Voyager 2024/25 Edition

EXPERIENCES

Showboat Theatre ⚫ Heritage Canyon ⚫ Summer Fun Pass digital passport ⚫ Farmers Market ⚫ De Immigrant Windmill ⚫ Lumberkings Baseball ⚫ Music on the Avenue ⚫ Great Revivalist Brewery ⚫ The Sawmill Museum ⚫ Wide River Winery ⚫ Felix Adler Children’s Discovery Center ⚫ Finally Friday ⚫ Totally Tuesday ⚫ The Grove ⚫ Andresen Nature Center ⚫ Wild Rose Casino ⚫ Clinton 8 Cinemas Skatepark & Pickleball Courts ⚫ Candlelight Inn VisitClintonIowa.com TailgateNTallboys.com/Clinton

EVENTS

June 6-8: Tailgate N Tallboys

June 15: Felix Adler Days Festival

July 4: Clinton’s 4th of July

Aug 9-10: Bound For the Kingdom Christian Music Festival

Aug 17-24: Paint It Back Street Art Fest

Sept 8: Clinton Half Marathon

Sept 28: Bacon & Brew Fest

Oct 5: Fulton Fall Fest

Oct 17: Haunted Wine Walk

Nov 14: Ugly Sweater Sip & Sh Shop

The DeKalb Park District invites visitors to explore our 44 park sites across 700 acres, which include 19 playgrounds, 10+ miles of trails, the Ellwood House Museum, Hopkins Pool, a sled hill, a seasonal ice rink, a dog park, a skate park, three banquet halls, and two golf courses: River Heights Golf Course and Buena Vista Golf Course.

Enjoy year-round special events and athletic and recreational programs through the Sports & Recreation Center, Haish Gymnasium & Fitness Center, and Hopkins Park Community Center facilities.

Please note that Hopkins Pool will be closed in 2024 for renovation. Tentatively, it will reopen in the summer of 2025.

The journey of a thousand things to do begins with the first step: Finding things to do. That’s where Voyager comes in. It’s a listing of things to do and places to go throughout northwest Illinois and eastern Iowa. Cars shows and castles, fairs and air shows, museums and memorials, flea markets and forest preserves, big trees and small towns, they’re all here — and more. Whether you like a rollicking festival full of family fun, or quaint little places full of Midwest charm, you’ll find them all just a day trip away — and you’ll find out about them in Voyager. So pack a snack, hop in your car and get ready to enjoy the day (and don’t forget to take your copy of Voyager with you!)

BUREAU

JUNCTION

Miller-Anderson Woods

State Nature Preserve

Dedicated in 1969, the 340-acre nature preserve has oak-hickory bluff forests, maple-basswood ravines, sedge meadow, seep spring, and hill prairie. Plants include the showy orchid, queen-of-the-prairie, and Schreber’s aster. Seep areas include peat moss, marsh marigold and skunk cabbage. The unique mixture of habitats supports wetland and forest birds, butterflies, and dragonflies.

Address: 3.5 miles south of Bureau

Junction on state Route 29

Phone: 815-447-2353

Online: stateparks.com/miller-anderson_woods_state_nature_preserve_in_illinois.html

CHERRY

Cherry Mine Museum & Library

Learn about the infamous Cherry coal mine disaster of 1909, including a model of the mine, books about the tragedy, and a brick monument to honor victims.

Address: 100 S. Main St., Cherry

Phone: 815-894-3338 or 815-894-2919

Online: Facebook

Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesdays and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays

DEPUE

Donnelley/DePue

State Fish and Wildlife Area

Founded in the 1800s, this Italianate-style church is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Address: 94 E. Franklin St.

Phone: 815-638-2077

MINERAL

McCune Sand Prairie

The area offers boating, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, hunting and camping. It also has a playground, picnic facilities, restrooms and trailer hook-ups.

Address: 1001 W. Fourth St. Phone: 815-447-2353

Online: www2.illinois.gov/dnr/ Parks/Pages/DonnelleyDePue.aspx

LADD

Veterans Park

The park has a World War II Army tank, veterans memorial monuments, a Word War I statue, a picnic shelter, playground, Little Free Library, tennis courts and restrooms.

Address: South Main Avenue and Cleveland Street Phone: 815-894-2440

Online: villageofladd.com/about/ veterans-monuments

LAMOILLE

Allen School

Built in 1887, the building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, still is in use as a junior high school. Some of today’s students are the great-great-grandchildren of the school’s first student body.

Address: 301 Main St. Phone: 815-638-2233

First Congregational Church of LaMoille

This 200-acre rare prairie land was donated to the Bureau County Soil and Water Conservation District. Because of their sandy soil, sand prairies are well-drained and drier than typical Midwestern tall-grass prairies. The northern portion of this site, however, supports tree and shrub growth — green ash, eastern red cedar, Osage orange, Iowa crab apple, prairie rose, red mulberry, and burr oak. Visitors can look at rolling sand dunes and hike on the trails.

Address: 150 East Road, 4.5 miles north of Mineral on state Route 10 Phone: 815-875-8732

Online: bureaucounty-il.com/Parks

Mineral Pride

Historical Museum

The museum has a model train set, an early 1900s post office, and memorabilia from the former high school and businesses.

Address: 115 Main St. Phone: 309-288-5371

Online: Facebook

Hours: by appointment

Admission: Free

NEPONSET

Neponset Township

Historical Society Museum

The museum features artifacts, family histories, and school memorabilia.

Address: 113 Commercial St. Phone: 309-594-2197

Online: sites.rootsweb.com/~ilnhs/

Bureau County is in north-central Illinois, 115 miles southwest of Chicago and 65 miles east of the Quad Cities on Interstate 80. Its county seat is Princeton. The county was founded in 1837. Today, it’s home to nearly 33,000 people. DESTINATIONS cont’d to page 9

Hours: By appointment

Admission: Free

DESTINATIONS cont’d from page 8

PRINCETON

Captain Swift Covered Bridge

This two-lane covered wooden bridge, built in 2006, is the only one of its kind in Illinois. It is made in the Burr-arch design, an idea patented by Theodore Burr of New York in 1804.

Address: 1600 N. Epperson Road, 1 mile west of Princeton

Bureau County Historical Society Museum and Library

The museum occupies two historic homes on Courthouse Square. The Clark-Norris Home, a Prairie Square mansion, features four floors of furnishings and collections that reflect local history. Next door, the Newell-Bryant House, a Greek Revival house, features an 1850s parlor, an interpretation of Princeton photographer Henry Immke’s studio, a costume room, and research library. There’s also a gift shop.

Address: 109 Park Ave. W.

Phone: 815-875-2184

Online: bureauhistory.org or Facebook

Hours: 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday; guided tours by appointment.

Hornbaker Gardens

Established in 1987, Hornbaker Gardens originated as a wholesale nursery and has grown to include an arboretum and botanic gardens as well as a Barn onsite that can be rented for special events.

Address: 22937 1140 North Ave.

Phone: 815-659-3282

Online: hornbakergardens.com or Facebook

Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday

Princeton Amtrak Depot

This historic depot, still in operation, was built in 1911 by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad (now Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway).

Address: 101 Bicentennial Drive

Phone: 815-872-4310

Online: princeton-il.com

Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily

Warnecke Woods

Warnecke Woods is a 33.5-acre bo-

tanical area donated to the Bureau County Soil and Water Conservation Service District in 1984. It has a variety of trees, plants and woodland flowers, hiking trails, a 5-acre native grass prairie and a flower prairie. Maps are available.

Address: 41 1835 N. Ave.

Phone: 815-875-8732

Online: bureaucountyswcd.webs. com/natural-areas and Facebook

SHEFFIELD

Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park

Visitors will enjoy biking, boating, canoeing, camping, horseback riding, fishing, hiking, hunting, picnicking, and winter sports, such as cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. The handicapped-accessible visitors’ center has displays about plant and animal life and the manmade canal’s history.

Address: 1550 North Ave. Phone: 815-454-2328

Online: bureaucounty-il.com/Hennepin-Canal and Facebook

Hours: Trail open year-round; visitors center open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday (except Christmas and New Year’s Day), but hours might vary

Admission: Donations accepted at visitors’ center

Mautino State Fish and Wildlife Area

This 900-acre former strip mine now boasts a varied collection of plants,

PRINCETON

Lovejoy Homestead

Built in 1838, the national historic landmark was an important stop on the Underground Railroad and the home of famous abolitionist minister Owen Lovejoy. Rooms are furnished with period furniture. Visitors can peek into the hidden area above the stairs where runaway slaves were kept safe. It also is the site of the one-room Colton Schoolhouse, moved from its original location 2.5 miles east, in 1971.

Address: 905 E. Peru St.

Phone: 815-879-9151 or 815-875-2616

Online: owenlovejoyhomestead.com

Hours: 1-4 p.m. Friday-Sunday or by appointment, May through September, and by appointment only October through April

Admission: $3 adults and $1 students

birds, insects, and animals in its forests, grasslands, and more than a dozen lakes.

Address: County Road 1170 N, about 2.5 miles west of Buda

Phone: 815-454-2328

Online: illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Pages/ Mautino.aspx

Sheffield Historical Society Museum

The museum, housed in a historic Danish church, includes a research library for genealogy. Rooms showcase military uniforms and artifact exhibits, clothing from yesteryear, art, school memorabilia, and more.

Address: 325 S. Washington St. Phone: 815-454-2850

Online: Facebook

Hours: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday

TISKILWA

The Museum on Main

Located in a former Methodist church, the museum has photographs, artifacts, and visuals that reflect the history of Tiskilwa.

Address: 110 E Main St. Phone: 815-646-4016

Online: tiskilwahistoricalsociety.org or Facebook

Hours: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, or by appointment

WALNUT

Walnut Park District Pool and Park

Swimming pool, baseball fields,

disc golf, tennis courts, picnic shelter, and playgrounds.

Address: 403 Sunset Ave.

Phone: 815-379-2213

Online: Facebook

Hours: Open swimming 1-5 p.m. and 7-8 p.m. daily

Admission: Daily swim fees apply

WYANET

Henry Thomas Museum

The first permanent settler in Bureau County, Henry Thomas was a man of many firsts. The museum contains artifacts of the Thomas family and local history.

Address: 109 N. King St. Hours: Open weekends in summer and by appointment

Online: wyanetil.com

Wyanet Historical Society Museum

Located in a former Catholic church with stained-glass windows, the museum reflects local history with memorabilia, photographs, and displays. Exhibits include antique clothing, old newspapers, high school class pictures from decades past, military and railroad items, and displays on agriculture and the Hennepin Canal.

Address: 320 E. Second St.

Phone: 815-699-2459

Online: bureaucounty-il.com/

History

Hours: 1-4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April through October

Admission: By donation

SVM file photo

SATURDAYS, MAY-OCTOBER

Princeton Farmers Market — Soldiers & Sailors Park, Princeton; find fresh produce, seasonal items and handmade items and local vendors; 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; Facebook Wednesdays, June to August Walnut Farmers Market — Liberty Square on Main Street, Walnut; featuring fresh produce and handmade items in the weekly market; 5-7 p.m.; Facebook

THROUGH

AUGUST

Festival 56 summer theatre festival — Grace Performing Arts Center, 316 S. Main St., Princeton; this season “Shakespeare’s R & J (June 23-July 24); “title of show” (June 27-July 7); “Urinetown” (July 12-21); “Grease” (July 25-Aug.3); festival56.com or 815-879-5656

MAY 27

Tiskilwa Memorial Day — East Park; ceremony, speaker and patriotic events 11 a.m.; tiskilwahistoricalsociety.org

MAY 31

Music in the Park — War Memorial Park, 301 S. Main Ave.; Ladd; bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy music by Steve Sharp; 6-9 p.m. villageofladd.com

JUNE

1

ShrimpFest & Brew Hullabaloo— Rotary Park, 13593 Bicentennial Drive, Princeton; includes craft beer, family activities and fried shrimp boats; 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; princetonshrimpfest.com and Facebook

JUNE

5

Music on Main — Liberty Square, Walnut; featuring live music outdoors; 6-9 p.m. Facebook

JUNE 8

John Elvis Lyons & The Jailhouse Dogs — Grace Performing Arts

Center, 316 S. Main St., Princeton; 7:30 p.m.; see website for tickets; festival56.com

JUNE

7

Neponset Car Show and Neponset Fire Department Supper — downtown Neponset; 5-8 p.m.; bureaucounty-il.gov

JUNE 15

Old Wheels Car Show — First Lutheran Church, Farnham and Pleasant Street, Princeton; antiques, classics, hot rods, tractors and more; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; bureaucounty-il.gov

Beef & Ag Festival — Soldiers & Sailors Park, Princeton; featuring live music, food and more; 12-9 p.m.; princetonchamber-il.com

JUNE 16

Lake DePue Father’s Day Car Show — DePue, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; awards for best in show; bureaucounty-il.gov

mation, music, food and more; hosted by The Bike Place; 10 a.m.1 p.m.; Facebook Z Tour Bike Ride — Zearing Park, Princeton; join fellow cyclists for a day of biking with routes starting at 11 miles through 102 miles and support the Zearing Child Enrichment Center in Princeton; advance registration online; select a route; ztour.org

JUNE

22-23

Main Street Concert — South Main Street between Peru and Marion streets; bring a chair to sit and enjoy the free concert; food trucks begin serving at 6 p.m.; 7-10 p.m.; princetontourism.org Facebook

JUNE

7-9

Buffalo Days — Lamoille; food, beer garden, live music, Bags Tournament, carnival, tractor show, craft and vendor fair, petting zoo, a parade and more; lamoillebuffalodays.org and Facebook

Open House & Hosta Walk — Hornbaker Garden, 22937 1140 N. Ave., Princeton; discounts on hostas and refreshments and door prizes available while you shop in the garden center; hornbakergardens.com or 815-659-3282

JUNE 8

Spring Valley Summerfest — Kirby Park, West Devlin Street, Spring Valley; schedule TBD, see website; springvalleyil.us

JUNE 9

Spring Valley Historical Association Car Cruise — Mini Park, 116 E. Saint Paul St., Spring Valley; 12-3 p.m.; springvalleyil.us

Arboretum Walk — Hornbaker Garden, 22937 1140 N. Ave., Princeton; stroll through the gardens with staff; 2 p.m.; hornbakergardens. com or 815-659-3282

Princeton Community Band Concert — Soldiers & Sailors Park, Princeton; bring chairs to enjoy concert; refreshments available to purchase; 6 p.m.; Facebook

JUNE 19

Music on Main — Liberty Square, Walnut; featuring live music outdoors; 6-9 p.m. Facebook

JUNE

21

Friday Night Market — Mini Park, 116 E. Saint Paul St., Spring Valley; enjoy food, drink and shopping; 5-8 p.m.; springvalleyil.us

Music in the Park — War Memorial Park, 301 S. Main Ave.; Ladd; bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy music by Steve Sharp; 6-9 p.m. villageofladd.com

Grandma Rosie’s Cruise Nite — 920 W. Peru St., Princeton; vehicles on display; 5-8 p.m.; bureaucounty-il.gov

ATVMX National — Sunset Ridge MX race track, 24558 1100 East St., Walnut; motocross racing; see website for schedule; atvmotocross.com and Facebook

JUNE 27-29

Sheffield Summerfest — Sheffield; includes carnival, food, parade, live music and more; bureaucounty-il.gov

JUNE

30

Princeton Community Band Patriotic Concert — Soldiers & Sailors Park, Princeton; bring chairs to enjoy concert; refreshments available to purchase; 6 p.m.; Facebook

JULY

3

Music on Main — Liberty Square, Walnut; featuring live music outdoors; 6-9 p.m. Facebook

JULY

4

Fourth of July Celebration — Zearing Park; includes food, music and fireworks; bureaucounty-il. gov/events/princetons-4th-of-july-celebration

JULY 5-7

JUNE

22

Bike Fest — Rotary Park, Princeton; new this year event features bikes to swap and buy, bike art and memorabilia, safety infor-

Walnut Days Celebration — Parade, inflatables, Little Miss Independence pageant, 5K run/ walk, bags and softball tournaments, soap box derby, car and truck show, fireworks, and more; walnutdays.com, Facebook or 815-379-3068

EVENTS cont’d to page 11

EVENETS cont’d from page 10

JULY 6

Mineral Fireworks & Fun Day — Mineral; featuring a parade, food, bounce houses and the famous fireworks at dusk; bureaucounty-il. gov

JULY 7

Princeton Community Band Concert — Soldiers & Sailors Park, Princeton; bring chairs to enjoy concert; refreshments available to purchase; 6 p.m.; Facebook

JULY 11-13

Bureau County 4-H Fair — Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W. Peru St., Princeton; displays of 4-H projects and a livestock and horse show; web.extension.illinois.edu, bureaucounty-il.gov and Facebook

JULY 12

Main Street Concert — South Main Street between Peru and Marion streets; bring a chair to sit and enjoy the free concert; food trucks begin serving at 6 p.m.; 7-10 p.m.; princetontourism.org Facebook

JULY 13

Sheffield Tractor Pull — northwest side of town, across from railroad tracks, watch for signs; 10 a.m.; Facebook

JULY 17

Music on Main — Liberty Square, Walnut; featuring live music outdoors; 6-9 p.m. Facebook

JULY 19

Friday Night Market — Mini Park, 116 E. Saint Paul St., Spring Valley; enjoy food, drink and shopping; 5-8 p.m.; springvalleyil.us

JULY 20

Buda Fun Day — Buda; parade at 11 a.m., activities for families including food trucks, petting zoo, bags tournament and more; bureaucounty-il.gov and Facebook

JULY 21

Princeton Community Band Concert — Soldiers & Sailors Park, Princeton; bring chairs to enjoy concert; refreshments available to purchase; 6 p.m.; Facebook

JULY 28

Princeton Community Band Concert — Soldiers & Sailors Park, Princeton; bring chairs to enjoy concert; refreshments available to purchase; 6 p.m.; Facebook

JULY 31

Music on Main — Liberty Square, Walnut; featuring live music outdoors; 6-9 p.m. Facebook

AUG. 3

Prescott Bros Car Show — 1502 W. Peru St., Princeton; car show to support Freedom House; 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; bureaucounty-il.gov and Facebook

AUG. 9

Main Street Concert — South Main Street between Peru and Marion streets; bring a chair to sit and enjoy the free concert; food trucks begin serving at 6 p.m.; 7-10 p.m.; princetontourism.org Facebook

AUG. 16

Friday Night Market — Mini Park, 116 E. Saint Paul St., Spring Valley; enjoy food, drink and shopping; 5-8 p.m.; springvalleyil.us

AUG. 21-25

Bureau County Fair — Bureau County

Fairgrounds, 811 W. Peru St., Princeton; carnival, bull riding, tractor and truck pull, demolition derby, talent show, livestock shows and music concerts; bureaucountyfair.com and Facebook

SEPT. 5

Main Street Concert — South Main Street between Peru and Marion streets; bring a chair to sit and enjoy the free concert; food trucks begin serving at 6 p.m.; 7-10 p.m.; princetontourism.org Facebook

SEPT. 5-8

Homestead Festival — Princeton; multi-day festival includes a parade, 5K run/walk, class reunions, car show, BBQ contest, music and food; homesteadfestival.com

SEPT. 6

Music in the Park — War Memorial Park, 301 S. Main Ave.; Ladd; bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy music by Steve Sharp; 6-9 p.m. villageofladd.com

SEPT. 14

Artisan Market — Hornbaker Garden, 22937 1140 N. Ave., Princeton; more than 30 fine artists, wine tasting, home-baked items, craft beer, ice cream live music and more; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; hornbakergardens.com or 815659-3282

SEPT.

21

Buda Craft & Vendor Market — Buda; hosted by Buda Community Club; includes hand-made items and baked goods; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; bureaucounty-il.gov

OCT. DATE TBD

Nightmare Haunted Attraction — Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W. Peru St., Princeton; Halloween scares 7-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and a Halloween Parade; admission fee to enter; nightmarehauntedattraction.com

OCT. 4

Music in the Park — War Memorial Park, 301 S. Main Ave.; Ladd; bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy music by Steve Sharp; 6-9 p.m. villa-

geofladd.com

OCT. 5

Oktoberfest — Rotary Park, North Main Street, Princeton; music and food; 3 p.m.; bureaucounty-il.gov Main Street Concert — South Main Street between Peru and Marion streets; bring a chair to sit and enjoy the free concert; food trucks begin serving at 6 p.m.; 7-10 p.m.; princetontourism.org Facebook

OCT. 12

Halloween Parade — Downtown Princeton; scarecrows on display, costume contest, pumpkin races, pumpkin decorating, music and food; 5:30 p.m.; princetonchamber-il.com or bureaucounty-il.gov

OCT. 12-13

Shadows of Blue & Gray — City-Country Park, Princeton; $5 admission; family-friendly Civil War Living History event with presentations; bureaucounty-il.gov and shadowsbluegray.com

WEEKENDS, NOV. 29-DEC. 22

Home for the Holidays Light Show — Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W. Peru St., Princeton; 815-866-8598 and bureaucountyfair.com

DEC.

6

Christmas Parade — Main Street, Princeton; breakfast with Santa, parade down Mains Street and children’s activities; princetonchamber-il.com or 815-875-2616

DEC. 10

Ladd Christmas Walk — Downtown Ladd, holiday treats, painted windows and a visit with Santa; villageofladd.com

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

DESTINATIONS cont’d to page 13

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

MOUNT CARROLL CONT’D

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

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

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

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/

DESTINATIONS cont’d from page 14

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 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 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

THOMSON

Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center

The facility affiliated with the Upper Mississippi Wildlife Refuge sits on 35 acres of sand prairie. It promotes environmental education and conservation of the Mississippi River, with a focus on hands-on educational experiences when it comes to nature and wildlife.

Address: 7071 Riverview Road

Phone: 815-273-2732

Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June through August on Saturday. Starting in mid-May through September, the Center will be open on Saturdays from 9 a.m-4 p.m. Online: thomsonil.com/accommodation/ingersoll-wetlands-learning-center

SVM file photos

A stuffed beaver sits on top of a hut display at the Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center.

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

“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; timberlake playhouse.org

JULY 20

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

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

cont’d from page 16

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 815-225-7444

AUG. 15-25

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 Carroll; see website for ticket information; timberlakeplayhouse.org

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.

Clinton County, Iowa, on the banks of the Mississippi River, and is home to the county’s two largest cities: DeWitt and Clinton. The county covers more than 700 square miles and is home to almost 50,000 people.

