OCN_2024 Ranger_052424

2024 Ranger

Things to See. Places to Go in Ogle County

Friday, May 24 •

White Pines State Park perfect for family fun

White Pines State Park offers visitors an abundance of natural beauty and a rich history.

The park is a great place to picnic, hike, and fish, or relax and spend a few days.

The park lies in the heart of Sauk and Fox country and is rich in historic accounts of the warriors who resisted the efforts of settlers to drive them from their beloved Rock River Valley.

The lodge was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s, and although it has undergone renovations over the years, the historic flavor of the log cabin lodge has been maintained.

The original stone and timbers were retained and the new features were blended to enhance the original structure.

The 385-acre park has tall trees, wildflowers, abundant wildlife, with Pine Creek winding through the park along towering limestone bluffs.

One of the park’s most unique features is its fords. Motorists can actually drive through the creek at two shallow concrete fords on their way to the scenic picnic and camping areas.

The picnic areas have access to water, grills, and tables. Four shelters, two of which were built by the CCC and feature limestone fireplaces, are located in the picnic areas.

Playgrounds for the children are near the picnic areas along with ample space for outdoor games.

Two of the four shelters can be reserved on-line using the ReserveAmerica website, and the other two are first-come, first-served. Reservations are no longer be taken through the park office.

For hikers, the park has seven trails that traverse the park. Each trail has posted levels of difficulties to aid hikers in choosing which trail to fit their skill level.

The trails range in length and are color-coded to assist hikers with orientation.

A nature trail with a limestone-screened path is accessible for the physically challenged.

Fishing is also a popular pastime at the Pines, and anglers like to try their luck at catching catfish and smallmouth bass.

The park offers 103 campsites with vehicular access and a shower and flush toilet building.

Campsite hosts register guests and advise them of the rules and regulations.

Three sites, which are non-reservable, have electric hook-ups. Sites are also available for the physically challenged.

Campsites may be reserved by visiting the ReserveAmerica website.

Availability is generally not a problem aside from holiday weekends.

There is an alcohol ban in the campground all year around. Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table.

Youth group campgrounds are also available.

While pets are allowed in the park visitors are required to have proof of current rabies vaccination with them, and pets must be leashed at all times and not left unattended.

When early settlers arrived in the 1830s, they found this 700-acre forest of

untouched pines extending for a quarter of a mile along the east bank of Pine Creek.

With a view to preserving one of Illinois’ last stands of native white pines and one of the southernmost stands of white pines in the United States, a movement was started in the early part of the 20th century to set the area aside as a state park.

Through efforts of Ogle County nature lovers, a bill appropriating $30,000 for purchase of land was passed by the legislature in 1903, but the

measure was vetoed. In 1927, however, they had more success, and the forest was acquired.

The park is located on Pines Road approximately midway between Oregon and Polo.

To get there take Illinois Route 2 south in Oregon and turn right onto Pines Road and go eight miles to the park.

For more information about white Pines State Park call 815-946-3717 or visit dnr.state.il.

Visitors to White Pines State Park can drive through Pine Creek at two fords. The park’s lodge. cabins, and two of its shelters were built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Lowden State Park rich in history, natural beauty

Natural beauty, camping, picnicking, fishing and a historical statue await visitors to Lowden State Park.

The park’s most well-known feature is the Black Hawk Statue, which was recently refurbished.

Created by sculptor Lorado Taft more than a century ago as a tribute to Native Americans, the statue is made of concrete and reinforced with iron rods. The outer surface is composed of cement and pink granite chips. The figure is estimated to weigh 100 tons and is thought to be the second- largest concrete monolithic statue in the world.

The scenic park also offers fishing and boating, hiking, picnicking, and camping.

The park’s picnic areas are graced by large spreading oak and maple trees that offer natural beauty as well as refreshing shade.

Conveniently located near the parking lots, the areas include tables, drinking water, park stoves, and outdoor toilets.

