2024 VISITORS GUIDE VISITMERCO.COM
MercerCounty
BROADBAND IN MERCER COUNTY
The Mercer County Board of Supervisors allocated $40,000 of their Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), a program authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) towards seed funding for broadband infrastructure and services. The money allowed for the start of state grant applications to the Connect Illinois grant program, support for local outreach programming and equipment for necessary internet speed testing and research
What’s next?
Along with the County Board’s support of ARPA Funds, and in partnership with the Prosperity Consulting Alliance, LLC , the County Board was able to solidify a Lead For America Fellow to help with community engagement of the broadband project, including providing outreach programming to the Mercer County Senior Center.
The Broadband Leadership Team, led by the Prosperity Consulting Alliance, LLC , continues to meet monthly to assess the progress of the project, including the status of state grant applications submitted on behalf of local internet service providers in Mercer County, including Viola Home Telephone Company, Reynolds Telephone Company, New Windsor Telephone Company, and Nova1Net.
State Funding
Four grant applications have been submitted for a $30 million fiber infrastructure project If funded, more than 80% of the county would have fiber to the home.
Outreach
The Broadband Leadership Team is developing an outreach program and seeking funding to provide residents with specific technologies and programs to eliminate barriers to high-speed internet.
This ad was made possible by the Mercer County Board of Supervisors, supported by The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), a program authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
history of visit merco
Founded with humble beginnings in 2020, Visit MerCo began as an idea formed by a group of community leaders who were igniting economic development momentum county-wide.
These leaders realized that for Mercer County to grow and prosper, attention needed to be paid to marketing and tourism.
Visit MerCo was developed to begin this work and accent all of the community development initiatives that were launched. We are your go-to entity for marketing and tourism for Mercer County into the future.
10 EXPLORE / MARCH 2019
Lewis Knudsen at Ride 17 Music Festival: Page 9
Where Memories are Made: Event Venues
Danndee Flowers: Agri-Tourism
Enjoy Your Stay: Accomadations
Ride 17 Music Festival 2024
The Mississippi River
Where the Stars Come Out
Get Outdoors: Outdoor Recreation
Shop Local and Seasonal: Farmers Markets
contents 2024 l VISITORS GUIDE
On the cover & 17 “Enjoy the Outdoors”: Lake Matherville located in Mathervillle, Illinois
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Where Memories are Made Book your event in Mercer County, IL
(309) 388-3652 l greendoorreteam@gmail.com l thegreendoorteam.com Buying or Selling Real Estate? Let's Chat greendoorREteam greendoorrealestateteam | 2
Photo from Parker Run Vineyards
Parker Run Vineyards
1120 330th St, New Windsor, IL 61465
https://parkerrun.com/
This beautiful venue, with its luscious scenery of nature, is the perfect place for your wedding. Parker Run Vineyards is one of the most picturesque wedding venues in the Mercer County area. From rehearsal to reception, Parker Run Vineyards is a great choice of venue for your big day.
Your rental includes total access to the entire property housing four stunning buildings; including the Big Red Barn, Brooder House, Prairie Chapel, and Grand Gazebo.
Mercer County Fairgrounds
848 170th St, Aledo, IL 61231
https://mercercountyfair.org/off-season/
Whether you are looking for a wedding venue or a rental for your event, the Mercer County Fairgrounds offer you their space During their off-season, you can find a “tree-lined picnic area with a shelter or a hall to serve a banquet” This venue has many possibilities for your rental needs
The Depot
Located 112 SE 2nd Ave, Aledo, IL 61231
https://www windborngroup com/the-depot
Step back into time at The Depot Built in 1869 as part of the C B & Q Railroad, this venue holds history in its walls You can find a kitchen, restrooms, a large outdoor patio, and a game room equipped with a ping-pong table and dartboard inside to utilize during your event.
1847 Barn
1036 247th Street Viola, IL 61486
https://www 1847barn com/
1847 Barn provides a rustic barn experience for your party events and weddings This venue has hand-hewn 25 ft wood pegged beams, a dust center floor, and a tin roof on top. The rustic feel is sure to give your event an inviting ce.
Two Bins and a Barn
1981 24th Ave, Aledo, IL 61231
(309) 323-8240
Make your event unique at Two Bins and a Barn You can book this unique, rustic, and country setting from April - October Here you’ll find amenities such as a kitchen, restroom, and seating/tables to use during your rental time.