CALAMUS

Mockridge Wildlife Area

The 75-acre preserve features sand dunes filled with Scotch and white pines and teems with owls, turkeys and deer. It also has 3 miles of hiking trails.

Address: 215th Street and 160th Avenue

Phone: 563-847-7202

Online: mycountyparks.com/County/Clinton/Park/Mockridge-Wildlife-Area.aspx and Facebook

Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

Sherman Park

The 233-acre park along the Wapsipinicon River features hiking trails, hunting grounds, campsites, a boat launch and an observatory. The north 185 acres are open to public hunting, while the south 46 acres is a park, wildlife preserve and campground. The Quad City Astronomical Society maintains an observatory where public star parties are held several times a year.

Address: 2776 160th Ave.

Phone: 563-357-4134

Online: mycountyparks.com/county/clinton/Park/Sherman-Park.aspx

Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily April-October

CAMANCHE

Blue Heron Eco Cruises

The Blue Heron, a 26-passenger pontoon boat, offers educational, naturalist-led tours of the Mississippi River ecosystem. Tours last about 90 minutes.

Address: Rock Creek Marina and Campground, 3942 291st St. Phone: 563-259-1876

Online: mycountyparks.com/County/Clinton/Content/Blue-HeronEco- Cruises.aspx

Hours: Sunset Cruises are 7 p.m. Thursdays, May through October; other special tours are offered; call or check the website for dates and times. Admission: Free, but reservations required

city-data.com/

CAMANCHE

Camanche Depot Museum

The fully restored 1951 Milwaukee/Soo Line caboose and railroad depot houses historical artifacts that transport visitors to 1899, when the depot was built.

Address: 102 12th Ave.

Phone: 563-259-1285, 563-259-1280 or 563-259-1175 Online: clintoniowatourism.com

Hours: By appointment

Admission: Free

Camanche Historical Society

The museum houses the Clinton County/Gateway Genealogical Library as well as collections from the city’s past including cemetery records and several family histories. Address: 1307 S. Washington Blvd. Phone: 563-259-1285, 563-2591280 or 563-259-1175

Online: clintoniowatourism.com and Facebook Hours: By appointment

Admission: Free

Folletts Park

The 7-acre park features an 18-hole disc golf course, a playground and a picnic shelter.

Address: U.S. Highway 67, 5 miles southwest of Camanche Phone: 563-847-7202

Online: mycountyparks.com/county/clinton/Park/Folletts-Park.aspx Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

Mississippi River Eco-Tourism Center

The state-of-the-art eco-tourism center opened in 2012. Its centerpiece is an 8,000-gallon aquarium stocked with Mississippi River fish. There also is a large wetlands display, highlighting reptiles, amphibians, waterfowl and other species that call the backwaters and sloughs of the river home. The center also is home to a large collection of replicas of Iowa state record fish species, Iowa’s largest deer, live snakes and turtles. It has a camp store and cafe, 200-plus-seat community meeting room, 30-seat

meeting room and theater, large deck overlooking backwaters, and a marina. Rent a canoe or kayak and go exploring or check out the Blue Heron guided cruises.

Address: Rock Creek Marina and Campground, 3942 291st St. Phone: 563-259-1876

Online: mycountyparks.com/County/Clinton/Content/Mississippi-River-Eco-Tourism-Center.aspx

Hours: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekends in the summer; scaled back in cooler months

Admission: Free

CLINTON

Bickelhaupt Arboretum

The Bickelhaupt Arboretum is a nationally recognized, 14-acre outdoor museum of select, labeled trees, shrubs, ground cover, perennials and annuals; it features one of the top garden conifer collections in the country. It also has native prairie grasses, flowering trees, shrub roses, wildflowers and ornamental shrubs. It is a part of Eastern Iowa Community College Colleges. Address: 340 S. 14th St. Phone: 563-242-4771

Online: eicc.edu/about-eicc/colleges-and-centers/bickelhaupt/ or Facebook

Hours: Dawn to dusk daily; learning center 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday

Admission: Free

Clinton Area

Showboat Theatre

The Clinton Area Showboat Theatre is a professional, nonprofit, summer stock theater aboard a restored river paddle wheeler. Its theater is named the Lillian Russell Theatre, after the Clinton native who was one of the most popular stars of the 1890s. The season is June through August. Address: 303 Riverview Road Phone: 563-242-6760 Online: clintonshowboat.org

Showtimes: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday; check the schedule online or call the box office

DESTINATIONS cont’d to page 19

DESTINATIONS cont’d from page 18

CLINTON CONT’D

Clinton LumberKings baseball

The Clinton LumberKings are a professional team that is part of the Prospect League. The team plays at NelsonCorp Field. See website for schedule and tickets.

Address: 537 Ballpark Drive

Phone: 563-242-0727 Online: lumberkings.com

Clinton Sawmill Museum

The Clinton Sawmill Museum showcases Clinton’s pivotal role in the lumber industry; the city once was known as the “Lumber Capital of the World.” The museum houses some original pieces from the Struve Mill, which was in operation from the 1860s to 1980s, as well as an early-20th century working sawmill.

Address: 2231 Grant St.

Phone: 563-242-0343

Online: thesawmillmuseum.org or Facebook

Hours: 1-6 p.m. Monday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday

Admission: $6 adults, $5 ages 4-12

Clinton Symphony Orchestra

The Clinton Symphony Orchestra is a professional orchestra that performs classical concerts at various locations in Iowa and Illinois throughout the season and puts on an annual pops concert on the riverfront in June.

Phone: 815-625-0922

Online: clintonsymphony.org or Facebook

Curtis Mansion

The Curtis Mansion is the restored Victorian home of lumber baron George M. Curtis. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, each room features a different type of wood. Other features include original Tiffany glass windows, carved banisters, ornate wood trim and massive fireplaces.

Address: 440 Fifth Ave. S. Phone: 563-242-8556 Online: Facebook

CLINTON

Clinton County Historical Society and Museum

The museum contains documents, photographs and furniture, a 1924 kitchen and the “Resolute,” a hand-powered fire engine, all of which tell the stories of the early settlers of the Mississippi River area and the booming lumber business.

Address: 601 S. First St. | Phone: 563-242-1201

Online: Facebook

Hours: 9-11 a.m. Monday-Friday, 1-4 p.m. Sunday and by appointment | Admission: Free

Hours: Tours by appointment only

Admission: Free

Felix Adler Children’s

Discovery Center

The museum offers interactive exhibits and educational displays, including a Brio train engine, Kapla blocks, an ambulance, grocery store and a hospital. It is named after Clinton native Frank Adler, “Funny Felix, King of Clowns,” who was a famous clown with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

Address: 332 Eighth Ave. S. Phone: 563-243-3600

Online: adlerdiscoverycenter.org or Facebook

Hours: 12:30-5 p.m. Wednesday,

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday

Admission: $5 ages 2-64; $4 ages 65 and older

River Arts Center

The center, operated by the Clinton Art Association, features new exhibits in a variety of media every 6 weeks. It also hosts classes and workshops taught by local artists. The center is home to the Clinton Art Players Theatre and Rainbow Pottery, a paint-your-own ceramics shop.

Address: 229 Fifth Ave. S. Phone: 563-243-3300

Online: riverartsinc.org and Facebook

Hours: 1-4 p.m. Wednesday

through Sunday or by appointment

Riverview Park Pool

This pool has a water slide, a sprinkler shaped like a lighthouse, a kiddie pool less than a foot deep and a separate diving pool.

Address: 101 S. First St. Phone: 563-242-4673 or 563-2431260

Online: cityofclintoniowa.us

Hours: 1-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday open June through early September

Admission: $5 for adults 18 to 54; $5 for seniors; $4 ages 5 to 17; $2 for kids 4 and younger

DESTINATIONS cont’d to page 20

SVM file photo

DESTINATIONS cont’d from page 19

CLINTON CONT’D

St. Boniface Catholic Historical Center

Constructed in 1908 as the St. Boniface Catholic Church, this building is on the National Register of Historic Places. It now serves as a beautiful and ornate museum, with a collection of local and Catholic artifacts of interest to any history buff. Group and individual tours can be arranged by appointment. Facility is available for rental for weddings and events. Address: 2520 Pershing Blvd., Clinton Contact: 563-206-1314

Online: facebook.com/CatholicHistoricalCenter

Open Tuesdays 9 a.m.-noon and by appointment

Admission: donations accepted

Soaring Eagle Nature Center

There is plenty to explore from the

one-room schoolhouse to the butterfly garden and nature barn with displays about the land’s history.

Address: 3923 N. 3rd St.

Phone 563-242-9088

Online: sencinfo.com

Hours: Open for events and by appointment; Trails open dawn to dusk

Wide River Winery

Wide River Winery, which opened in 2005, features award-winning wines, a tasting room and 6.5 acres of vineyards on the bluffs of the Mississippi River. Tours of the facility and grounds are conducted daily and include a wine-tasting. Concerts and other activities also are held at the winery. The winery also operates a tasting room in LeClaire.

Address: 1776 E. Deer Creek Road

Phone: 563-519-9463

Online: wideriverwinery.com or Facebook

Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily

Wild Rose Casino & Hotel

Features 500-plus video and reel slot machines, live table games, suite and deluxe room accommodations, Coaches Corner Sports Bar & Grill, off track betting, DraftKings Sportsbook, Iowa Store Gift Shop, live concerts and events.

Address: 777 Wild Rose Drive, Clinton

Phone: 563-243-9000

Online: wildroseresorts.com/locations/clinton

Hours: 8 a.m.-midnight Sunday-Thursday; 8 a.m.-3 a.m. Friday & Saturday.

DEWITT

Central Community

Historical Society & Museum

The museum features items that capture the rich history of DeWitt and the surrounding area, including Indian tools, military artifacts,

household equipment, furniture and a school room filled with desks, books and clocks.

Address: 628 6th Ave.

Phone: 563-659-9717

Online: centralcommunityhissoc. com/ or Facebook

Hours: 8:30-11:30 a.m. Monday and Thursday, 1-4 p.m. Sunday

Admission: Free

Central Performing Arts Center

The community-based auditorium features local shows and programming to enrich and educate. See website for summer and holiday productions.

Address: 519 E. 11th St.

Phone: 563-659-3811

Online: cd-pac.org/

Hours: vary by show

Admission: varies by show

DESTINATIONS cont’d to page 21

DEWITT CONT’D

DeWitt Operahouse Theatre

The venue has been providing entertainment to Dewitt and the surrounding communities since 1878. First and second run movies are shown here. Every 6 weeks, the First Central Art Gallery showcases work by a new local artist.

Address: 716 Sixth Ave. Phone: 563-659-8213

Online: dewittoperahouse.com or Facebook

Hours: See website for showtimes

German Hausbarn

The thatched-roof building was built in 1727, then dismantled in Niebull, Germany, in 2007, shipped to the city and rebuilt by volunteers. It houses a German museum, as well as the local chamber of commerce and a development company.

Address: 130 Heritage Drive, Manning

Phone: 712-655-3131

Online: germanhausbarn.com/

Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday

Malone Park

This 30-acre park includes a 9-acre lake for fishing and swimming.

There is a picnic shelter, picnic tables, swing set, beach for swimming, a wetland area, and a 12-hole disc golf course.

Address: 2524 330th Ave. Phone: 563-259-1876 or 563-8477202

Online: mycountyparks.com/county/clinton/Park/Malone-Park.aspx

Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

Westbrook Park

The 100-acre park, the city’s largest, features baseball/softball diamonds, playgrounds, horseshoe courts, volleyball courts and a disc golf course. It also includes a natural timber area with foot trails and the 10-foot wide, 5-mile Paul Skeffington Memorial Trail, a multipurpose trail for walking, running and cycling.

Address: 520 Westbrook Drive

Phone: 563-659-5127

Online: parks.cityofdewittiowa.org

Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

Delmar

Brookfield Recreation Trail

The 21-mile hiking trail was formed from abandoned Milwaukee Railroad right-of-way. It offers scenic views perfect for bird watching.

Address: 210th Avenue, between Highway 136 and 130th Street

Phone: 563-847-7202

Online: mycountyparks.com/coun-

ty/clinton/Park/Brookfield-Recreational-Trail.aspx

Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

Delmar Depot Railroad Museum

Located in S.S. Norton Park, the depot, built about 1905 and restored in the 1990s, features segregated waiting rooms for men and women, the “Elizabeth” caboose and the Orphan Train mural. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Address: 414 Lincoln Ave.

Phone: 563-547-4077

Online: Facebook

Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily in the summer, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in the winter Admission: Free

GRAND MOUND

Barber Creek Wildlife Management Area

The 926-acre area on the Wapsipinicon River Bottoms has 466 acres of timber, meadows and crop land, plus 114 acres of oxbow lakes, floodplain chutes and small ponds. The area is great for hunting, fishing, trapping, canoeing, hiking, mushroom hunting, berry picking and wildlife viewing.

Address: 2398 278th St. Phone: 563-652-3132

Online: stateparks.com/barber_creek_state_wildlife_management_area_in_iowa.html

Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

LOST NATION

Marie Ketelsen Learning Center

The 40-acre park and wildlife area is named in honor of Marie Ketelsen, a schoolteacher who lived on the land and willed it to the county to teach children about nature. The area features a 26-acre restored prairie, 2 miles of trails and a pond.

Address: 150th Street, 6 miles east of Lost Nation

Phone: 563-847-7202

Online: sites.google.com/site/ketelsenlearningcenter/home

Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

Smithtown Church

The church, now a historic site, is the only surviving landmark of the Sharon Township village of Burgess. The church was discontinued as a regular place of worship in the late 1920s.

Address: 125th Street, 4 miles north of Lost Nation

Phone: 563-847-7202

Online: mycountyparks.com/county/clinton/Park/Smithtown-Church. aspx

DEWITT

DeWitt Aquatic Center

The DeWitt Aquatic Center is a $2.6 million facility. The pool features zero-depth entry, three water slides, lily pads, a basketball hoop and more. Lifeguards are on duty at all times.

Address: 1000 14th St.

Phone: 563-659-3541

Online: parks.cityofdewittiowa.org or Facebook

Hours: 1-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Monday-Friday, 1-6 p.m. Saturday, 1-7 p.m. Sunday

THURSDAYS, MAY 16-OCT. 31

DeWitt Farmers Market — Lincoln Park, corner of 10th Street and Fifth Avenue, DeWitt; shop locally grown produce, baked goods and handmade crafts; special guests and food trucks onsite, check schedule for details; 3:30-6:30 p.m.; dewittfarmersmarket.org

WEDNESDAYS

& SATURDAYS, MAY 22-OCT.

Lyons Farmers Market — Four Square Park, Clinton; fresh produce and crafts; 4-6 p.m. Wednesdays; 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays; Facebook

MAY 26

American Legion Post No. 238 Pancake Breakfast &B Auxiliary Bake Sale — American Legion Post NO, 238, 704 Ninth St., DeWitt; community breakfast; costs $8 adult, $4 children 5-12 and free for children age 5 and younger; dewittiowa.org and business.dewittiowa.org/events

MAY 28-AUG. 31

Clinton LumberKings baseball — NelsonCorp Field, 537 Ball Park Drive, Clinton; professional baseball team for the Prospects League; see website for games, tickets; lumberkings.com; Facebook, or 563-242-0727

JUNE 1

Heroes N Hooks Fishing Derby — Kids age 15 and under are invited to join Clinton’s Police and Fire Departments for this fun event! Prizes, Honor Guard, Touch a Truck, and so much more! Bring your own poles and bait. DNR regulations must be followed including catch and release. 8-10 a.m. Emma Young Pond, 1401

11th Ave. North, Clinton.

JUNE

6

Tunes in Town Summer Concert Series: 3 Day Rain with Car Show — Lincoln Park, corner of 11th Street and Sixth Avenue, DeWitt; bring you chair and blankets; food trucks; 6-8:30 p.m.; business.dewittiowa.org/ events and Facebook

JUNE 6-8

Tailgate n’ Tallboys —Clinton Riverfront; 3-day concert with performances by Jelly Roll, Bailey Zimmerman, Shinedown and more; visitclintoniowa.com/concert-series

JUNE 11

Tunes in Town Summer Concert Series: 3 on the Tree — Lincoln Park, corner of 11th Street and Sixth Avenue, DeWitt; bring you chair and blankets; food trucks; 6-8:30 p.m.; business.dewittiowa.org/events and Facebook

JUNE 13

303 Riverview Road, Clinton Go to clintonshowboat.com for time and tickets, or call 563-242-6760

June 13-23

“Million Dollar Quartet” — Tony Award-nominated musical set on Dec. 4, 1956, when Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley performed together at Sun Records in Memphis.

June 13-Aug. 4

Clinton Showboat Players perform

June 27-July 7

“Rock of Ages” — A tale set at the tail end of the 1980s in Hollywood, featuring the music of Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Whitesnake and more.

July 11-21

“We Will Rock You” — Follows two revolutionaries as they try to save rock ’n’ roll in a post-apocalyptic world. Featuring more than 20 hit Queen songs, including “Another One Bites the Dust,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and more.

July 25-Aug. 4

DeWitt’s Wine Walk with Beer — Sixth Street, DeWitt; with your wine or beer passport try samples and enjoy shopping and entertainment; advance registration required; Must be 21 and older to attend; 4:30-7:30 p.m.; dewitt.chambermaster.com and business.dewittiowa.org/events

JUNE 13

Music on the Avenue with Brooke Byam — 200 block of Fifth Avenue S., Clinton; live music, foodtrucks, car

“The Marvelous Wonderettes” — Follow girl group The Marvelous Wonderettes from their performance at their 1958 prom to their 10-year reunion. Featuring classic ’50s and ’60s hits, including “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “Stupid Cupid,” and more.

show, and a party atmosphere; bring chairs and enjoy; 6- p.m.; Facebook. com/MusicOnTheAvenueClintonIA/

JUNE 14

Finally Friday — Riverview bandshell, 251 Ball Park Drive, Clinton; free, family-oriented summer concert series held monthly. Find “Finally Friday at the River - Clinton, IA” on Facebook

JUNE 15

Felix Adler Day Festival — Felix Adler Children’s Discovery Center, 332 Eighth Ave. S., Clinton; celebrate the 30th anniversary of the festival; pony rides, petting zoo, train rides, balloon art, entertainment and food; admission to Children’s Discovery Center is free; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; adlerdiscoverycenter.org, Facebook

Jack and the Beanstalk — Missoula Children’s Theater; 519 E. 11th Street, DeWitt; Central DeWitt Performing Arts Center show; 2 p.m. cd-pac.org 36th Paul Skeffington Memorial Race — DeWitt Community Center and Lincoln Park; choose from a 2-mile walk or a 5-mile run and stay for the post-race meal and entertainment; advance registration recommended; 6 p.m.; skeffrace.com

JUNE 18

Tunes in Town Summer Concert Series: Country Tradition — Lincoln Park, corner of 11th Street and Sixth Avenue, DeWitt; bring you chair and blankets; food trucks; 6-8:30 p.m.; business.dewittiowa.org/events and Facebook

EVENTS cont’d to page 24

EVENTS cont’d from page 23

JUNE

19

Family Movie Night — Lincoln Park, corner of 11th Street and Sixth Avenue, DeWitt; bring you chair and blankets; 7:30-9 p.m.; business.dewittiowa.org

JUNE

20

Music on the Avenue with Three on the Tree— 200 block of Fifth Avenue S., Clinton; live music, food trucks, car show, and a party atmosphere; bring chairs and enjoy; 6-9 p.m.; Facebook.com/MusicOnTheAvenueClintonIA/

JUNE

23

American Legion Post No. 238

Pancake Breakfast &B Auxiliary Bake Sale — American Legion Post No. 238, 704 Ninth St., DeWitt; community breakfast; costs $8 adult, $4 children 5-12 and free for children age 5 and younger; business.dewittiowa.org/events

JUNE

25

Tunes in Town Summer Concert

Series: The Crooked Cactus Band — Lincoln Park, corner of 11th Street and Sixth Avenue, DeWitt; bring you chair and blankets; food trucks; 6-8:30 p.m.; business.dewittiowa.org/events and Facebook

JUNE

27

Music on the Avenue with Crooked Cactus — 200 block of Fifth Avenue S., Clinton; live music, food trucks, car show, and a party atmosphere; bring chairs and enjoy; 6-9 p.m.; Facebook.com/MusicOnTheAvenueClintonIA/

JUNE 28

Free Family Movie Night — Join the Franciscan Peace Center, the Clinton Public Library, and the Sawmill Museum for a free family movie night. Activities begin at 7:30 p.m. with movie at dusk. This month’s movie: “Happy Feet”

JULY 2

Tunes in Town Summer Concert Series: Avery Grouws Band — Lincoln Park, corner of 11th Street and Sixth Avenue, DeWitt; bring you chair and blankets; food trucks; 6-8:30 p.m.; business.dewittiowa. org/events and Facebook

JULY

4

Fourth of July Festival — Riverview Park; free, family-friendly festival, parade and fireworks; clintoniowatourism.com/annual-events and Facebook Tunes in Town Summer Concert

Series: Dance the Night Away Productions — Lincoln Park, corner of 11th Street and Sixth Avenue, DeWitt; bring you chair and blankets; food trucks; 11 a.m.1 p.m.; business.dewittiowa.org/ events and Facebook Music on the Avenue with Staff Infection — 200 block of Fifth Avenue S., Clinton; live music, food trucks, car show, and a party atmosphere; bring chairs and enjoy; 6-8 p.m.; Facebook.com/MusicOnTheAvenueClintonIA/

JULY

5

Finally Friday — Riverview bandshell, 251 Ball Park Drive, Clinton; free, family-oriented summer concert series held monthly. Find “Finally Friday at the River - Clinton, IA” on Facebook

JULY

9

Tunes in Town Summer Concert Series: 10 of Soul — Lincoln Park, corner of 11th Street and Sixth Avenue, DeWitt; bring you chair and blankets;

food trucks; 6-8:30 p.m.; business. dewittiowa.org and Facebook

JULY

10

Family Movie Night — Lincoln Park, corner of 11th Street and Sixth Avenue, DeWitt; bring you chair and blankets; 7:30-9 p.m.; business.dewittiowa.org

Mainly Marathon: Heartland Series Day 5 of what’s billed as the “world’s best multi-day, multi-state running series; early start 5 a.m., regular start 6 a.m.; mainlymarathons.com/series-3/heartland/

JULY

11

Music on the Avenue with 10 of Soul — 200 block of Fifth Avenue S., Clinton; live music, food trucks, car show, and a party atmosphere; bring chairs and enjoy; 6-8 p.m.; Facebook. com/MusicOnTheAvenueClintonIA/

JULY

16

Tunes in Town Summer Concert Series: The Hot Rods with Car Show — Lincoln Park, corner of 11th Street and Sixth Avenue, DeWitt; bring you chair and blankets; food trucks; 6-8:30 p.m.; business. dewittiowa.org and Facebook

JULY

16-19

Cessna Fly-In — Join other private plane pilots for 3 days of aviation-related fun and demonstrations at the Clinton Municipal Airport , 2000 S. 60th St.; cessna150152flyin.org

EVENTS cont’d to page 25

EVENTS cont’d from page 24

JULY 17-21

Clinton County Fair — Clinton County Fairgrounds, 328 E. Eighth St., Dewitt; garden tractor pull, truck pull, tractor pull, bull riding and barrel races, demolition derby and 4-H; clintoncountyiowafair. com or 563-659-1624

JULY 18

Music on the Avenue with The Stockwells — 200 block of Fifth Avenue S., Clinton; live music, food trucks, car show, and a party atmosphere; bring chairs and enjoy; 6-8 p.m.; Facebook.com/MusicOnTheAvenueClintonIA/

JULY 23

Tunes in Town Summer Concert Series: Angela Meyer Band — Lincoln Park, corner of 11th Street and Sixth Avenue, DeWitt; bring you chair and blankets; food trucks; 6-8:30 p.m.; business.dewittiowa. org and Facebook

JULY 25

Music on the Avenue with Down 24 — 200 block of Fifth Avenue S., Clinton; live music, food trucks, car show, and a party atmosphere; bring chairs and enjoy; 6-8 p.m.; Facebook.com/MusicOnTheAvenueClintonIA/

JULY 25-28

Camanche Days — Platt Park,

softball, volleyball, bags, golf, carnival, car show, parade, lighted boat parade, fireworks and more; Camanche Days Festival on Facebook

JULY 26

Free Family Movie Night — Join the Franciscan Peace Center, the Clinton Public Library, and the Sawmill Museum for a free family movie night. Activities begin at

7:30 p.m. with movie at dusk. This month’s movie: “Fern Gully.”