Lowden’s 80 Class A campsites include electricity, a shower building, and a sanitary dumping station for trailers.

Another option is the campground cabin which has two sets of bunk beds, a full-sized bed and electricity.

Also available, are 38 Class B/S campsites which do not offer electricity, but do have access to showers.

For the true wilderness experience, there are 8 Class D primitive hike-in only campsites.

Contact park staff upon arrival for a camping permit.

For hikers, almost four miles of foot trails lead visitors through the natural wonders and beauty of the park.

The scenic Rock River flows beside the park offering ample fishing and boating opportunities. A launching ramp and boat docks across the river from the park on Illinois Route 2 give boaters an ideal spot to get into the water for fishing or water skiing.

The boat launch is in its fifth year and has proved popular.

Boat fishermen can expect to catch largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, crappie, channel catfish, northern pike, walleye, bullhead, carp, sucker, and drum.

What is now the park had its beginnings in 1898 when Chicago attorney Wallace Heckman and his wife Mary purchased the land where it now sits.

The couple had a great love of the outdoors and were patrons of the arts as well. They combined these two interests as an artists’ colony established on their Rock River property. The colony was called Eagles’ Nest, referring to a tall, dead cedar tree that clung to the high river bank.

Eagles’ Nest was a popular home for creative people, including Taft, for almost 50 years until the early 1940s.

After Gov. Frank O. Lowden, an Oregon resident, died in 1943, the state legislature appropriated $25,000 toward the cost of a memorial to him.

The citizens of Oregon and the vicinity, with help from the now IDNR, matched that amount so that the former Eagles’ Nest land could be purchased as a memorial park.

In 1945, the 63rd General Assembly designated the 273-acre site as Lowden State Park. Six years later, the 66 acres that composed the actual Eagles Nest Colony were transferred to Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, for use as a outdoor teacher education program.

The site, called the Lorado Taft Field Campus, was renovated by NIU’s Industrial Arts classes and is used year-round for conducting natural science classes in an outdoor setting.

The park is located on River Road, northeast of Oregon. To get there take Illinois Route 64 to River Road, just east of the Rock River bridge in Oregon. Turn north on River Road and go approximately one mile to the park.

For more information about Lowden State Park call 815-732-6828 or visit dnr.state.il.

The Black Hawk statue and Taft Campus are located in Lowden State Park. The Taft Campus’s cafeteria building offers exceptional views of the Rock River valley and Oregon.

Castle Rock State Park offers scenic overlook of river

Castle Rock is Ogle County’s largest state park at 2,000 acres. It offers six miles of marked hiking trails, nearly two miles of bank fishing, a boat ramp, picnic areas, shelters, and plenty of flora and fauna.

And the park’s namesake, Castle Rock, offers visitors a birds-eye view of the Rock River Valley.

Castle Rock, the atypical element to this 28-year-old park, is a large sandstone bluff on the west side of the Rock River just off of Ill. 2—the scenic state highway that passes through the park.

Hikers can reach the deck on the top of Castle Rock by a series of steps, where they are treated to a view of the Rock River and surrounding parklands.

The overlook is especially popular in the fall when the trees turn color.

From the overlook, visitors can view the river to the north and south and Lowden Miller State Forest, located on the opposite shore of the river. Many bird species can be viewed from the overlook including eagles in the winter and American redstarts, orioles, herons, bluebirds, and turkey vultures in the summer months.

In the spring, visitors may also see white pelicans as they pass through on migration.

A parking lot at the base of the overlook is a good starting point to hike to the top of the overlook.

The boat ramp is open anytime the river is safe to enter. Parking for vehicles and boat trailers is available at the boat launch.

Many fisherman take their boats out in the river to try their luck at catching catfish and other species that call the river home.

On the other side of Ill. 2 are hiking trails, picnic shelters, meadows, woodlands, wetlands, and a 710-acre nature preserve.

