Tourism Area Guide 2024

2024 Visitors Guide

Alp and Dell Cheese Store: A must visit in the Midwest

Tony and Esther Zgraggen, owners of the Alp and Dell Cheese Store, immigrated in the 1980’s to the United States from Switzerland. At that time they had a Dairy farm and for 5 years took cheese to the farmers market in Madison. After being absent from the Dairy industry for several years, they found the way back to the “cheese” with the purchase of the Alp and Dell Cheese Store in April 2009.

Alp & Dell Cheese Store is located at 657 2nd St, Monroe, Wis. For more information call 608-328-3355.

The Alp and Dell Cheese Store is located in Green County, the Heart of Wisconsin’s Dairy and Cheese Industry. Green County has about 400 Dairy farms producing 530 million pounds of milk annually. In the remaining 13 Cheese factories in Green County, many master cheesemakers are busy turning this farm fresh product into Green County Gold.

The Alp and Dell Cheese store is a leader in quality, selection and price. Along with the local cheeses, Alp & Dell offers a nice selection of well known imported cheese from Europe. A well balanced selection of wines from throughout the world and some locally brewed beers round out our assortment.

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens: tropical oasis in the city

Safety has been and will continue to be one of our top priorities. We have worked with and followed guidelines from the CDC, IDPH, Restore Illinois and local health officials to develop procedures and protocols to ensure we can provide a fun and safe recreational experience.

Our park district team has and will continue to increase efforts to clean and sanitize our facilities and program areas in accordance with CDC guidelines. We have incorporated creative ways to encourage and promote social distancing, implemented health screenings for both employees and participants, as well as updated our eligibility requirements to ensure the health and safety of all during this time.

The Nicholas Conservatory

On Oct. 29,2011, the Rockford Park District opened the doors to a brand new facility, Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford.

Situated along the banks of the beautiful Rock River in Sinnissippi Gardens, Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens brings the tropics to the Midwest.

The entire facility is the third largest conservatory in Illinois with a total of 22,000 square feet, and at the highest point will stand 52 feet.

A tropical setting includes an 11,000-square-foot plant exhibition area complete with water features, seating areas, and sculptures, all in a tropical plant setting.

In early 2004, the Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners

selected Sinnissippi Park as the site for a centerpiece project for the District’s 100year anniversary celebration. Sinnissippi Park was the first land purchased by the newly-formed Rockford Park District in 1909.

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens is named after the Nicholas family, who in March 2006, announced their donation of $2,150,000 toward the Conservatory project in honor of their parents, William and Ruby Nicholas.

Aside from the generous donation from the Nicholas family, nearly 1,600 donors contributed to the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens Public Campaign Project. Greenhouse vs. Conservatory.

What’s the difference?

The former greenhouse was constructed in 1924 and was in need of significant repairs. A greenhouse is a building where plants are cultivated. A conservatory is

On Oct. 29, 2011 the Rockford Park District opened the doors to Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford.

SUBMITTED

used to display tropical plants and displays, and can be used for social gatherings.

The original 15-foot high Greenhouse’s purpose was to grow flowers and plants that could be used throughout the Rockford Park District’s parks and facilities. This purpose changed as the Park District grew, and it became impractical for the Greenhouse plantings to support the entire District.

Over the years, the Greenhouse was used to host a variety of seasonal flower shows, but the building was not originally designed for this purpose. The former Greenhouse will be memorialized with a rendering and display incorporated into the new Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens facility.

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens Summary of Amenities

Indoor and Outdoor Gardens Open to the Public (year-round); Growing

Greenhouse; Meeting Room and Classroom Space (available to rent); Tropical Destination for Small Weddings, Receptions, and Catered Events; Children’s Educational and Play Area; Garden Gate Gift Shop ; Sculptures; Catering Kitchen; Outdoor Terrace.