JULY 28

American Legion Post No. 238 Pancake Breakfast &B Auxiliary Bake Sale — American Legion Post No. 238, 704 Ninth St., DeWitt; community breakfast; costs $8 adult, $4 children 5-12 and free for children age 5 and younger; business.dewittiowa.org/events

JULY 20

DeWitt

Crossroads

Triathlon

Kildeer Recreation Area, 2471 330th Ave., DeWitt; advance registration required, event sells out each year; 8 a.m.; parks. cityofdewittiowa.org

JULY 30

Tunes in Town Summer Concert Series: Jordan & Jef Band — Lincoln Park, corner of 11th Street and Sixth Avenue, DeWitt; bring you chair and blankets; food trucks; 6-8:30 p.m.; business.dewittiowa. org and Facebook

EVENTS cont’d to page 26

Photo: DeWitt Crossroad Youth Triathlon Facebook page

EVENTS cont’d from page 25

AUG. 1

MUSIC

Music on the Avenue with Moonshine Run — 200 block of Fifth Avenue S., Clinton; live music, food trucks, car show, and a party atmosphere; bring chairs and enjoy; 6-8 p.m.; Facebook.com/

MusicOnTheAvenueClintonIA/

AUG. 2

Finally Friday — Riverview bandshell, 251 Ball Park Drive, Clinton; free, family-oriented summer concert series held monthly. Facebook.com/FinallyFridayAtTheRiverClintonIA

AUG. 6

Tunes in Town Summer Concert Series: Montana Sunrise with DeWitt Police Night Out — Lincoln Park, corner of 11th Street and Sixth Avenue, DeWitt; bring you chair and blankets; food trucks; 6-8:30 p.m.; business.dewittiowa. org and Facebook

AUG. 8

Music on the Avenue with Wild Oatz — 200 block of Fifth Avenue S., Clinton; live music, food trucks,

car show, and a party atmosphere; bring chairs and enjoy; 6-8 p.m.; Facebook.com/MusicOnTheAvenueClintonIA/

AUG. 9-10

Bound for the Kingdom Music Festival — Two-day Christian music festival in the Riverview bandshell, 251 Ball Park Drive, Clinton; Bound For The Kingdom music festival on Facebook.

AUG. 13

Tunes in Town Summer Concert Series: The Hitman — Lincoln Park, corner of 11th Street and Sixth Avenue, DeWitt; bring you chair and blankets; food trucks; 6-8:30 p.m.; business.dewittiowa. org/events and Facebook

AUG. 14

Family Movie Night — Lincoln

Park, corner of 11th Street and Sixth Avenue, DeWitt; bring you chair and blankets; 7:30-9 p.m.; business.dewittiowa.org

AUG. 17

Quad City Bank & Trust Riverfront Pops: The Music of Led Zeppelin — LeClaire Park, 400 W. Beiderbecke Drive, Davenport; general admission and reserved seating tickets available; food vendors on-site and guests can bring their own food; 7:30 p.m.; qcso.org

EVENTS cont’d to page 27

EVENTS cont’d from page 26

AUG. 17-24

Paint It Back Street Art Festival — An event that celebrates the transformative power of public art, featuring work by nine artists; https://paintitback.org/ and on Facebook.

AUG. 20

Tunes in Town Summer Concert Series: Jimmy Welty Band — Lincoln Park, corner of 11th Street and Sixth Avenue, DeWitt; bring you chair and blankets; food trucks; 6-8:30 p.m.; business.dewittiowa. org/events and Facebook

AUG. 23

Free Family Movie Night — Join the Franciscan Peace Center, the Clinton Public Library, and the Sawmill Museum for a free family movie night. Activities begin at 6:30pm with movie at dusk. This month’s movie: “Ponyo”

AUG. 27

Tunes in Town Summer Concert Series: The Tailfins Band with a Car Show — Lincoln Park, corner of 11th Street and Sixth Avenue, DeWitt; bring you chair and blankets; food trucks; 6-8:30 p.m.; business.dewittiowa.org/events and Facebook

SEPT. 8

marathon; the race starts in downtown Clinton, to Riverfront Drive along the Mississippi, with challenging hill climbs to Eagle Point Park’s overlook of the river; clintonhalfmarathon.com and at facebook.com/clintonhalfmarathon

SEPT. 20

Autumn Fest Movie in the Park — Lincoln Park, corner of 11th Street and Sixth Avenue, DeWitt; grab some blankets and chairs to enjoy a movie under the stars; 7-9 p.m.; business.dewittiowa.org/events

SEPT. 21

Autumn Fest — Lincoln Park, corner of 11th Street and Sixth Avenue, DeWitt; with live music, activities for children and food truck vendors; 4-8 p.m.; business. dewittiowa.org/events

SEPT. 28

4th annual Riverview Bacon & Brew Fest — Riverview Park Bandshell, 251 Ballpark Drive, Clinton; enjoy all things bacon and brew, food trucks, contests, live music and more; $25 admission; 4-7 p.m.; cityofclintoniowa.gov

OCT. 28

Mardis Gras Parade —An annual parade in downtown Clinton held the Monday prior to Halloween; featuring local marching bands, floats and different themes every year. parade begins at 6:30 p.m. near the Courthouse. Find Clinton Mardi Gras Halloween Parade on Facebook for more information.

THANKSGIVING

DAY-DEC. 30

Symphony of Lights — Thanksgiving through Dec. 30; Eagle Point Park, 3900 N. Third St., Clinton; 40 lighted displays, 500,000 lights, castles, streams and a gingerbread lodge all on a 1-mile loop; 6-9 p.m.; fee per car; symphonyoflights.org or Facebook

OCT. 17

Haunted Wine Walk

Join the downtown Clinton shops for a spooky fun evening! Costumes encouraged. Must be 21+ to partake in alcoholic beverages.

DECEMBER

DeWitt’s Hometown Christmas — DeWitt; family fun with a Kid’s Carnival from 9-11 a.m.; Santa arrives via Fire Truck at 9 a.m.; Children’s Movie; Window Walk through the town; lighted parade at 5 p.m. and lighting of the Christmas tree at 5:15 p.m.; business.dewittiowa.org December 7-8

Lyons Christmas Walk and Winter Fest — Visitors can stroll through the Lyons district and see decorated shop windows, enjoy music, see live Christmas displays, visit businesses, enjoy food and drink,

take a carriage ride, and more. Find LBPA: Lyons Business & Professional Association on Facebook for more information.

JAN. 31-FEB. 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

Clinton Half Marathon — Runners can choose 5K, 10K, half

Founded in 1837, DeKalb County is about 60 miles west of Chicago and just southeast of Rockford. It’s about 630 square miles and is home to 100,000 residents. Sycamore is its county seat, and Northern Illinois University is located in DeKalb.

DEKALB

Afton Forest Preserve

This natural area is home to native Illinois prairie plants, which are part of a prairie and wetland restoration. The preserve offers cross country skiing, hiking and fishing, as well play areas, picnic areas and a historic area.

Address: 13600 Crego Road

Phone: 815-895-7191

Online: dekalbcounty.org/departments/forest-preserve/forest-preserve-afton-preserve/

DeKalb Area Women’s Center

The nonprofit, volunteer community center was established in 1993 to advocate for women and related issues. Housed in the former Finnish Temperance Society Hall, the center offers events.

Address: 1021 State St.

Phone: 815-758-1351

Online: dekalbawc.weebly.com or Facebook

Egyptian Theatre

Opened in 1929 for the DeKalb Theatre Company, it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It owes its connection to Egyptian culture to the discovery of King Tut’s tomb in 1922. Its facade features a 20-foot-tall stained-glass window bearing the ancient sacred scarab, holding up the sun god Ra while standing on the earth. The front of the theater is shaped like the gate of a great temple. It is one of only five remaining Egyptian-styled theaters in the country and is used for a variety of events; it seats almost 1,400.

Address: 135 N. Second St.

Phone: 815-758-1215

Online: egyptiantheatre.org or Facebook

Admission: Tickets for shows vary Ellwood House Museum

Housed in the former Victorian home of Isaac Ellwood, who played a central role in the development

DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau DEKALB

Joseph F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center

The home of Joseph Glidden, inventor of barbed wire, along with the barn (one of the oldest still-standing barns) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The stately red-brick home was an unusual style for the Midwest, more reminiscent of styles in the Northeast, where Glidden grew up. The site offers blacksmith demonstrations, model train displays, historical exhibits, and a garden. Tours are available.

Address: 921 W. Lincoln Highway

Phone: 815-756-7904

Online: gliddenhomestead.org or Facebook

Hours: noon-4 p.m. Sundays | Admission: $5 for 15 and older

of the barbed wire industry, the museum showcases exhibits on barbed wire and a large collection of sheet music.

Address: 420 Linden Place

Phone: 815-756-4609

Online: ellwoodhouse.org and dekalbparkdistrict.com or Facebook

Hours: Mansion tours at 1 and 3 p.m. Wednesdays to Sunday; see website to reserve an in-depth tour

Admission: Tour admission is $10 adult; $5 children

Gurler House and Gurler Heritage Center

Built in 1857, the George Gurler House was one of the first frame

homes in DeKalb. The house showcases the original flooring and glass, Greek Revival architecture, a cream separator and photo displays of the Gurler family, the Gurler Dairy, and the Gurler Heritage Association. It also has an exquisite garden.

Address: 205 Pine St. Phone: 815-761-5306

Online: Facebook

Hours: By appointment

Admission: By donation

Katz Dog Park

Treat four-legged members of the family to their own park to play in an off-leash natural area that is fully fenced.

Address: 393 Dresser Road

Online: dekalbparkdistrict.com and Facebook

Hours: sunrise to sunset

Lincoln Highway

Interpretive Gazebo

One of two interpretive gazebos in Illinois and 16 along the highway that tells the story of the historic Lincoln Highway through murals.

Address: Lincoln Highway and Eleventh Street

Phone: 866-455-4249

Online: dekalbcountycvb.com

DESTINATIONS cont’d to page 29

DESTINATIONS cont’d from page 28

DEKALB CONT’D

Northern Illinois University Anthropology Museum

The museum houses more than 12,000 objects, mostly of ethnographic material with some archaeological material. It specializes in the cultures of Southeast Asia, New Guinea, and the Southwest and Plains Native Americans, and has smaller collections from Africa, modern Greece, Mesoamerica, and South America. Group tours are available.

Address: Cole Hall 114, across from the visitor parking lot at 200 Carroll Ave.

Phone: 815-753-2520

Online: niu.edu/pick-museum or The Pick Museum of Anthropology at NIU on Facebook

Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. TuesdayFriday

Admission: Free, $5 for parking in the NIU visitor lot

Northern Illinois

University Art Museum

The museum has a permanent collection of more than 1,000 items that consists mostly of 20th century works of art on paper (prints, drawings and photographs), but also includes contemporary paintings and sculpture.

Address: Altgeld Hall, Castle Drive and College Avenue

Phone: 815-753-1936

Online: niu.edu/artmuseum or find NIU Art Museum on Facebook

Hours: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; noon-6 p.m. Friday; noon-3 p.m. Saturday

Admission: Free

Northern Illinois

University Blackwell History of Education Museum

The museum offers artifacts, documents, and a one-room school that showcase the history of American education.

DEKALB

Splash Pad at Welsh Park

Address: Welsh Park, 651 Russell Road Online: dekalbparkdistrict.com

Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day and 3-7 p.m. Labor Day-Oct. 2

Phone: 815-753-1236

Online: cedu.niu.edu/blackwell or Facebook

Hours: By appointment

Admission: Free

Address: The Learning Center, Gabel Hall, Stadium Drive

Northern Illinois

University Regional History Center and University Archives

The center preserves the most significant historical records of northern Illinois. It actively collects from the 18 northern counties, except for Cook. It houses three related sets of historical records: the University Archives, regional collections and local government records.

Address: Room 400, Founders Memorial Library, Norris Road

Phone: 815-753-9392

Online: niu.edu/university-libraries/collections/rhc/index.shtml or Facebook

Hours: by appointment

Soldiers and Sailors

Memorial Clock

The clock is a World War I memorial, dedicated in 1921. It also is home to the town mural.

Address: Memorial Park, Northwest Corner of First Street and Lincoln Highway

Wessels’ Family Farm

Find seasonal fresh picks from corn to Christmas trees at family farm.

Address: 2023 Sycamore Road Online: Facebook Hours: seasonal, see online for details

Whiskey Acres Distilling Co.

Named one of the Chicago area’s best distilleries, Whiskey Acres distills spirits from grains grown on the fifth-generation family farm. The farm distillery is the only one of its kind in Illinois and has been producing its liquors only since December 2014. It makes unaged corn whiskey, apple-infused corn whiskey, corn vodka, rye whiskey and bourbon, although it is not yet available as it is aging in oak barrels.

Address: 11504 Keslinger Road

Phone: 844-494-4753

Online: whiskeyacres.com or Facebook Hours: see website

DESTINATIONS cont’d to page 30

Mark Busch/mbusch@shawmedia.com

Jamirius Nichols, of DeKalb, gets a face full of water in the splash pad at Welsh Park in DeKalb. .

GENOA

Kishwaukee Valley Heritage Museum

Housed in an 1880s train depot, the museum site includes a circa 1902 well house, a circa 1950 caboose and a miniature one-room schoolhouse. Artifacts on display include the oldest horse-drawn hearse in the county, scale-model trains, an old printing press and a collection of telephones made in Genoa. Address: 622 Park Ave. | Phone: 815-784-5559

Online: sites.google.com/site/kvhsgenoail/home or Facebook

Hours: 1-5 p.m. Wednesday; 2-4 p.m. second Sunday of the month and by appointment | Admission: Free

DESTINATIONS cont’d from page 29

Yaeger’s Farm Market

Spring through fall offering fresh produce, plants. During the fall enjoy hayrides and family fun. See website for what’s available each season and events.

Address: 14643 State Route 38 Online: yaegersfarmmarket.com/ farm-market/

Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays

GENOA

Chamberlain

Skate Park and Pool

Address: 400 E. Second St.

Phone: 815-784-5612

Online: genoaparks.com

This unsupervised skate park is open to skateboarders and in-line skaters.

Hours: 8 a.m.-dusk daily

The aquatic facility offers two pools, a wading pool with zero-depth entry and a slide, and the main pool as deep as 9 feet and with the “Drop Zone” slide and another slide. It also has a splash pad and a concession stand.

Hours: 12-5p.m. Monday-Saturday; 1-6 p.m. Sunday

Online: genoaparkdistrict.com/ aquatics

Admission: see website for daily

pool fees

Lincoln Highway Interpretive Mural

One of 30 murals along the historic Lincoln Highway that tells the story of the Good Roads movement that swept through rural America in the early 1900s. DeKalb was the first town along the route to rename its main street.

Address: Lincoln Highway and Seventh Street

Phone: 866-455-4249

Online: drivelincolnhighway.com/ murals

Natural Resources Center

Nestled near the entrance to

Russell Woods Forest Preserve, the center is a great stop for exploration and live animal viewing. The preserve offers sledding and cross-country skiing, as well as fishing, canoeing and hiking. It has picnic areas and a playground, too.

Address: Russell Woods Forest Preserve, 11750 state Route 72 Phone: 815-784-2000 or 815-7588194

Online: dekalbcounty.org/departments/forest-preserve/forest-preserve-russell-woods/

Hours: sunrise to sunset

Prairie State Winery

Former schoolteachers make award-winning wine from Illinois grapes and have won several state awards for their local-focused business concept. Live music on weekends during summer months.

Address: 222 W. Main St. Phone: 815-784-4540

Online: prairiestatewinery.com or Facebook

Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 12-5 p.m. Sunday

KINGSTON

Knute Olson Jr. Forest Preserve

The preserve is home to two ponds nestled in the woods along the Kishwaukee River. Fishing is a popular activity here.

Address: 12595 Baseline Road

Phone: 815-895-7191

Online: dekalbcountycvb.com/ listing/knute-olson-jr-forest-preserve/

Red Farm Antiques

Step back through time and sift through the treasures. From collectibles to seasonal décor and more available.

Address: 6199 Wolf Road Online: Facebook and dekalbcountycvb. com

Phone: 715-493-2344

Hours: vary by season

DESTINATIONS cont’d to page 31

Photo: DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau

DESTINATIONS cont’d from page 30

KIRKLAND

Adee’s Woods

Adee’s Woods provides an area for a picnic and a walk through the woods.

Address: 4106 Old State Road

Phone: 815-895-7191

Online: dekalbcounty.org/departments/forest-preserve/adeeswoods

Northern Illinois

Veterans Memorial

The memorial honors northern Illinois veterans, from those of the Civil War to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Address: Franklin Township Park, Third and South streets

MALTA

Jonamac Orchard

The 105-acre orchard, opened in 1984, has more than 10,000 apple trees offering more than two dozen varieties of apples. Besides apple picking, families will enjoy hayrides, train rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, a barnyard area and a corn maze. The orchard also has a country store and bakery, and cider house.

Address: 19412 Shabbona Road

Phone: 815-825-2158

Online: jonamacorchard.com or Facebook

Hours: Apple picking 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, country store open 9 a.m.5:30 p.m. daily, mid-August to late November. Hours change seasonally; check the website or call ahead Lincoln Highway

Interpretive Gazebo

One of two interpretive gazebos in Illinois and 16 along the highway that tells the story of the historic Lincoln Highway through murals. Malta is home to the “first seedling mile.”

Address: Kishwaukee College, 21193 Malta Road

Phone: 866-455-4249

Malta Historical & Genealogical Society

Housed in the old town hall, the

MAPLE PARK

Sycamore Speedway

Billed as “the Midwest’s finest clay track,” the speedway hosts time trials and races. Racing most Friday and Saturdays from May to September.

Address: 50W086 Old State Road

Phone: 815-895-5454

Online: sycamorespeedway.com or Facebook

Hours: gates open 6 p.m. for most racing events

Admission: varies by event, see website or download the app

society archives photos and documents related to the history of the railroad town.

Address: 127 N. Third St.

Phone: 815-825-2367 or 815-8252330

Online: villageofmalta.net/ Hours: By appointment

MAPLE PARK

Acquaviva Winery

The family-owned, 40-acre estate vineyard and winery offers award-winning wines, wine tasting and fine dining. Tours are available by appointment. There is an additional tasting room in Batavia.

Address: 47W614 state Route 38 Phone: 630-365-0333

Online: acquavivawinery.com or

Facebook

Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 12-8 p.m. Sunday

Sycamore Speedway

Billed as “the Midwest’s finest clay track,” the speedway hosts time trials and races. Racing most Friday and Saturdays from May to September.

Address: 50W086 Old State Road

Phone: 815-895-5454

Online: sycamorespeedway.com or Facebook Hours: gates open 6 p.m. for most racing events

Admission: varies by event, see website or download app

Theis Farm Market

Find seasonal vegetables, plants,

décor and a large greenhouse too.

Address: 6N953 County Line Road

Phone: 815-757-1090

Online: theisfarmmarket.com and Facebook

Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Wiltse’s Farm

Open spring through fall offering plants, produce as well as hosting events and classes to help cultivate that green thumb. Specialties include sweet corn, sun flowers and pumpkins. Check out the farm events during the summer.

Address: 50W379 Route 38 Phone: 815-508-7502

Online: wiltsefarm.com and Facebook

Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday

SANDWICH

Opera House of Sandwich

Built in 1878 as the Sandwich City Hall and Opera House, the building almost was razed for a parking lot. But in 1979, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and restored to its 1890s look. It was reopened in 1986, and now functions as a community facility for theater performances, lectures and special events.

Address: 140 E. Railroad St. Phone: 815-786-2555

Online: sandwichoperahouse.org or Facebook

Larson Family Farm

Year after year families return to cut down their own Christmas tree from the acres of family farm. Saws are provided and on weekends enjoy holiday treats and shop the goods at the Secondhand Rose shop in the barn. Cash only.

Address: one mile beyond Sandwich up Somonauk Road

Hours: opens the Friday after Thanksgiving: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; 2-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and season ends mid-December. Not open during rain and snow.

DESTINATIONS cont’d to page 32

SHABBONA

Shabbona Lake State Park

The park features more than 1,500 acres of rolling prairie and a 319-acre man-made fishing lake. It offers a unique mix of grass-covered meadows, upland mesic woods, bottomland woods, and a native, undisturbed fen. There also are areas of prairie restoration throughout the park featuring prairie grasses, such as big blue stem, and prairie flowers, such as purple cone flower. The park has facilities for picnicking, camping, hiking, fishing, hunting and winter sports. It also is a pilot site for handicapped accessibility and offers a specially designed fishing pier.