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https://www visitmerco com/event-venues
Danndee Flowers
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Infinity Photography
ENJOY YOUR STAY
Will you go camping alongside the locals, or find the perfect stay-in?
Find the perfect stay that matches your adventure in Mercer County. We have many campgrounds to choose from and each one provides a fun, unique, experience.
If campgrounds are not your stay of choice, you can browse our great selection of StayIns to rest your head at while you visit our county
Whichever adventure is yours, we hope when you leave you come back for more! Each community is always doing its best to give a memorable experience, not only to locals but also to visitors the same.
See the full list on our website! visitmerco.com/staywithus
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RIDE 17 MUSIC FESTIVAL 2023
Hitting all the high notes in Mercer County, Illinois
With the goal to promote tourism and support local businesses in Mercer County, Visit MerCo brought together the community in a celebration of music and local culture. Music lovers gathered for a memorable day at the highly anticipated Ride 17 Music Festival. This county-wide event showcased a lineup of talented artists, including Levi Craft, Monica Austin, Carson Hall, John Heasly, Lynn Allen Band, Fair Warning, The Memphis Dives, Will Franck, and Lewis Knudsen
With a diverse range of musical genres, from country to rock, the Ride 17 Music Festival offered a bit of something for everyone.
Apart from the music, the Ride 17 Music Festival aimed to support the local economy and highlight the many businesses that call MerCo home.
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Lewis Knudsen
The thriving music scene and the strong sense of community in MerCo shined bright during this county-wide event.
As the harmonious tunes of the Ride 17 Music Festival fade away, the anticipation for next year's festival grows. Visit MerCo looks forward to welcoming music enthusiasts once again in 2024.
If you or someone you know is interested in performing at the Ride 17 Music Festival, or learning more, contact us and take a look at our posts from the 2023 festival
Visit MerCo invites everyone to stay updated and be part of the excitement by following the festival's official Facebook page.
st
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The Memphis Dives
John Heasly
Monica Austin
Did you know...
Mercer County was established in January of 1825
In 1832, Abraham Lincoln is said to have led militia west of Aledo and East of Millersburg.
In 1834, he spent days in and surveyed what we now know as New Boston.
Predating the World War I, ice harvesting was once a booming business in New Boston Sourced via: Mercer County Historical Society on WRMJ
“The McKee Button Factory in Keithsburg cut buttons from mussel shells and shipped them to Muscatine for finishing until it closed in 1951.”
Mississippi Valley Traveler
Shale City Brickyards, once near Viola, is said to have produced bricks that went into the making of Wrigley Field
Music runs deep in the veins of Mercer County, Illinois
Suzy Boggus was born in Aledo on December 30th, 1956.
Margo Price was born in Aledo on April 15, 1983
| 1 0 Facts have been gathered from local reliable sources and as sited above
| 1 1 B R I T T A N Y R O B E R T S O N
River
Most do not think of Mercer County without thinking of the Mississippi River. It shapes not only the tourism economy of the area but also the culture and history.
The Mississippi River runs along the west side of Mercer County, hugging two small towns - New Boston and Keithsburg. Locals and visitors come to both communities to enjoy recreational activities like fishing, boating, sightseeing, and kayaking But perhaps the most popular reason for sitting along the river’s edge is to catch a glimpse of the majestic American Bald Eagle Spectators don’t have to wait long to see the beautiful glide of multiple eagles as they fish the waters and build their nests in the untouched trees.
Mapisonlyforvisualandisnotan accuratemappingoftheMississippiRiver | 1 2
Photo curtesy of Rebecca Tweed-Tippie
Beautiful, fun, and mighty
The mighty Mississippi has shaped the towns and the cultures it neighbors. Like most bodies of water, the river has attracted people and unique business ventures that utilize its transportation access, abundance of fish, and opportunities for recreation over time. Of course, community livability alongside Mother Nature also comes with hardship.
You’ll likely hear locals speak frequently of two specific moments in time - the flood of 1993 and 2008, both of which impacted Keithsburg the most. As a result of unpredictable weather patterns, the river swelled in various places, resulting in detrimental floods As the levees surrounding the town broke, a rush of river water engulfed downtown buildings and homes along the north edge of town. Residents were left to pick up the pieces after the disasters, rebuilding levees, homes, and businesses.
Locals say that although the floods are mighty, their spirits are mightier. You won’t be surprised to find that those who live there take the time to remember and appreciate how far they have come, even as the water’s mark on the buildings still stands.