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens Fast Facts

Large palms and tropical trees came from nurseries in Homestead, Fla. Temperature inside the Conservatory is anywhere between 70˚ and 105˚

Every plant or tree has a label with the common and Latin name

Farthest Traveling Object: Aneityum palm from Vanuatu Islands of the Pacific Heaviest Tree: Bismark Palm weighing over 6000 lbs (3 tons)

Longest Installation of a Tree: Bismark Palm – 8 hours, 3 machines, and a dozen workers

Regular Admission

Adults: $10

Seniors (65+): $8

Veterans: $8

Ages 5-17: $8

Ages 3-4: $5

Ages 2 and under: free

Hours

Mondays: CLOSED

Tuesday-Friday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sundays: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Editor

in Chief: Heather Ruenz

Section Editor: Melanie Bradley

Page Design: Jen DeGroot

Schulz

Unique family vacation ideas

Summer is the unofficial season of vacations, especially for families. School is not in session in summer, and kids’ often busy schedules may grind to a halt in summer, when sports leagues, dance classes and other activities go on hiatus. School closures and a largely empty obligation schedule makes summer a great time for families to go on vacation. Traditional vacation hotspots like adventure parks and resorts merit consideration, but the following are some unique family vacation ideas that can help parents and their children make lasting memories.

• Camper/RV trip: A family vacation in a camper or RV is a cozy way for families to bond as they vacation at their own pace. National parks across the United States and Canada make for ideal places to visit when touring each country in a camper or RV. But there’s really no limit to the experiences families can enjoy on selfdriving trips when their beds are on board for the ride.

• History road trip: Historical landmarks dot the North American landscape, making a history road trip a fun way to hit the road and learn a little something along the way. American history buffs have no shortage of historic sites to see regardless of which region of the country they plan to visit or which period of history most intrigues them, from the Revolutionary War to the California Gold Rush to the American Civil War and more. Canadian history buffs can go all the way back to the days of the dinosaurs at the Dinosaur Provincial Park in Alberta or visit Nova Scotia to see the eighteenth century economic and military hub the Fortress of Louisbourg, which is the largest historical reconstruction in North America.

• Ballpark tour: For families that love baseball, a summer ballpark tour can be a great experience. Whether families prefer Major League Baseball and its large ballparks or the more intimate minor league stadiums, there’s no shortage of options. Both MLB and minor league stadiums tend to be located in large or midsize cities, which means there’s plenty to do in between games as well.

• Urban tours: One of the joys of visiting Europe is the chance to travel from city to city without spending too much time in the car or on the train between stops.

Though North America might be more spread out, families can still tour various urban locales in a single vacation with some advanced planning.

Parents can pick a region of the country

(such as the northeastern United States) and then plan road trips that enable them to visit different cities in that area over the course of a week to two weeks.

Make an effort to try the foods each city is known for and visit a local landmark, making sure to leave time to walk around so everyone can get a feel for what a day in each city is like.

Family vacations can be as unique as the individuals taking them.

Make the most of a day at the lake

Water becomes the center of attention when the temperature climbs because of the cooling relief it can provide. Making a day of splashing through sprinklers, swimming laps in a pool or horsing around with friends at a waterpark is part of the summertime experience.

Even though most people equate summer fun with ocean escapes, those who do not live close to the coast often turn to other bodies of water to cool off and chill out. Lakes can be great places to spend summer afternoons and evenings. Discover how to make time at the lake even more fun with these ideas.

Fishing

Cast your line right into the lake and take a shot at catching some fish. Bass, trout, perch, and pike may be interested in the bait hanging off of your hook. Be sure to check local fish and game ordinances to see if you need a license for fishing for the season, as well as the recreational size limits, possession limits and fishing seasons if you plan on keeping your catch.

Water sports

Water sports and lakes often go hand-inhand. Certain water activities are easier on the calm waters of a lake than in the waves and swells of an ocean — particularly for

beginners. Canoes and kayaks are one- or two-passenger vessels that can be launched from just about anywhere. They make areas of the lake explorable that may not be accessible to large boats. Plus they require no fuel other than the power of rowing. If you prefer more speed, personal water craft like jet skis may be used on lakes in certain areas. Waterskiing or wakeboarding behind powerboats are some additional options for thrill-seekers.

Tubing

Although tubing is often enjoyed on rivers where the rapids carry people along from a starting point to the end, those who desire a more relaxing day may opt for tubing on a lake. Tie several tubes together and create a fleet of friends or family floating leisurely under the sun. With the addition of a floating cooler full of drinks and snacks, you can stay out on the lake for hours.

Lakeside cuisine

If you’re lucky to have a lodge or restaurant dockside, you can enjoy a delicious meal overlooking a sunset on the lake. Time in or on the water can build up an appetite, which can be satiated by a meal while you listen to the water lap against the shoreline. Days at the lake can be memorable ways to spend summer vacations.