There are three designated picnic shelters in the park. Two of them can be reserved for a fee. Picnic tables are also placed throughout the park, including some along the river at the boat launch and below the overlook.

The picnic areas are Valley View, Old Orchard, and Aspen Ridge. Each include shelters, grills, playground areas, and toilets. Old Orchard is handicapped accessible.

A primitive campsite, accessible only by canoe, offers 10 individual campsites and a group campsite, along with picnic tables, ground grills, and a portable toilet during summer months.

The campground is closed during the winter months and during periods of high water.

Throughout the park, hikers and cross country skiers have six miles of trails that are available year round.

Hunting of squirrel, wild turkey

and deer is allowed in sections of the park during designated seasons. Hikers should check the informational kiosk at the parking lot for hunting hours before heading out on their trek.

The region where the park is now was inhabited by Native Americans for centuries before colonists from New England moved into the area in the early 1800s.

The area was first proposed as a state park by the Friends of Our Native Landscape in 1921.

In 1964, the Natural Lands Institute, a non-profit group, conducted a public fundraising campaign to preserve part of the Castle Rock area. It was dedicated as a state park in 1978.

The park is located approximately three miles south of Oregon.

For more information, call 815732-7329.

The overlook at Castle Rock State Park allows visitors to see the Rock River as it winds between the park and Lowden-Miller State Forest.

Lowden-Miller State Forest offers wide variety of widlife

Hikers and bird watchers will love the 2,291-acre Lowden-Miller State Forest.

In the spring, the forest rings with bird calls as many migratory species make their way back north from their winter homes.

Birders can see a variety of warblers and rose-breasted grosbeaks, and if they’re really lucky, an occasional pilated woodpecker. Great blue herons, turkey vultures, wild turkey, and owls also live in the forest.

For the past several years bald eagles have nested near the property and vigilant birders may get a glimpse of a bald eagle chick taking its maiden flight.

Eagles can be easily seen in the winter months as they travel the Rock River snaring fish from the open water areas north and south of the dam in Oregon.

The state forest is located on the east bank of the Rock River directly across from Castle Rock State Park. The park offers equestrian trails that vary in length and difficulty.

Ample parking is provided for

horse trailers. Restroom facilities are not readily available.

Trails begin at each of the forest’s six parking lots.

Information boxes with brochures and maps are available at each trail head to help guide visitors.

Visitors can learn about some of the trees in the forest on the Loggers Trail, a self-guided nature trail that is approximately one and a half miles long. It is accessible from parking lot one.

Each of the 35 stations along the Loggers Trail offers information about the woodlands and shows how to identify trees, plants and animal tracks.

The trail honors the legacy of Frank O. Lowden who originally owned th property. Lowden was the governor of Illinois from 1917 to 1921. He and his wife, Florence Pullman Lowden, called the tract “Sinnissippi Forest.”

To reach the state forest from Oregon, take Daysville Road south to Lowden Road. Turn right on Lowden Road and then right on Nashua Road.

For more information on Lowden Miller State Forest, call 815-732-7329.

Wild turkeys can be spotted at Ogle County’s state parks and natural areas.

Catch Oregon’s vintage base ball action this summer

It’s vintage base ball time in Oregon. The Oregon Ganymedes Base Ball Club plays home games on its Iron Chest Field near the Chana School Museum at Oregon Park East.

The games are free to attend. Spectators should bring their own chairs or blankets to view the games under the shade trees at the park.

Vintage rules base ball (spelled as two words in the 1800s) is played with authentic wool uniforms, no gloves, underhand pitching and gentlemanly conduct. Other rule differences include outs for balls caught on one bounce, no called balls or strikes unless the batter swings three times and misses and a requirement that players call themselves out on close plays. Base paths are 90 feet, there are three outs per inning and games are nine innings.

Comprised of volunteer players, the Ganymedes have been playing vintage base ball with 1858 rules for 20 years.

For information regarding the 2024 season, visit the Oregon Ganymedes Base Ball Club Facebook page.