Despite the impact the Mississippi River has had on these below-the-bluff communities, businesses and campgrounds still thrive. It has become part of their local culture and a big part of Mercer County’s history.
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Museum
Mercer County Historical Society
WHERE THE STARS COME OUT
Although not yet a formal Dark Sky Place, Mercer County is certainly a place where the stars shine bright in the night. The lack of city lights and minimal light pollution in our county offers a nearly pristine view of starry skies - not to mention the abundance of open spaces, fields, and hills. Visitors can lay under the stars and enjoy the view, while photographers can capture the breathtaking stars and constellations.
Maps sourced from:
Top: https://blue-marble.de/nightlights/ Bottom: https://www.lightpollutionmap.info/
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Photo Credit: Mario Gagnon, located in Mercer County
Photo Credit: Mario Gagnon, located in Mercer County
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Photo Credit: Mario Gagnon, located in Mercer County
| 1 6 Your ad could be here! To learn more email: contact@visitmerco.com
Mercer County
is known for its outdoor recreational activities From camping to motorsports, you can find a way to spend your time outside
Visit MerCo assisted in fundraising for the Kayak Launch in Keithsburg You can now kayak in Keithsburg by starting from the launch and taking in the view of Port Louisa
If you are not interested in kayaking in Port Louisa, The Lake of Matherville offers a walking path and a purchasable pass for lake activities You can find this pass at the Little Store of Matherville. With the pass, you can fish, boat, and kayak At no cost, visitors can look forward to walking the lake’s path and taking in the scenery Bring a picnic to enjoy with family and friends or take yourself on a solo lakeside date.
If you are looking for something more fast-paced, Mercer County Motorsports offers trails for dirt bikes, SxS, Jeeps, and ATVs Visitors are also able to participate in primitive camping onsite, utilize amenities, and enjoy snacks at the concession stand You can find more details about this location on mercercountymotorspots com
Viola Boyz Backroad Speedway is the place to go for those who would like to participate in Go-Kart racing, or for those who would like to observe Feel the excitement as they race by and cheer on your favorite participant You can find their schedule and any updates on their Facebook. facebook com/Violaboyzbackroadspeedway
Whether you are looking to make a splash or play around in the grass, there are many parks to choose from in our county Just a few to mention are Fenton Park (Aledo), Seaton Park, Miles Memorial Park (Viola), Sturgeon Bay Park (New Boston), and Old School Park (Matherville) Our parks are an important part of the community and provide a place to get outside for all ages.
If you would like more information on everything outdoors in MerCo, Visit MerCo has an extensive list of the county’s parks and recreation.
Please take the time to visitvisitmerco com/outdoors
“The lore of Matherville Lake, according to Marvin Matkovic in Matherville History (1983), was that in the late 1920’s the Rock Island South railroad ran through the village One day a group of young boys clogged the tile under an embankment on the west edge of Matherville. The clog was so significant that it was unable to be unplugged This resulted in Eldred McColsin to lose their family home and barns due to the flooding They would relocate to the other side of town, but the Village would now have their own lake.
In 2022, A revitalization project was completed at the lake. A walking path was created that starts on the beachside and moves through the old campground on the westside of the lake ”
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County Motorsports
Mercer
Viola Boyz Speedway
SHOP LOCAL& SEASONAL
MerCo has some of the best seasonal Farmer’s Markets around! Our culture is rich with agriculture and locals have a passion for purchasing and growing fresh produce.
Aledo has its seasonal farmers market in Central Park This runs from June to September and is run by Aledo Main Street Historic Downtown Aledo is filled with places to eat and has a few local shops to explore while you peruse the local produce
If you go towards the Mississippi River, you can find New Boston’s Craft and Farmers Market on Jefferson Street While you shop, you can take a moment to admire the view of the Mississippi River that runs alongside New Boston.
Going further East, you can find Matherville’s Farmers Market at Old School Park. Bring your kids to enjoy the park while you shop around at the local vendors. If you have the time, you can walk the Lake Side Path at The Lake of Matherville
Slagel Farms has a stand in Viola on the corner of Route 67 & 17 This stand is open seasonally and has a great selection of produce and other locally-made items Their stand’s location makes it easy to grab some produce and perhaps a cup of coffee at the neighboring coffee shop.
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Find some of the best locally grown produce.
