SVM_Explore Sauk Valley and more!_051824

Attractions and Calendar of Events from May - December 2024 in Carroll, Lee, Ogle and Whiteside Counties Sauk Valley and more!

Attractions and Calendar of Events from May - December 2022 in arroll, Lee, Ogle and Whiteside Counties

May 18, 2024

MAY 25

Jonny Lyons & The Pride — Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll; 7 p.m.; see website for tickets; timberlakeplayhouse.org

MAY 25-26

Mayfest — Shimer College Gates, 203 E. Seminary, Mount Carroll; with arts and crafts, 5K walk/run, music, food to celebrate the holiday weekend; Facebook

MAY 25-27

Memorial Day Weekend Car and Bike Show — Poopy’s Pub & Grub, 1030 Viaduct Road, Savanna; featuring live music times, entertainment; and Facebook

MAY 26

Mayfest Car Show — Mount Carroll; featuring awards, music and food; 12-3 p.m.; mtcarrollil.org

MAY 31

Rolling Hills Golf Outing — Lake Carroll Golf Course & Country Club, Lanark; hosted by Rolling Hills Progress Center; registration at 9:30 a.m. and shotgun start at 11 a.m.; golflakecarroll.com/event-calendar and Facebook

THROUGH JUNE

9

“The Nerd” — Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll; see website for times, ticket information; timberlakeplayhouse.org

JUNE 7-9

Milledgeville Village Jamboree — downtown Milledgeville; see schedule for times; craft and food vendors, live bands, beer garden, a kid’s village, garage sales all weekend, a car, tractor and custom vehicle show from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, June 9, and more; milledgevillejamboree.com or find Milledgeville Jamboree on Facebook

JUNE 13-23

“Footloose” —Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll; see website for ticket information; timberlakeplayhouse. org

JUNE 15

Cruise to Mount Carroll Cruise Nights — Downtown Mount Carroll; car show; see Facebook page for details; 4-9 p.m.; Facebook

JUNE 22

Hairball — The Rhythm Section Amphitheater,13137 IL Route 78, Mount Carroll: see website for ticket information; therhythmsectiononline.com

JUNE 27-JULY 7

Events

“Anything Goes” — Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll; see website for ticket information; timberlakeplayhouse.org

JUNE 28-30

Old Settlers Days — Lanark City Park; live entertainment, food and more; see Facebook page for details

JULY 4

Independence Day — Mount Carroll Fire Department hosts annual lunch; enjoy parade and fireworks at dusk; mtcarrollil.org

JULY 11-28

“The Wizard of Oz”— Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll; see website for ticket information; timberlakeplayhouse.org

JULY 20

Cruise to Mount Carroll Cruise Nights — downtown Mount Carroll; car show; 4-9 p.m.; Facebook

JULY 20

Cruise to Mount Carroll Cruise Nights — downtown Mount Carroll; car show; 4-9 p.m.; Facebook

AUG. 1-11

Clue: On Stage — Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll; see website for ticket information; timberlakeplayhouse.org

AUG. 6-10

Carroll County Fair — Schell Park, Milledgeville; music, exhibits, 4H, carnival, demolition derby, rodeo, tractor pull, food and more; carrollcountyfair.info or 815225-7444

AUG. 15-25

FARMERS MARKETS

Through Oct.

Farmers Market, Mount Carroll — downtown Mount Carroll; fresh produce, meats, coffee, baked goods, plants, handmade crafts; 8 a.m.-noon; mtcarrollil.org and Facebook

Saturdays, May-Aug.

Farmers Market, Lake Carroll — East Marina; shop for fresh produce and more; 9-11 a.m.; Facebook

Tuesdays, May-Oct.

Farmers Market, Lanark Broad and Locust streets; fresh produce, demonstrations, classes, music, food, arts and crafts, kids’ events; 3-6 p.m. Tuesdays; lanarkil.gov/lanark-farmers-market and Facebook

Wednesdays, May-Oct.

Farmers Market, Milledgeville Corner of state Route 40 and Polo Road; fresh produce, seasonal treats, 3-6 p.m.; visitcarrollcountyil.com and Facebook

Thursdays, May-Oct.

Farmers Market, Savanna Main Street and Van Buren Street next to the Shivers Pavilion; fresh produce and seasonal treats; 3-6 p.m. Thursdays; visitcarrollcountyil.com and Facebook

Fridays, May-Oct.

Farmers Market, Shannon — Main Street; includes fresh produce and more; 3-5 p.m. Fridays; Facebook

Carroll; see website for ticket information; timberlakeplayhouse.org

SEPT. 21

“Jekyll & Hyde” — Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll; see website for ticket information; timberlakeplayhouse.org

AUG. 17

Cruise to Mount Carroll Cruise Nights — downtown Mount Carroll, hosted by Rockford Area Car Shows & Cruises, 4-9 p.m.; Facebook

AUG. 31-SEPT. 2

Shannon Homecoming Parade — downtown Shannon; started in 1919, event honors veterans; includes a parade, craft fair, entertainment and food; Facebook

SEPT. 6-15

Church Basement Ladies — Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount

Cruise to Mount Carroll Cruise Nights — Downtown Mount Carroll; 4-9 p.m.; Facebook; mtcarrollil.org

SEPT. 28

The Chicago Experience: A Chicago Tribute — Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll; 7 p.m.; see website for tickets; timberlakeplayhouse.org

OCT. 5

Simply Elton & Simply Billy — Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll; 7 p.m.; see website for tickets; timberlakeplayhouse.org

OCT. 12

Backroads Barn Sale — Carroll County Fairgrounds, Milledgeville; features crafts, local items and food; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. livengoodsbarn.com and Facebook “Heartache Tonight” — Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll; 7 p.m.; see website for tickets; timberlakeplayhouse.org

OCT. 26

Pumpkinfest — Mount Carroll; pumpkin theme activities, food, vendors and music; mtcarrollil.org

OCT. 31

Halloween Parade — Mount Carroll; find a costume and enjoy the day’s events including a parade; mtcarrollil.org

NOV. 2

Are You Ready For It? A Taylor Experience — Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll; 7 p.m.; see website for tickets; timberlakeplayhouse.org

NOV. 9

Brooklyn Charmers: A Steeley Dan Tribute — Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll; 7 p.m.; see website for tickets; timberlakeplayhouse.org

NOV. 16

“Elvis Through The Years” — Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll; 7 p.m.; see website for tickets; timberlakeplayhouse.org

DEC. 6-15

“Winter Wonderettes” — Timber Lake Playhouse, 8215 Black Oak Road, Mount Carroll; see website for ticket information; timberlakeplayhouse.org

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; mtcarrollil.org or 815-244-4424.

Destinations

Carroll County, in northwest Illinois, is bordered on the west by the Mississippi River. It encompasses 467 square miles of prime farmland, hills and bluffs. Its county seat is Mount Carroll. It is home to about 15,000 people.

MOUNT

CARROLL

Rhythm Section

Amphitheater

Enjoy music under the stars at this outdoor music venue located in the heart of the country, surrounded by beautiful scenery. It features an amphitheater stage, seating, a bar, viewing decks and camping.

Address: 13137 state Route 78

Phone: 815-238-1614

Online: therhythmsectiononline. com/ and on Facebook

The David Emmert Stone House/Stone House Memorial Park

Nearly destroyed by time and nature and once destined for demolition, a home built by one of the city’s early settlers was saved by a group of dedicated volunteers and has been rebuilt and restored. Today, the mid-1800’s limestone home — the oldest surviving home in the city — is the centerpiece of a park and historic site. The interior is furnished in period pieces and visitors can see the home’s original spring-fed source of water and refrigeration in the lower level.

Address: 107 W. State

Phone: 815-244-4090

Online: See Friends of the David Emmert Stone House on Facebook

Hours: Interior tours available by appointment

Frances Wood Shimer

Memorial Arboretum

Home to hundreds of trees and shrubs, including about 60 varieties of trees. Some are rare, including three old-growth American chestnut trees, one of which is on the Illinois Department of Conservation’s “Big Tree” register as the largest American chestnut tree in Illinois.

Address: 203 E. Seminary St.

Online: visitnorthwestillinois. com

Raven’s Grin Inn

Part performance art, part art gallery, the home of Jim Warfield offers a year-round haunted house that displays his artwork and his twisted sense of humor. Tours are an hour to an hour and a half long.

Address: 411 N. Carroll St. Phone: 815-244-4746

Online: hauntedravensgrin.com and Facebook

Hours: by reservation

Timber Lake Playhouse

Timber Lake Playhouse is the oldest continuously operating professional summer theater in Illinois. Dedicated to providing cultural opportunities for developing artists and to showcasing quality theater.

Address: 8215 Black Oak Road

Phone: 815-244-2035

Online: timberlakeplayhouse.org and Facebook

Hours: See website for showtimes, tickets; discount for subscribers

Owen P. Miles Museum

1873 Italianate home depicting 1800s life; also features local history exhibits.

Address: 107 W. Broadway Phone: 815-244-3474

Online: visitcarrollcountyil.com/ attractions/history-and-heritage/ or find Carroll County Illinois Tourism on Facebook

Oakville Complex

Consists of an 1888 schoolhouse, two log cabins, a blacksmith shop and granary.

Address: Timberlake Road between Oakville Cemetery and Oakville Country Club Phone: 815-244-3474

Online: visitcarrollcountyil.com/ attractions/history-and-heritage/ or find Carroll County Illinois Tourism on Facebook Hours: By appointment

Point Rock Park

Twenty-five-acre city park on the banks of the Waukarusha River. One of the walking trails goes to Oak Hill Cemetery. The cemetery contains graves dating back to the Revolutionary War. Fishing, biking, disc golf course, hiking, parking, restrooms available.

Address: 182 S. Mill St. Phone: 815-244-4424

Online: visitcarrollcountyil.com/ attractions/outdoor-recreation/

SAVANNA

Havencrest Castle

This 1872 mansion, formerly called Hillcrest, was purchased by Alan and the now-late Adrianne St. George. Billed as “Carroll County’s grandest mansion,” the six-story, 63-room hilltop home is a celebration of the couple’s love, devotion and dedication. Elegance, culture, fantasy, and romance, all under one roof.