Season of 2024

Sunday, June 2, 1 p.m. – vs. Quarrymen Base Ball Club of Lemont, Illinois

- Doubleheader, at Chana School Museum Iron Chest Field, Oregon

Saturday, June 8, 1 pm – vs. Plowboys Base Ball Club of DuPage County, Illinois at the John Deere Historic Site, Grand Detour, Illinois

Saturday, June 22, 1 p.m. – vs. McLean County Prairie Chickens Base Ball Club of Normal, Illinois - Doubleheader at Chana School Museum Iron Chest Field, Oregon

Saturday, June 29 – vs. 14 vintage

base ball clubs from Michigan, Indiana and Illinois at the 2nd Annual Portage Vintage Base Ball Festival, Ramona Park, Portage, Michigan

Sunday, July 14, 1 p.m. – vs. Regulators Base Ball Club of Creston, Illinois - doubleheader, Chana School Museum Iron Chest Field, Oregon

Saturday & Sunday, July 20-21 – vs. 32 base ball clubs from 15 states at Gettysburg 19th Century Base Ball Festival, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Sunday, Aug. 4, 1 p.m. – vs. McHenry County Independants Base Ball Club of Prairie Grove, Illinois. at Lions Park, Malta, Illinois

Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 10-11 – vs. 11 vintage base ball clubs from five states at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation Greenfield Village 21st Annual World Tournament of Historic Base Ball, Dearborn, Michigan

Sunday, Aug. 25, 2 p.m. – vs. McHenry County Independants Base Ball Club of Prairie Grove, at Prairie Grove Park, Prairie Grove, Illinois

Sunday, Sept. 15, 3 p.m. – vs. Regulators Base Ball Club of Creston, Illinois at Creston Booster Days, Creston School Field, Creston, Illinois

Bison, birds, wildflowers, all part of Nachusa Grasslands

A trip to the Nachusa Grasslands offers modern-day visitors a glimpse at what pioneers may have experienced when their covered wagons ventured over the hills of Ogle County.

The Grasslands started almost two decades ago, with less than 700 acres of partially over-grazed pastures. It has now grown to more than 4,100 acres of native prairie plants and wildlife.

Located on Lowden Road on the Ogle-Lee County line, the grasslands has been restored as a native prairie largely through the efforts of volunteers who remove non-native plants and gather and sow the seeds of desirable wildflowers, bushes and grasses.

Owned by The Nature Conservancy, the grasslands is the home of more than 100 species of birds and 500 native plants.

The preserve consists of large remnant prairie, woodlands, and wetlands being reconnected through habitat restoration to create one of the largest and most biologically diverse grasslands in Illinois.

Working hand–in–hand with the Nature Conservancy staff, a dynamic community of volunteer stewards collect and plant seeds, manage invasive species, repair wetlands, and conduct

controlled burns in order to preserve, protect, and share this precious endangered ecosystem.

In October 2014, the Nachusa Grasslands were reintroduced to an old friend — the American bison. The Nature Conservancy, which operates the Grasslands, brought 30 bison to the preserve and the herd now numbers just over 100 with calves expected each spring.

Sometimes the herd can be seen from the Visitor’s Center, but visitors are reminded that the herd is a wild conservation herd with the ability to graze freely so they may not always be visible.

The headquarters at Nachusa Grasslands is the Stewards Barn, a bank barn built in 1868 in Kane County and then dismantled and rebuilt at the grasslands.

The grasslands hosts Autumn on the Prairie on the third Saturday in September each year.

The event features various booths, demonstrations, tours of the grasslands and barn, crafts and food.

To reach Nachusa Grasslands, take Daysville Road south from Oregon, then turn onto Lowden Road and continue south approximately six miles.

Wagon tours to see Nachusa Grassland’s bison herd are offered during Autumn on the Prairie in September.

If you are looking for some live music this summer, check out the Mt. Morris Jamboree.