Address: 100 Preserve Road | Phone: 815-824-2106

Online: shabbonalake.com and Facebook

Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily, April through October; hours vary seasonally

DESTINATIONS cont’d from page 31

SHABBONA

Shabbona-Lee-Rollo Historical Museum

Opened in 1992 in an old bank, the museum covers the old school district No, 425, which included the towns of Shabbona, Shabbona Grove, Lee, Rollo and the surrounding area. It offers exhibits of local history and a research library. Its records include obituaries, cemetery books, marriage records, census records, military records, newspapers and more.

Address: 119 W. Comanche Ave. Phone: 815-824-2597

Online: slrmuseum.com or Facebook

Hours: 9-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-3

p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and 9-11 a.m. Saturday.

Admission: Free

SOMONAUK

Marie Louise Olmstead Memorial Museum

The museum is described by some as a hidden gem because of its display of local, cultural, natural and prehistoric history for lower DeKalb and upper LaSalle counties. Three rooms are packed full of artifacts and antiques. It was founded by the late attorney L. B. Olmstead, a lifelong collector of relics and antiques, who named it for his late wife.

Address: 100 S. Depot St. Phone: 815-498-2417

Online: dekalbcountycvb.com/ listing/marie-louise-olmstead-memorial-museum or themonumentalarchives.com/Olmstead_Museum.php

Hours: 2-4 p.m. Sunday or by appointment

Admission: Free

SYCAMORE

Kishwaukee Valley Art League Gallery on State Housed in a charming building the galleries feature work from area artists with pieces for sale. See website for details on exhibits, classes and art shows.

Address: 322 W. State St. Phone: 815-762-0885 Online: kvalnfp.org

Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday

Sycamore History Museum

Its mission is to expand the understanding of the area’s history and to educate the public through exhibits, lectures and classes. The museum’s permanent collection includes textiles, sports memorabilia (including the 1984 Olympic torch), marketing materials, agricultural items and more. There

also is a gift shop.

Address: 1730 N. Main St. Phone: 815-895-5762 Online: dekalbcountyhistory.org

Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday

Admission: $5 for ages 14 and older

WATERMAN

Honey Hill Orchard

A family-owned and operated orchard, started as a hobby in 1965, Honey Hill now has 2,100 apple trees at its original site plus 500 trees at a second location. The orchard offers pick-your-own apples, raspberries and pumpkins. It also has a bakery, lunch stand and country store.

Address: 11783 Waterman Road

Phone: 815-264-3337

Online: honeyhillorchard.com or Facebook

Hours: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, late August through early September; 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. every day early September through Oct. 31

Waterman

Area

Heritage

Society

This “museum” in a former barbershop has exhibits of telephones, DeKalb Ag-Monsanto memorabilia, school items, barbering items and more.

Address: 180 W. Lincoln Highway

Phone: 815-264-3461 or 815-264-7717

Online: dekalb.illinoisgenweb.org/ WatermanSoc.htm and Facebook Hours: 1-3 p.m. Saturday or by appointment

Admission: By donation

Waterman Winery and Vineyards

Winner of the 2010 Governor’s Sustainability Award, the winery has almost 20 wines on its list, with the most intriguing one being a dry wine, Barbed Wire Red, a full-bodied, oaked Frontenac. Tastings and self-guided tours available.

Address: 11582 Waterman Road

Phone: 815-264-3268

Online: watermanwinery.com or Facebook

Hours: Noon-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April through December

Mark Black for Shaw Local

THROUGH OCT.

Yaeger’s Farm Market — 14643 State Route 38, DeKalb; open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays; fresh produce, plants; see website for what’s available in season and fall events and activities; yaegersfarmmarket. com/farm-market/

MAY 4

Great Garlic Mustard Hunt 9-11 a.m.; Prairie Park; volunteers will help remove this invasive species. dekalbparkdistrict.com

MAY 10-13

served their country; parade starts at 9 a.m.; dekalbparkdistrict.com, 815-758-6663.

THURSDAYS, JUNE-SEPT.

DeKalb Farmers Market — Van Buer Plaza, corner of Second and Locust streets in downtown DeKalb; fresh produce, hand-made items, flowers and bakery goods; catch live music from 12-1:30 p.m.; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursdays; dekalb.org and Facebook

JUNE

1-2

Northern Illinois Art Show — DeKalb County Courthouse, 133 W. State St., Sycamore; fine arts and crafts from artists across the Midwest; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; kval-nfp.org

JUNE 4

Food Truck Tuesdays — Blumen Gardens; Sycamore; enjoy delicious dinner in the garden with live music; 4-8 p.m.; blumengardens. com

JUNE 5

Mother’s Day Wildflower Walk noon at Lions Park; decorate and showcase a wooden flower for mom. dekalbparkdistrict.com

MAY 19

Artist & Maker Market in the Gardens — Blumen Gardens; Sycamore; featuring unique goods, handmade crafts, photography, soaps, foods, jewelry, and more; 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; blumengardens.com/ artist-market

MAY 24-AUG.

Car Racing — Sycamore Speedway, 50W086 Old State Road, Maple Park; season opens May 24 and runs through the season with varying events; see website for schedule, tickets; sycamorespeedway.com and Facebook

MAY 27

Memorial Day Celebration — Ellwood Museum, 420 Linden Place, DeKalb; honor the heroes who’ve

CASA Color Run — Sycamore Middle School, 150 Maplewood Drive, Sycamore; new this year the colorful, family friendly race will include a post-celebration with music, snacks and a DJ; fundraiser for CASA DeKalb County; registration fee $30; casadekalb.org/color-run/

JUNE 5-8

Genoa Days — Downtown Genoa; carnival, King and Queen contest, music, parade (June 8) and more; event supports Genoa-Kingston Fire and Rescue; Facebook

JUNE 6

Summer Concert Series: Soda — Good Tymes Shelter in Sycamore Park District Sports Complex, north end of Airport Road; summer con-

cert series; free; bring blankets and chairs and enjoy the show; 7 p.m.; sycparks.org

JUNE 6-8

Community Wide Garage Sales — Sycamore; shop for deals and finds among the area garage and yard sales; discoversycamore. com/event-calendar/community-wide-garage-sale

JUNE 7-8

Malta Days Festival — Malta; family fun with a 5K Tractor Trot, parade, live entertainment, music, carnival, car show, food and crafts; maltadaysfestival.com

JUNE 9

Sunday at Sandwich Antiques Market — Sandwich Fairgrounds, 1401 Suydam Road; antiques, collectibles; $5 admission, free for ages 12 and younger; 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; sundayatsandwichantiques.com

JUNE 11

Kids Concert in the Park: Nanny Nikki — Hopkins Park, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb; free summer concert; 10:30 a.m.; dekalbparkdistrict.com

DeKalb Municipal Band concert — Hopkins Park Band Shell, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb; 7:30 p.m.; dekalbparkdistrict.com

JUNE 12

Music at the Mansion — Ellwood House Museum, 420 Linden Place, DeKalb; bring a chair or blanket to enjoy an outdoor concert on the lawn; 6:30 p.m.; dekalbparkdistrict. com, 815-758-6663.

JUNE 13

Summer Concert Series: PettyCash — Good Tymes Shelter in Sycamore Park District Sports Complex, north end of Airport Road; summer concert series; free; bring blankets and chairs and enjoy the show; 7 p.m.; sycparks.org

JUNE

14

Hopkins Park Dedication — Hopkins Park, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb; celebrate the grand opening of the new playground and the groundbreaking for the Hopkins Pool; event to include food trucks, games and a movie at sunset; 5 p.m.; dekalbparkdistrict.com

JUNE 15

Pollinator Plant Sale — Harvey Creek Conservation Area at Dayton Street and Lions Road, Sandwich; hosted by Sandwich Park Foundation; 8 a.m.-1 p.m.; sandwichparkdistrict.org

Fishing Derby — Mason Park/ Larson Lake, 455 S. Annie Glidden Road, DeKalb; bring tackle box and poles for a morning of fishing with awards; $8 resident, $10 non resident; dekalbparkdistrict.com

JUNE 16

Fathers Day Birdie Brunch Riverview Heights Golf Course, 1020 Sharon Drive, DeKalb; buffet brunch, followed by 18 holes with a cart. Book tee time in advance at golfdekalb.com and brunch reservations at dekalbparkdistrict.com

JUNE 18

Food Truck Tuesdays — Blumen Gardens; Sycamore; enjoy delicious dinner in the garden with live music; 4-8 p.m.; blumengardens.com EVENTS cont’d to page 34

JULY 4

DeKalb

Fourth of July Celebration

Hopkins Park Band Shell, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb; daytime activities include food vendors, relay races, games and strolling entertainment; concerts start at 3:30 p.m. and fireworks after sunset; 2-9 p.m.; dekalbparkdistrict. com, 815-758-6663

EVENTS cont’d from page 33

JUNE 18

DeKalb Municipal Band concert — Hopkins Park Band Shell, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb; 7:30 p.m.; dekalbparkdistrict.com

JUNE 19

Music at the Mansion — Ellwood House Museum, 420 Linden Place, DeKalb; bring a chair or blanket to enjoy an outdoor concert on the lawn; 6:30 p.m.; dekalbparkdistrict. com

JUNE 20

Summer Concert Series: R-Gang — Good Tymes Shelter in Sycamore Park District Sports Complex, north end of Airport Road; summer con-

cert series; free; bring blankets and chairs and enjoy the show; 7 p.m.; sycparks.org

JUNE 21

Movie in the Park — Knights Park, 1001 N. Latham St., Sandwich; concessions and a family movie at sunset; 7 p.m. sandwichparkdistrict. org

The Rocky Horror Picture Show — Egyptian Theatre, 135 Second St., DeKalb; live shadow cast to the show; $17; 8 p.m.; egyptiantheatre. org

JUNE 22

Movies in the Park — Chamberlain Park, 400 E. Second St., Genoa; bring a blanket or chair and watch a movie; movie begins at dusk;

genoaparkdistrict.com/special-events/

JUNE

25

DeKalb Municipal Band concert — Hopkins Park Band Shell, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb; 7:30 p.m.; dekalbparkdistrict.com

JUNE

26

Music in the Park — Veterans Park, 143 E. Railroad St., Sandwich; grab a chair and enjoy live music performance; 6-8 p.m.; sandwichparkdistrict.org

Music at the Mansion — Ellwood House Museum, 420 Linden Place, DeKalb; bring a chair or blanket to enjoy an outdoor concert on the lawn; 6:30 p.m.; dekalbparkdistrict. com

JUNE 28-29

Early Day Engine Club Show — Sandwich Fairgrounds, 1401 Suydam Road; featuring John Deer Tractors and John Deere Engines and related items, equipment demonstrations, tractor parade and food; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; admission is $7, free for ages 12 and younger; sandwichengineclub.com

JUNE

29

Anniversary Garden Party: Cheers to 35 Years— Blumen Gardens; Sycamore; join the celebration with live music and dancing too; advance ticket purchase required; 5-9 p.m.; blumengardens.com

JUNE 30

Artist & Maker Market in the Gardens — Blumen Gardens; Sycamore; featuring unique goods, handmade crafts, photography, soaps, foods, jewelry, and more; 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; blumengardens.com/ artist-market

JULY 4

Independence Day 5K & 10K Run/Walk — Hopkins Park, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb, 8 a.m.; $45; dekalbparkdistrict.com, 815758-6663.

Kirkland Fourth of July celebration — downtown Kirkland; parade, fireworks and more; kirklandlions. org and Facebook

JULY 6

Sandwich Freedom Days Community Display — Sandwich Fairgrounds, 1401 Suydam Road, Sandwich; includes parade at 10 a.m. and fireworks at dusk; sandwichparkdistrict.org

JULY 9

Food Truck Tuesdays — Blumen Gardens; Sycamore; enjoy delicious dinner in the garden with live music; 4-8 p.m.; blumengardens.com

DeKalb Municipal Band concert — Hopkins Park Band Shell, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb; 7:30 p.m.; dekalbparkdistrict.com

EVENTS cont’d to page 35

David Toney for Shaw Local Fireworks explode in the night sky at as The DeKalb municipal Band plays at Hopkins Park in DeKalb during the 2023 Fourth of July festivities .

EVENTS cont’d from page 34

JULY

10

Music at the Mansion — Ellwood House Museum, 420 Linden Place, DeKalb; bring a chair or blanket to enjoy an outdoor concert on the lawn; 6:30 p.m.; dekalbparkdistrict. com

JULY

11

Summer Concert Series: The Grady Experience — Good Tymes Shelter in Sycamore Park District Sports Complex, north end of Airport Road; summer concert series; free; bring blankets and chairs and enjoy the show; 7 p.m.; sycparks.org

JULY 12

Movies in the Park — Hopkins Park, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb; movies start at sundown; dekalbparkdistrict.com, 815-758-6663.

JULY

13

Sip ‘n Savor —Sycamore Community Park, 940 E. State St.; featuring a tasting of local libations and culinary creations in the park; shop from local artisans and vendors; new event; hosted by Sycamore Park District; tickets $30, $25 in advance; 1-5 p.m.; sycparks.org

JULY 14

Sunday at Sandwich Antiques Market — Sandwich Fairgrounds, 1401 Suydam Road; antiques, collectibles; $5 admission, free for ages 12 and younger; 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; sundayatsandwichantiques.com

JULY 16

Kids’ Concerts in the Park: Jeanie B! — Hopkins Park Band Shell, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb; 10:3011:15 a.m.; free; dekalbparkdistrict. com

DeKalb Municipal Band concert — Hopkins Park Band Shell, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb; 7:30 p.m.; dekalbparkdistrict.com

JULY 17

JULY 13

Unplug Illinois Day

Hopkins Park Band Shell, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb; leave the electronic devices at home and enjoy fun with family and friends; featuring a dunk tank and water games; free; 2 p.m.; dekalbparkdistrict.com

JULY 18

Summer Concert Series: Wild Daisy — Good Tymes Shelter in Sycamore Park District Sports Complex, north end of Airport Road; summer concert series; free; bring blankets and chairs and enjoy the show; 7 p.m.; sycparks.org

JULY 19

Movie in the Park — Knights Park, 1001 N. Latham St., Sandwich; concessions and a family movie at sunset; 7 p.m. sandwichparkdistrict.org

Glow Golf Riverview Heights Golf Course, 1020 Sharon Drive, DeKalb;

Music at the Mansion — Ellwood House Museum, 420 Linden Place, DeKalb; bring a chair or blanket to enjoy an outdoor concert on the lawn; 7 p.m.; dekalbparkdistrict.com

golf 9 holes under the stars; advance registration required; twosome fee $90; 8:30 p.m. dekalbparkdistrict. com

JULY 19-21

Let’s Dance Big Band Weekend — Duke Ellington Ballroom, Holmes Student Center, Northern Illinois University, 340 Carroll Ave., DeKalb; swing music and ballroom dancing lessons; tickets start at $25; advance registration required; justmakeithappen-dekalb.com

JULY 20

Waterman Lions Summerfest

— Lions Park, 435 S. Birch St., Waterman; antique tractor and truck

show, craft show/flea market, train rides, hay rides, beer garden, music, fireworks, and more; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; watermanlionstractorshowandsummerfest.com or Facebook Northern Illinois Bluegrass Festival — Sandwich Fairgrounds, 1401 Suydam Road; see website for schedule, tickets; nibaweb.org

JULY 21

Artist & Maker Market in the Gardens — Blumen Gardens; Sycamore; featuring unique goods, handmade crafts, photography, soaps, foods, jewelry, and more; 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; blumengardens.com/ artist-market

EVENTS cont’d to page 36

EVENTS cont’d from page 35

JULY

23

Food Truck Tuesdays — Blumen Gardens; Sycamore; enjoy delicious dinner in the garden with live music; 4-8 p.m.; blumengardens.com

DeKalb Municipal Band concert — Hopkins Park Band Shell, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb; 7:30 p.m.; dekalbparkdistrict.com

JULY

24

Music in the Park — Veterans Park, 143 E. Railroad St., Sandwich; grab a chair and enjoy live music performance; 6-8 p.m.; sandwichparkdistrict.org

Music at the Mansion — Ellwood House Museum, 420 Linden Place, DeKalb; bring a chair or blanket to enjoy an outdoor concert on the lawn; 7 p.m.; dekalbparkdistrict. com

JULY

25

Summer Concert Series: Class of 68 — Good Tymes Shelter in Sycamore Park District Sports Complex, north end of Airport Road; summer concert series; free; bring blankets and chairs and enjoy the show; 7 p.m.; sycparks.org

JULY

27-28

Golf DeKalb Cup Riverview Heights Golf Course, 1020 Sharon Drive, DeKalb; new competition; advance registration required;$20 plus green fees; 8 a.m. tee time dekalbparkdistrict.com

Rudy Galindo preparing culinary delights served with wine; tickets $80; advance registration required; 6:30-8:30 p.m.; sycparks.org

JULY 27

Mid Summer Showdown —

Sandwich Fairgrounds, 1401 Suydam Road; featuring tractor pulls, kid-friendly events, music and food; gates open at 12 p.m. Facebook

Movies in the Park — Chamberlain Park, 400 E. Second St., Genoa; bring a blanket or chair and watch the movie; movie begins at dusk; genoaparkdistrict.com/special-events/

JULY

28

Fizz Ehrler Memorial Turning Back Time Car Show — downtown Sycamore; see an array of vehicles; local businesses featuring specials; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; turningbacktimecarshow.org

JULY 30

DeKalb Municipal Band concert — Hopkins Park Band Shell, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb; 7:30 p.m.; dekalbparkdistrict.com, 815-7586663.

AUGUST DATE TBD

5K Vineyard Run — Waterman Winery & Vineyards, 11582 Waterman Road, Waterman; run features beautiful vineyard and some wine too; 9 a.m.; raceentry.com/waterman-wine-run-5k/race-information

AUG. 1

Summer Concert Series: Sushi Roll — Good Tymes Shelter in Sycamore Park District Sports Complex, north end of Airport Road; summer concert series; free; bring blankets and chairs and enjoy the show; 7 p.m.; sycparks.org

AUG. 2-4

JULY

26

Fairways of Flavor — Sycamore Golf Club, 940 E. State St., Sycamore; featuring local chef

DeKalb County 4KFair — Sandwich Fairgrounds, 1401 Suydam Road; see website for schedule of events; extension.illinois.edu

AUG. 3

Junk in Your Trunk Sale —River-

side Sports Complex, 1515 Airport Road; check out the bargains and treasures hoping car to car (table to table) in the lot; 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; sycparks.org/junk-in-your-trunk-sale

AUG. 4

Dog Days of Summer — Blumen Gardens; Sycamore; find a best friend with pet adoptions, pet vendors and services; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; blumengardens.com

AUG. 6

Food Truck Tuesdays — Blumen Gardens; Sycamore; enjoy delicious dinner in the garden with live music; 4-8 p.m.; blumengardens. com

Kids’ Concerts in the Park: Istvan & His Imaginary Band — Hopkins Park Band Shell, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb; 10:30-11:15 a.m.; free; dekalbparkdistrict.com

DeKalb Municipal Band concert — Hopkins Park Band Shell, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb; 7:30p.m.; dekalbparkdistrict.com

AUG. 8

Piano Men Generations — Egyptian Theatre, 135 Second St., DeKalb; live show; $35-$55; 8 p.m.; egyptiantheatre.org

AUG. 8-11

Sycamore Steam Show & Threshing Bee — Taylor Marshall Farm, 27702 Lukens Road; antique farm equipment on display with demonstrations too, parade, tractor pull, train and wagon rides, flea market, farm toy sale, petting zoo, music, food and more; admission $7; 7 a.m.-5 p.m.; sycamoresteamshow.

com/steamshow

AUG. 9

Movies in the Park — Hopkins Park, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb; movies start at sundown; dekalbparkdistrict.com

AUG. 10

DeKalb County Barn Tour —

DeKalb; visit historic barns, plus Joseph F. Glidden Homestead and DeKalb Area Agricultural Heritage Association; $40 per car, includes tour booklet and map; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; dekalbcountybarntour.com

50 Men Who Cook — NIU Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center; NIU Campus; fundraiser for CASA DeKalb County; featuring local home-cooked favorites, cash bar; advance tickets available online and in the CASA office, 308 W. State St., Sycamore; 6-9 p.m.; casadekalb.org/50menwhocook/ Summer’s Last Bash — Hopkins Pool, 1403 Sycamore Road; join the water fun with relay races, water balloon tosses and more; 11:30 a.m. dekalbparkdistrict.com

AUG. 11

Sunday at Sandwich Antiques Market — Sandwich Fairgrounds, 1401 Suydam Road; antiques, collectibles; admission is $5, free for ages 12 and younger; 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; sundayatsandwichantiques.com

AUG. 13

DeKalb Municipal Band concert — Hopkins Park Band Shell, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb; 7:30 p.m.;dekalbparkdistrict.com

AUG. 16

Movie in the Park — Memorial Park, 601 S. Green St., Sandwich; concessions and a family movie at sunset; 7 p.m. sandwichparkdistrict.org

AUG. 17

Cruisin’ to Genoa Car Show — downtown Genoa; car shows, food and more; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; genoaareachamber.com/cruisin-to-genoa or 815-784-2212

EVENTS cont’d to page 37

AUG.