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Photo: AledoMainStreet attheAledo FarmersMarket
Made In Mercer County
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Daisy Bliss Beautique
Rollin’ Hills Ranch
Tinkish
Mercer County, tucked in the north-western corner of Illinois, is a treasure trove of talent and creativity. Our county exudes artistic expression and innovation at every turn. Yet, these hidden gems often remain undiscovered. We want to bring these extraordinary people, and what they create right here in MerCo, into the spotlight.
Have you ever found yourself at an event, a farmers market, or a small farm store that appeared on your search page? These are the small businesses that are the backbone of keeping tourism alive and well in our county Vendors at these events often go unrecognized, once the event is over and you return home with the treasures you have found. We would like to not let it stop there and to give some of our local vendors some recognition for all their hard work.
Daisy Bliss Beautique is a local online business that sells the latest trends and custom designs.
Tinkish is local small business that sells macrame and other crafts.
Rollin’ Hills Ranch is a seasonal self-serve Farm Store located in Sherrard.
Mae’s Modern Bows & More is known for their vegan leather hair bows, clips, headbands, and earrings
Stop by and try something new! The Twisted Goat serves up goat milk ice-cream
Jenny King is a local vendor that sells custom clothing and more. Visit MerCo worked with Jenny to create custom merchandise for past events Farmhouse Treats is a family ran custom bakery. You can order custom treats for your events! Find more local vendors on visitmerco.com/shop-with-us
Cutie Candles is a family operated, hand poured, soy candle business.
The Cozy Coven Cookies & More is a local baker and they offer many different treats
Don’t see your Made in MerCo business?
Let us know!
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BUSINESS DIRECTORY
Koffee Junktion
SE 3rd St, Aledo, IL 61231
309-737-6685
The Beanfield Coffee House
1708 13th St, Viola, IL 61486
309-596-2739
coffee break sweet treats
Bowlyou’s Ice Cream
300 SE 3rd St, Aledo, IL 61231
309-582-7516
The Twisted Goat Ice Cream (Seasonal)
1667 US-67, Preemption, IL 61276
local grocers
Little Store of Matherville
502 2nd St, Matherville, IL 61263
309-754-8771
Mercer Market
1600 SE 5th St Aledo, IL 61231
309-582-3111
Slagel’s Stand (Seasonal)
Viola Farm Stand
Corner of Rt 67 & 17
Viola, IL 61486
Viola Market
1103 17th Ave, Viola, IL 61486
309-596-2434
stay with us
Blue Spruce Lodge
503 SE 3rd St, Aledo, IL 61231
309-582-2533
BlueSpruceLodge@gmail.com
Simple Comforts Cottage
Aledo, IL
Found on AirBnB
Lazy Acres Lodge
510 S 14th St, Keithsburg, IL 61442
309-507-1456
lazyacreslodge@gmailcom
Stay...Anchored Inn
Keithsburg, IL
Found on AirBnB
New Boston Cabin
New Boston, IL
Found on VRBO
Windborn Group Rentals
404-402-8798
inquiries@windborngroupcom
windborngroupcom
campgrounds
Haven Hills
621 HWY 94 Aledo, IL 61231
309-333-1434
stay@havenhillscampground.com
havenhillscampground.com
Keithsburg Riverside
302 South 14th St PO Box 87
Keithsburg, IL 61442
309-374-2311
cityofkeithsburg.com/campground
Sandy Oaks
2756 TWP Rd 1500 E, Keithsburg, IL 61442
309-374-2593
sandyoakscampground@gmail.com
Sturgeon Bay
226 Railroad St, New Boston, IL
61272
309-587-8181
cityofnewbostonil.com/camping
Shady Lakes RV Resort
3355 75th Ave New Windsor, IL
61465
309-667-2709
shadylakes@legacymhc.com
shadylakesrvresort.com
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BUSINESS DIRECTORY
community centers get outdoors
Mercer County Family YMCA
401 SW 2nd Ave, Aledo, IL 61231
309-582-5101
mercercountyymca.org
Mercer County Senior Center
137 W Main St, Aledo, IL 61231
309-582-5492
mercercountyseniorcenter.com
Myrna Rae’s Studio of Dance
127 W Main St, Aledo, IL 61231
309-582-0503
MVP Fitness
3072 175th Ave, Sherrard, IL 61281
309-720-3001