Concerts are 7-9 p.m. on the Mt. Morris campus. There are some handicap accessible permanent benches and lots of green space for lawn chairs.

Arrive early to get a good spot and sample the food scene, visit the art gallery or museum on campus, and shop

the sidewalk vendors. The concerts are free, although donations are welcome.

This year’s schedule is:

June 7. Brass From the Past, (classic rock and soul)

June 14, Rick Lindy and the Wild Ones (50s and 60s rock and roll)

June 21, The Rockin’ Fenderskirts, (50s and 60s rock and roll)

Whiteside County FAIR

June 28, New Heartaches, (vintage country and western)

July 5, The Stingrays (oldies rock)

July 12, Howard and the White Boys, (blues)

July 19, Chicago Tribute Anthology, (music from the band Chicago and more)

July 26, Swingbilly RFD, (vintage honky-tonk and Western swing)

Aug. 2, Jonny Lyons & the Pride, (rock & roll show band)

Aug. 9, Heartache Tonight, (Eagles tribute)

Aug. 16, Shindig!, (60s tribute)

Aug. 23, The Jimmy’s, (blues, funk, soul, R&B)

Aug. 30, Fortunate Sons. (Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute). Visit mtmorrisil.net.

Wander West... to the East Coast of Iowa

Drive about an hour west of Ogle County to get to the River Cities communities of Fulton, Illinois and neighboring Clinton, Iowa. These beautiful towns along the Mississippi River offer unique attractions, outstanding annual events, professional stagecraft at the Showboat Theatre, prospect league Lumberkings baseball, and oneof-a-kind restaurants. An emerging arts scene can be found throughout the community, with sculptures and murals beautifying the landscapes. Three distinct downtown districts offer shopping for everything from boutique clothing to vintage accessories to high-end jewelry, plus specialty and gift shops galore.

Nature enthusiasts will love hiking the trails in Fulton’s Heritage Canyon, or at Clinton’s Eagle Point Park. The Mississippi River Eco-Tourism Center is located at Rock Creek Marina and Campground a few miles south in Camanche, Iowa. From there you can rent kayaks or take a ride on the Blue Heron Eco-Cruise. (Reservations for the Blue Heron are free but required.)

Unique dining experiences can be found at the Great Revivalist Brewery, a formerly abandoned church building that has been lovingly reimagined into the area’s hottest eatery. A full menu is accompanied by GRB brews and craft sodas, all created on site.

Annual events include Embrace The Winter, held in conjunction with the B-rry Scurry run the first weekend of February. Dutch Days takes place the first weekend of May. In June you can rock out to the Tailgate N Tallboys music festival, or if Christian music is your taste, check out August’s Bound For the Kingdom concert. In the fall you can enjoy the Paint It Back Street Art Festival, the ultra-tasty Bacon & Brew Fest, the Haunted Wine Walk, or the Fulton Fall Fest. Wrap up your year with the Ugly Sweater Sip N Shop and a drive through the Festival of Lights.

Whether you have three hours or three days, you are bound to find something fun to do in the River Cities. Get more information by following social media for Visit Clinton, Iowa and Visit Fulton.

JellyRoll is the Opening Night Headliner at the 2024

De Immigrant Windmill on the banks of the Mississippi River in Fulton, Illinois

The Lyons Farmers Market runs bi -weekly May through October in Clinton, Iowa Great Revivalist Brewery is located at 238 4th Avenue South in Clinton. Photo credit : Dan Smotz of Goulash Media LLC

Tailgate N Tallboys Festival, June 6-8 in Clinton, Iowa

DESTINATIONS

BYRON

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

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

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

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

Admission: Free

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

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.

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

Admission: Free

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

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

OREGON

Coliseum Museum of Art, Antiques and Americana

Collection of art with exhibits and programs as well as workshops and a room to host events.

Address: 124 N. Fourth St.

Phone: 815-595-5810

Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday

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

Carnival rides are just one of the events at the Ogle County Fair.

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

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

and a boardwalk.