18

Artist & Maker Market in the Gardens — Blumen Gardens; Sycamore; featuring unique goods, handmade crafts, photography, soaps, foods, jewelry, and more; 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; blumengardens.com/artist-market

AUG. 20

Food Truck Tuesdays — Blumen Gardens; Sycamore; enjoy delicious dinner in the garden with live music; 4-8 p.m.; blumengardens.com

DeKalb Municipal Band concert — Hopkins Park Band Shell, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb; 7:30 p.m.; dekalbparkdistrict.com

AUG. 21

Music in the Park — Veterans Park, 143 E. Railroad St., Sandwich; grab a chair and enjoy live music performance; 6-8 p.m.; sandwichparkdistrict.org

AUG. 23-25

Corn Fest — Downtown DeKalb; music and entertainment, beer garden, corn boil, car show, Corn Classic Race, carnival, children’s activities; cornfest.com

AUG. 24

Ribs, Rhythm & Brews Fest — downtown Sycamore; award-winning ribs, craft beer and music; 5-11 p.m.; discoversycamore.com or 815-895-3456

AUG. 30

Labor Day Weekend Best Ball Tournament River Heights Golf Course, 1020 Sharon Drive; 18 hole scramble; $80 for twosome; advance registration required; 8 a.m. place; golfdekalb.com/golf-programs

SEPT. DATE TBD

DeKalb Kite Fest Kiwanis Park (Fairview Drive and South Fourth Street), DeKalb; see kites of all kinds — giant inflatable kites, dancing kites, and fighting kites — at this free event; fly your own or just watch; facebook.com/DeKalbKiteFest/

SEPT. 2-4

entertainment, arts and crafts show, car show, races, 5K walk/run, beer garden, parade, fireworks and more; mapleparkfunfest.com

SEPT. 3

Food Truck Tuesdays — Blumen Gardens; Sycamore; enjoy delicious dinner in the garden with live music; 4-8 p.m.; blumengardens.com

SEPT. 4-8

Sandwich Fair — Sandwich Fairgrounds, 1401 Suydam Road; carnival, harness races, truck pulls, demolition derby, concerts and food; sandwichfair.com, and Facebook

SEPT. 8

Great Genoa Duck Race — Carroll Memorial Park, Genoa; Genoa Chamber of Commerce fundraiser featuring pre-purchased duck tickets; witness the rubber ducks traveling down the river; food and entertainment; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; genoaareachamber.com/cruisin-to-genoa

SEPT. 14

Chalk Walk — downtown Sycamore; create a chalk masterpiece on the sidewalks by the courthouse lawn; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; discoversycamore.com

Whose Live Anyway — Egyptian Theatre, 135 Second St., DeKalb; live improve show; tickets $55-65; 7:30 p.m.; egyptiantheatre.org

SEPT. 17

Food Truck Tuesdays — Blumen Gardens; Sycamore; enjoy delicious dinner in the garden with live music; 4-8 p.m.; blumengardens.com

SEPT. 21-22

Fall Fest — Blumen Gardens; Sycamore; enjoy cocktails, food trucks, live music and the artist +maker market; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; blumengardens.com

OCT. DATE TBD

815-758-6663.

Howl-o-ween — Katz Dog Park, 393 W. Dresser Road; Bring your costumed dog to compete in a free costume contest; prizes awarded in various categories; dekalbparkdistrict.com, 815-758-6663.

OCT.

4

Fairways of Flavor — Sycamore Golf Club, 940 E. State St., Sycamore; featuring local chef Rudy Galindo preparing culinary delights served with wine; tickets $80; advance registration required; 6:308:30 p.m.; sycparks.org

OCT.

10

Witches Night Out — Sycamore; register at Blumen Gardens and visit participating business; ticket required; 4-8 p.m.; discoversycamore.com

OCT. 13

Sunday at Sandwich Antiques Market — Sandwich Fairgrounds, 1401 Suydam Road; antiques, collectibles; admission is $5, free for ages 12 and younger; 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; sundayatsandwichantiques.com

OCT.

16

Amy Grant — Egyptian Theatre, 135 Second St., DeKalb; concert; tickets $56-72; 7:30 p.m.; egyptiantheatre. org

OCT. 19

Fall Crawl Genoa — Genoa Veterans Club, 311 S. Washington St., Genoa; sample wines and beers while visiting local businesses and more; advance registration required; see website for tickets; 3-8 p.m.; genoaareachamber.com

Tusk: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac — Egyptian Theatre, 135 Second St., DeKalb; live improve show; tickets $35-$55; 7:30 p.m.; egyptiantheatre. org

OCT.

23-27

val.com and Facebook

NOV. 7-10

Holiday Open House — Blumen Gardens; Sycamore; the garden center becomes a winter wonderland featuring unique goods, handmade crafts and more; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; blumengardens.com

NOV. 9

Foreigner & Def Leppard Tributes — Egyptian Theatre, 135 Second St., DeKalb; concert; tickets $35-$55; 7 p.m.; egyptiantheatre.org

NOV. 22

Moonlight Magic — downtown Sycamore; featuring local businesses and shops open late for sales and check out storefront windows that come alive with local performers celebrating the season; 6-8 p.m.; discoversycamore.com/event-calendar/ moonlight-magic

DEC. DATE TBD

Breakfast with Santa — River Heights Golf Course, 1020 Sharon Drive; visit with Santa, crafts, holiday stories, light buffet breakfast; dekalbparkdistrict.com, 815-758-6663. A Sandwich Christmas — Craft show, tree lighting, carriage rides, live nativity, festival of trees and more; sandwichparkdistrict.org or 815-786-8044

DEC.6

Celebrate the Season — Downtown Genoa; Jingle Bell Parade, tree lighting, wagon rides, petting zoo, live nativity, children’s activities and more; 6-8 p.m.; genoaareachamber. com or 815-784-2212

Walk with Santa — Sycamore; evening starts with free showing of The Polar Express at the Sycamore Theater at 4 p.m.; Sycamore Fire Department escort of Santa and Mrs. Claus to the theater and then the Santa House; includes tree lighting; 6-8 p.m.; discoversycamore.com

Sycamore Winter Chocolate Walk — Sycamore; enjoy treats while shopping for the holidays; tickets are $15, register at Blumen Garden; 4-8 p.m.; discoversycamore.com EVENTS cont’d from page 36

Maple Park Fun Fest — Downtown;

DeKalb Halloween House Decorating Contest Prizes awarded in various categories, including staff-judged entries and People’s Choice; dekalbparkdistrict.com,

Sycamore Pumpkin Fest — Sycamore; city-wide event features decorated pumpkins, a Pumpkin Run Oct. 27, food, carnival, historic house walk, art and crafts and concludes with a parade Sunday afternoon; sycamorepumpkinfesti-

DEC. 12

Henry County is 16 miles from the Mississippi River. It covers more than 800 square miles and is home to more than 50,000 people. The county seat is Cambridge. It’s named in honor of Founding Father Patrick Henry, who famously said, “Give me liberty, or give me death.”

ANDOVER

Andover Historical Museum

The Andover Historical Museum & Grounds is the former home of August Rehnstrom and once served as a temporary haven for Swedish immigrants in the 1860s. It now contains memorabilia of early life in Andover. The museum is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Address: 418 Locust St. Phone: 309-476-8228

Online: sites.google.com/site/andovertourism/some-places-to-visit

Hours: Open during Andover’s Festival the first weekend in June, and for tours by calling 309-476-8228, 309-845-0168 or 309-521-8659

Admission: Free

Jenny Lind Chapel

The Jenny Lind Chapel is a memorial to Swedish settlers who, along with their leader, Lars Paul Esbjörn, came to America in 1849 to create a branch of the Swedish Lutheran Church. The chapel became the mother church for hundreds of other churches of the Augustana Lutheran Church in America, which now is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The chapel is on the National Register of Historic Places. It now is a museum that houses exhibits of the early immigrant experience as well as audio and video presentations.

Address: Sixth and Oak streets

Phone: 309-521-8127

Online: sites.google.com/site/andovertourism/some-places-to-visit

Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, April through October

Admission: Free

BISHOP HILL

Bishop Hill State

Historic Site

Bishop Hill was the site of a Utopian religious community founded in 1846 by Swedish spiritual leader Erik Jansson and his followers. A number

of historically significant buildings have survived and are scattered throughout the village, four of which the state owns and operates as part of the Bishop Hill State Historic Site, including the two-story Colony Church and three-story Colony Hotel. The Bishop Hill Museum houses a valuable collection of primitivist paintings by colonist Olof Krans. The buildings are part of the Bishop Hill Historic District and are on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can take self-guided tours of the Colony Church, Colony Hotel and the museum. The Bishop Hill Heritage Association offers group tours by appointment.

Address: 304 S. Bishop Hill Road

Phone: 309-927-3345

Online: visitbishophill.com and Facebook

Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, November-February; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday, March-October.

Admission: By donation

Henry County Historical Museum

The Henry County Historical Museum houses thousands of historical artifacts. Exhibits include a single-cylinder external combustion steam engine, a military room, a wind and water power display, 1800s quilts and clothing, farm tools and machinery, a general store complete with a harness shop, and period doctor, dentist and lawyer offices.

Address: 202 S. Park St. Phone: 309-927-3528

Online: henrycountyhistoricalsociety.net or Facebook

Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, May through October

Admission: Free

Vasa National Archives

The Vasa National Archives house and preserve a variety of records, documents and works of art and science by people of Swedish ancestry to educate and promote an

appreciation of Swedish-American heritage.

Address: 106 S. Bishop Hill St. Phone: 309-927-3898

Online: vasaarchives.com or Facebook

Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, April through December

Admission: Free

CAMBRIDGE

Henry County Courthouse

The Victorian-style courthouse was built in 1880. It features 16 fireplaces, a mural on the first floor and oak woodwork trimmed in black walnut throughout the building. It is a working courthouse and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Address: 307 W. Center St. Phone: 309-937-3578

Online: henrycty.com

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

Heritage Village

Heritage Village is home to several historic buildings, including an 1843 courthouse, 1880s sheriff’s horse barn and train depot. Buildings house Cambridge and agricultural historical artifacts and memorabilia.

Address: 209 E. Court St. Phone: 309-937-2015

Online: cambridgeil.org

Hours: Open by appointment or during community events

Admission: Free

COLONA

Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park

The Hennepin Canal Parkway is the longest park in the country, spanning more than 100 miles across northern Illinois, from the Illinois River to the Mississippi River. The Hennepin Canal connected the two rivers and provided a shortcut that was cheaper than rail transportation, but it was used primarily for recreational traffic by the 1930s.

The park features several locks and dams and aqueducts, an old tow path for hiking, a 4.5-mile trail, the paved Green Rock Memorial Bike Path, dozens of camping sites and several picnic areas. The Visitor Center, near Sheffield, features displays that illustrate the history and operation of the canal, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Address: The park runs through Colona, parallel to Interstate 80; the Visitors Center is one mile south of I-80, just west of state Route 40 Phone: 815-454-2328

Online: dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park. hennepincanal.html or find Hennepin Canal State Park on Facebook Hours: Visitor Center hours usually 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday

Lavender Crest Winery

Lavender Crest Winery, which opened in 2004, features award-winning wines, a tasting room, espresso bar, banquet center and gift shop. Tours of the production facility and grounds are conducted daily and include a wine-tasting.

Address: 5401 U.S. Highway 6 Phone: 309-949-2565

Online: lavendercrest.com or Facebook

Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Monday, closed Tuesday

GALVA

Wiley House Museum

The Wiley House Museum is the former home of William Wiley, one of the founders of the city. It features many historical artifacts and a military exhibit.

Address: 906 W. Division St. Phone: 309-932-8992

Online: Find Galva Historical Society Wiley House on Facebook Hours: 1-4 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday, and by appointment

Admission: Free

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GENESEO

Geneseo Historical Museum

The Geneseo Historical Museum is housed in an Italianate home and boasts 12-foot ceilings with ornate crown molding, five of the original 12 fireplaces and two front entrances leading to winding staircases. It has a working general store and rooms typical of the Victorian era and houses thousands of local and regional artifacts. It also features a large bust of Abraham Lincoln outside.

Address: 205 S. State St.

Phone: 309-944-3043

Online: geneseohistoricalmuseum.com and on Facebook

Hours: 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. Tuesday-Friday

Admission: By donation

Richmond Hill Theatre

The Richmond Hill Theatre, home of the Richmond Hill Players, is a theater-in-the-round-style playhouse in an old barn.

Address: 600 H.K. Robinson Drive Contact: 309-944-2244 or info@ rhplayers.com

Online: rhplayers.com or find Richmond Hill Players on Facebook

HOOPPOLE

Shrine of St. Mary of the Fields

St. Mary of the Fields Catholic Church welcomes pilgrims to adore the Lord, venerate Mary and the saints, and recite the rosary at the shrine. The holy site includes an elegant, 6-foot statue of Mary offering her child to the world; 14 terra cotta Stations of the Cross portraying the crucifixion of Christ; and a Gothic-style altar displaying the infant Jesus of Prague, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Our Lady of Fatima and other statuary. It also includes the Rolle Bolle Rosary; this outdoor pathway of prayers, made from bowling balls and rolle bolles, stretches 106 feet by 65 feet and symbolizes the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The shrine features a grotto dedicated

KEWANEE

Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area

The 1,361-acre Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area sits along a trail that led Native Americans from Lake Michigan to the confluence of the Mississippi and Rock rivers. It features a 58-acre lake, 15 miles of hiking trails and dozens of camping sites and several picnic areas. The park is also home to Ryan’s Round Barn, one of the largest round barns in the country, built in 1810 to house the 50-head herd of black Angus show cattle of Dr. Laurence P. Ryan. The barn now is a farm museum. The Friends of Johnson’s Park Foundation offers tours from 1 to 4 p.m. the first, third and fifth Saturday of the month, May through October. Address: 28616 Sauk Trail Road | Phone: 309-853-2425

Online: www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Pages/JohnsonSaukTrail.aspx

Hours: Sunrise-10 p.m. daily, May 1 through Nov. 1, and sunrise-sunset daily, Nov. 1 through May 1

to Our Lady of Fatima, a garden dedicated to Mary and a memorial to the unborn. It has been recognized as a Diocesan Shrine of Mary by the Peoria Diocese and by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Address: 24772 St. Mary’s Road

Phone: 309-936-7900

Online: stmaryofthefieldsshrine. weebly.com or find St. Mary of the Fields Shrine and Rolle Bolle Rosary on Facebook.

Hours: Open daily for prayer and reflection; Holy Hour is at 2 p.m. the first Sunday of the month, May through October Admission: Free

KEWANEE

Francis Park

Francis Park features “Woodland Palace,” the unique home of Frederick Francis. The house was built in 1890 out of brick, stone and native wood and has disappearing doors and windows, an air-cooling system, radiant heat deflectors in the fireplace chimney and running water, all without electricity. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places. The park also features walking trails, picnic areas and camping sites.

Address: 29862 N. 900 Ave.

Phone: 309-852-2611 ext.228

Online: cityofkewanee.com/de-

partments/grounds_maintenance/ parks/francis_park.php

Hours: Tours are 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday, reservations recommended

Admission: $5 adults, $1 ages 5 and older

Northeast Park with Oasis

Family Aquatic Center

Community park featuring the new zero-entry pool, water slide, a fountain and other attractions that include a tennis courts, pickleball courts and full-size skateboard park.

Address: 1200 N. Main St.

Online: kewaneeparkdistrict.org

Hours: noon-6 p.m. Monday through Sunday

MAY 23-26

Colona Memorial Day Festival — Hennepin Canal Parkway; featuring a carnival, entertainment and a parade at 2 p.m. May 26; Facebook

MAY 25

Finnish Field Day: Hobby Horse Games at Vasa — Village Park, Bishop Hill; Make a hobby horse and enjoy an afternoon of activities; advance reservations recommended, space is limited; cost is $10 for horse-making kit; 1-4 p.m.; visitbishophill.com

SATURDAYS,

JUNE 1-OCT.

Geneseo Farmers Market —

Geneseo City Park, 140 W. Pearl St., Geneseo; shop for fresh produce and more; 8 a.m.-12 p.m.; geneseofarmersmarket.com and Facebook

MAY 30-JUNE 9

Laura — Richmond Hill Barn Theatre, 600 H K Robinson Drive, Geneseo; Richmond Hill Players perform a comedy; see website for times and tickets; rhplayers.com

JUNE DATE TBD

Colona’s Freedom Celebration Fireworks — Hennepin Canal Parkway; 9 p.m.; colonail.com

JUNE 1

Bishop Hill Folk Music Festival — Village Park, Bishop Hill; free music in the park throughout the day and a free presentation at Steeple Building Museum; visitbishophill.com Summertime Market — Songbird

Lane Antiques, 16870 N. 1100 Ave., Cambridge; featuring vendors with antiques, crafts as well as food and more; 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Facebook

JUNE

9

Kewanee Pride Festival — Northeast Park, E. 11th St., Kewanee; featuring food, entertainment and merchandise too; 12-6 p.m.; Facebook

JUNE

14-16

Geneseo Music Festival — Geneseo City Park; in addition to music enjoy craft vendors, food trucks, a tractor display; geneseo.org and Facebook

JUNE

18-23

Henry County Fair — Henry County Fairgrounds, 311 E. North Street, Cambridge; entertainment, carnival, tractor pull, demolition derby and more; henrycountyfairillinois.com and Facebook

JUNE 20

Concerts in the Park featuring Jim Markum Swing Band — Veterans Park, Kewanee; bring chairs or get up on your feet to dance with the music; food stand opens at 5 p.m., concert starts at 6:30 p.m.; kewanee-il.com and Facebook

JUNE

22

Midsommar Music Festival — Village Park, Bishop Hill; music, Maypole procession and music; cool off with a visit to the Vasa National Archives for a fika, the Swedish custom of offering visitors a drink, and explore the archives; visitbishophill.com

JUNE 26

Community Choir of Geneseo Concert — Geneseo High School Concert Hall, 700 N. State St., Geneseo; celebrating its 16th year, choir features students and adults performing; $7 admission; $5 admission for students; geneseo.org

JUNE 27

Concerts in the Park featuring Kewanee Community Band/Jazz on the Side — bring chairs or get up on your feet to dance with the music; food stand opens at 5 p.m., concert starts at 6:30 p.m.; kewanee-il.com

and Facebook

JULY 4

Fireworks — Northeast Park, Kewanee; the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce sponsors events and live music from the band High Jinx; fireworks show; kewanee-il.com

JULY 9

Ice Cream Social — Geneseo City Park, 140 W. Pearl St., Geneseo; ice cream and live music; event benefits Henry County Humane Society; 6-8 p.m.; geneseo.org

JULY 10

Concert: 3 On the Tree — Central Bank Pavilion, 218 N. State St., Geneseo; enjoy outdoor concert; 7-9 p.m.; geneseo.org

JULY 11

Concerts in the Park featuring Missy Vail — Veterans Park, Kewanee; bring chairs or get up on your feet to dance with the music; food stand opens at 5 p.m., concert starts at 6:30 p.m.; kewanee-il.com and Facebook

JULY 11-21

84 Charing Cross Road — Richmond Hill Barn Theatre, 600 H K Robinson Drive, Geneseo; Richmond Hill Players perform a comedy; see website for times and tickets; rhplayers.com

JULY 13

Dancing Queen: ABBA Tribute Band Concert — Village Park, Bishop Hill; 1-3 p.m.; free two-hour concert; visitbishophill.com

JULY 18

Concerts in the Park featuring The Night People — Veterans Park, Kewanee; bring chairs or get up on your feet to dance with the music; food stand opens at 5 p.m., concert starts at 6:30 p.m.; kewanee-il.com and Facebook

JULY 19-20

Kewanee Prairie Chicken Arts Festival — Downtown Kewanee; artists share creativity and decorate squares of a former go-kart race track while visitors enjoy art, food and an antique car show; Facebook

JULY 25

Concerts in the Park featuring Glory Days Garage Band — Veterans Park, Kewanee; bring chairs or get up on your feet to dance with the music; food stand opens at 5 p.m., concert starts at 6:30 p.m.; kewanee-il.com and Facebook

JULY 26-27

Geneseo Sidewalk Sales — Geneseo; visit the community to find great deals in the annual sidewalk sales; geneseo.org

JULY 28

Bishop Hill Antique Car Show — Bishop Hill Village Park, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; visitbishophill.com

AUG. DATE TBD

Atkinson Heritage Days — Atkinson; community event includes music, activities for the family, car show and a Miss Flame pageant; Facebook

AUG. 1

Concerts in the Park featuring KHS Marching Boilermakers & Guests — Veterans Park, Kewanee; bring chairs or get up on your feet to dance with the music; food stand opens at 5 p.m., concert starts at 6:30 p.m.; kewanee-il.com and Facebook

AUG. 7

Concert: Shawn Easton — Central Bank Pavilion, 218 N. State St., Geneseo; enjoy outdoor concert; 7-9 p.m.; geneseo.org

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cont’d from page 40

AUG.

8

Concerts in the Park featuring Incredible 45’s — Veterans Park, Kewanee; bring chairs or get up on your feet to dance with the music; food stand opens at 5 p.m., concert starts at 6:30 p.m.; kewanee-il.com and Facebook

AUG.

10

Penny Polina Memorial Car Show — Colona Scott Family Campground, 5775 Poppy Garden Road, Colona; along with car show find crafts and food; 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Facebook

The Back Road Music Festival — Galva Park District, SE Sixth Street; performers include Wynonna Judd, Tracy Byrd and Collin Raye; tickets required; gates open at 2 p.m., music starts at 4 p.m.; thebackroadmusicfestival.com, Facebook and Instagram

Bishop Hill Hummingbird Festival — Bishop Hill Creative Commons, 309 N. Bishop Hill St.; stories, art, crafts for children, live music and informal talks; 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; early morning Bird Hike at 7 a.m.; visitbishophill.com

AUG. 14

Concert: Incredible 45s — Central Bank Pavilion, 218 N. State St., Geneseo; enjoy outdoor concert; 7-9 p.m.; geneseo.org

AUG. 15

Concerts in the Park featuring Crooked Cactus Band AKA Los Nopales Chuecos — Veterans Park, Kewanee; bring chairs or get up on your feet to dance with the music; food stand opens at 5 p.m., concert starts at 6:30 p.m.; kewanee-il.com and Facebook

AUG. 15-25

“The Money In Uncle George’s Suitcase” — Richmond Hill Barn Theatre, 600 H K Robinson Drive, Geneseo; Richmond Hill Players perform a comedy; see website for times and tickets; rhplayers.com

AUG. 22

Concerts in the Park featuring Lyle Beaver & the Brass Notes — Veterans Park, Kewanee; bring chairs or get up on your feet to dance with the music; food stand opens at 5 p.m., concert starts at 6:30 p.m.; https:// kewanee-il.com and Facebook

AUG. 24

Bishop Hill Chautauqua — Village Park, Bishop Hill; re-enactors tell stories of historical figures; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; visitbishophill.com or 309-927-3899

AUG. 30-SEPT. 1

Orion Fall Fest — Orion; featuring food, entertainment, Miss Main Street Orion Pageant and car show; Facebook

AUG. 30-SEPT. 2

Kewanee Hog Days — Downtown; billed as the “world’s largest outdoor pork barbecue,” enjoy plenty of food, a carnival in the downtown, a parade, the annual Hog Days Stampede with its four-mile race and one-mile fun run for children, entertainment, a flea market and more; kewaneehogdays.com

SEPT. 5-7

Planes, Trains and Automobiles — Geneseo; includes historic and vintage planes, trains and cars; car show and train display in downtown Geneseo 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; geneseo.org/

trains-planes-and-automobiles

SEPT. 14

Old Settlers Day — Bishop Hill Village Park, celebrations include a parade at 12 p.m.; cemetery walk, class reunions, music and more; 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; visitbishophill.com

SEPT. 28-29

Jordbruksdagarna — Agriculture Days; Bishop Hill Village Park; 19th century harvest activities and demonstrations, music, dance and more; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; visitbishophill. com

OCT. 3-13

“Of Mice And Men “— Richmond Hill Barn Theatre, 600 H K Robinson Drive, Geneseo; Richmond Hill Players perform; see website for times and tickets; rhplayers.com

OCT. 12-13

Bargain Hunter Weekend — Bishop Hill; visit local shops and restaurants for sales and specials; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; check out the Bishop Hill Pottery Festival Oct. 12; visitbishophill.com

OCT. 26

State Street Market — Geneseo; outdoor market with handmade and vintage items for sale; 10 a.m.5 p.m.; check out Scarecrow Row; geneseo.org

times and tickets; rhplayers.com

NOV. 29-DEC 1

Julmarknad — Christmas Market; Bishop Hill; Christmas music, Swedish folk traditions, food and a Cookie Walk on Nov. 29; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; visitbishophill.com

DEC. DATE TBD

Witches Night Out —Bishop Hill; shopping and Halloween fun from 4-7 p.m.; ghost stories around the bonfire from 6-9 p.m.; visitbishophill.com

NOV. 14-17

“My Son is Crazy, But Promising” — Richmond Hill Barn Theatre, 600 H K Robinson Drive, Geneseo; Richmond Hill Players perform; see website for

Christmas Walk — Andover Lake Park, Legion building, and Jenny Lind Chapel; marks the 30th year of this holiday tradition; sites.google. com/site/andovertourism/home

DEC.