Address: 140 N. Fifth St. Phone: 815-273-3900

Online: havencrestcastle.com and

on Facebook

Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Admission: Tickets required; $25 Mississippi Palisades State Park

This 2,500-acre park, a national landmark since 1973, is near the confluence of the Mississippi and Apple rivers in northwestern Illinois. It is rich in Native American history, and features limestone caves, erosion-carved rock formations, 15 miles of trails for hiking and more than 200 campsites, along with picnic tables and playgrounds.

Address: 16327A state Route 84, about 3 miles north of Savanna Phone: 815-273-2731

Online: dnr.illinois.gov/parks/ park.mississippipalisades.html

Savanna Museum and Cultural Center

This three-story historic building contains artifacts telling the story of this Mississippi River community. Noteworthy displays include Gene Wright’s gallery of more than 80 mannequins dressed in authentic Civil War uniforms. In summer hosts outdoor music concerts and family events.

Address: 406 Main St.

Phone: 815-275-19582

Online: savannamuseum.org and Facebook

Hours: Noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Sunday; tours by appointment call 815-275-1958

Admission: $5 suggested donation

Savanna Train Car Museum

The museum preserves a historical railroad car as a piece of local history. Also features a gift shop.

Address: 25 Main St.

Phone: 815-238-5654

Online: savannamuseum.org

Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday June through September (open for Memorial Day)

Frog Pond, Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge

The pond is along Plum River, just south of Savanna and off state Route 84. Its star feature is a wheelchair-accessible fishing platform. It’s known for its fishing and is a good spot to look at floodplain forest birds during their migrations in the spring and autumn. Canoeing, fishing, birding and picnicking allowed.

Address: Doty Road and state Route 84

SAVANNA

Great River Trail

The Great River Trail recreational path extends 62 miles from Savanna to the Quad Cities, providing biking, hiking, running, and walking opportunities. It starts just behind the railroad car downtown and meanders past several wildlife viewing areas and through the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge. Bikers may stop at the Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center for a break and to view the exhibits. Rest areas and picnic areas are scattered along the trail.

Address: 25 Main St.

Online: greatrivertrail.org

Phone: 815-273-2732

Online: fws.gov/refuge/upper-mississippi-river

Lost Mound, Unit Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge

Lost Mound is on the Mississippi River and has 7,000 acres. It’s on an old munitions testing army base. The area includes sand prairie remnants, backwater wetlands, Native American burial mounds, old military buildings and the largest sand dune in the state. Biking, birding and hiking allowed.

Address: 3700 Army Depot Road

Phone: 815-273-3184

Online: https://visitcarrollcountyil. com/attractions/outdoor-recreation

Marquette Park

Located on the Mississippi River, this seven-acre site has boat launches, fishing, canoeing, restrooms, picnicking and parking.

Address: Wayne King Drive and Randolph Street

Phone: 815-273-4487

Online: savanna il.us

cont’d to page 5

2024 Season Schedule

DESTINATIONS cont’d from page 3

Monument Park

This area has a description of the early settlement of Savanna and has a monument in honor of the Aaron Pierce family, Savanna’s first settlers.

Address: Main Street

Phone: 815-273-2722

Online: savanna-il.us

Old Mill Park

This park has 85 acres and is on the northeast side of Savanna. It has a nature trail and walking trail. Parking is at the front entrance near the park superintendent’s home.

Address: 9621 U.S. Highway 52

Phone: 815-273-4487

Online: savanna-il.us

MAY

31-JUNE 2

Taming of the Shrew with ’80s Rock and Roll — The Dixon Historic Theatre, 114 S. Galena Ave., Dixon; an Americanized version of the Shakespeare play performed to iconic songs; tickets start at $15; 7:30 p.m.; dixontheatre.com

WEDNESDAYS

& SATURDAYS, JUNE 1-OCT. 26

Haymarket Square Farmers Market — 513 W. Second St., Dixon; fresh produce and crafts; Wednesday and Saturdays 7 a.m.-noon; dixonparkdistrict.com/ farmers-market

Wednesdays, June 5-Aug. 28 Dixon City Market — Dixon Riverfront 87 S. Hennepin Ave., Dixon; fresh produce and artisan crafters; weekly food trucks and live entertainment; 5-8 p.m.; no market July 3 or July 10; dixoncitymarket.com and Facebook

FRIDAYS, JUNE 7-AUG. 30

Riverfront Yoga — Dixon Riverfront 87 S. Hennepin Ave., Dixon; offered at 7 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.; discoverdixon.com

Music at the Square — John Dixon Park, 515 N. Galena Ave., Dixon; 5:30-7 p.m.; discoverdixon.com

JUNE 1

River Country Summer Kickoff Concert —Dixon Riverfront 87 Hennepin Ave., Dixon; featuring

Fat Jack Memorial Skatepark

Portland is a professional skate park open to all skaters. Helmets are a must.

Address: 1500 Portland Ave. Phone: 815-273-2722

Hours: dawn to dusk daily

Online: visitcarrollcountyil.com/ attractions/outdoor-recreation/

THOMSON

Thomson Causeway

This campground is built mainly on an island in the backwaters of the Mississippi. Popular activities include fishing, hiking, biking, and boating. The western edge of the recreation area offers visitors an

Destinations

unobstructed view of the widest spot on the Upper Mississippi River Basin, 3.5 miles from shore to shore. The Central Trail section of the famous Mississippi River Trail passes by the campground, offering visitors miles of walking and biking trails along the river bank.

Address: 2017 Lewis Ave. Phone: 815-259-2353 or 815-2593628

Online: recreation.gov/camping/ campgrounds/233651

French Bluff Illinois State Recreational Nature Area

This bluff has steep hillsides, ridge tops and terrace benches that are almost covered by forest. It is east of Thomson and just north of Argo

Events

Chase McDaniel with Conner Sweet opening the concert; tickets $20; 6 p.m.; nrgmediadixon.com

JUNE

7-8

Dixon City Wide Garage Sale — Dixon; hunt for local treasures and household items; see Dixon Garage Sales on Facebook

JUNE

8

Sizzling Summer Block Party — Dixon; 9 a.m.-12 p.m.; find family activities, food and entertainment in downtown Dixon; discoverdixon.com

JUNE 15

Dixon Pride Festival — Page Park, Dixon; a celebration of people coming together in love and friendship to promote diversity and inclusivity in order to raise understanding and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community; music, drag show, merchants, food vendors; 2-10 p.m. facebook.com/ saukvalleypride, discoverdixon. com/event/dixon-pride.

Face Value with Drew Cagle— The Dixon Historic Theatre, 114 S. Galena Ave., Dixon; featuring hits of Phil Collins and Genesis; tickets start at $20; 7:30 p.m.; dixontheatre.com

Fay Road. Visitors can hike on unmarked trails. This is a good birding site for interior forest birds and to view spring wildflowers. Hiking, hunting and birding allowed.

Address: 2911 Scenic Bluff Road Phone: 815-273-2731

Online: visitcarrollcountyil.com/ attractions/outdoor-recreation/ or thomsonil.com/accommodation/ french-bluffs/ Spring Lake, Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge

Offers scenic views of Spring Lake and the Mississippi River. Known for its 8.7-mile gravel path that goes along the edge of Spring Lake. Two observation decks are

available. Biking, birding, fishing, picnicking and hiking allowed.

Address: 9496 state Route 84

Phone: 815-273-2732

Online: visitcarrollcountyil.com/ attractions/outdoor-recreation/ or fws.gov/refuge/Upper_Mississippi_River/ Savanna_District.html

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Big Slough Recreational Area

This has Mississippi River boat launching, canoe access, fishing, restrooms and parking.

Address: 5836 Riverview Road

Phone: 815-259-3628

Online: visitcarrollcountyil.com/ attractions/outdoor-recreation/ or https://tinyurl.com/ycxt8xs8

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Alise Sherman (left) and Zander Dixon engage in battle with Amber Abell on April 13, 2024, during a CER LARP game-play clash at Lowell Park.

SEPT.

21

Lowell Park’s Fall Fantasy Festival

8 a.m.-6 pm. In the Pinetum at the park; CER LARP (Custom Engine Roleplaying/Live Action Roleplaying), The Northwest Historic Center, and The Lowell Park Nature Center will present a celebration of the fall and imagination. The free event will feature live action roleplay battle and tournament, hayrides, a petting zoo, face painting, children’s and family activities, guided hikes, live blacksmithing, educational presentations on local history and wildlife, craft vendors, food trucks and more. More info: www.cerlarp.com/fallandfantasy or find CER LARP in Facebook, or email jakewallin2012@gmail.com

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 and Facebook

JULY

4

Brush & Bloom — 200 block of West First Street, Dixon; families are invited to paint a 4-by-4 square

of the street; discoverdixon.com or 815-284-3361

JULY 6

Reagan Run 5K — Reagan Home, 810 S. Hennepin Ave.; race starts at 8 a.m. at Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home and finishes at Haymarket Square; reaganrun.com

Nuts About Art — John Dixon Park, 515 N. Galena Ave., Dixon; presented by The Next Picture Show; featuring a variety of artists

and mediums; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; free admission; nextpictureshow.org

JULY 25-28

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; leecounty4hcenter.com; and Facebook

EVENTS cont’d on page 6

cont’d from page 5

AUG. 3

activities, displays, tractor drive, antique equipment on display and for sale; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; lhaea.org

AUG. 10

Pfeiffer Farms Outdoor Market — Pfeiffer Farms, 2511 Reynolds Road, Ashton; craft and vendor show; 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; Facebook

Venetian Night — Riverfront; get a spot to watch the boat parade and enjoy a festive atmosphere in the community; 5 p.m.; leecountyfun.com and Facebook

AUG. 17

Rock River Valley Bicycle Club’s annual Hammer for Hope — Home of Hope Cancer Wellness Center, 1637 Plock Drive, Dixon; cyclists can choose from ride options of 10 miles, 50k, 100k or 100 miles while collecting pledges to raise funds for Home of Hope Cancer Wellness Center; rides start at sunrise; homeofhopeonline.org

Rock River Jazz Band — John Dixon Park, 515 N. Galena Ave., Dixon; live music performance outdoors; 7-8:45 p.m.; rockriverjazzband.com and Facebook

AUG. 3-4

Living History Antique Equipment Show — 1674 Whitney Road, Franklin Grove; family

Rock River Jazz Band — John Dixon Park, 515 N. Galena Ave., Dixon; live music performance outdoors; 7-8:30 p.m.; rockriverjazzband.com and Facebook

AUG. 22-25

Amboy Depot Days — Downtown Amboy;

Destinations Events

car show, tractor show, 5K race, arts and crafts show, garage sales, music, carnival and parade; depotdays.com, Facebook

AUG. 31

Grist Mill Grind 10K and 1 Mile Fun Walk — Franklin Creek State Natural Area Trails, 1893 Twist Road, Franklin Grove; challenging event with hills and runners crossing a creek; 8 a.m.; franklincreekconservation.org and Facebook

SEPT.