Krueger-Haskell Golf Course serving the area since 1927

Krueger-Haskell Golf Course is located on the west side of the City of Beloit and opened May 1, 1927. When the course opened it was originally a 9-hole course. In 1931 the course was enlarged to an 18-hole course. Today the course is an 18 hole, par 70, 6,158 yard course from the white tees.

Our unique layout, mature trees and rolling terrain make it a challenging and enjoyable course for any golfer. Our course offers 4 different tee box settings on each hole, numerous bunkers, doglegs, and tight tree lined fairways. Five water hazards, four of which were added in 2010-2011 provide for a challenging round of golf. We also offer a practice green for golfers who would like to work on chipping and putting before their round of golf. Five hitting cages are also available at the clubhouse to warm up before your round of golf.

The golf course was named for Butch Krueger and Everett Haskell. Butch Krueger was the PGA Professional at Beloit Municipal Golf Course from 19361966.

He brought national recognition to Beloit as a touring golf professional. He played in 12 U.S. Opens and finished in the top 20 four times. He was the Wisconsin State Open champion four times and the State PGA Champion four times. Butch taught golf to thousands of Beloit golfers over several generations. Everett Haskell had many notable

accomplishments and contributions to the City of Beloit and Krueger-Haskell Golf Course.

Everett was a native Beloiter, local businessman, city councilor, and an avid golfer and supporter of the golf course. The clubhouse offers a small

merchandise area providing golfers with their basic golfing essentials; golf balls, golf gloves, and tees.

Food and a bar are located inside the Krueger-Haskell clubhouse which provides a friendly and relaxing atmosphere for golfers after their round of golf.

They provide a variety of different food and beverage options, as well as large group catering and beverage service on the course.

Hospitality, great customer service and affordability make Krueger-Haskell Golf Course the ideal place to play golf.

HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT VACATION RENTAL

Vacations present an opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, often recharging mind and body in the process. In fact, using vacation time can reduce stress and improve overall health.

While there is a certain measure of work that goes into vacation planning, and for some it can be stressful to coordinate all of the details, vacationing benefits tend to exceed the hassle of planning. Anxiety can be avoided or at least reduced by finding optimal accommodations. For many, that includes a vacation home rental. Individuals can consider these tips when selecting a vacation rental.

Why a vacation rental?

There are many different accommodations available for week-long getaways or shorter excursions. Oftentimes vacationers prefer a little more space than a standard hotel room can provide. A vacation home rental can be the type of place that prioritizes space and distance from others — something that has became even more valuable during the global pandemic.

Another advantage to a vacation rental is the ability to prepare some or all of the meals on the property. That can help corral expenses normally reserved for dining out for three meals a day. Instead, vacationers can pick one or more opportunities for special meals at restaurants and then cook “at home” for the remainder.

Do your research

Travelers accustomed to staying in chain hotels and other resorts likely know what they are getting from the accommodations.

That’s because these properties pride themselves on consistency. Whether you stay at a Marriott or Hyatt in one place or another, you’ll find similar furnishings, space and offerings.

When it comes to vacation rentals, things are a little less predictable. However, scouring reviews on sites that advertise vacation rentals, or relying on the experiences of people you know increases the likelihood that you’ll find unique and satisfying vacation rentals.

Prioritize needs and wants

Vacation rentals can be narrowed down by your desired amenities and features. For example, you can search by the number of bedrooms or for rentals that are petfriendly if you’re bringing a companion

animal along. Maybe you need a property that is close to transportation or has shopping nearby? Make a list of desired items and then choose properties that check most, if not all, of those boxes.

Verify allowances

A beachfront property commands a premium price, as do rentals that are adjacent to specific points of interest or in major cities. If you’re willing to stay further away, you likely can save a considerable amount of money. Investigate parking options, public transportation or if beach towns allow golf cart rentals to make reaching amenities easier.

Check

all rental policies

diving in. Items to look at include cancellation policies and whether or not penalties will be charged. Some rentals pass cleaning fees on to the renters or require deposits that will be returned only if there is no damage to the property.

Ask for the exact address

Rental property advertisements post the best angles in photos to help disguise any shortcomings. Close-ups of the home may not showcase the neighborhood in which its located. By having the exact address in advance, you can do a street view on Google, Apple or another online map and see what is around the property — including how close it really is to amenities. “Near the beach” can be anything from one street to a few miles away.