13-14

Lucia Nights Celebration — Bishop Hill National Historic Landmark; Candlelit glow of luminary-lined sidewalks and Lucia’s serving coffee and sweets in the village, enjoy strolling through the streets with music; 6-9 p.m.; visitbishophill.com

DEC. 14

Geneseo Christmas Walk — Geneseo; featuring a parade, shopping, decorating contests and much more; see website for details; geneseo.org

JAN. 1, 2025

New Year’s Day Smorgasbord — The Filling Station, 303 N. Bishop Hill St., Bishop Hill; celebrate the new year with a Swedish Smorgasbord including lutefisk, potato sausage and more; 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; visitbishophill.com

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

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

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, handdipped 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.

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AMBOY CONT’D

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

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. 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

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DIXON CONT’D

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 40-acre state nature preserve. Rooms in the historic Woodcote lodge, built in 1909 with native limestone quarried on site,

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

are available to rent.

Address: 2114 Lowell Park Road

Phone: 815-284-3306

Online: dixonparkdistrict.com/ lowell-park

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 drivein 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 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 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

DESTINATIONS cont’d to page 45

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DIXON CONT’D

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

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

DESTINATIONS cont’d to page 46

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

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

cont’d from page

FRANKLIN GROVE

Chaplin Creek Village

Chaplin Creek Village is an evolving, full-scale historical restoration project depicting a mid1800s 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

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

Address: 1872 Twist Road

Phone: 815-456-2878

Online: 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

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, 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

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

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.

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

Private, Recreational Camp Resort pools & beach, lakes, trails, recreation programs

So Much to See. So Much to Do.

Hiking Trails. Woodlands. Nature. Lakes. WiFi. Pools. Crafts. Movies. Fitness Center. Prairie. Deer. Pavilions. Arcade. Mini Golf. Day Camp. Tennis. Basketball. Live Music. Theme Activities. Fireworks. Painting Parties. Open Markets. Social Events. Volleyball. Shuffleboard. Teen Dances. Car Show. Paddleboats. Sledding. Farmers Markets. Night Hikes. Campfires. Fishing. Tournaments. Pickleball. Acoustic Nights. Wine & Cheese Social. Road Rally. Golf Outing. 5K/3K. Haunted House. Canoeing. Anything That Floats. Horseshoes. Petting Zoo. Wagon Rides. Aqua Zumba. Playgrounds. Karaoke. Family Fun Night. Coffee Hour. Clubs. DJs. Scavenger Hunts. Kayaking. Tug of War. Food Fairs. Picnics.

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

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

EVENTS cont’d to page 48

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

AUG. 3

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

PREMIER EXHIBITS:

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

EVENTS cont’d from page 48

AUG.

22-25

Amboy Depot Days — Downtown Amboy; 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

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 815-2348405

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

Cutter/ccutter@saukvalley.com

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 DESTINATIONS cont’d to page 52

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

cont’d from page 51

BYRON CONT’D

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 high-tech 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/connectwith-john-deere/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.

Earleen Hinton/ehinton@shawmedia.com

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 Online: cmaaa.org/ or find CMAAA on Facebook

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-to-do/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

DESTINATIONS cont’d from page 53

DESTINATIONS cont’d from page 52

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/

DESTINATIONS cont’d from page 54

Earleen Hinton/ehinton@shawmedia.com

Kieran Russell-Brown of Oregon watches a model train at the Blackhawk Model Railroad Club at Conover Square during Oregon’s 2023 Candlelight Walk.

OREGON

Conover Square Shopping Village

A piano factory until the 1970s, this 120,000-square-foot building is a shopping village. It features unique stores, including several antique shops, the Blackhawk Model Railroad Club, and the free Billy Barnhart Museum in a unique, historic setting.

Address: 201 N. Third St. | Phone: 815-732-3950

Online: conoversquaremall.com or Facebook

Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday; some store hours vary

DESTINATIONS cont’d from page 53

OREGON CONT’D

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

Vintage Chicks and Feed

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

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

DESTINATIONS cont’d from page 55

cont’d from page 54

POLO CONT’D

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

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

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 cont’d from page 55

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 Com-

munity 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

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 EVENTS cont’d to page 57

EVENTS cont’d from page 56

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

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

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

EVENTS cont’d to page 57

EVENTS cont’d from page 57

JULY

4

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

shell 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

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

JULY

13

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

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

EVENTS cont’d to page 59

EVENTS cont’d from page 58

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 — Band-

shell 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

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

JULY 24

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

HUB CITY ROCKS

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

EVENTS cont’d to page 60

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

FRIDAY AUGUST 16

*4PM TO 10PM

-A&A AMUSEMENTS

*LITTLE MISS PEANUT

6PM TO 7PM *BEER GARDEN

4PM TO 10PM -SPONSORED BY LISA’S PUB

*BLUE STEEL

8PM TO 10PM

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

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

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

*HEARTACHE TONIGHT - 8PM TO 10PM

lhhfest.com

*ICE CREAM SOCIAL - 3PM TO 6PM

*JERRY CRISS BAND - 4PM TO 6PM

EVENTS cont’d from page 59

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. 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;

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

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.; encoremtmor-

ris.com

AUG. 10

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

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

EVENTS cont’d to page 61

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. 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. 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. 5-6

Autumn on Parade

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media EVENTS cont’d from page 60

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.

OCT. 20

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

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

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

The Quad-Cities straddle the Mississippi River with a regional population of more than 300,000. The communities are Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa and Rock Island, Moline/ East Moline in Illinois.

BETTENDORF, IOWA

Centennial Garden

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

Address: 2407 Middle Road

Phone: 563-344-4113

Online: bettendorf.org

Hours: 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m. daily

Channel Cat Water Taxi

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

Address: Bettendorf landing, 17th Street and Isle Parkway at the Isle of Capri Casino

Phone: 309-788-3360

Online: gogreenmetro.com/231/ Channel-Cat

Hours: Memorial Day-Labor Day; see website for schedule and routes

Tickets: $8 ages 11 and older, $4 ages 2-10

Crow Creek Park Skate Park

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

Address: 4701 N. Devils Glen Road

Phone: 563-344-4113

Online: bettendorf.org/parks

Hours: 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m. daily

Family Museum

The museum is an interactive destination with indoor and outdoor playgrounds and exhibits.

Address: 2900 Learning Campus

Drive

Phone: 563-344-4106

DAVENPORT, IOWA

Isabel Bloom Studio

Isabel Bloom sculptures have become treasured heirlooms. Her studio, near the banks of the Mississippi River, is open for small group tours, during which visitors will see some of her original art and photos.

Address: 736 Federal St. | Phone: 800-273-5436

Online: ibloom.com or Facebook

Hours: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday; Advance reservation required for tours

Admission: Free

Online: familymuseum.org or Facebook

Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday

Admission: $10 ages 1 and older; $5 for seniors and active military personnel, their spouse, and children residing in the household

DAVENPORT, IOWA

Adler Theatre

Historic theater with gold leaf ceiling and rich history. See website for shows and tickets.

Address: 136 E. Third St.

Phone: 563-326-8500

Online: adlertheatre.com

Annie Wittenmyer

Aquatic Center

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

Address: 2828 Eastern Ave. Phone: 563-326-7828

Hours: 1-7 p.m.

Admission: $5

Online: davenportiowa.com

Centennial Park Skate Park

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

Phone: 563-326-7763

Address: 900 W. River Drive Online: davenportiowa.com

Hours: Sunrise to half-hour after sunset

Centennial Park Spray Park

This spray park offers decorative water spray features for children of all ages. Address: 315 S. Marquette St. Phone: 563-328-7275

Online: davenportiowa.com

Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day

Admission: Free

Credit Island Park and

Natural Historic Preserve

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

Address: 2301 W. River Drive

Phone: 563-326-7812

Online: davenportiowa.com

DESTINATIONS cont’d from page 63

DESTINATIONS cont’d from page 62

DAVENPORT

CONT’D

Fejervary Park

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

Address: 1800 W. 12th St.

Phone: 563-326-7812

Online: davenportiowa.com

Hours: Learning Center is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 12-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; Aquatic Center is open 1-7 p.m.

Admission: Aquatic Center admission is $5

Figge Art Museum

Featuring both permanent and traveling exhibits from around the world, the award-winning museum is home to works by Warhol, Pollock, Wood and Matisse. It also has a hands-on children’s art area.

Address: 225 W. Second St.

Phone: 563-326-7804

Online: figgeartmuseum.org/ or Facebook

Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, 12-5 p.m. Sunday

Admission: $14 adults, $10 seniors and students, $8 ages 4-12; advance reservations via the website recommended German American Heritage Center & Museum

Originally built in 1862 as a hotel

for German immigrants, the center takes visitors on an interactive journey as the immigrants traveled by sea, train and foot to their new home.

Address: 712 W. Second St. Phone: 563-322-8844

Online: gahc.org or Facebook

Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 12-4 p.m. Sunday

Admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 ages 5-17

Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds

Home to the fair and events, it also features a weekly stock car race and much more.

Address: 2815 W. Locust St.

Online: mvfair.com and Facebook

Nahant Marsh

The Nahant Marsh is a 265-acre preserve, part of a 513-acre wetland complex that includes a forest, open water habitat and marsh adjacent to the Mississippi River. The marsh features trails, bird watching on more than 500 acres. The education center is open 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-Noon Saturdays.

Address: 4220 Wapello Ave.

Phone: 563-336-3370

Online: nahantmarsh.org or Facebook

Hours: Trails open daily, sunrise to sunset

Admission: Free

Putnam Museum

The Putnam Museum features permanent exhibits on the Mississippi River, ancient Egypt and Asia, and traveling exhibits including a one on the story of toys. A Science Center offers 45 hands-on stations that showcase aerospace, robotics, architecture and more. Watch classic films on the Giant screen.

Address: 1717 W. 12th St.

Phone: 563-324-1933

Online: putnam.org or Facebook

Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday

Admission: $12 adults, $10 children ages 3-18

Quad Cities River Bandits baseball

The Quad Cities River Bandits are a High-A, affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The team plays at Modern Woodmen Park.

Address: 209 S. Gaines St. Phone: 563-324-3000

Online: milb.com/quad-cities or Facebook

Hours: Check the website for games schedule

Quad City Symphony Orchestra

Founded in 1915, the orchestra features of top-level musicians from the Quad Cities and across the region whose mission is to “inspire, entertain, and engage the Quad City community through superb symphonic music, music education, and cultural leadership.” See website for concerts and events.

Address: 327 Brady St. Phone: 563-322-0931

Online: qcso.org

The River’s Edge ice arena

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

Address: 700 W. River Drive

Phone: 563-328-7275

Online: davenportiowa.com

Hours: Public skating hours vary; check the website or call ahead

Schuetzen Park

Schuetzen Park is a privately owned nature and recreation area. Established in 1870 as a German-American entertainment retreat. Today it is preserved as a “wildpark,” and the only original building that remains is a 1911 street car waiting station, now called the Trolley Car Pavilion. The 20-acre site is designated as a nature preserve and features rustic nature trails. It also hosts special events.

Address: 3401 Schuetzen Lane

Phone: 563-449-2358

Online: schuetzenpark.info or Facebook

Hours: Daylight hours or during special occasions

Skybridge

The 600-foot-long Skybridge, built in 2005, rises 50 feet in the air, providing panoramic views of the Mississippi River. The glass walkway and stairwells offer amazing views of the river and surrounding cityscape. The inside of the bridge features kaleidoscope lighting. Address: 121 W. Second St. Phone: 563-326-7810

Online: onlyinyourstate.com/ iowa/davenport-skybridge-ia

Vander Veer Botanical Park

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

Address: 215 W. Central Park Ave. Phone: 563-328-7275

Online: davenportiowa.com

Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday

Admission: free

DESTINATIONS cont’d from page 64

MOLINE

Belgian Museum of the Quad Cities and Center for Belgian Culture

Learn how Belgians emigrated to the area in the mid 1800s and 1900s and the influence on the community. Check out event calendar for Belgian Waffle Fundraiser throughout the year.

Address: 1608 Seventh St. | Phone: 309-762-0167

Online: elgianmuseumquadcities.org

Hours: 1-4 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays | Admission: free

COAL VALLEY

Niabi

Zoo

This 40-acre zoo is home to more than 600 animals from more than 200 species around the world.

Address: 13010 Niabi Zoo Road

Phone: 309-799-3482

Online: niabizoo.com or Facebook

Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Admission: purchase tickets and parking online for discount;

MOLINE

Belgian Museum of the Quad Cities and Center for Belgian Culture

Learn how Belgians emigrated to the area in the mid 1800s and 1900s and the influence on the community. Check out event calendar for Belgian Waffle Fundraiser throughout the year.

Address: 1608 Seventh St.

Phone: 309-762-0167

Online: elgianmuseumquadcities.

Saturdays

Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House

The historic homes once belonged to John Deere’s descendants and are within a half block of each other in the Overlook District. The Butterworth Center, built in 1892, was a wedding present from Charles Deere to his daughter, Katherine, and her husband, William Butterworth. The Butterworths called their home “Hillcrest,” and it features a rebuilt pipe organ and a library designed to hold an 18th century Italian ceiling painting. The Deere-Wiman House was built in 1872, by John Deere’s son, Charles. He called it “Overlook;” it was built in the Victorian style until its roof line was changed after a fire in 1899 caused extensive damage. Both homes are surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Address: 817 11th Ave. and 1105

Eighth St.

Phone: 309-743-2700

Online: butterworthcenter.com or Facebook

Admission: By donation

Celebration River Cruises

The 770-passenger Celebration

Belle luxury riverboat hosts lunch, dinner and all-day cruises on the Mississippi, with destinations in the Quad Cities and Dubuque.

Address: 2501 River Drive

Phone: 800-297-0034

Online: celebrationbelle.com or Facebook

Hours: Vary by cruise; check the website or call ahead

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

John Deere Pavilion

Learn about the history of John Deere and check out new and vintage equipment.

Address: 1400 River Drive

Hours: 1-5 p.m. Mondays; 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday-Saturdays

Admission: free Online: deere.com/en/connectwith-john-deere/visit-john-deere/ pavilion

Quad City Music Guild

Phone: 309-762-6610

Online: qcmusicguild.com/upcoming-shows

Spotlight Theatre

Local productions throughout the year, see website for shows and tickets.

Address: 1800 Seventh Ave.

Phone: 309-912-7647

Online: thespotlighttheatreqc.com

Vibrant Arena at the

Mark

The Vibrant Arena at the Mark is a 12,000-seat, multipurpose arena, and a venue for concerts, sporting events and theater performances.

Address: 1201 River Drive

Phone: 309-764-2000

Online: vibrantarena.com or Facebook

Hours: Vary by event

Admission: Varies by event;

ROCK ISLAND

Backwater Gamblers

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

Address: Ben Williamson Park, 5000 44th St.

Phone: 309-786-8987

Online: backwatergamblers.com or Facebook

Hours: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday, Memorial Day through Labor Day

Admission: Free

Admission: Free DESTINATIONS cont’d from page 63

org

Admission: free

Hours: 1-4 p.m. Wednesdays,

Hours: Tours available by appointment 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Friday; First Sunday of the Month

See website for productions, tickets.

Address:1584 34th Ave.

Bent River Brewing Co.

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

Address: 512 24th St.

Phone: 309-283-4811

Online: bentriverbrewing.com or Facebook

Hours: 3-9 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 3 p.m.-midnight. Wednesday; noon-9 p.m. weekends

DESTINATIONS cont’d from page 65

DESTINATIONS cont’d from page 64

ROCK ISLAND CONT’D

Chippiannock Cemetery

The cemetery was established in 1855 and is the final resting place for more than 25,000 people. Visitors can trace the history of the region by reading the inscriptions on the unique and unusual headstones. The art and architecture of the cemetery has earned it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Call in advance to schedule a tour.

Address: 2901 12th St.

Phone: 309-788-6622

Online: chippiannock.com

Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse

Theater featuring dance, film and music productions for all ages to enjoy. See website for calendar, tickets. Secondary theaters including a Speakeasy with improv shows, drag queen shows, big band concerts and the Windy City Dueling Pianos show.

Address: 1828 Third Ave.

Phone: 309-786-7733

Online: circa21.com, Facebook, Instagram

Quad City Arts Gallery

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

Address: 1715 Second Ave.

Phone: 309-793-1213

Online: quadcityarts.com or Facebook

Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday

Admission: Free

Quad City Botanical Center

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

regional perennials. It has a rare conifer collection, unique to the Quad Cities, as well as a stunning iris collection.

Address: 2525 Fourth Ave.

Phone: 309-794-0991

Online: qcgardens.com or Facebook

Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday

Admission: $9 adults, $6 ages 2-15, free for ages 1 and younger Schwiebert Riverfront Park

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

ROCK ISLAND

Black Hawk State Historic Site

The site, once home to Chief Black Hawk and the Sauk tribe, is a 208acre wooded, steeply rolling park bordering the Rock River, with 6 miles of hiking trails, a nature center and picnic areas with stone fireplaces. The Watch Tower Lodge is home to the John Hauberg Indian Museum, which showcases the Sauk and Meskwaki tribes; lifesize figures depict the daily life of the tribes from 1750 to 1830. Guided tours of the museum are available by appointment. Address: 1510 46th Ave. Phone: 309-788-9536

Online: blackhawkpark.org

Hours: Museum open 9 a.m.Noon and 2-4 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday

Island Arsenal. It is adjacent to the 64-mile Great River Trail.

Address: 4501 Third Ave.

Phone: 309-732-7275

Online: rigov.org/288/sylvan-slough-natural-area

Hours: Sunrise-10 p.m.

Whitewater Junction Water Park

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

Address: 17th Street and 18th Avenue

Phone: 309-732-7946

Online: rigov.org/84/whitewater-junction-aquatic-center or Facebook

Hours: Opens May 25; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Sundays and holidays

Admission: $10 ages 12 and older; $7 ages 3-11

Rock Island Arsenal

An active Army facility and the original arsenal buildings are designated on the National Historic Landmark. The island features historical attractions and a museum. Visitors 16 and older must obtain a credential at the Visitor Control Center Online: home.army.mil/ria/index. php/about/visitor-information or Facebook

Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Lock and Dam tours available by reservation weekends 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Address: 17th to 20th streets

Phone: 309-732-7275

Online: rigov.org/431/schwiebert-riverfront-park

Hours: Sunrise-10 p.m.

Sylvan Slough Natural Area

The City of Rock Island transformed this once blighted industrial property on the Mississippi into a natural area. It now is a unique demonstration area for Retain the Rain, a program of the nonprofit River Action. The natural area incorporates native plantings, bioswails, permeable paving, and other initiatives designed to educate the public about reduction of storm water runoff. The slough has a bald eagle observation area with views of Sylvan Island and Rock

Rock

Island Arsenal National and Confederate cemeteries

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

Address: Building 118 Phone: 309-782-2094

Online: www.cem.va.gov/cems/ nchp/rockisland.asp

Hours: Dawn to dusk

THROUGH JULY

Quad City Steamwheelers — Vibrant Arena at the Mark, 1201 River Drive, Moline; Professional Indoor Football game; Tickets start at $14; see website for schedule; steamwheelersfootball.com

THROUGH SEPT.

Weekly Stock Car Races — Mississippi Valley Fair, 2815 W. Locust St., Davenport; racers compete in quarter-mile track; mvfair.com and Facebook

Quad Cities River Bandits, Kansas City Royals High A Affiliate — 209 S. Gaines St., Davenport; family-friendly baseball in a stadium along the Mississippi; see website for schedule, tickets; milb.com/ quad-cities Weekends, May-September Freight House Farmers Market — 421 River Drive, Davenport; Saturdays 8 a.m.-2 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; freighthousefarmersmarket.com and Facebook

MAY-JULY 6

Jersey Boys — Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse, 1828 Third Ave., Rock Island; see website for times and tickets; circa21.com

MAY 18

Fejervary Family Fun Days — Fejervary Learning Center, 1800 W. 12th St., Davenport; family activities, crafts; free; 12-3 p.m.; davenportlibrary.libcal.com Rock the River Summer Kick Off Concert — Schwiebert Riverfront Park, 101 17th St., Rock Island; free; 4 p.m.; rigov.org

MAY 22

Park Party and ribbon cutting — Douglas Park, 18th Avenue and 9th Street, Rock Island; join the fun in the park; 5-7 p.m.; rigov.org

FRIDAYS, MAY 24-OCT.