DATE TBD

Autumn on the Prairie — Nachusa Grasslands Visitor Center, 2075 Lowden Road, Franklin Grove; see website for time; event includes guided hikes, food, exhibits and children activities; nachusagrasslands.org

SEPT.

1-2

Lions Club Labor Day Celebration — Paw Paw; parade, vendor fair, car show and food; see website for schedule including Street Dance on Friday, Saturday; leecountyfun. com and Facebook

SEPT.

7

Dement Town Music Fest — Seventh Street and Depot Avenue, Dixon; featuring live music, food and drinks; admission $10 and cash only; discoverdixon.com and Facebook Hops & Harmony — Sublette; featuring live

music, food and beverages; see website for schedule and details; subletteweb.com

SEPT.

8

Grand Detour Arts Festival — John Deere Historic Site, 8334 S. Clinton St.; juried art show, student art, music and food; admission is free; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Facebook

SEPT.

14

Sublette Country Car Show — Along Route 52, Sublette (near Vaessen Bros Chevrolet); music and food; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; subletteweb. com

OCT.

19

Halloween parade — Scarecrow Festival and Treat Street; all in downtown Dixon; discoverdixon.com or 815-284-3361.

DEC. DATE TBD

Christmas in the Grove — Franklin Grove; horse-drawn wagon rides, carolers, door prizes and a visit from Santa; franklingroveil. org or 815-456-3030

DEC. 6

Dixon Christmas Walk — downtown; Christmas tree lighting, visits with Santa, and other Christmastime fun; discoverdixon.com or 815-284-3361

Lee County was formed in 1839 out of adjacent Ogle County. Its 729 square miles is home to 36,000 people. The county seat is Dixon. Among its famous residents are Ronald Reagan, John Deere, Orson Welles, Louella Parson, Charles Walgreen and Ronald Reagan.

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 & Thursday; 10 a.m.4 p.m. Friday & Saturday; closed holidays

Admission: By donation

Green River Oaks Resort

The resort is full of enchanting oaks and whispering pines, and the Green River and two creeks meander through it. Enjoy weekend camping in your RV or one of the rental trailers. There’s a camp store and a

game room, as well as modern showers and flush toilets.

Address: 1442 Sleepy Hollow Road

Contact: 815-857-2815 or greenriveroaks@ yahoo.com

Online: greenriveroaks.com or find Green River Oaks Resort on Facebook

Mendota Hills Campground

The campground offers 130 acres of rolling hills nestled in an oak tree forest; a swimming lake with a sand beach, three lakes for fishing (no license needed) and row boating add to the offerings. The camp store includes groceries, hand-dipped ice cream, soda, firewood and ice, along with an arcade room with a billiard table.

Address: 642 U.S. Route 52

Phone: 815-849-5930

Online: mendotahillscampground.com or Facebook

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 find O’Connell’s Yogi Bear Park on Facebook.

Hours: Check-in and check-out at 3 p.m.

Admission: See website for reservation information.

Pine View Campgrounds

The grounds offer camping under 40 acres of pine trees, with a playground, and equipment for volleyball, badminton, shuffleboard and horseshoes. There 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 and on Facebook

Temperance Hill

Cemetery Prairie

The cemetery, which dates back to 1846, sits on prairie and a state nature preserve featuring

big bluestem, Indian grass, and various sedge species.

Address: U.S. Route 52, north of Amboy Online: dnr.illinois.gov/inpc/area.area1leetemperancehillcemeteryprairie.html

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. Contact: 815-453-2213 or library@ashtonusa. com

Online: millspetrielibrary.weebly.com or find Mills & Petrie Memorial Building-Library and Gymnasium Facebook

Hours: 1-6:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday

DESTINATIONS cont’d to page 7

DIXON

Dixon Stage Left

From comedy to drama to jazz to cabaret and more, Dixon Stage Left bills itself as a “premier arts venue” that serves up live entertainment in an intimate and comfortable setting. Drinks are also available onsite.

Address: 105 S. Peoria Ave. Note: This is the theater’s new location, which it was in the process of moving to as of press time. The theater hopes to be open by early 2025. Check its website and Facebook page for updates.

Contact: 815-440-2999 or info@dixonstageleft.org

Online: https://dixonstageleft.org/ and on Facebook

Admission: Standard productions are $30 online or at the door. Musicals are $40. Students are $15 all the time. Tickets are available at https://dixonstageleft.org/tickets or at the box office.

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.

Destinations

Address: 113 S. Peoria Ave.

Phone: 815-284-2224

Online: leecountyfun.com/the-telegraph-museum

Hours: 9 a.m-2 p.m. Monday-Friday. Admission: Free

Lee County Historical and Genealogical Society

The research center provides 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. Features plays, musicals and live music performances.

Address: 114 S. Galena Ave.

Phone: 815-285-1917

Online: dixontheatre.com or Facebook

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

Online: dixonparkdistrict.com/ parks/

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 40acre 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

Lee Co. Fair & 4-H Show

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@shawmedia.com

DIXON

Loveland Community House & Museum

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

Address: 513 W. Second St. | Phone: 815-284-2741

Online: lovelandcommunityhouse.org and on Facebook

Hours: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday

Admission: Free

DIXON CONT’D

Midway Drive-In and Diner

The Midway Drive-In opened in 1950 and has been in continuous operation since. This landmark is home to the oldest standing drive-in screen in Illinois, and the owners are dedicated to its preservation and to paying tribute to the American drive-in theater tradition. It features a retro “spaceship” ticket booth, a playground, a full-service diner and concession stand, a parking lot that can hold up to 500 cars and a 90-foot-wide screen with digital projection and sound.

Address: 91 Palmyra Road

Phone: 847-647-3124

Online: themidwaydrivein.net or Facebook

Hours: Movie times to be announced; check the website

Admission: Tickets available online and box office; $9.50 adults, $4 ages 3-11, ages 2 and younger free; $10-per-vehicle “food permit” required

Old Settlers Cabin

Maintained by the Lee County Historical Society, the Old Settlers Cabin was built in 1894

Destinations

DIXON

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.

Contact: 815-285-4924 or nps@grics.net

Online: thenextpictureshow.com and on Facebook

Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday or by appointment

Admission: Free

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 late June and early July; call ahead for specific dates and times

Nachusa House Hotel

Former hotel building, 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.

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

Tuesdays from 5:30—8 p.m.

June 6 - July 13

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 current name. It is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution.

Address: 205 W. Fifth St. Contact: 815-288-5508 or info@nthc.org

Online: nthc.org and on Facebook Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday Admission: By donation

Plum Hollow Family Center

Bowling, arcades, laser tag, miniature golf and food available.

Address: 1933 Route 26, Dixon Hours: see website for hours and rates Online: bowldixon.com

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 for 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.-3 p.m.

Thursday-Saturday, April-October

Admission: Free

Wooden Wonderland Park

Large wooden play structure will spark imaginative play for all ages.

Address: 1298 Washington Ave., Dixon Online: dixonil.myrec.com

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 Online: 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

Wednesdays from 10 a.m.—Noon

Destinations

DESTINATIONS cont’d from page 9

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

this restored historic stone building is the national headquarters of the Lincoln Highway Association. It also has a museum and gift shop.

Address: 136 N. Elm St. Phone: 815-456-3030

Online: franklingroveil.org/nflncbld.htm or find H. I. Lincoln Building on Facebook Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-4 p.m. Sunday

Nachusa

Grasslands

Face Value

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

Contact: info15@chaplincreek.com Online: Facebook

Hours: Site open for visitors to drive through, buildings open by appointment

Admission: Free

Franklin Creek State Natural Area

DREW CAGLE

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.

The Nachusa Grasslands, owned and operated by The Nature Conservancy, has more than 3,800 acres featuring more than 700 native prairie plant species as well as many important birds, insects, and reptiles. In October 2014, it became home to a herd of bison, the first to live at a Nature Conservancy preserve east of the Mississippi, and the first conservation herd in Illinois. The bison, more than 100 strong, are helping with restoration of the bluestem prairie. A new visitor center opened in summer 2018; it offers an outdoor classroom and plenty of displays to give visitors a good grasp of the ecology and work that takes place at the grasslands. The herd, which can be viewed from the public roadside only, and the prairie, grasslands, rolling hills and oak savannas make this a paradise for photographers, hikers and birdwatchers. Binoculars and long camera lenses are advised.

Address: 8772 S. Lowden Road Online: nachusagrasslands.org or find Friends of Nachusa Grasslands on Facebook Hours: Dawn to dusk

HARMON

Green River State Wildlife Area

Address: 1872 Twist Road

Phone: 815-456-2878

Online: franklincreekconservation.org/ or dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Pages/FranklinCreek. aspx, or find Franklin Creek Conservation Association on Facebook

Franklin Creek Grist Mill and Interpretive Center

With more than 2,665 acres of native prairie, this is one of the largest preserves in Illinois. It’s a haven for endangered species of birds, plants, reptiles and insects, and a venue for students, campers, hikers, and from April through October, horseback riders.

The Franklin Creek State Natural Area also is home to the Franklin Creek Grist Mill and Interpretive Center. It’s a functioning, water-powered grist mill and museum. A demonstration of actual corn grinding is done on the last Saturday of the month. See events calendar for special concerts, movies in the park and family activities. Trail runners compete in 10K run in September.

Address: 1893 Twist Road

Phone: 815-456-2718

Online: dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Pages/ FranklinCreek.aspx, or franklincreekconservation.org/ or find Franklin Creek Conservation Association on Facebook

Hours: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April-October and by appointment

Admission: Free H.I. Lincoln Building

Built in 1860 by a cousin of Abraham Lincoln, and originally a dry goods store,

Address: 375 Game Road Online: dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.greenriver.html and Facebook Hours: Dawn to dusk

SUBLETTE

Burma Shave Roadside Signs

See reproduction set of Burma Shave signs, known for their humorous rhyming poems on small highway roadside signs. Burma Shave was a brushless shaving cream. The signs were added after Sublette was selected through a contest.