Address: 1402 Koontz Place

Phone: 815-732-3101

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

Hours: Sunday afternoons or by appointment

Admission: By donation

POLO

Aplington House

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

Address: 123 N. Franklin Ave.

Phone: 815-946-4142

Hours: By appointment

Admission: By donation

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

Polo History Museum

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

Address: 113 N. Franklin Ave.

Phone: 815-946-4142

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

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

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

Flagg Township Museum

The museum, founded in 1971, features many artifacts from Rochelle’s rich history, antiques, and genealogical information. One of the more important artifacts is the 1915 Partin-Palmer automobile built in Rochelle, one of two in existence. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Address: 518 Fourth Ave.

Phone: 815-562-3040

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hours: Open swim Monday-Friday: 12:30-7

p.m. and 12:30-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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

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

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

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.; encoremtmorris.com

JUNE 8

Porchfest — Mt. Morris; festival 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

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 4-5

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 tourna-

ment, 5K run, entertainment, parade, beer garden and food; byronfest.org

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

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

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. 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

Friday, Aug.

Saturday, Aug.

10PM *AMUSEMENTS

*4PM TO 10PM -A&A AMUSEMENTS

6PM TO 7PM

*BEER GARDEN

4PM TO 10PM

-SPONSORED BY LISA’S PUB

*BLUE STEEL

8PM TO 10PM

HUB CITY ROCKS

SATURDAY AUGUST 17

*PANCAKE BREAKFAST - 7:30AM TO 11AM

*CAR SHOW - 8AM TO 3PM

*CRAFT & VENDOR SHOW - 10AM TO 5PM

*RISE UP DANCE - 10AM TO 11AM

*FOOD COURT - 11AM TO 10PM

*AMUSEMENTS - 11AM TO 10PM

*MAGIC MATTS FAMILY FUN SHOW - 11AM TO 8PM

*KID ZONE - 11AM TO 3PM

*BLUE STEAM NOON TO 1PM

*BALLET FOLKLORIO XOCHIQUETZAL - 1PM TO 1:45PM

*BUZZED BY SONSET - 2PM TO 4PM

*BEER GARDEN - 12PM TO 10PM

SPONSORED BY LISA’S PUB

*MISSING LINKS - 5PM TO 7PM

*STUDIO C DANCE - 4PM TO 4:45PM

*HEARTACHE TONIGHT - 8PM TO 10PM

*HAUNTED MAZE @ MOOSE LODGE - 4PM TO 9PM

SUNDAY AUGUST 18

*PANCAKE BREAKFAST - 7:30AM TO 11AM BEER GARDEN - 12PM TO 6PM SPONSORED BY LISA’S PUB

*CRAFT & VENDOR SHOW - 10:30AM TO 4PM

*FOOD COURT - 11AM TO 6PM

*AMUSEMENTS - 11AM TO 6PM

*MAGIC MATTS FAMILY FUN SHOW - 11AM TO 6PM

*PARADE 1PM

*THE BEAUX BAND - 1PM TO 3PM

*HAUNTED MAZE @ MOOSE LODGE - 2PM TO 5PM

*ICE CREAM SOCIAL - 3PM TO 6PM

*JERRY CRISS BAND - 4PM TO 6PM

The Ogle County Fair also includes the 4-H Fair where members show their projects and livestock.

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

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. 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. 28-29

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. 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

Autumn on Parade Oct. 5-6

Oregon’s Autumn on Parade festival is a must-see for visitors Oct. 5-6. The two-day festival is anchored with 180+ craft booths around the Ogle County Courthouse square. Other events include a car and tractor show at Oregon Park East, an Olde English Faire at the Stronghold Retreat and Conference Center, Food Court, Fun Zone for kids, and a 5K and Fun Run and Harvest Time Parade on Sunday. Visit autumnonparade.org for more information.

Oregon’s Autumn on

offers plenty of family fun and food. This year’s event is Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 5-6.

Parade festival