Mercado on Fifth — 432 12th St., Moline; outdoor summer night market featuring vendors as well as food trucks, music; Fridays 5-10 p.m.; mercadoonfifth.org and Facebook

SUNDAYS, MAY 26-AUG. 25

East Moline Summer Concert Series — Runner’s Park, 742 15th Avenue, East Moline; find a spot on the lawn for the free weekly concert series; 5-8 p.m.; emmainstreet.org/events.php and Facebook

MAY 28

Chicago— Adler Theatre, 136 E. Third St., Davenport; see website tickets; doors open at 6:30 p.m.; adlertheatre.com

MAY 30

Read, Renew, Repeat Summer Kickoff — Quad City Botanical Center, 2424 Fourth Ave., Rock Island; sign up for summer reading and explore activity stations; 4-6:30 p.m.; qcgardens.com

Solitary Man: A tribute to the songs of Neil Diamond — Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse, 1828 Third

MAY 27

Quad Cities Kwik Star Criterium

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

Ave., Rock Island; dinner and concert; see website for times and tickets; circa21.com

MAY 31-SEPT. 2

Backwater Gamblers Water Ski Shows — 5000 44th St., Rock Island; catch a free water ski show every Sunday and Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.; bleacher seating available; backwatergamblers.com

MAY 31

Jordan Rainer — Adler Theatre, 136 E. Third St., Davenport; see website for tickets; doors open at 6:30 p.m.; adlertheatre.com

JUNE

1

Superhero 5K Run, Walk and Kids Dash — Veterans Memorial Park 1645 23rd St., Bettendorf; race to benefit Gigi Playhouse and families; 7 a.m.; gigisplayhouse.org/quadcities/superhero-run-walk Belgian Museum of the Quad Cities and Center for Belgian Cul-

ture’s Waffle Breakfast — Friends Circle Club Hall, 710 18th Ave., Moline; indulge in a delicious Belgian Waffle; cash only; 8-11 a.m.; belgianmuseumquadcities.org/ Bettendorf Cars & Coffee — The Tangled Wood, 3636 Tanglewood Road, Bettendorf; monthly event to benefit Friends of the Bettendorf Parks Foundation; 9-11 a.m.; bettendorf.org/CarsCoffee Quad Cities Pride Festival — Schwiebert Riverfront Park, 101 17th St., Rock Island; celebrate love and life; see website and Facebook for events and times; qcunitypride.org and Facebook

JUNE

3

Concert: Gray Wolf Band — Moline Township Activity Center, 620 18th St., Moline; bring a lawn chair, blanket and enjoy live music; food available for purchase; 6:308:30p.m.; molinetownship.com EVENTS cont’d to page 67

JUNE 4

Starlight Revue Concert — Lincoln Park, 11 Ave. And 38th St., Rock Island; see website for performers lineup; concessions available starting at 5 p.m. and concert at 7 p.m.; rigov.org

JUNE 7

Bettendorf Community Band — Veterans Memorial Park 1645 23rd St., Bettendorf; bring a blanket or chair to enjoy the music and ice cream social; 7:30 p.m.; bettevents. org

JUNE 7-8

Rhubarb Festival — downtown Aledo; homemade rhubarb pies for sale, rhubarb samples, rhubarb seed giveaway, crafts, antiques and entertainment; main events 9 a.m.4 p.m.; concert at 7 p.m.; aledorhubarbfest.com or 309-582-2751

p.m.; villageofeastdavenport.com

Quad Cities Cruisers Open Run Car Show — Southpark Mall, 4500 16th St., Moline; check out vintage cars and more; 3-8 p.m.; quadcitiescruisers.org

Movies in the Park — Veterans Memorial Park 1645 23rd St., Bettendorf; bring your chairs and blankets and enjoy a family-friendly movie in the park; dusk; bettendorf.org

Genesius Guild presents Euripides: Medea — Lincoln Park, 11 Avenue and 38th Street, Rock Island; bring a chair to watch theater in the park; 7 p.m.; additional dates June , 9.15,16 rigov.org

JUNE

10

Concert: Troy Rangel and Friends — Moline Township Activity Center, 620 18th St., Moline; bring a lawn chair, blanket and enjoy live music; food available for purchase; 6:308:30p.m.; molinetownship.com

JUNE 11

JUNE 7-16

Tarzan the Musical — The Spotlight Theatre, 1800 Seventh Ave., Moline; see website for times and tickets; thespotlighttheatreqc.com

JUNE 8

Historic Summer Walking Tours — German American Heritage Center, 712 W. Second St., Davenport; learn about where German immigrants worked, lived and created a community in a walking tour weaving through the downtown; tickets $5; tour leaves at 10 a.m.; additional tour dates June 22, July 6, 20 and Aug. 3, 17;gahc.org

Village Hops — Village of East Davenport; village’s craft beer festival with more than 25 breweries; 2

bettendorf.org and bettevents.org

JUNE 15

Pride 5K: Walk, Run & Roll — Bass Street Landing, 1601 River Drive, Moline; register in advance to participate; 8 a.m.; getmeregistered. com/Pride5K

Juneteenth — LeClaire Park, 400 Biederbecke Drive, Davenport; food, vendors, history and information booths and entertainment; 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; fomlk.com

Fejervary Family Fun Days —

Fejervary Learning Center, 1800 W. 12th St., Davenport; family activities, crafts; free; 12-3 p.m.; davenportlibrary.libcal.com

The Beer Fest— The Warehouse at Isle Parkway, downtown Bettendorf; sample local craft beers, ciders, seltzers, spirits and wine; local food trucks and live music too; 12-5 p.m.; general admission $40; thebeerfest.co and bettevents. org/event/the-beer-fest

JUNE 18

Starlight Revue Concert: Josh Duffee Orchestra — Lincoln Park, 11 Ave. And 38th St., Rock Island; see website for performers lineup; concessions available starting at 5 p.m. and concert at 7 p.m.; rigov. org

JUNE 19

Starlight Revue Concert: Incredible 45’s — Lincoln Park, 11 Ave. And 38th St., Rock Island; see website for performers lineup; concessions available starting at 5 p.m. and concert at 7 p.m.; rigov.org

JUNE 12

Music On the Lawn: Jeannie B! and the Jelly Beans — Butterworth Center & Deere-Wiman House, 1105 Eighth St., Moline; family-friendly concert; bring chairs, blanket and a picnic; free; 5 p.m., concert begins at 6:30 p.m.; butterworthcenter.com

JUNE 14

Free Yoga in the Park — Jetty Park at Mississippi Riverfront; 6-7 p.m.; advance registration required; additional dates June 26, July 3,10, 17, 24, and 31 and Aug. 7, locations vary; Bettendorf.org/Yoga

JUNE 21

Veterans Memorial Park 1645 23rd St., Bettendorf; bring a blanket or chair to enjoy the music; 7:30 p.m.; bettendorf.org and bettevents

JUNE 22

Genesius Guild presents Shakespeare: Julius Caesar — Lincoln Park, 11 Avenue and 38th Street, Rock Island; bring a chair to watch theater in the park; 7 p.m.; additional dates June 23, 29, 30 rigov.org

JUNE 22-23

Quad Cities Chalk Art Fest — Schwiebert Riverfront Park, 101 17th St., Rock Island; hundreds of artists compete for prizes creating works of art on the pavement; visitors can enjoy art, live music, food trucks, beer garden and family activities; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday; quadcityarts.com/chalk-art-fest.html

JUNE 24

Concert in the Park: The Tailfins —Moline Township Activity Center, 620 18th St., Moline; bring a lawn chair, blanket and enjoy live music; food available for purchase; 6:308:30p.m.; molinetownship.com

JUNE 25

cont’d from page 66 EVENTS cont’d to page 68

Bettendorf Community Band — Veterans Memorial Park 1645 23rd St., Bettendorf; bring a blanket or chair to enjoy the music; 7:30 p.m.;

Bettendorf Community Band —

Starlight Revue Concert: The Night People — Lincoln Park, 11 Ave. And 38th St., Rock Island; see website for performers lineup; concessions available starting at 5 p.m. and concert at 7 p.m.; rigov.org

JUNE

28

Bettendorf Community Band — Veterans Memorial Park 1645 23rd St., Bettendorf; bring a blanket or chair to enjoy the music; 7:30 p.m.; bettendorf.org and bettevents

JUNE

30

The Best of the Wurst — German American Heritage Center, 712 W. Second St., Davenport; brats, beer and live music; $5 entry fee for those 13 and older; 12-4 p.m.; gahc.org

JULY

1

Concert in the Park: The Donovan Band —Moline Township Activity Center, 620 18th St., Moline; bring a lawn chair, blanket and enjoy live music; food available for purchase; 6:30-8:30p.m.; molinetownship. com

JULY

2

TPC Deere Run, 3100 Heather Knoll, Silvis; PGA Tour event; tickets required; johndeereclassic.com EVENTS cont’d from page 67

Starlight Revue Concert: Troy Rangel & Friends — Lincoln Park, 11 Ave. And 38th St., Rock Island; see website for performers lineup; concessions available starting at 5 p.m. and concert at 7 p.m.; rigov.org

JULY 3

Red White & Boom — Schwiebert Riverfront Park, 101 17th St., Rock Island; food vendors, beer garden, live music, fireworks; 5-9:30 p.m.; rigov.org

JULY 4

Festival in Bettendorf — celebrate with the community and enjoy food, music and fireworks; parade through downtown at 10 a.m.; free ice from 12-2 p.m.; live music at noon; bettendorf.org

JULY 5

Chordbusters Concert — Veterans Memorial Park 1645 23rd St., Bettendorf; bring a blanket or chair to enjoy the music; 7:30 p.m.; bettendorf.org and betteevents.org

JULY 5-14

Newsies — Quad Cities Music

JULY 1-7

John Deere Classic

Guild, 1584 34th Ave., Moline; tickets $20 adult, $15 student; see website for show times and to purchase tickets; qcmusicguild. com/upcoming-shows

JULY 6

Genesius Guild presents Shakespeare: Sounds and Sweet Airs — Lincoln Park, 11 Avenue and 38th Street, Rock Island; bring a chair to watch theater in the park; 7 p.m.; additional dates July 7, 13 and 14; rigove.org

JULY 8

Concert in the Park: Tommy Pickett & Friends —Moline Township Activity Center, 620 18th St., Moline; bring a lawn chair, blanket and enjoy live music; food available for purchase; 6:30-8:30p.m.; molinetownship.com

JULY 9

Starlight Revue Concert: Gray Wolf — Lincoln Park, 11 Ave. And

38th St., Rock Island; see website for musical lineup; concessions available starting at 5 p.m. and concert at 7 p.m.; rigov.org

JULY 12

Bettendorf Community Band: Big River Brass Band — Veterans Memorial Park 1645 23rd St., Bettendorf; bring a blanket or chair to enjoy the music; 7:30 p.m.; bettendorf.org and bettevents.org

JULY 12-AUG. 24

The Bikinis, a musical — Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse, 1828 Third Ave., Rock Island; see website for times and tickets; circa21.com

JULY 13

39th Annual Moonlight Chase — downtown Eldridge; fun run on the illuminated streets of Eldridge; 4-mile race and ¼ and 1-mile races for children; post-race music and refreshments under the stars; 7:3011 p.m.; moonlightchase.com

Movies in the Park — Veterans Memorial Park 1645 23rd St., Bettendorf; bring your chairs and blankets and enjoy a family-friendly movie in the park; dusk; bettendorf.org

JULY 16

Starlight Revue Concert: The Tailfins — Lincoln Park, 11 Ave. And 38th St., Rock Island; see website for lineup; concessions available starting at 5 p.m. and concert at 7 p.m.; rigov.org

JULY 16-20

Rock Island County Fair — Rock Island County Fairgrounds, 4200 Archer Drive, East Moline; 4-H exhibits, livestock, carnival, music, trailer races, truck and tractor pull, demolition derby, monster truck rally, food and more; rockislandfair. org, Facebook or 309-796-1620

EVENTS cont’d to page 69

cont’d from page 68

JULY 17

Music On the Lawn: Wendy & DB — Butterworth Center & DeereWiman House, 1105 Eighth St., Moline; family-friendly concert; bring chairs, blanket and a picnic; free; 5 p.m., concert begins at 6:30 p.m.; butterworthcenter.com Concert in the Park: Code 415 — Moline Township Activity Center, 620 18th St., Moline; bring a lawn chair, blanket and enjoy live music; food available for purchase; 6:308:30p.m.; molinetownship.com

JULY 19

Bettendorf Community Band & Windjammers Unlimited Monster Circus Concert — Veterans Memorial Park 1645 23rd St., Bettendorf; bring a blanket or chair to enjoy the music; 7:30 p.m.; bettendorf.org and bettevents

JULY 20

Genesius Guild presents Aristophanes: Plutus — Lincoln Park, 11 Avenue and 38th Street, Rock Island; bring a chair to watch theater in the park; 7 p.m.; additional dates July 21, 27 and 28; rigove.org QC Veg Fest Rock Island — Schwiebert Riverfront Park, 101 17th St., Rock Island; try great food, learn more about leaving living and enjoy entertainment; free; 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; visitquadcities.com and Facebook

JULY 21

Croce Plays Croce— Adler Theatre, 136 E. Third St., Davenport; see website for tickets; doors open at 5 p.m.; adlertheatre.com

AUG. 1-3 Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival The Rhythm City Casino, 7077 Elmore Ave., Davenport; traditional Dixieland jazz music; tickets available online; bixsociety.org

more than 100 vehicles; stay for the free concert in the park at 5 p.m.; 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; emmainstreet.org/ events.php

JULY

23-AUG. 10

Pinkalicious The Musical — Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse, 1828 Third Ave., Rock Island; see website for times and tickets; circa21.com

JULY

23

Main Drag Car Show — East Moline Main Street; 16th year for the annual car show that includes

Starlight Revue Concert: The Donavon Band — Lincoln Park, 11 Ave. And 38th St., Rock Island; see website for music lineup; conces-

sions available starting at 5 p.m. and concert at 7 p.m.; rigov.org

JULY 24

Concert in the Park: The Night People —Moline Township Activity Center, 620 18th St., Moline; bring a lawn chair, blanket and enjoy live music; food available for purchase; 6:30-8:30p.m.; molinetownship.com

JULY 26

Bettendorf Community Band, CASI Bob Gaston New Horizons Band — Veterans Memorial Park 1645 23rd St., Bettendorf; bring a

blanket or chair to enjoy the music; 7:30 p.m.; bettendorf.org and bettevents.org

JULY 27

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

JULY

30

Starlight Revue Concert: Totes McGotes — Lincoln Park, 11 Ave. And 38th St., Rock Island; see website for music lineup; concessions available starting at 5 p.m. and concert at 7 p.m.; rigov.org

JULY 30-AUG. 4

Mississippi Valley Fair — Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, 2815 W. Locust St., Davenport; grandstand entertainment, carnival, food and more; mvfair.com

AUG. 1

Starlight Revue Concert: The Night People — Lincoln Park, 11 Ave. And 38th St., Rock Island; see website for music lineup; concessions available starting at 5 p.m. and concert at 7 p.m.; rigov.org Uncork the Season — Mississippi River Distilling Company & Cody Road Cocktail House, 303 N. Cody Road, Le Claire; fundraiser for Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra; limited tickets, advance registration required; $30; 6 p.m.; qcso.org

AUG. 2

Bettendorf Community Band — Veterans Memorial Park 1645 23rd St., Bettendorf; bring a blanket or chair to enjoy the music; 7:30 p.m.; bettendorf.org and bettevents.org

EVENTS cont’d to page 70

Bix Beiderbecke

EVENTS cont’d from page 69

AUG.

2-11

Fiddler on the Roof — Quad Cities Music Guild, 1584 34th Ave., Moline; tickets $20 adult, $15 student; see website for show times and to purchase tickets; qcmusicguild.com/ upcoming-shows

Ripcord — The Spotlight Theatre, 1800 Seventh Ave., Moline; see website for times and tickets; thespotlighttheatreqc.com

AUG.

3

Belgian Museum of the Quad Cities and Center for Belgian Culture’s Waffle Breakfast — Friends Circle Club Hall, 710 18th Ave., Moline; indulge in a delicious Belgian Waffle; cash only; 8-11 a.m.; belgianmuseumquadcities.org/

AUG. 9-10

Quad Cities Balloon Festival — Rock Island County Fairgrounds, 4200 Archer Drive, East Moline; hot-air balloons launch and land and are illuminated at night, plus children’s activities and tethered balloon rides; quadcitiesballoonfestival.com or Facebook

AUG.

10

Movies in the Park — Veterans Memorial Park 1645 23rd St., Bettendorf; bring your chairs and blankets and enjoy a family-friendly movie in the park; dusk; bettendorf.org

Wine Walk — Village of East Davenport; sip and stroll through participating businesses; 3 p.m.; villageofeastdavenport.com

AUG. 15

Thursday Night Groove Concert — Schwiebert Riverfront Park, 101 17th St., Rock Island; including concessions from Happy Joes Pizza and Bent River Brewing Company starting at 6 p.m. and concert at 7 p.m.; rigov.org

AUG. 15-18

Alternating Currents — Downtown Davenport; music, comedy, film and art festival at venues across the area with 50-plus acts; alternatingcurrentsqc.com or Facebook

AUG. 16-17

Family Fun Day & Parade — Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center, 630 Martin Luther King Drive, Rock Island; parade begins at Frances Willard Elementary School at 10 a.m. Saturday and proceeds to the MLK Center for a day of food, entertainment, activities and more; free; 5-10 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; mlkcenter.org/events/ family-fun-day-parade

AUG. 17

Floatzilla — Sunset Marina, Rock Island; paddle sports festival that includes an attempt to break the world record for the largest flotilla

of canoes and kayaks; register in advance to be a part of the fun; 8 a.m.; floatzilla.org or Facebook Fejervary Family Fun Days — Fejervary Learning Center, 1800 W. 12th St., Davenport; family activities, crafts; free; 12-3 p.m.; davenportlibrary.libcal.com Riverfront Pops: The Music of Led Zeppelin — Le Claire Park, 400 W. Beiderbecke Drive, Davenport; $30 adult, $5 child tickets; purchase tickets in advance for discount, general admission seating; 7:30 p.m.; qcso.org

AUG. 22

Thursday Night Groove Concert — Schwiebert Riverfront Park, 101 17th St., Rock Island; including concessions from Happy Joes Pizza and Bent River Brewing Company starting at 6 p.m. and concert at 7 p.m.; rigov.org

AUG. 24

Aledo Antiques Day — 100 E. Main St., Aledo; volunteer firemen pancake breakfast, tractor and engine show, antique market, food, music and activities for children; free admission; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; aledodomainstreet.com

AUG. 24-25

Farm Days in the Village — Village of East Davenport; family event with petting zoo, pedal tractors and tractor rides; villageofeastdavenport.com

AUG. 28

The King in Concert: Elvis— Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse, 1828 Third Ave., Rock Island; see website for times and tickets; circa21.com

AUG. 29

Thursday Night Groove Concert — Schwiebert Riverfront Park, 101 17th St., Rock Island; including concessions starting at 6 p.m. and concert at 7 p.m.; rigov.org

Karen as Dolly — Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse, 1828 Third Ave., Rock Island; see website for times and tickets; circa21.com

AUG. 30

7 Bridges: The Ultimate Eagles Experience — Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse, 1828 Third Ave., Rock Island; see website for times and tickets; circa21.com

Movie in the Park — Vander Veer Botanical Park, 215 W. Central Ave., Davenport; bring a blanket and chair to enjoy the movie under the stars, concessions available; 6 p.m.; davenportiowa.com/parks

AUG. 31-SEPT. 1

Rock Island Grand Prix — Downtown Rock Island; largest and most prestigious kart street race, plus music, family activities, and more; rockislandgrandprix.com, Facebook or 309-292-8133

EVENTS cont’d to page 71

AUG. 8-10

Tug Fest

Giant tug-of-war across the Mississippi River between LeClaire, Iowa, and Port Byron, plus live music, carnival, community tailgate party, 5K walk/run, parade, fireworks and more; admission fee; tugfest.org or Facebook

cont’d from page 70

SEPT. 5

Thursday Night Groove Concert

— Schwiebert Riverfront Park, 101 17th St., Rock Island; including concessions starting at 6 p.m. and concert at 7 p.m.; rigov.org

SEPT. 6-NOV. 2

The Addams Family — Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse, 1828 Third Ave., Rock Island; see website for times and tickets; circa21.com

SEPT. 7-8

Beaux Arts Fair — Figge Art Museum Plaza, 225 W. Second St., Davenport; juried art show, music, children’s activities and food; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; beauxartsfair.com or Facebook

SEPT. 12

Thursday Night Groove Concert

— Schwiebert Riverfront Park, 101 17th St., Rock Island; including concessions starting at 6 p.m. and concert at 7 p.m.; rigov.org

SEPT. 14

Power Wheels National — Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds , 2815 W. Locust St., Davenport; races begin at 11 a.m.; mvfair.com

SEPT.

15

Porch Party — Butterworth Center & Deere-Wiman House, 1105 Eighth St., Moline; 12-5 p.m.; butterworthcenter.com

SEPT. 19

Fejervary Learning Center, 1800 W. 12th St., Davenport; family activities, crafts; free; 12-3 p.m.; davenportlibrary.libcal.com

SEPT. 21-22

OCT. 26

The Village Zombie Run

Family-friendly 5K and kids run in East Davenport; runners, dress up like a zombie and plod down the streets! featuring a costume contest, after-party, and other family-friendly fun activities; more details to come; go online for information: villagezombierun. com/ or villageofeastdavenport. com/events

— Schwiebert Riverfront Park, 101 17th St., Rock Island; including concessions starting at 6 p.m. and concert at 7 p.m.; rigov.org

17th St., Rock Island; including concessions starting at 6 p.m. and concert at 7 p.m.; rigov.org

OCT. 13

Amy Grant — Adler Theatre, 136 E. Third St., Davenport; see website for time and tickets; adlertheatre. com

NOV. DATE TBD

Thursday Night Groove Concert

— Schwiebert Riverfront Park, 101 17th St., Rock Island; including concessions starting at 6 p.m. and concert at 7 p.m.; rigov.org

SEPT. 21

Fejervary Family Fun Days —

Quad Cities Marathon — Vibrant Arena, 1201 River Drive, Moline; two-day event of running with the marathon starting at 7 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 22 as runners complete 26.2 miles starting in downtown Moline; qcmarathon.org Riverssance Festival of Fine Arts — Lindsay Park, East Davenport; juried art show, music, children’s activities and food; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; villageofeastdavenport.com/events and Facebook

SEPT.

26

Thursday Night Groove Concert

OCT.