Consider exemplary hosts

Services like Airbnb and VRBO are two of the leading vacation home rental businesses. Airbnb has a category of Superhosts, who must boast at least a 4.8 rating to qualify. Superhosts tend to provide superior hospitality and respond to messages quite readily. Similarly, VRBO has Premier Hosts. They also consistently provide great experiences for guests. Choosing hosts with these ratings can help you feel more confident that you’ll be getting a desirable rental. Vacation home rentals often are a good option when spending time away. It’s easier than ever to find properties that will meet travelers’ needs.

Wolf Hollow Golf Course

44 Forest Preserves in Winnebago County offer opportunities for year-round outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, paddling, biking, cross-country skiing, and much more!

Enjoy three campgrounds that provide paved access roads, running water, electric hookups, restrooms, and dump stations.

Found in six of the County forest preserves, there are 28 miles of mowed trails to enjoy horseback riding in the scenic beauty of the preserves.

Twenty-three shelterhouse facilities are available in 17 different preserves to schedule your summer event in the beautiful and relaxing natural setting

How to maximize weekend getaways

Extended summer vacations may get all of the glory, but individuals and families needn’t feel pressured to go away on week-long trips to get the rest and relaxation they deserve. There is plenty to be said for weekend getaways as well.

Working oneself ragged is no way to enjoy life. In fact, a person could be doing harm to his or her health by working too much, which may lead to lost productivity and burnout in the long run. Experts agree that getting away could be good for mental health. According to psychotherapist Jonathan Alpert, who is the author of “Be Fearless: Change Your Life in 28 Days,” a weekend trip can boost mental and emotional health. Alpert says smaller vacations even “pack a bigger punch” than longer ones. Neuroscientists have found that getaways can evoke feelings of calm, banish stress and enable the mind to heal. Furthermore, according to a Gallup study, those who make time for regular trips score higher on the Gallup-Well-Being Index. Weekend getaways simply may be easier to schedule than longer vacations.

The following are some ways to make the most of weekend getaways and why these getaways are so beneficial.

• Plan ahead. Weekend getaways generally do not need extensive planning. The logistics are much easier when there are only one or two nights involved in an overnight stay. Sometimes weekend getaways are only day trips, which makes them even easier to set up.

• Bring pets along. Short stays may mean it is easier to bring pets. Quite often hotel

chains and even homestay accommodations allow pets with the inclusion of a pet cleaning fee. This saves on having to find a pet sitter or a boarder to watch pets while you are away.

• Book a different locale a few times a month. Weekend getaways are more affordable than lengthier trips, which means you can see various sights without a big investment. Unlike longer vacations that tie travelers to a specific destination for the duration of the trip, weekend jaunts are short stops at different spots. Try various cities and towns on for size.

• Avoid boredom. Anyone who has booked an extended trip away has at times had some boredom set in when the initial wow factor of the resort or trip wears off. In some instances, it may seem as if you’ve exhausted the list of things to do. Weekend getaways are anything but boring because you’re packing so many things to do into a short amount of time.

• Keep a to-go bag packed. When the mood hits you, you can dart off to a weekend escape. Keep a packed bag with some essentials at the ready so there’s no overthinking the vacation process.

• Become a loyalty member. Investigate the loyalty programs of various hotel chains. This way if you find a chain you like and book stays regularly you can earn rewards points. These points may be redeemed for upgrades or even free rooms over time. Weekend getaways are great ways to rest and recharge without the commitment of time and planning required of longer excursions.

Wolf Hollow Golf: 18-hole course founded in 1928

Founded in 1928, the Wolf Hollow Golf Course has prided itself in offering a quality golf experience for everyone.

Our Wolf Hollow 18-Hole Championship course provides just the variety of course layouts to suit every level of golfer. Set among the rolling hills of Northwest Illinois, just 3 1/2 miles North of Route 20, near the Village of Lena our course is easy to get to and ready for your enjoyment.

A demanding challenge awaits you at the 6,408 yard Wolf Hollow Championship course. It’s just what the doctor ordered if you like beautiful elevation, large bent grass greens, and multiple teeing areas. Wolf Hollow will test your shot aking skills with a fantastic risk-reward design that will often entice you.

When your round is over you can

Get

relax in our comfortable lounge and take advantage of our short-order menu while watching television from virtually any seating location. Our banquet hall is available for wedding parties, reunions, lunch meetings, dances, and more. Simply contact the Wolf Hollow Clubhouse at 815-369-5513 to book your event.

Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is waiting to welcome you at Wolf Hollow- “Where golf is a breath of fresh air.”