Address: 339 US Route 52

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

MAY 18-19

Railroad Days — Rochelle Railroad Park, 124 N. Ninth St., Rochelle; railfans enjoy a weekend of trains, food, historic displays and games; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday; rochellerailroadpark. org and Facebook

MAY 31-JUNE 1

Chana Museum Annual Community Sale — Oregon Coliseum, Franklin and Fourth streets in Oregon; fundraiser for the museum with housewares, clothing, antiques and much more; town-wide garage sales occurring as well;

8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-noon Saturday; business.oregonil.com/calendar and Facebook

Saturdays, June 1-September

Byron Hairy Cow Farmers Market — Sunshine Park, corner of Peru Street and Route 2, Byron; fresh picked vegetables, fruit, jams and jellies, eggs and find handmade sewing and crafts; 8:30-11:30 a.m.; Facebook

JUNE

5-6

The Chairmen’s Board — White Pines Playhouse, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris; featuring lunch and a show; 11:20 a.m.; see website for tickets; whitepinesinn.com

THURSDAYS, JUNE

6-SEPT. 26

River’s Edge Farmers Market — Behind Oregon Fire Department; 123 N. Second St., Oregon; fresh, locally grown produce, flowers and hand-made crafts; live music on select dates; 5-7:30 p.m.; cityoforegon.org/ rivers-edge-farmers-market and Facebook

JUNE 6-8

Garage Sale Days — Davis Junction, Stillman Valley and Byron; hunt for deals throughout the communities; davisjunction. com

JUNE 7

Mt. Morris Jamboree: Brass from the Past — Campus in the center of Mt. Morris; concessions at 6 p.m., concerts at 7 p.m.; encoremtmorris.com and mtmorrisil.net

Events

Earleen Hinton/ehinton@shawmedia.com

This gaggle of giggling girls from Polo take a spin on one of the carnival rides at the 2023 Town and Country Days. Pictured are Adalynn Benner, Sesily Dawson, Marin Underwood, and Haisley Shank.

JUNE 13-16

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 7-AUG. 25

Old Sandstone Art Gallery Fine Art Show — Old Sandstone Gallery, 122 S. Wesley Ave., Mt. Morris; visit the gallery on Wednesdays from 7-8:45 p.m. and Fridays 6:30-9 p.m.; encoremt- morris.com

JUNE 8

Porchfest — Mt. Morris; festi- val invites all genres of musicians to perform on porches, lawns; see website for map of locations; 1-5 p.m.; encoreporchfest.info

JUNE 12

Kable Band Concerts — Bandshell in Mt. Morris; featuring guest performers; concessions at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m.; mtmorrisil.net/concerts and encoremtmorris.com

JUNE 12-13

Fortunate Sons: A Creedence Clearwater

Revival — White Pines Playhouse, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris; featuring lunch and a show; 11:30 a.m.; see website for tickets; whitepinesinn.com

JUNE 14

Mt. Morris Jamboree featuring Rick Lindy and the Wild Ones —Mt. Morris Bandshell; concessions at 6 p.m., concerts at 7 p.m.; encoremtmorris.com

JUNE 16

Oregon Lions Club Father’s Day Car Show — Oregon Park East, 120 River Road, Oregon; 7:30 a.m.-2p.m.; business.oregonil.com/ calendar and Facebook

JUNE 18

Concerts in the Park — Oregon Park West, 1402 Koontz Place; free; bring a lawn chair, blanket; food truck vendors on site; 6:30 p.m.; rain location Oregon Coliseum at Franklin and Fourth streets; oregonpark.org

JUNE 19

Kable Band Concerts — Bandshell in Mt. Morris; featuring guest performers; concessions at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m.; mtmorrisil.net/concerts and encoremtmorris.com

JUNE 21

Mt. Morris Jamboree featuring Bagshot Row, oldies rock & roll — Mt. Morris Bandshell; concessions at 6 p.m., concerts at 7 p.m.; encoremtmorris.com

JUNE 24-25

Railroad Days — Rochelle Railroad Park, 124 N. Ninth St., Rochelle; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; enjoyrochelle.com and Facebook

EVENTS cont’d to page 12

Events

EVENTS cont’d from page 11

JUNE 25

A Tribute to George Strait — White Pines Playhouse, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris; featuring lunch and a show; 11:20 a.m.; see website for tickets; whitepinesinn.com and Facebook

Concerts in the Park — Oregon Park West, 1402 Koontz Place; free; bring a lawn chair, blanket; food truck vendors on site; 6:30 p.m.; rain location Oregon Coliseum at Franklin and Fourth streets; oregonpark.org

JUNE 26

Gordy & Debbie’s Country Legends — White Pines Playhouse, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris; featuring lunch and a show; 11:20 a.m.; see website for tickets; whitepinesinn. com and Facebook

Kable Band Concerts — Bandshell in Mt. Morris; featuring guest performers; concessions at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m.; mtmorrisil.net/ concerts and encoremtmorris.com

JUNE 28

Mt. Morris Jamboree featuring New Heartaches — Mt. Morris Bandshell; concessions at 6 p.m., concerts at 7 p.m.; encoremtmorris.com

JUNE 29

The Cypress House Outdoor Market — 718 10th Ave., Rochelle; visit Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. to find local produce, honey, farm eggs, fresh flowers and breads; cypresshouse.net

JULY

3

Fireworks and Movie in the Park — Davis Junction Community Park, 106 Lincoln Ave., Davis Junction; enjoy fireworks and a movie at dusk; davisjunction.com and Facebook

JULY

4

Independence Day Celebration — Atwood Park, Rochelle; parade, band concert and fireworks; 1 p.m., fireworks at dusk; cityofro-

chelle.net and 815-562-6161

JULY

4-5

Let Freedom Ring Festival — Mt. Morris; includes a parade, live music, children’s activities, and fireworks at dusk July 4; lfrmtmorris.com and Facebook

JULY

7

Mt. Morris Jamboree featuring The Stingrays — Mt. Morris Bandshell; concessions at 6 p.m., concerts at 7 p.m.; encoremtmorris.com Movies in the Park — Polo; grab blankets and enjoy an outdoor movie; dusk; polochamber. org

JULY 9

Concerts in the Park — Oregon Park West, 1402 Koontz Place; free; bring a lawn chair, blanket; food truck vendors on site; 6:30 p.m.; rain location Oregon Coliseum at Franklin and Fourth streets; oregonpark.org

JULY 10

Kable Band Concerts — Bandshell in Mt. Morris; featuring guest performers; concessions at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m.; mtmorrisil.net/concerts and encoremtmorris.com

JULY 10-11

Piano Man: Tribute to Elton John & Billy Joel — White Pines Playhouse, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris; featuring lunch and a show; 11:20 a.m.; see website for tickets; whitepinesinn.com and Facebook

JULY 12

Mt. Morris Jamboree featuring Howard and The White Boys —Mt. Morris Bandshell; concessions at 6 p.m., concerts at 7 p.m.; encoremtmorris.com

JULY 12-14

ByronFest — multiple locations in Byron, featuring a gospel concert, carnival, car show, quilt show, vendor show, bags tournament, 5K run, entertainment, parade, beer garden and food; byronfest.org

Events

JULY

13

Hib Reber Memorial Car Show and annual United Church of Byron Trash to Treasure Sale — 701 W. Second St., Byron; registration 8 to 11 :30 a.m., awards at 2 p.m.; music, concessions; Facebook

JULY

13-14

& 20-21

Daylily Bloomfest — Hidden Timber Gardens, 462 S. Chana Road, Chana; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday; check out daylilies in the Robert Ellison Memorial Garden and display gardens; hiddentimbergardens.com/events

JULY 16

Concerts in the Park — Oregon Park West, 1402 Koontz Place; free; bring a lawn chair, blanket; food truck vendors on site; 6:30 p.m.; rain location Oregon Coliseum at Franklin and Fourth streets; oregonpark.org

JULY 17

Kable Band Concerts — Bandshell in Mt. Morris; featuring guest performers; concessions at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m.; mtmorrisil.net/concerts and encoremtmorris.com

JULY 19

Mt. Morris Jamboree featuring Chicago Tribute Anthology —Mt. Morris Bandshell; concessions at 6 p.m., concerts at 7 p.m.; encoremtmorris.com

JULY

19-21

Alexa Zoellner/Shaw Media

Look, up in the sky —it’s the man of ... straw! Forreston’s Doreen White took third place in Peoples Choice category for her “The Hero Within” straw sculpture at the seventh annual U.S. National Straw Sculpting Competition in Mt. Morris in 2022.

AUG. 9-25

Straw Sculpting Competition (Straw Fest Day Aug. 24)

Mt. Morris; walk through town to see how straw can be used to create works of art as part of a national competition; encoremtmorris.com/ and strawusa.com

AUG. 1-4

Forreston Sauerkraut Days — Forreston; multi-day festival filled with a parade, food, entertainment, craft show, car show, sports, family movie night and much more; schedule TBD; Facebook

AUG. 2

Mt. Morris Jamboree featuring Jonny Lyons & The Pride —Mt. Morris Bandshell; concessions at 6 p.m., concerts at 7 p.m.; encoremtmorris.com

AUG. 6

Concerts in the Park — Oregon Park West, 1402 Koontz Place; free; bring a lawn chair, blanket; food truck vendors on site; 6:30 p.m.; rain location Oregon Coliseum at Franklin and Fourth streets; oregonpark.org

AUG. 7-8

Mike & Traci’s Good Clean Fun Show — White Pines Playhouse, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris; featuring lunch and a show; 11:20 a.m.; see website for tickets; whitepinesinn. com and Facebook

AUG. 9

Mt. Morris Jamboree featuring Heartache Tonight — Mt. Morris Bandshell; concessions at 6 p.m., concerts at 7 p.m.; encoremtmorris.com

AUG. 9-25

Straw Sculpting Competition & Straw Fest Day Aug. 24 — Mt. Morris; walk through town to see how straw can be used to create works of art as part of a national competition; encoremtmorris.com/ and strawusa. com

AUG. 10

Polo Car Show — Car, truck and motorcycle show, plus trivia competition and music; 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; polochamber.org

Glory Days Vintage Drag Race, Car Show & Swap Meet — 7287 N. River Road, Byron; schedule TBD; byrondragway.com