mvpfitnesscenter.com
Gaining Grounds Fitness Club
1901 13th St, Viola, IL 61486
309-252-2596
ggfitclub.com
The REC Center 1701 13th St, Viola, IL 61486
event centers
Two Bins and a Barn
1981 24th Ave, Aledo, IL 61231
309-323-8240
Parker Run Vineyards
1120 330th St, New Windsor, IL 61465
309-236-2106
parkerrun.com
museums
Mercer County Historical
Society & Essley-Noble Museum
1406 SE 2nd Ave, Aledo, IL 61231
309-582-2280
mercercountyhistoricalsocietyil.org
Keithsburg Museum
304 S 14th St Keithsburg, IL 61442
309-374-2311
cityofkeithsburg.com
City of New Boston Museum
201 Main St, New Boston, IL
61272
309-587-8181
Verduette House Trust
65th Ave, New Boston, IL 61272
319-768-8914
verduretteorg
Mercer County Motorsports
2244 125th Ave, Aledo, IL 61231
309-371-1267
Skinner’s Pumpkin Patch (Seasonal)
906 SE 19 Ave, Aledo, IL 61231
309-582-5114
Keithsburg Kayak Company
Port Louisa Keithsburg Division, Kiethsburg, IL 61442
309-221-9331
Sandy Oak’s Dirt Bike Track
2756 Twp Rd 1500 E, Keithsburg, IL 61442
Fyre Lake Golf Club
1057 Fairway Ln, Sherrard, IL 61281
309-749-9044
fyrelakegolf.com
Viola Boyz Backroad Speedway
686 240th St, Viola, IL 61486
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PLAN FOR EVENTS
Mercer County, Illinois has some of the best known annualevents!Planaheadandgetexcitedwithour listofcommunity’sevents
RhubarbFestival
June7 &8,2024
Come to Historic Downtown Aledo to discover nearly all things Rhubarb! The late Darlene Johnson is the founder of thisannualevent
You can find more information on their website:aledorhubarbfest.com
NewWindsorFairRodeo
August15-172024
Come out to the “biggest little rodeo in the Midwest”! You can look forward to enjoying the fair rides or attend events throughout theday
Learnmoreon nwrodeo.org
AledoAntiqueDays&CarShow
August242024
Come marvel at some of the best antiques and automobiles in Historic Downtown Aledo HostedbyAledoMainStreet
Findmoreinformationon aledomainstreetcom/events
wwwvisitmercocom/mercer-county-event-calendar
MercerCountyFair
July9-13
ComeenjoytheMerCoCountyFair! From derbies to fair rides, you are sure to havesomefun Ourcountyfairisoneofthe bestwaystocreate
MercerCountyMemories
Youcanlookfrowardtoevents andactivitieslistedontheirwebsite. mercercountyfair.org
NewBostonFishFry
August-TBA
Catchsomefriedfishandchickenbefore it runs out! In addition to a day full of events, youwon’twanttomissthisone
Stayupdatedon cityofnewbostonil.com
Ride17MusicFestival
October122024
MerCo’s county wide music festival hosted byVisitMerCo
Learnmoreonourwebpage! visitmercocom/ride-17
SEE OUR EVENT CALENDAR TO STAY UPDATED
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#visitmerco
use our hashtag to show off mercer county! from events to recreation, locals and visitors can always find something to do.
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@oddbetties
Dave harrell - CEO of visit quad cities
sales from the krypt matherville community club
ONTHERISETO2030 MercerCounty
Thanks to the Illinois: RISE Local and Regional Planning Grant Program by Illinois DCEO, the Mercer County Board of Supervisors engaged in a one-year planning process for a strategic plan in community and economic development - Mercer County on the Rise to 2030.
The strategic plan focuses on four categories of priority: Tourism Enhancement, Business Development, Infrastructure Progression and Community Elevation. Led and implemented by the Prosperity Consulting Alliance, LLC , the strategic plan includes projects and programs that extend into 2030.
Goals
Visitor Spending
FocusingonmakingMercerCountya placetoexperienceandvisit,wehope toincreasevisitorspending.
SalesTax Revenue
Bringingbusinesstothecountyand providinganenhancedqualityoflife willencouragemorelocalspending
PropertyTax Revenue
Prioritizinghousingbuildsand increasingtheresidentbasewill providemoreofapropertytaxbase.
ThisadwasmadepossiblebytheIllinois:RISELocalandRegionalPlanningGrantProgrambyIllinoisDCEO.