Rates:

Current Golf Specials

Weekday Golf Specials

$32 Per Person

18 Holes, Cart and Lunch

Mondays, Tuesdays –Thursdays, Fridays Only

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Only!!

$22 Wednesdays

$22 for 18 Holes Including Cart

$12 for 9 Holes Including Cart

$2.50 Domestic beer every Wednesday!!

Weekday Green Fees

(Monday thru Friday)

9-Holes: $16

18-Holes: $25

Twilight after 4 p.m. – 9-Holes: $8

Twilight after 4 p.m. – 18-Holes: $14

Weekend Green Fees

(Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Holidays)

9-Holes: $18

18-Holes: $30

Twilight after 4 p.m. – 9-Holes: $11

Twilight after4 p.m. – 18-Holes: $18

Junior Green Fees

9-Holes: $10

18-Holes: $16

Motor Cart Rental

(Price Per Person)

9-Holes: $12

18-Holes: $18

Mini Membership/ Discount Card

(12) 9-Holes: $130

Driving Range Ball Buckets

Range Annual: $100 per person Small: $3.50

Large: $5

the most out of traveling in an RV

Traveling in an RV is a popular pastime that reached new heights during the pandemic. Though some of that enthusiasm has waned since the world reopened to travel, RV trips remain a very popular prospect across the United States and Canada.

According to the RV Industry

Association’s April 2023 survey of manufacturers, total RV shipments ended the month with 31,216 units and 109,616 total shipments as of April 2023. Travel Trailers - 5th wheel and Mini (Type C) campers topped the list of consumer preferences for towable and motorhome categories.

“RV ownership remains one of the most economical ways for consumers to travel while also maintaining control over their costs, which is more important than ever for consumers right now,” indicated RV Industry Association President & CEO Craig Kirby.

Some people may be new to the RV lifestyle and are interested in learning how to maximize the time spent on RV trips across the nation. Following these guidelines can make for exciting adventures.

Plan the route

Many scenic roadways traverse the country, and all of them may seem like great places to embark on RV adventures. However, according to Crossroads Trailers, not all roads, bridges and tunnels are RV-friendly. You must pay attention to

may limit large motorhomes and RVs. It’s important to know the height of the RV so you can determine which roadways feature low-clearance bridges that should be avoided.

Level your RV

Before filling your freshwater tank, it’s important to have your RV on a level surface to ensure you are getting a full tank of water to use for all of your trip needs. Similarly, consider replacing the showerhead in the RV with a water-saving model to help conserve water.

Make

reservations

Even if there are scores of campsites and RV parks along a route, that does not necessarily mean there will be available space. It can be challenging to find an open lot during peak season. Don’t leave it to chance; make reservations to safeguard your stay.

Adjust driving habits

Driving an RV is not like driving other vehicles. An RV is heavier, larger and has a different stopping distance and turning radius than other vehicles. Practice driving your RV before heading out on the open road. Driving the RV too fast also may put you in danger of a tire blowout, and making turns too abruptly can potentially flip the RV over.

Plan for stops

One of the benefits of RV travel is that you can take time with your trip. Make as many stops as you like along the way, taking advantage of opportunities to refuel and rest. When traveling in an RV, it’s not just the destination, but also the journey that makes for the most memorable trip. RV trips are still very popular, and this affordable way of travel is attracting new converts to the RV lifestyle every year.

BYRON PRAIRIEVIEW GOLF COURSE:

Winding through the beautiful prairie

Just a chip shot south of Rockford along beautiful Illinois Route 2 in easy-going Byron lies a magical golf course that plays like the best country clubs in the region, but costs like a muni. Sculpted out of an ancient landscape once home to majestic bison and other denizens of the wild, this is a big course with a big, generous heart. Weaving its way through remarkable tall grass prairie and the remnants of old oak savanna and other hardwood stands, PrairieView is a golf course where you can breathe, relax and enjoy the beauty of the natural environs remarkably untouched by architect James Spear’s design.

As is the case with most exceptional golf courses, what Spear left is as important as what he added. What he removed was minimal – and what remains is an amazing, naturalistic example of God’s hand relatively untouched by man’s: a true rarity in the world of golf.

A mid-course pond menaces the right side of tricky par four #5, feeding a narrow, bubbling creek that comes into play on the long, lazy par five #2 and the somewhat more menacing par five #6. The creek feeds another, smaller pond that comes into play for long hitters on the dogleg par four #7 and gets everybody’s attention on the lengthy, challenging par three #8.