JULY 23

Down to the (Funny) Bone — White Pines Playhouse, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris; featuring lunch and a show; 11:20 a.m.; see website for tickets; whitepinesinn.com and Facebook

Concerts in the Park — Oregon Park West, 1402 Koontz Place; free; bring a lawn chair, blanket; food truck vendors on site; Color Run at 6 p.m.; concert at 6:30 p.m.; rain location Oregon Coliseum at Franklin and Fourth streets; oregonpark.org

JULY 24

Kable Band Concerts — Bandshell in Mt. Morris; featuring guest performers; concessions at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m.; mtmorrisil.net/concerts and encoremtmorris.com Little Bit Country, Little Bit Rock & Roll — White Pines Playhouse, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris; featuring lunch and a show; 11:20 a.m.; see website for tickets; whitepinesinn. com and Facebook

JULY 26

Mt. Morris Jamboree featuring Swingbilly RFD — Mt. Morris Bandshell; concessions at 6 p.m., concerts at 7 p.m.; encoremtmorris. com

JULY 27

Outdoor Market — Cypress House 718 Tenth Ave., Rochelle, combination farmers market and artisan market; 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; enjoyrochelle.com and Facebook

JULY 30

Color Run & Concerts in the Park — Oregon Park West, 1402 Koontz Place; free; bring a lawn chair, blanket; food truck vendors on site; Color Run at 6 p.m.; concert at 6:30 p.m.; rain location Oregon Coliseum at Franklin and Fourth streets; oregonpark.org

JULY 31

Kable Band Concert — Bandshell in Mt. Morris; wear white and get a doused in color at 6 p.m. followed by concert at 6:30 p.m. featuring guest performers; concessions at 7 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m.; mtmorrisil.net/ concerts and encoremtmorris.com

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; oglecountyfair.com

AUG. 13

Remembering Red: A Tribute to Red Skelton— White Pines Playhouse, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris; featuring lunch and a show; 11:20 a.m.; see website for tickets; whitepinesinn.com and Facebook

AUG. 16

Mt. Morris Jamboree featuring Shindig — Mt. Morris Bandshell; concessions at 6 p.m., concerts at 7 p.m.; encoremtmorris.com

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. 21

Outdoor Market — Cypress House 718 Tenth Ave., Rochelle, combination farmers market and artisan market; 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; enjoyrochelle.com and Facebook

Events

AUG. 23

Mt. Morris Jamboree featuring The Jimmys — Mt. Morris Bandshell; concessions at 6 p.m., concerts at 7 p.m.; encoremtmorris. com

AUG. 28

Tribute to the Oak Ridge Boys — White Pines Playhouse, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris; featuring lunch and a show; 11:20 a.m.; see website for tickets; whitepinesinn. com and Facebook

AUG. 29

Salute to the Songs of the Statler Brothers — White Pines Playhouse, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris; featuring lunch and a show; 11:20 a.m.; see website for tickets; whitepinesinn.com and Facebook

AUG. 30

Mt. Morris Jamboree featuring Fortunate Sons — Mt. Morris Bandshell; concessions at 6 p.m., concerts at 7 p.m.; encoremtmorris. com

SEPT. 5-7

Seasons — White Pines Playhouse, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris; featuring lunch and a show; 11:20 a.m.; see website for tickets; whitepinesinn.com and Facebook

SEPT. 11

Tyler Smith 5K — Cooper Park, 10th Avenue and 20th Street; race to fund high school scholarships in honor of Tyler (Smitty) Smith; 9 a.m.; rochelleparkdistrict.org

SEPT. 14

Fiesta Hispana — downtown Rochelle; celebrate with food and entertainment; schedule and details TBD; Facebook

SEPT. 18

Nashville Live — White Pines Playhouse, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris; featuring lunch and a show; 11:20 a.m.; see website for tickets; whitepinesinn.com and Facebook

SEPT. 28

Outdoor Market — Cypress House 718 Tenth Ave., Rochelle, combination farmers market and artisan market; 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; enjoyrochelle.com and Facebook

SEPT. 28-29

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

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

Who’s that riding the tractor — John Deere-ly Departed maybe?

Mark Eden of Oregon made no bones about what kind of tractor he prefers: He hauled this John Deere garden tractor behind his classic John Deere during the 2023 Harvest Time Parade, part of the annual Autumn on Parade festivities.

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

OCT. 2

Evergreen: A Tribute to Barbra Streisand — White Pines Playhouse, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris; featuring lunch and a show; 11:20 a.m.; see website for tickets; whitepinesinn. com and Facebook

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. 16

After All: A Tribute to Cher — White Pines Playhouse, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris; featuring lunch and a show; 11:20 a.m.; see website for tickets; whitepinesinn.com and Facebook

OCT. 19

Can Food Truck Festival — Fourth Avenue and Main Street, Rochelle; enjoy delicious eats from food trucks while raising money and collecting for the community; 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Facebook

OCT. 20

OCT. 23

That’s Amore: A Tribute to Dean Martin — White Pines Playhouse, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris; featuring lunch and a show; 11:20 a.m.; see website for tickets; whitepinesinn. com and Facebook

OCT. 26

Outdoor Market — Cypress House 718 Tenth Ave., Rochelle, combination farmers market and artisan market; 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; enjoyrochelle.com

NOV. 5

This is Our Country— White Pines Playhouse, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris; featuring lunch and a show; 11:20 a.m.; see website for tickets; whitepinesinn.com and Facebook

NOV.

20

Leaders of the Pack: Starring the Lovettes — White Pines Playhouse, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris; comedy with evening and matinee shows; 11:20 a.m.; see website for tickets; whitepinesinn.com and Facebook

NOV. 30

Candlelight Walk — downtown Oregon; horse-drawn carriage rides, reindeer, visits with Santa, holiday gift fair and more; 3-8 p.m.; candlelightwalk.org and oregonil.com

DEC. DATE TBD

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

Festival of Trees & Miracle on Second Street — Byron Museum, 110 N. Union St.; holiday trees decorated by local businesses and organizations throughout the museum; 6 p.m.; byronmuseum.org

Polo Christmas Festival — Polo ; celebrate the season with holiday happenings and shop local businesses; events throughout the day from Breakfast with Santa to craft show and entertainment and tree lighting; polochamber.org and Facebook

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

DEC. 4-5

A Jonny Lyons Rockin’ X-mas — White Pines Playhouse, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris; featuring lunch and a show; 11:20 a.m.; see website for tickets; whitepinesinn.com and Facebook

DEC. 7, 14, 21

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

Scrooge the Comedy — White Pines Playhouse, 6712 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris; featuring lunch and a show; 11:20 a.m.; see website for tickets; whitepinesinn.com and Facebook

Destinations

Ogle County was formed in 1836. Its county seat is Oregon. About 51,000 people live among its 763 square miles. The county boasts three state parks, one of which — Lowden — is home to the county’s most visible “resident,” The Eternal Indian, more commonly known as the Black Hawk Statue.

BYRON

Byron Dragway

Billed as “The Playground of Power,” Byron Dragway is a family-owner dragstrip. It’s been northern Illinois’ home for National Hot Rod Association drag racing since 1964. Address: 7287 River Road

Phone: 815-391-0000 or 815-234-8405

Online: byrondragway.com or Facebook

Hours: Gates open at 9 a.m., racing starts at 10 a.m. on weekends, April through October.

Admission: Varies by event; check the website or call ahead

Heritage Farm Museum

This farm dates 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, ext. 217

Online: byronforestpreserve.com/facilities/ heritage-farm-museum or find Byron Forest Preserve on Facebook

Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily through Oct. 31; by appointment November through March

Admission: Free

Jarrett Prairie Center

The educational center and museum is on one of the highest points the county, overlooking 450 acres of restored prairie. Habitat exhibits, dioramas and audio interpretation help visitors understand the nature of the area. There is a gift shop and hiking trails.

Address: 7993 N. River Road

Phone: 815-234-8535

Online: byronforestpreserve.com/facilities/ jarrett-prairie-center/ or find Byron Forest Preserve on Facebook

Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday,9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Admission: By donation

J. Weiskopf Observatory

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

Address: 7993 N. River Road

Phone: 815-234-8535, ext. 200

Online: byronforestpreserve.com/facilities/ weiskopf-observatory/ or find Byron Forest Preserve on Facebook

Hours: Public viewing begins at sunset and lasts 3 hours Saturday year-round and Tuesday in June, July and August

Admission: Free

PrairieFire Golf & Grill

The bar and grill adjoining Prairie View Golf Course features virtual golf technology in its eight temperature-controlled private hitting bays for year-round play. Toptracer uses hightech tools to allow players to experience using launch, speed, curve and other data analysis – all delivered in real time as you hit your ball onto targets on a driving range. Play famous virtual golf courses and other fun games, with instant feedback with each shot, competing

against yourself or others, both locally as well as other players around the world.

Address: 6734 N. German Church Road, Byron

Phone: 815-234-3473

Online: prairiefiregolf.com/ and on Facebook

Hours: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 9 a.m.-midnight Friday & Saturday

GRAND DETOUR

The John Deere Historic Site

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

Address: 8334 S. Clinton St.

Phone: 815-652-4551

Online: deere.com/en/connect-with-johndeere/visit-john-deere/historic-site/

Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday and Tuesday

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: 203 E. Third St.

Online: visitnorthwestillinois.com/

Hours: 1-4 p.m. first and third Sunday of the month, May through October Admission: Free

Veterans Memorial Park

Address: 201 E. Third St.

Situated next to the Leaf River Historical Museum, the park flies seven flags: the American flag, POW/MIA flag, and flags for the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines. Also at the park: memorial bricks of remembrance, a Korean War cannon, and picnic shelter.

MOUNT MORRIS

Aireloom Music Studio

A recording studio where musicians can take lessons, purchase instruments, seek repairs and much more

Address: 122 S. Wesley Ave.

Phone: 815-973-5697

Online: visitnorthwestillinois.com/what-todo/attractions/arts-culture/aireloom-music-studio/

Bald Hill Prairie Preserve

This 380-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 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/preserves/ bald-hill-prairie-preserve/ or find Byron Forest Preserve on 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 the belfry of an old church in Lake Geneva, Wis., but eventually made its way to Mount Morris. This 1,500-pound bell graces the town square lawn. It is rung during the annual Let Freedom Ring Festival, which draws thousands to celebrate an old-fashioned Fourth of July.

