showcases work by a new local artist.

Address: 716 Sixth Ave. Phone: 563-659-8213 Online: dewittoperahouse.com or Facebook Hours: 6:30-9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 1:15-4 and 7-9 p.m. Saturday; and 1:15-4 and 6:30-9 p.m. Sunday Admissions: $5 evening shows, $4 matinees

German Hausbarn

The thatched-roof building was built in 1727, then dismantled in Niebull, Germany, in 2007, shipped to the city and rebuilt by volunteers. It houses a German museum, as well as the local chamber of commerce and a development company.

Address: 1010 Sixth Ave. Phone: DeWitt Chamber of Commerce, 563659-8500

Online: dewittiowa.org Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, by appointment Saturday and Sunday

Malone Park

This 30-acre park includes a 9-acre lake for fishing and swimming. There is a picnic shelter, picnic tables, swing set, beach for swimming, a wetland area, and a 12-hole disc golf course.

Address: 3942 291st St. Phone: 563-259-1876 or 563-847-7202 Online: mycountyparks.com/county/clinton/ Park/Malone-Park.aspx Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

Westbrook Park

The 100-acre park, the city’s largest, features baseball/softball diamonds, playgrounds, horseshoe courts, volleyball courts and a disc golf course. It also includes a natural timber area with foot trails and the 10-foot wide, 5-mile Paul Skeffington Memorial Trail, a multipurpose trail for walking, running and cycling.

Address: 520 Westbrook Drive Phone: 563-659-5127 Online: parks.cityofdewittiowa.org Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

DELMAR Brookfield Recreation Trail

The 926-acre area on the Wapsipinicon River Bottoms has 466 acres of timber, meadows and crop land, plus 114 acres of oxbow lakes, floodplain chutes and small ponds. The area is great for hunting, fishing, trapping, canoeing, hiking, mushroom hunting, berry picking and wildlife viewing.

Address: 247th Avenue, 5 miles south of Grand Mound Phone: 563-652-3132 Online: www.iowadnr.gov/portals/idnr/ uploads/wildlife/wmamaps/barber_creek.pdf Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

LOST NATION

Marie Ketelsen Learning Center

The 40-acre park and wildlife area is named in honor of Marie Ketelsen, a schoolteacher who lived on the land and willed it to the county to teach children about nature. The area features a 26-acre restored prairie, 2 miles of trails and a pond.

Address: 150th Street, 6 miles east of Lost Nation Phone: 563-847-7202 Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

Smithtown Church

The church, now a historic site, is the only surviving landmark of the Sharon Township village of Burgess. The church was discontinued as a regular place of worship in the late 1920s.

Address: 125th Street, 4 miles north of Lost Nation Phone: 563-847-7202 Online: mycountyparks.com/county/clinton/ Park/Smithtown-Church.aspx

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www.saukvalley.com

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