In all, 63 strategically placed sand bunkers dot the PrairieView’s 18

fascinating holes. Home to many local, state and regional tournaments, PrairieView Golf Club stretches from just shy of 5,300 yards from the forward tees to nearly 7,200 yards from the daunting tips.

Simply put, this golf course has game to spare for golfers of any level – but is fair enough from the appropriate tees to make play fun for players of all levels.

At an average of 8,000 square feet, “sprawling” accurately characterizes the Penncross bent grass cultivar greens while the tee boxes and fairways consist of a Penneagle/Seaside/Emerald bent grass cultivar blend. The primary rough is Kentucky bluegrass – which you will be happy to be in rather than the tall grass prairie and abundant wildflowers and woods lining the rough on many holes. Immaculately maintained by a talented GCSAA-certified superintendent and his dedicated crew, PriairieView’s conditions easily live up to those of the region’s finest clubs – while surprising golfers in the pro shop with surprisingly low greens fees.

A member club of the Chicago District Golf Association and proudly enrolled in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program, PrairieView is home to more than just golfers; it hosts many species of wildlife and bird life, as well – much to the delight of golfers. There are no modern day live bison, however!

Just a short, pleasant drive south from Rockford along the meandering Rock River and Highway 2, PrairieView Golf Club is set on the edge of peaceful Byron astride a lofty hill that offers dramatic elevation changes on several holes on the challenging back nine, including a tight but potentially ego-pleasing downhill tee shot on homeward-bound #18.

Todd Tucker, Executive Director of Byron Forest Preserve District, had this to say about PrairieView Golf Club.

“PrairieView Golf Club is a gem. Honestly, it’s no coincidence the club is owned and operated by a respected, award-winning Forest Preserve District that restores and maintains so much land here in Byron. First and foremost, we are naturalists. Our mission is to save land for the benefit of nature itself and the enjoyment of the citizens of Byron – as well as visitors to our community. In that spirit, we decided to make the best golf course we possibly could, while altering the landscape as little as possible.”

“Here at PrairieView Golf Club,” Tucker continued, “your game will be challenged. And, all players are amazed at the experience of just being on this beautifully maintained property. It’s peaceful and relaxing here at PrairieView. It’s a wonderful place to get away from the daily grind.”

Tucker also addressed the new logo change PrairieView Golf Club recently

pursued.

“We were inspired to chose the bison as our symbol,” he said. “Why? Because those majestic animals, which can weigh a ton, stand six feet tall and run 35 mph were at the very center of the biodiversity of this region up until the 1830s. They were very common here.”

“To tell the truth, I wish we could have live bison here now,” Tucker said. “But the bison silhouette in our logo will have to do. It serves as a reminder of the true grandeur of the land we are blessed to enjoy here in Byron – and our pledge to keep it as pristine as possible. The bison is an uniquely American animal, a true part of the heart and the heartland of our nation. It is a symbol of our natural heritage: of power, speed and biodiversity. We think it’s the perfect icon for PrairieView Golf Club.”

If you love the game of golf and you’ve never played PrairieView Golf Club – treat yourself soon. We suspect you’ll be planning your return visit before you make the turn. And, when you do visit PrairieView, be sure to check out the newest addition to our facility – our incredible new eight-bay Toptracer range: PrairieFire Golf + Grill. Complete with a full-service kitchen, fireplaces, a cozy bar and temperature-controlled hitting bays, PrairieFire will keep your passion for golf burning year ‘round – winter, spring, summer and fall.

Meet us at the Rockford City Market

The Outdoor Rockford City Market began in May of 2010 under the planning, leadership, and guidance of the local non-profit, the Rock River Development Partnership. Since then, the Market has grown substantially over the years and we feel continually blessed by the community’s support, loyalty, and love.

In the past 10 years we’ve grown from a handful of vendors in an empty parking lot, to 70+ vendors underneath the beautifully constructed pavilion downtown.

Every Friday night in the summer…

You can find some of the best local makers, growers, artists, and bakers underneath the Rockford City Market Pavilion. We have two local breweries on site pouring beer, a Main Stage area with a local band, and an Acoustic Stage area with a local performer.

We line the pavilion and two of the surrounding streets with vendors and food trucks, and we partner with local non-profits and organizations to host kids’ activities.