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 and the White Pines Playhouse Theatre.

Address: 6712 W. Pines Road

Phone: 815-946-3717

Online: www2.illinois.gov/dnr/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. Camping is available.

Address: 1365 W. Castle Road

Phone: 815-732-7329

Online: castlerockstatepark.com

BYRON

Byron Museum of History and Lucius Read House

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

Address: 110 N. Union St. Phone: 815-234-5031

Online: byronmuseum.org or Facebook

Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday from February through December; open January by appointment

Admission: Free

OREGON CONT’D

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: 815-732-6828

Online: dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.lowden. html

Lowden-Miller State Forest

At 2,291 acres, the forest is one of the county’s most beautiful and historic sites. More than 20 miles of maintained trails for hiking Address: 1365 W. Castle Rock Road Phone: 815-732-7329

Online: 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, picnic tables, shelter, basketball court and seasonal restrooms

Address: 701 N. Fourth St. Phone: 815-732-3101

Online: oregonpark.org/parks/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: 1402 Koontz Place Phone: 815-732-3101

Online: oregonpark.org/park-west

Hours: Splash Canyon Spray Park and Prairie Side Skate Park have separate hours; check the website or call ahead

Ruby Nash Home/Ogle County Historical Museum

Built in 1878 in Midwestern prairie architecture, the Nash Home and Museum, which opened in 1962, originally was home to Chester Nash and his family. His daughter, Ruby, taught school from 1891 to 1941. Nash School, now Nash Recreation Center, was named after her. The museum offers artifacts from around the county — some from the earliest settlers.

Address: 111 N. Sixth St. Phone: 815-732-7545

Online: oglecountyhistoricalsociety.com or find The Ogle County Historical Society on Facebook

Hours: Sunday afternoons or by appointment

Admission: By donation

Destinations

POLO

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 wood-burning perpetual kiln, or draw-down kiln, which meant it had to be continuously fired. It operated until the early 1900s.

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

Online: poloil.org/HistoricalSociety.html

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

Online: poloil.org

Hours: By appointment

Admission: By donation

Burns House

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

Address: 201 N. Franklin Ave.

Phone: 815-946-4142

Online: poloil.org/HistoricalSociety.html and visitnorthwestillinois.com/what-to-do/ attractions/history-heritage/burns-house/

Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday

Campbell Law Office

Judge Campbell was Polo’s first mayor; his office was built in 1875 from blue limestone

hauled by wagon from the quarry west of town. It is a private law office.

Address: 111 N. Franklin Ave.

Phone: 815-946-4142

Online: poloil.org/HistoricalSociety.html

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-October, and by appointment

Online: poloil.org/HistoricalSociety.html

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

Online: poloil.org/HistoricalSociety.html

Hours: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and by appointment

ROCHELLE

1918 Standard Oil Filling Station

This is the very first gasoline filling station in Rochelle and the first filling station built along the Lincoln Highway in Illinois. It has been restored to its original design, including the canopy over the pumps and the 1918 equipment. Filling station memorabilia is on display inside.

Address: 500 Lincoln Ave. Phone: 815-561-2084

Online: visitnorthwestillinois.com

Hours: Weekends 1-5 p.m.; By appointment

Flagg Township Museum

The museum features artifacts from Rochelle’s history, antiques, and genealogical information, including a 1915 Partin-Palmer automobile built in Rochelle, one of two in existence. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Address: 518 Fourth Ave. Phone: 815-562-3040

Online: flaggtownshipmuseumrochelle.org or find Rochelle Flagg Township Museum on Facebook

Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday

Admission: $3 adults, $2 children ages over 6, free for ages 6 and under; free admission on Thursday

Kennay Farms Distilling

Family farming operation that specializes in growing their own grains to create handcrafted spirits with a sustainable approach. Crafting vodka, bourbon and rye whiskey.

Address: 416 Lincoln Highway

Phone: 815-901-1512

Online: kennayfarmsdistilling.com

Hours: Tasting room open 4-8 p.m. Friday, 3-8 p.m. Saturday

Lyle Kunde Recreation Area/Lake Sule

This 90-acre recreation area includes 77-acre Lake Sule and offers boating and fishing,

BBQ area, picnic tables, rest rooms/portables, shelters/building

Address: 900 Wiscold Drive

Phone: 815-562-7813

Online: rochelleparkdistrict.org/parks-facilities

Robert’s Armory

World War II Museum

Features armored vehicles, artillery and other artifacts used by the U.S. in World War II. The museum also participates in WWII displays, parades, motion pictures and reenactments throughout the United States.

Address: 2090 Brush Grove Road

Phone: 815-561-4445

Online: robertsarmory.com or Facebook

Hours: Open by appointment; see website for more times and dates

Rochelle Fire Department Museum

Opened in 2000, the museum was built almost entirely by members of the department. Its main attraction is the restored 1922 Seagrave fire truck, “Ol’ Gertie,” the department’s second motorized fire truck.

Address: 401 Fifth Ave.

Phone: 815-562-2122

Online: cityofrochelle.net

Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday

Rochelle Railroad Park

The park is an ideal spot for train watching, with more than 80 trains passing through each day. It’s the first in the nation built just for visitors to see operating trains. A raised platform allows viewers to see two Class One rail lines crossing at the “diamond.” The park also showcases a Whitcomb locomotive, a replica “hobo jungle” and more. There is a gift shop.

Address: 124 N. Ninth St. Phone: 815-562-7031

Online: rochellerailroadpark.org and on Facebook

Hours: Viewing available 24 hours; gift shop open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday Admission: Free

Norm Skare Park

This 320-acre park has a 9-hole disc golf course, horse trails, hiking/biking trails, ball fields, horseshoe pits, playgrounds, and more. The Historic Skare Homestead Museum, the former home of Norman Lincoln Skare, is on site.

Address: 9977 County Highway 22 Phone: 815-562-7813

Online: rochelleparkdistrict.org/parks-facilities

Spring Lake Aquatic Park

This outdoor swimming pool has a 150-foot slide, two diving boards, and a climbing wall. There is a large wading pool for small children. Swimming lessons and private rentals available.

Address: 303 S. Eighth St. Phone: 815-562-6658

Online: rochelleparkdistrict.org/springlake

Hours: Open swim Monday-Friday: 12:30-7 p.m. and 12:30-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Events

SATURDAYS, YEAR ROUND

Indoor Farmers Market — Twin City Produce Co., 106 Ave. A., Sterling; seasonal favorites and locally made products; 8 a.m.-noon; sterlingmainstreet.org

MAY-OCT.,

WEDNESDAYS &

SATURDAYS

Rock Falls Farmers Market — 400 W. Second St., Rock Falls; fresh produce, crafters and local businesses; 7 a.m.-1 p.m.; rockfallschamber.com

MAY

30

Talent Show — RB&W Park, 201 E. Second St., Rock Falls; take the Stage and share talent for singing, comedy, magic in the family-friendly event and more; food trucks onsite; free admission; 5-8 p.m.; visitrockfalls.com or Facebook

JUNE 2

Blessing of the Bikes — Motorcycles and four-wheelers converge in downtown Fulton for this annual time of blessing as the riding season kicks off.

JUNE

7

Rally on the Rock Cruise Night — Sterling Marketplace; new event featuring cool cars and live music; 6-8 p.m.; sterlingmainstreet.org

JUNE 8

Bellson Music Fest — at RB&W Park, 201 E. Second St., Rock Falls; honoring legacy of famous drummer, composer, arranger and band leader with live music; featuring five performers; in case of inclement weather event may be moved to McCormick Event Center; noon-9:30 p.m.; visitrockfalls.com Drum Clinic with Steve Smit — 11 a.m.-noon at the McCormick Event Center, 205 E. Third St.

JUNE

11

Totally Tuesday — Drives Park, 1300 Park Drive, Fulton; live music, food trucks; bring your lawn chair or blanket for the concert; 6 p.m.; Facebook.com/visitfulton

JUNE 13

Pop-Up Market — Dale Park in downtown Sterling; featuring a variety of vendors and live music; 5-8 p.m.; sterlingmainstreet.org and Facebook

JUNE 21-22

Summer Splash —Multi-venue event that kicks off Friday afternoon with lunch fun, Friday

MUSIC UNDER THE STARS BY THE STERLING MUNICIPAL BAND

June 5, 12, 19 & 26 | July 3, 10, 17 & 24 | Aug. 7 & 14

Grandon Civic Center downtown Sterling; concert at 7:30 p.m., with pre-concert performance by local groups at 6:15 p.m.; concessions available, seating on park benches, or bring your own chairs/blankets; sterling-il.gov/380/Sterling-Municipal-Band and on Facebook

evening is Family Night Activities and Saturday features community activities with a parade, classic car show, craft and vendor show; rockfallschamber.com or 815-625-4500

JUNE

27

Pop-up market — Dale Park in downtown Sterling; variety of vendors, live music nearby food and beverage options; 5-8 p.m.; sterlingmainstreet.org

JUNE

29

Touch-A-Truck — In the Bethel Reformed Church parking lot, 203 E. 23rd St., Sterling (across the street from the Duis Center); Join the Sterling Park District for an event that offers children a hands-on opportunity to explore the large trucks and machines they see but never get to touch. Children can climb vehicles, sit in the driver’s seat and discover the world of trucks. This unique event will feature large trucks and heavy equipment from law enforcement, fire departments, commercial companies, industrial companies and rental companies. 10 a.m.-noon; sterlingparks.org

JULY

3

Eats ‘N’ Beats @the District — RB&W Park, 201 E. Second St., Rock Falls; Independence Day Celebration hosted by the Rock Falls Jaycees including music, food

trucks and fireworks display; 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Facebook (food trucks and vendors 4-10 p.m.; 3 Day Rain concert from 6-9 p.m.; fireworks at dusk)

JULY 5

Rally on the Rock Cruise Night — Sterling Marketplace; featuring cool cars and live music; 6-8 p.m.; sterlingmainstreet.org

JULY 9

Mainly Marathons: Heartland Series — Day 4 of what’s billed as the “world’s best multi-day, multi-state running series; Windmill Cultural Center, 111 10th Ave., Fulton; early start 5 a.m., regular start 6 a.m.; mainlymarathons.com/ Totally Tuesday — Drives Park, 1300 Park Drive, Fulton; live music, food trucks; bring your lawn chair or blanket for the concert; 6 p.m.; Facebook.com/visitfulton

JULY

11

Pop-up market — Dale Park in downtown Sterling; variety of vendors, live music and nearby food and beverage options; 5-8 p.m.; sterlingmainstreet.org Talent Show — RB&W Park, 201 E. Second St., Rock Falls; take the Stage and share talent for singing, comedy, magic in the family-friendly event and more; food trucks onsite; free admis-

birth place, fishing derby, mud volleyball, live music, craft show, parade, car show fireworks, farmers market and craft show, raffles and more; tampicoil.com and Facebook

JULY 19

sion; 5-8 p.m.; visitrockfalls.com or Facebook

JULY 11-13

Eats ‘N’ Beats @the District — RB&W Park, 201 E. Second St., Rock Falls; 4-10 p.m., featuring live music (Whitlocked and Loaded Band) from 7-10 p.m.; food trucks and vendors; visitrockfalls. com and Facebook

JULY

22

Windmill Cultural Center Edutainment Program: Lewis & Clark — 111 10th Ave., Fulton; go to cityoffulton.us/city/fulton-directory/attractions/windmill-cultural-center

JULY 25

Pop-up market — Dale Park in downtown Sterling; variety of vendors, live music and nearby food and beverage options; 5-8 p.m.; sterlingmainstreet.org

JULY 27

Rock River Jazz Band — RB&W Park, 201 E. Second St., Rock Falls; live music performance outdoors; 7-8:30 p.m.; rockriverjazzband.com and Facebook

Whiteside County 4-H Show — Whiteside County Fairgrounds, 201 W. Winfield St., Morrison; 4-H projects, Sale of Champions; web.extension.illinois.edu or Facebook

JULY 13

NAMI Sauk Area 5K — Woodlawn Arts Academy, Sterling; family friendly 5K for runners and walkers to support National Alliance on Mental Illness; 8 a.m.; namisaukarea.org

Rock River Jazz Band — RB&W Park, 201 E. Second St., Rock Falls; live music performance outdoors; 7-8:30 p.m.; rockriverjazzband.com and Facebook

JULY 18-21

Tampico Fest — Tampico; bingo, tours of Ronald Reagan’s

AUG. 1

Talent Show —RB&W Park, 201 E. Second St., Rock Falls; take the Stage and share talent for singing, comedy, magic in the family-friendly event and more; food trucks onsite; free admission; 5-8 p.m.; visitrockfalls.com or Facebook

AUG. 2

Hot Dog Day — Downtown Sterling; merchants offer 25-cent hot dogs and sodas from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. or when sold out; coincides with Family Fun Fair at Sterling Marketplace offering free children’s activities and sidewalk sales throughout the downtown; sterlingmainstreet.org

AUG. 6

Police Department’s Night Out — Rock Falls, Sterling communities celebrate local police departments with events and demonstrations; see website for times and locations; visitrockfalls.com

Totally Tuesday & Fulton Police Department’s Night Out — Drives Park, 1300 Park Drive, Fulton; live music, food trucks; bring your lawn chair or blanket for the concert; police department to host special events; 6 p.m.; Facebook.com/visitfulton

AUG.

8

Pop-up market — Dale Park in downtown Sterling; variety of vendors, live music and nearby food and beverage options; 5-8 p.m.;

sterlingmainstreet.org

AUG. 9-10

Fulton city-wide yard sales — A day of garage sales throughout the city.

AUG. 13-17

Whiteside County Fair — Whiteside County Fairgrounds, 201 W. Winfield St., Morrison; demolition derby, harness racing, bull riding, truck and tractor pulls, livestock shows, antique tractor parade, music, carnival, food, exhibits and more; whitesidecountyfair.org

AUG. 16

Eats ‘N’ Beats @the District — RB&W Park, 201 E. Second St., Rock Falls; 4-10 p.m., featuring live music (BAJA) from 7-10 p.m.; food trucks and vendors; visitrockfalls.com and Facebook

AUG. 17

Rock River Jazz Band — RB&W Park, 201 E. Second St., Rock Falls; live music performance outdoors; 7-8:30 p.m.; rockriverjazzband.com and Facebook

AUG. 22

Pop-up Market — Dale Park in downtown Sterling; variety of vendors, live music and nearby food and beverage options; 5-8 p.m.; sterlingmainstreet.org

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Jessica Conner of Naperville waves the checkered flag at the end of a heat during the 2023 Rock Falls River Chase.

AUG. 16-18

Rock Falls River Chase

Stock outboard boat racing on the Rock River with boats racing at speeds of more than 80 mph; food and beverage vendors; 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; visitrockfalls.com and Facebook

Events

SEPT. 7

Taste of Fiesta — RB&W District Park 301 E. Second St., Rock Falls; food, art, music, Latin dances; free admission; 12-6 p.m.; visitrockfalls.com and Facebook

SEPT. 14

Rock River Jazz Band — RB&W Park, 201 E. Second St., Rock Falls; live music performance outdoors; 7-8:30 p.m.; rockriverjazzband.com and Facebook

SEPT. 21

Harvest Hammer Duathlon — Morrison High School 643 Genesee St., Morrison; races include children’s fun, a color run and duathlons, a 3.1 mile run and 21 mile bike ride through countryside; events start at 8 a.m., see website to register and for times; harvesthammer.org

SEPT. 21

Paint the Town — downtown Morrison; register to paint your own 5-by-5-foot square on the street; view outdoor art, entertainment, food and more; noon; paintthetownmorrison. com and Facebook

SEPT. 21-22

Fall Community Garage Sales — Rock Falls and Sterling; see Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce for information to register or shop; rockfallschamber.com

SEPT.

24

Art in the Park Sculpture Walk — RB&W Park, 201 E. Second St., Rock Falls; meet the sculptors, stroll through the outdoor art gallery; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; visitrockfalls.com and Facebook

SEPT.

26

Sip into Fall — downtown Sterling wine walk with sips, shopping and more; limited advance tickets available; sterlingmainstreet.org

SEPT. 27

OCT. 5

Lumberjack Show & Beard Contest — Selmi’s Greenhouse & Farm Market, 1206 Dixon Ave., Rock Falls; 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Lumberjack shows at 11a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.; beard contest at 2 p.m. (advance registration required); activities for all ages and food available, including Cliff’s donuts; visitrockfalls.com and Facebook Fulton Fall Fest —downtown and Heritage Canyon; celebrate all things fall with pumpkin painting, apple pie, scarecrow walk, and more; Facebook.com/visitfulton

OCT. 12

Sauk Valley Apple Cider Run — race starts and ends at Selmi’s Greenhouse and Farm Market, 1206 Dixon Ave., Rock Falls; options include half marathon, 10K and 5K; finish line treats include apple cider doughnut and apple cider; advance registration recommended; raceroster.com/events/2024/87898/ sauk-valley-apple-cider-run

Hops on the Rock — Sterling Marketplace, 111 W. 2nd St., Sterling; craft beer festival; must be 21 older to attend, advance tickets available, 3-6 p.m.; sterlingmainstreet.org

OCT. 19

Haunted Trail Walk — 1005 E. Third St., Sterling; Free family event open to the public. Can you brave a spooky stroll through the Dillon Home grounds? Bring a flashlight and watch as a skeleton crew brings the train to life! Decorations and photo opportunities with ghoulish creatures will make this an evening to remember. No one under 18 will be admitted without an adult. The first 500 children will receive a bag of goodies at the end of the walk. 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Spooktacular Halloween Golf Cart/UTV Parade — Time to be determined; go to visitrockfalls.com/spooktacular-halloween-lighted-golf-cart-utv-parade/ for updates

OCT. 25

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Shae Russell of Rock Falls pokes through a pumpkin at the 2023 Pumpkin Dash. Along with the running events, families were treated to food, music, bouncy houses and a petting zoo.

OCT. 5

Pumpkin Dash

Hoover Park, Woodlawn Road in Sterling; The Pumpkin Dash Cross County Festival is a Sterling tradition, featuring races that vary in distance and ages, from crawlers through 12-year-olds. The first 1,000 participants will receive a small pumpkin and a small bag of candy at the end of their race. Large pumpkins will be awarded to the winning girl and boy of each heat (excluding the 2 yrs & under race). This FREE event is fun for the entire family! 9-11:45 a.m.

Street; 1:30 p.m., lineup at 12:45 p.m.; morrisonil.org/annual-events

NOV. DATE TBD

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.org or 815-537-5139

Taco Throwdown — RB&W District Park 301 E. Second St., Rock Falls; featuring tacos to purchase, taco eating contest, Zowa wrestling and music; free admission; 3-10 p.m.; visitrockfalls.com and Facebook

OCT. DATES TBD

Haunted Haven haunted barn — Route 40 and Grennan Road, Rock Falls; 7-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and on Halloween; hauntedhaven.org and Facebook

OCT. 4

Mad About Plaid — downtown Rock Falls; wear your plaid and join the community to celebrate the style; details to come; visitrockfalls.com and Facebook

Biz Boo 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 and Facebook

OCT. 26

Halloween parade — Downtown Morrison; children in costume parade down Main

NOV. 3

PFLAG Sauk Valley Fundraiser Dinner — Mexicali Rose, 1409 Eighth Ave., Rock Falls; pflagsaukvalley.org, or find PFLAG Sauk Valley on Facebook; 5-8 p.m.

NOV. 16

NOV. 21-23

Hometown Holiday — Rock Falls; activities for the family to enjoy; multi-day event; rockfallschamber.com and Facebook

WEEKENDS, NOV. 25-DEC. 22

Ugly Sweater Sip & Shop — A fun shopping event to kick off the holiday season, in downtown Fulton; participating businesses will be open late, and there will be refreshments, treats, deals and giveaways.

Holiday Light Display — Centennial Park, 568 E. 11th St., Rock Falls. Friday, Saturday & Sunday evenings; Facebook, visitrockfalls.com

DEC. 6

Seasonal Sights and Sounds of Sterling Downtown Christmas Walk — holiday shopping, children’s activities, lighting of the Library Plaza Christmas tree, live entertainment, Santa, music and fireworks at 8 p.m. at the Riverfront; 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; sterlingmainstreet.org

EVENTS cont’d from p. 22

DEC. DATE TBD

Hometown Christmas — downtown Morrison; features lighted parade, decorations and holiday entertainment; morrisonil.org/annual-events

DEC. 7

Fulton Christmas Walk — Fulton’s downtown is filled with Christmas spirit, Visit the Grinch, Santa, and Sinterklaas, play snowball hockey, take in the tree lighting, cheer on a luminary-lit 5K run along the dike next to our authentic Dutch windmill. Downtown shops host special activities for the whole family.