Our mission is to connect the community with local small businesses in a fun and engaging way. We think the Outdoor Rockford City Market is a perfect example of that.

Main Stage music schedule

June 7 Vince Chiarelli Band

June 14 ..... Long-Shor

June 21 ..... Sounds of Good News

June 20 Jerry Criss Band

July 5 Lola Blu Band

July 12 Jon Bon Stamos

July 19 That Gurl

July 26 Timberpoint Bluegrass

Aug. 2 Soul Review

Aug. 9 The Real Deal

Aug. 16 Groove Hotel

Aug. 23 .... Three Good Men

Aug. 30 Universal Joint

Sept. 6 Trash 80’s

Sept. 13 Harlan Jefferson

Sept. 20 H!p Pocket

Sept. 27 Jodi Beach Trip

Acoustic Stage music schedule

June 7 The JB Project

June 14 Clark Kelly

June 21 Geo-N-Milk

June 28 ..... Emilio Salina

July 5 ........ Danny Grams Music

July 12 Cole Brandt

July 19 Andrew Robinson

July 26 Kristin Toon

Aug. 2 Cole Brandt

Aug. 9 Medina & the Tritten Experience

Aug. 16 Rare Priviledge

Aug. 23 David Hayes

Aug. 30 Lady & the Tramp

Sept. 6 ...... The Magtones

Sept. 13 Trinadora

Sept. 20 Paul Bronson

Sept. 27 Brian Wood

Scotty McCreery to headline the 2024 Boone County Fair

Country sensation Scotty McCreery with special guest Greylan James will take the stage Saturday evening, Aug. 10 at this year’s Boone County Fair, 8847 IL Rt 76.

The fair runs for six days from Tuesday, Aug. 6 to Sunday, Aug. 11. McCreery’s recently released single ‘Cab in a Solo’ has reached number one on the country charts. McCreery’s highly anticipated fifth studio album ‘Rise & Fall’ was released May 10.

New to the Boone County Fair this year on Wednesday evening will be a Monster Truck Show Spectacular featuring four monster trucks, SXS racing and Tuff truck race.

Other exciting grandstand shows include the popular Next Level Professional Bull Riding Show on Friday and the two Demolition Derby Shows on Sunday.

Rounding out the week will be a Thursday packed with Tractor and Truck pulls of all types running all day and evening. And of course, kicking off the week is the everpopular Miss Boone County Fair Queen and Little Miss Pageants on Tuesday evening.

Free shows on the grounds performing three times a day include The Ready Go Dog Show, The Rhinestone Roper, The Great Lakes Timber Show, Mr. D’s House of Magic & Illusion, Chainsaw Wood

There is also free entertainment and live music daily starting at Noon at the Entertainment Pavilion just east of Exhibit Hall #1. Plus, there are three Exhibit Halls filled with vendors of all types plus hundreds of vendors including food

vendors throughout the fairgrounds. The fair also features some of the best livestock shows in Illinois including draft horses, ponies, dairy and beef cattle, sheep, swine, poultry, goats, and rabbits.

The Boone County Fair also has thousands of people exhibiting their Home Ec, Ag and Art creations in the NonLivestock Exhibit Hall. Everything from Quilts to Photography to Wedding Cakes to Flowers are on display for all to enjoy.

Other free attractions include a huge antique tractor display, a restored oneroom schoolhouse, the 4-H Wee Farm Petting Zoo and the Grange Museum.

And if you’re looking for some thrills head over to our large midway featuring rides of all types for all ages, plus many fun games where you might win a giant stuffed animal.

For ticket prices, schedule and

information on being a vendor or entering the livestock or non-livestock competitions go to www.boonecountyfair.com.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @ The Boone County Fair. Our office is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., call 815-544-2900.

Tickets for the Scotty McCreery concert are on sale now on the website. Tickets for all the Grandstand Shows go on sale starting Saturday, July 6 from 8 a.m. to noon at the fairgrounds ticket office at gate 1.

Starting July 8, the ticket office is open Monday and Tuesday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday.

The Boone County Fair and fairgrounds is owned and operated by the seven Grange chapters in Boone County since 1957. The Boone County Fair Association is a 501c3 non-for-profit organization.

above: The Rhinestone Roper will perform three free shows a day. right: Free shows on the grounds performing three times a day include The Ready Go Dog Show.

Carving, First Bite Fishing Tank, Farmer Tom Storyteller, The Alpaca Exhibit, along with Magic Mike strolling the grounds daily.