DEC. 8

strations, desserts, and wonderful delight. Stick around until dusk when all the lanterns are lit and the canyon is aglow with holiday beauty.

JAN. 31FEB. 2, 2025

Embrace The Winter - This three-day community and arts festival celebrates everything winter in Clinton, Iowa, and Fulton, Ill.; Friday night Glow Night, Saturday B-rry Scurry, Saturday Extreme Capture The Flag in Heritage Canyon, Sunday Community Day

JAN. 2025 DATE TBD

Bald Eagle Watch along the Mississippi River — At Lock and Dam 13 in Fulton and at Clinton (Iowa) Community College 1000 Lincoln Blvd. Clinton; eicc.edu/future-students/ events/eagle-watch.aspx

Christmas in the Canyon — Experience a holiday in the 1800s. Fulton’s Heritage Canyon offers demon-

Events

SVM file photo

About 50 people gathered in Lawrence Park to watch for eagles during 2023’s Flock to the Rock.

FEB. 8, 2025

Flock to the Rock

Go to the lower dam in Rock Falls anytime before 10 a.m. to get an up close view of the majestic Eagles as they soar above the Rock River and Lawrence Park; check online for further updates — https://visitrockfalls.com/flock-to-the-rock/ and Facebook

Destinations

Whiteside County was established in 1836. Its 697 square miles is home to 55,000 people, and Morrison is its county seat. Among its famous residents: Renowned jazz drummer Louis Bellson, born in Rock Falls, and President Ronald Reagan, born in Tampico.

FULTON

Andresen Nature Center

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

Address: 409 N. Fourth St.

Phone: 815-208-7059

Online: cityoffulton.us/visit-fulton/fulton-attractions/andresen-nature-center. html or Facebook

Hours: Open for major events, special programs and private tours

Admission: Free

De Immigrant and the Windmill Cultural Center

This authentic windmill built in the Netherlands and assembled in Fulton honors the town’s rich Dutch heritage. Stone-ground buckwheat, corn, rye, and wheat flours all are manufactured at De Immigrant and are for sale in the gift shop. The cultural center, dedicated in 2010, houses a collection of 21 European windmills and hosts special exhibits throughout the year.

Address: 111 10th Ave.

Phone: 815-589-3925

Online: cityoffulton.us/visit-fulton/fulton-attractions/de-immigrant-windmill.html or

Windmill Cultural Center & de Immigrant

Windmill on Facebook

Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 1-5 p.m.

Sunday

Admission: By donation

Heritage Canyon

This 12-acre restored and furnished mid1800s settlement in a former quarry is nestled on the Mississippi River and features homesites, a doctor’s office, a blacksmith shop, a schoolhouse, a church, a swinging bridge and a covered bridge. During special events, the Early American Crafters, a group of Civil War reenactors, and other groups populate the area and bring history to life.

Address: 515 N. Fourth St.

Phone: 815-589-4600

Online: cityoffulton.us/city/fulton-directory/ attractions/heritage-canyon.html

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: 815-772-8889

Online: morrisonchamber.com/area-attractions/heritage-museum

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: dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Pages/MorrisonRockwood.aspx and on Facebook

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.

FULTON

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: cityoffulton.us/city/fultondirectory/attractions/fulton-martin-housemuseum.html

Hours: 2-4 p.m. Sundays and by appointment

Admission: Free

Online: tampicohistoricalsociety.com/Prophetstown_Historical_Soc.html or find Prophetstown Area Historical Society on Facebook Hours: by appointment

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: 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: dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.big-bend. html

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 artists that are on display. Each year eight new sculptures are voted on by jury selection and installed the day before the event.

Address: 301 E. Second St.

Phone: 815-622-1106

Online: visitrockfalls.com/art-in-the-park/ 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: colomatownshipparkdistrict. com/ or find Coloma Township Park District on Facebook.

MORRISON

The Loft on Main

Located in Morrison’s nationally recognized historic district see work by local artists, check out events. Classes and workshops offered to the public throughout the year.

Address: 112 E. Main St.

Phone: 815-772-4005

Online: theloftonmain.org and Facebook

Hours: 10 a.m.-2p.m. Thursdays; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays

AUGUST 15 7:00PM

Destinations

ROCK FALLS CONT’D

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 for lake, 815-499-0520 or camp@crystallakerecreation.com for the campground

Online: crystallakerecreation.com or find “Crystal Lake Recreation & RV Park, no tents” on Facebook

Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily in the summer 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.. Visitors can see former fire trucks, antique firefighting tools, toy fire trucks, photos.

Address: 403 W. Second St.

Contact: firehouseofgod@comcast.net or 815-622-9490

Online:  Facebook

Hours: by appointment; message through the Facebook page

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: enjoyillinois.com/explore/listing/ illinois-lincoln-highway-interpretive-mural-rock-falls

RB&W District Park

The centerpiece of the city’s ongoing riverfront revitalization effort in the Run Bike & Walk District, this former factory space turned greenspace features an amphitheater

STERLING

Kilgour Disc Golf Course

When the Sterling Park District sought to repurpose the old baskets from Sinnissippi Park, Kilgour Park was a natural choice. The 9-hole course at Kilgour Park is designed as a “short” course, to encourage beginners and seniors to try the sport, but still challenging enough for the experienced player. The beautiful new hole-location signs are eye catching, and the new tee pads make the course comfortable to maneuver. Kilgour Park is in an ideal location which is easy to access and enjoy by the community and, with many schools close by, we hope will be utilized by students.

Address: 400 W. 15th St. | Online: sterlingparks.org/disc-golf/ Admission: FREE

with covered stage, walking and bike paths, Art in the Park sculpture walk, and Koloni bicycle rentals.

Address: 200-300 block of East Second Street.

Online: visitrockfalls.com/rbw-park-district

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 and on 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 is a work of Italianate architecture, built in 1858. The property ultimately became home to P.W. Dillon, President of Northwestern Steel & Wire.

The home’s grandeur is a remarkable sight, as his wife, Crete, was an avid traveler and collector of eclectic pieces and period furniture. Unlike many historic homes, the Dillon Home retains all of its original furnishings. A tour through the Dillon Home is truly a step back in time, where the stories of this family come back to life.

Address: 1005 E. Third St. Phone: 815-622-6202

Online: sterlingparks.org/location/dillon-home-museum/

Tour times: Thursdays & Fridays at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m & 2 p.m., or by appointment only from 3-5 p.m.; and the second weekend of each month (Saturday & Sunday) at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. & 2 p.m.; or by appointment only from 3-5 p.m.

Rates: General Admission $6; Seniors $5; Ages 5 & Under FREE

Emerald Hill Golf Course

Online: ci.sterling.il.us/history.cfm Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@shawmedia.com

Looking for a quality golf course at a great price? Then look no further than the Emerald Hill Golf Course. The course will challenge you while providing a relaxing and picturesque backdrop. Emerald Hill features 18-holes of bentgrass greens and Kentucky Bluegrass tees, fairways and rough. To sharpen your skills, Emerald Hill also offers

a driving range, practice chipping area and three practice putting greens. Book tee times at emeraldhill.com or call 815-6226204

Address: 16802 Prairieville Road

Phone: 815-622-6204

Online: emeraldhillgolf.com

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

STERLING CONT’D

Lincoln-Manahan

Home Museum

The Lincoln-Manahan Home Museum is a restored 1847 home where Abraham Lincoln spent the night on July 18, 1856. The neighboring Lincoln Learning Center provides a venue for people of all ages to experience history-related activities and events.

Address: 607 E. Third St.

Phone: 815-622-6215

Online: srfhs.com or find Sterling Rock Falls Historical Society on Facebook

Hours: 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 to downtown or nearby Seward’s Park.

Access: In Sterling, at the corner of Second Street and Broadway, near the Dillon Home Museum; in Rock Falls, Off of East Second Street, near Emmons Avenue

Online: sterlingparks.org/trails/

Sinnissippi Park

The largest of the Sterling Park District parks, Sinnissippi Park was acquired in parcels beginning in 1934. Sinnissippi Park is the site for Hopewillian Indian Mounds, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Amenities such as Ball diamonds, fishing, disc golf (PDGA), picnic areas, playground equipment, open play areas, shelters, sledding and trail access are available.

Address: Sinnissippi Road

Online: sterlingparks.org/location/sinnissippi-park/

Sinnissippi Park

Disc Golf Course

Described as a “bucket list” course for traveling disc golfers, Sinnissippi Park is one-of-akind. Design by PDGA Hall of Fame member Terry Batten (No. 1738) in 1982, Sinnissippi Park has become a historic course in the world of disc golf. Since the inception of the

Destinations

course, local club members have added multiple pin locations and an additional 9 holes to make Sinnissippi Park a 27-hole championship-level disc golf course with topof-the-line baskets (Mach X). The course plays through the entire park, with holes ranging from 270-650 feet. The park has three distinct areas, from very open park-style shots, into a tighter technical woods, finishing up on the back 9 with elevation changes, a winding creek, and a mature oak tree forest. The Sterling Park District and Rock River Disc Golf are proud to bring continuous upgrades and opportunities for local players and visitors. For information about leagues, tournaments or other disc golf events reach out to Rock River Disc Golf on their Facebook page (Rock River Disc Golf) or email them at dixondiscgolf@gmail.com.

Address: Sinnissippi Road

Online: sterlingparks.org/disc-golf/ Admission: FREE

Sterling-Rock Falls

Historical Society Museum (Carriage House Museum)

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

TAMPICO

Address: 1005 E. Third St.

Phone: 815-622-6215

Online: srfhs.com/carriage-house-museum

Hours: 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday

Admission: Free

TAMPICO

Tampico Area Historical Society & Museum

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

Address: 119 Main St.

Phone: 815-622-8705

Online: tampicohistoricalsociety.com/ Home_Page.html and on Facebook

Hours: By appointment

Admission: Free

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 has also been restored. The store to the south of the bank, originally a grocery store, now houses the gift shop.

Address: 111-113 S. Main St.

Phone: 815-622-8705

Online: tampicohistoricalsociety.com/R_Reagan_Birthplace_Museum.html

Hours: Open by appointment; call ahead

Admission: By donation

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