3

Thursday Night Groove Concert — Schwiebert Riverfront Park, 101 17th St., Rock Island; including concessions starting at 6 p.m. and concert at 7 p.m.; rigov.org

OCT. 4-13

Evita — The Spotlight Theatre, 1800 Seventh Ave., Moline; see website for times and tickets; thespotlighttheatreqc.com

OCT. 10

Thursday Night Groove Concert — Schwiebert Riverfront Park, 101

Quad City Arts Festival of Trees — RiverCenter, 136 E. Third St., Davenport; 100 designer trees, TreatShoppe and more; qcfestivaloftrees.com and Facebook

NOV. 29

Joe Bonamassa — Adler Theatre, 136 E. Third St., Davenport; see website for tickets; doors open at 7 p.m.; adlertheatre.com

DEC. DATE TBD

19th Century Christmas — Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House, 1105 Eighth St., Moline; historic homes decorated for the holidays, plus music, visits with Santa, make-and-take crafts and more; noon-5 p.m.; butterworthcenter.com or 309-743-2700

Christmas in the Village — East Davenport; see website for details; villageofeastdavenport.com/events

DEC. 6-15

Annie — The Spotlight Theatre, 1800 Seventh Ave., Moline; see website for times and tickets; thespotlighttheatreqc.com

DEC. 7

Christmas Stroll & Lighted Parade — downtown East Moline along 15th Avenue; see website for time and details; emmainstreet. org/events.php

Winnebago County’s county seat, Rockford, was settled in 1834 and grew rapidly during the 19th century, when it was known for producing farm machinery and furniture. Today, its 61 square miles boasts a population of 148,000, with another 348,000 in its outlying metropolitan area.

LOVES PARK

Carlson Ice Arena

Cool off inside with public skating, as well as lessons for figure skating and hockey.

Address: 4150 N. Perryville Road, Loves Park

Phone: 815-969-4069

Online: rockfordparkdistrict.org/ carlson

Hours: vary, see website for times; skate rental available

Ethnic Heritage Museum

Celebrating the immigrants who settled the Rockford region, the Ethnic Heritage Museum, in a restored 1850s home, has six galleries dedicated to the heritages of African-American, Hispanic, Italian, Irish, Lithuanian and Polish settlers. Guided tours available Sundays from 2-4 p.m.

Address: 1129 S. Main St.

Phone: 815-962-7402

Online: ethnicheritagemuseum. org or Facebook

Hours: 2-4 p.m. Sunday; Advance reservations recommended Admission: $9 adults, $7 children

Field of Honor

Veterans Memorial

The memorial is in Arthur W. Anderson Peace Park and honors veterans and civilian contributions to the war efforts.

Address: 100 Heart Blvd., Loves Park

Admission: Free

Park Lanes Bowling Center

With 32 lanes available there’s plenty of room to perfect your strike. Bumper bowling is available

for children and check the website for Cosmic Bowling times too.

Address: 5318 N. Second St., Loves Park

Phone: 815-877-6051

Online: parklanesbowl.com/ and Facebook

Hours: 9 am.-10 p.m. TuesdayThursday & Sunday, 9 a.m.-midnight Friday & Saturday

Rockford Rivets

A part of the Northwoods League this team is comprised of top college players from North America and beyond check out the hitting and base stealing of these young players.

Address: 4503 Interstate Blvd., Loves Park

Phone: 815-240-4159

Online: northwoodsleague.com/ rockford-rivets/ or Facebook

Hours: See website for schedule, tickets

activities including zip lining and in the winter a snow park.

Address: 4402 Larson Ave. Phone: 815-987-8800

Online: rockfordparkdistrict.org/ alpinehills and Facebook

Hours: vary, see website for times, equipment rentals

Alpine Pool

Swim laps in this pool with a diving well and two drop slides and a wading pool.

Address: 4310 Newburg Road

Phone: 815-987-8804

Online: rockfordparkdistrict.org/ alpinepool

Hours: 1-6 p.m. daily

Admission: $10; $5 ages 2 and younger; discount on Mondays

is 4 p.m.

Admission: $12 adults, $11 seniors, $10 military, students and children ages 6 and older, free for children 5 and younger

Sand Park Pool

Make time to splash in the L-Shaped pool with a diving well and two drop slides. For children there is Penguin Pond, a wading pool and small slide.

Address: 1041 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park

Phone: 815-987-8806

Online: rockfordparkdistrict.org/ sandparkpool

Hours: 1-6 p.m. daily

Admission: $11 per person; $5 for ages 2 and younger; discount on Mondays

ROCKFORD

Alpine Hills Adventure Park

Open year-round this outdoor adventure park has 52 acres with

Anderson Japanese Gardens

The natural beauty and serenity of Anderson Japanese Gardens ranks it as one of the premier Japanese gardens in the United States. Located on 4 acres, the gardens are laden with paths, pools, streams, lanterns, pagodas and waterfalls. Sukiya-style buildings include a guesthouse, gazebo and teahouse. Find seasonal events including walks, yoga classes and music concerts during the summer.

Address: 318 Spring Creek Road Phone: 815-229-9390

Online: andersongardens.org or Facebook

Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. May through October; Reservations can be made online. The last entry time

Beyer Stadium

This was the home of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League’s Rockford Peaches from 1943-54. This team was featured in the movie “A League of Their Own.”

Address: 245 15th Ave. Phone: 815-963-8111

Online: iwbc.org/ Facebook, Friends of Beyer Stadium

Hours: vary by event

Burpee Museum of National History

Burpee provides an adventure-filled tour through unique exhibits from prehistoric times to the present. The museum is the home of Jane, the tyrannosaurus rex, and Homer, the triceratops. The four-story building provides a window to natural history, past and present, including a simulated prehistoric tropical rainforest complete with thunder and lightning. Visitors also learn about wildlife in the Rock River Valley.

Address: 737 N. Main St. Phone: 815-965-3433

Online: burpee.org or Facebook

Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Admission: $12 adults, $10 ages 4-12; free for children ages 3 and younger. Special exhibits may have additional fees

DESTINATIONS cont’d to page 73

DESTINATIONS cont’d from page 72

ROCKFORD CONT’D

Camp Grant Museum

Originally built as a firehouse near the end of World War I, Camp Grant became a U.S. Army induction and training camp during World War II. It has an impressive collection of memorabilia reflecting the lifestyle and history of the era.

Address: 1004 Samuelson Road

Phone: 815-395-0679

Online: campgrantmuseum.weebly. com or Facebook

Hours: 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, and by appointment

Admission: By donation

Discovery Center Museum

The Discovery Center boasts more than 250 hands-on exhibits focusing on participatory learning experiences for children and families. The two-story museum also has an outside courtyard along the Rock River.

Address: 711 N. Main St.

Phone: 815-963-6769

Online: discoverycentermuseum.org or Facebook

Hours: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Advance ticket purchases are recommended and can be made online; walk-up admission subject to capacity limits

Admission: $10 per person

Erlander Home Museum

The museum is a cultural centerpiece of Rockford’s Swedish ancestry. The 12-room restored 1871 Victorian home features ethnic furniture, dolls and china collections.

Address: 404 S. Third St.

Phone: 815-963-5559

Online: swedishhistorical.org

Hours: Wednesdays with weekly tours at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and by appointment

Admission: $7

Flow Supreme Air Sports

Come ready to jump, dodge and zip through this indoor playground featuring overhead ziplines, a dodgeball play area, or climb the warped wall or try to conquer the courses.

Address: 5505 E. State St.

Phone: 815-255-3600

Online: flowairsports.com/ and Facebook

Hours: 9 a.m.-9p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday

Admission: see website for rates, tickets

Harkins Aquatic Center

There is a leisure pool with zero-depth entry, open swim and lap lanes. For those looking for play there is a water slide and a children’s spray pool.

Address: 910 Acorn St., Rockford

Phone: 815-987-8805

Online: rockfordparkdistrict.org/ harkins-aquatic-center

Hours: noon-5 p.m.

Admission: Free

Hurricane Harbor Rockford

A Six Flags waterpark, features the Double Dare Drop with a 75 foot plunge, The Abyss, a dark tube slide; SplashBlaster, a water coaster; Breaker Beach; and The Tsunami, a wave pool. There is a Little Lagoon for young children.

Address: 7820 Cherryvale North Blvd.

Phone: 815-966-2442

Online: sixflags.com/hurricaneharborrockford/ or Facebook

Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, late May to early September; check the website or call ahead for closures

Admission: Advance ticket purchase recommended; one-day tickets start at $50, see website for details and to purchase online; park only accepts mobile payment for all transactions

International Women’s Baseball Center

Collection of historical pieces about the players, teams and promoting love of baseball

Address: Rockford University, 5100

Building Room 31, 5050 E. State. St.

Online: internationalwomensbaseballcenter.org

Hours: Vary, see website Keeling-Puri

Peace Plaza

The Peace Plaza was installed to celebrate the heritage and diversity in the Rockford community. Situated on 2.5 acres with links to the 20-mile Perryville recreational trail, it has more than 40 national flags with a center peace sculpture, “Harmony Atlas.”

Address: Perryville Bike Path at Riverside and McFarland streets

Online: keeling-puri-peaceplaza. com

Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden

Klehm celebrates the beauty of nature through all four seasons. The venue features themed and naturalized gardens intertwined with rare trees and 1.4 miles of paved handicap-accessible paths and 3 miles of wooded trails. There also is a children’s garden complete with a maze. Leashed dogs are welcome.

Address: 2715 S. Main St. Phone: 815-965-8146

Online: klehm.org or Facebook

Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily

Admission: $10 adults, $8 seniors, students and ages 4-17, free for children 3 and younger

Larsen’s Landing Outfitters

Larsen’s Landing is a family-owned and operated canoe and kayak rental business on a 30-acre wilderness area with river frontage and hiking paths. Camping is available.

Address: 1951 New Milford School Road

Phone: 815-516-9070 or 815-5169175

Online: canoethekish.com or Facebook

Hours: By reservation

Admission: $70 for a 1-day canoe trip; $45 kayak

Lockwood Park Trailside Equestrian Centre and Sarver Children’s Farm

Lockwood Park is home to the Trailside Equestrian Centre and Children’s Farm. Situated on 40 acres of woods and meadows, the park

has riding trails for ages 8 and older, a pony ring, wagon rides, hayrides, a petting farm, and a Native American village.

Address: 5201 Safford Road

Phone: 815-987-8809

Online: rockfordparkdistrict.org/ lockwood or Facebook

Hours: Vary by attraction

Admission: Varies by attraction; check the website

Midway Village Museum

Set on 137 acres, the Midway Village Museum campus has 26 historic buildings documenting the local history of the late 19th and 20th centuries. The village is representative of a typical rural town in northern Illinois at that time. The campus also includes the Museum Center with exhibitions on local history and the Heritage Gardens, featuring heirloom flowers, unique vegetables and native plants.

Address: 6799 Guilford Road

Phone: 815-397-9112

Online: midwayvillage.com or Facebook

Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday,12-4 p.m. Sunday

Admission: $10 adults, $8 ages 3-17; see website for free/donation days

Mindgames Escape Rooms

Gather up a team and see if you can use your clues and work together solve the puzzles in enough time to escape. Each room has a different theme. There is also an online component.

Address: 3214 S. Alpine Road

Phone: 779-368-0434

Online: mindgamesrockford.com/

Hours: vary, call or visit website to book a time

Admission: $30 per person

DESTINATIONS cont’d to page 74

ROCKFORD CONT’D

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens

Situated along the banks of the Rock River, Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens is the third-largest conservatory in Illinois, offering an 11,000-square-foot tropical plant exhibition. The site also has the Eclipse Lagoon, with two fountains and a waterfall, a pedestrian bridge and a walkway connecting the conservatory to Sinnissippi Gardens, which has an All-American Rose Selection garden with about 2,000 rose plants and 62 varieties. The gardens also include a 32-foot floral clock, colorfully planted with thousands of annuals, and a shaded perennial garden.

Address: 1354 N. Second St. Phone: 815-987-8858

Online: nicholasconservatory.com or Facebook

Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Admission: $10 adults, $8 veterans, $8 seniors and children ages 5-17, $5 children ages 3-4, free for ages 2 and younger; advance tickets and timed entry recommended

NickelWorld

NickelWorld is a family amusement center with more than 100 games, including ticket-dispensing games and video games.

Address: 3321 N. Main St. Phone: 815-877-2771

Online: nickelworld.com or Facebook

Hours: 12-6 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday, 12-8 p.m. Friday, Saturday

Admission: $2.25 plus game fees

Riverview Ice House

This facility features a regulation size rink with grandstand seating for 750, as well as a smaller instructional rink and a concession stand.

Address: 324 N. Madison St.

Phone: 815-963-7408

Online: icerockford.com/riverview or Facebook

Hours: Vary seasonally; check the website or call ahead

rental $3

Rockford Art Museum

The largest art museum in Illinois outside of Chicago, Rockford Museum features an extensive permanent collection of 19th- and 20th-century American art. It is noted for regional and national traveling artist exhibits.

Address: 711 N. Main St.

Phone: 815-968-2787

Online: rockfordartmuseum.org or Facebook

Hours: Galleries closed for construction; to reopen July 2024

Admission: free

Rockford BMX

Rockford BMX is considered the premier BMX racing facility in northern Illinois. See calendar for racing dates and times or register to learn how to become a racer.

Address: 4950 Safford Road

Phone: 815-874-8719

Online: rockfordbmx.com or Facebook

Hours: Vary; check the website

Admission: Varies; check the website or call ahead

Center.

Address: 300 Elm St. Phone: 815-968-5222

Online: icehogs.com or Facebook Hours: Game times vary; check the website

Rock River Trail

Explore the area on foot, bike, horse or even on the water with these trails that cross through downtown Rockford. This website has information on how to travel the trail and some of the highlights including a wine tour and chocolate tours too.

Online: rockrivertrail.com/

Rocky Glen Off-Highway Vehicle Park

Rocky Glen boasts miles of trails on more than 120 acres of terrain. Beginning training areas, an obstacle course and technical skills areas are available for four-wheel off-highway vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, gokarts and motorcycles.

Address: 4012 S. Main St. Phone: 815-963-8081

Online: rockyglenohv.com and Facebook

Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday & Sunday

Admission: $30 adults, $15 ages 10 and younger, $5 for spectators; $11 for Illinois DNR stickers, required for all riders, and quads and side-bysides must have flag, $20 – both sold on site

Seth B. Atwood Park

Rockford FC

The Rockford FC is a semi-pro, community-based soccer club that plays in the Heartland Conference of the Midwest. The team plays at Wyeth Stadium.

Address: 5110 Auburn St.

Online: rockfordfc.com

Hours: Game times vary, check website

Rockford IceHogs

Seth B. Atwood Park features birds of prey, including eagles, hawks, owls and falcons, available for viewing. The park is on 334 acres with a portion of the Kishwaukee River. There are a variety of ecosystems including forests, marshes, prairies, a large quarry and a dry creek bed. It is home to the Atwood Center, which serves as a visitor’s center and allows for viewing of scheduled feeding of the birds of prey.

Address: 2685 New Milford School Road

Phone: 815-966-8747

Online: rockfordparkdistrict.org/ atwood or Facebook

Severson Dells Nature Center

The Severson Dells Nature Center is housed in a converted deer lodge. The 369-acre forest preserve has a 90-percent concentration of native wildflowers and 2.5 miles of walking paths. It also has a butterfly garden and an indoor beehive and aquarium. For younger children The Grove Nature Playscape offers creative ways to enjoy the outdoors. Events calendar includes children’s camps, guided walks, concerts and more. Address: 8786 Montague Road Phone: 815-335-2915

Online: seversondells.com or Facebook

Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday Admission: Free

Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens

Tinker Swiss Cottage, the former home of one-time Rockford Mayor Robert Hall Tinker, offers a glimpse of a forgotten age. The Victorian home was built 1865 and is filled with original furnishings, artwork and family diaries. The cottage is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and the property also has a three-story Swiss-inspired barn and sprawling gardens.

Address: 411 Kent St. Phone: 815-964-2424

Online: tinkercottage.com or Facebook

Admission: Free; available for charter rides by reservation DESTINATIONS cont’d from page 73

Admission Public skate $6; skate

The Rockford IceHogs is an American Hockey League affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks. The team plays at the BMO Harris Bank

Hours: The Park is open 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily; Atwood Center is open Saturdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Admission: Free

Hours: Tours at 1 and 3 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday; guided tours required for admission into the museum Admission: $10 adults; discounts for seniors and students

Trolley Car 36

Trolley Car 36 is a turn-of-the-century, open-air trolley that carries guests along the scenic Rock River Recreation Path.

Address: Riverview Park, 324 N. Madison St.

Phone: 815-987-8894

Online: rockfordparkdistrict.org/ trolley or Facebook

Hours: 4-9 p.m. on Food Truck Tuesdays, see website for other times and dates

THROUGH AUG.

Rockford Rivets — 4503 Interstate Blvd., Loves Park; part of the Northwood League; see website for schedule, tickets; northwoodsleague.com/rockford-rivets/

TUESDAYS, THROUGH AUG. 27

Food Truck Tuesdays — Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Stroll up and order from delicious kitchens on wheels; 4-9 p.m.; nicholasconservatory.com

WEDNESDAYS, THROUGH

OCT. 30

Edgebrook Farmers Market — 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, fearing area’s best seasonal finds from fruits to flowers as well as fresh baked treats, cheeses, honey and more, 9 a.m.-1p.m., edgebrookshops.com/ events/farmers-market/

FRIDAYS,

MAY-SEPT.

City Market — Water Street at East State Street; Shop and stroll through the market and enjoy the lively atmosphere; 4-8:30 p.m.; rockfordcitymarket.com/

SATURDAYS,

MAY-OCT.

North End City Market — near Auburn and North Main; start the weekend at this busy market that

Photo: facebook.com/carsandcoffeerockford/photos

CARS & COFFEE ROCKFORD

June 8, July 6, Aug. 3, Sept. 7 & Oct. 5

502 Seventh St.; vintage to new cars at this monthly event; coffee and doughnuts by Katie’s Cup, 9 a.m.-noon; free; carsandcoffeerockford.com and Facebook

has been a staple in the community for more than 20 years; 8:30 a.m.12:30 p.m.; rockfordcitymarket.com

MAY 18-19

Pec Thing, Winnebago County Fairgrounds — 500 W. First St., Pecatonica; featuring antiques, quilts, crafts, holiday décor, art, woodworking and more; admission is $5, free for children 12 and younger; 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; winnebagocountyfair.com/pec-thing/

WEDNESDAYS & FRIDAYS, MAY 24-AUG. 30

Ski Broncs Waterski Show Team — Shorewood Park, 235 Evelyn Ave., Loves Park; concessions available;

see website for showtimes.; skibroncs.com or Facebook

MAY 25

7th Annual Cruise & Car Show —

Don Carter Lanes 4007 E. State St., Rockford; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; miraclemilerockford.com/events

MAY 27

Memorial Day parade and ceremony — Veterans Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St., Rockford; ceremony includes the annual riverside sinking of the ship ceremony; parade at 9 a.m., ceremony at 11 a.m.; veteransmemorialhall.com or 815-969-1999

TUESDAYS, MAY 28-AUG. 27

Tuesdays Evening in the Gardens

— Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford; featuring local, regional and national touring musicians as they perform in the beautiful outdoor setting; $12 adult admission; free for Premium Garden Members; opener at 5:45 p.m. and headliner at 6:30 p.m.; see website for lineup; no concert July 4; andersongardens.org and Facebook

MAY 31

Friday Night Flix in Davis Park — 320 S. Wyman St.; park opens at 6:30 p.m., movies begin at dusk; concessions available; free; bring lawn chairs and blankets; movie is Aladdin; Facebook ‘Friday Night Flix’ EVENTS cont’d to page 76

JUNE 1

Rockford Area Pride Parade — Downtown Rockford, 513 E. State St.; celebrate with LGBTQ+ friendly businesses and a parade; 11 a.m.; rockfordareapride.org

JUNE 1-2

Garden Fair — Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford; plant and garden sale, art and antique vendors, food and more; tickets are $10; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday; klehm.org or 815-9658146

JUNE 2

Live at Levings: Southern Soul Blues Party — Levings Park, 1420 S. Pierpont Ave., Rockford; live musical performances; 5 p.m.; gorockford.com and Facebook

WEDNESDAYS,

JUNE 5-AUG. 21

Music on the Rock — Burpee Natural History Museum, 737 N. Main St. Rockford; free music event in outdoor theater; 5:30-8:30 p.m.; burpee.org/music-rock

THURSDAYS,

JUNE 6-SEPT. 26

Rockford Midtown Market — parking lot of Rockford Public Schools Dist. 501 Seventh St.; neighborhood market that is pet and bicycle friendly; 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; rockfordmidtownmarket.com and Facebook

JUNE 7

8:30 p.m.; edgebrookshops.com/ events/music-on-the-mall/ Artsy — Edgebrook, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; arts and crafts exhibit featuring local artisans from the community; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; edgebrookshops.com/events/artsy

JUNE

9

South Main Mercado — Heritage Museum Park, 1129 S. Main St.; celebrate Latino culture; 12-7 p.m.; ethnicheritagemuseum.org

JUNE

14

Family Outdoor Garden Hike — Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. Second St.; 10-10:45 a.m.; staff will lead a guided hike to discover plants and animals; free program with museum admission; advanced reservations required; nicholasconservatory.com

Music on the Mall — Center Court of the Mall, Edgebrook 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; featuring music by Swingbilly RFD; 6:30-8:30 p.m.; edgebrookshops.com/events/music-on-the-mall/

JUNE

15

Midsommar Fest — Erlander Home Museum, 404 S. Third St., Rockford; dancing, music, Swedish pancake eating contest and museum tours; $5 admission; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; swedishhistorical.org

JUNE 18

of the Mall, Edgebrook 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; featuring music by Lynx Band; 6:30-8:30 p.m.; edgebrookshops.com/events/music-on-the-mall/

JUNE

28

Music on the Mall — Center Court of the Mall, Edgebrook 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; featuring music of the 80s; 6:30-8:30 p.m.; edgebrookshops.com/events/music-on-the-mall/ Friday Night Flix in Davis Park — 320 S. Wyman St.; park opens at 6:30 p.m., movies begin at dusk; concessions available; free; bring lawn chairs and blankets; movie is Shrek; Facebook ‘Friday Night Flix’

JUNE 30

Live at Levings — Levings Park, 1420 S. Pierpont Ave., Rockford; live musical performances; 5 p.m.; gorockford.com and Facebook

JULY 3

Star Spangled Spectacular by Rockford Symphony — Starlight Theatre, 2202 N. Mulford Road, Rockford; 8 p.m.; rockfordsymphony.com

JULY 5

6:30-8:30 p.m.; edgebrookshops. com/events/music-on-the-mall/

JULY 12-13

Alpine Kiwanis Brat Days —Blain’s Farm & Fleet, 7300 E. Riverside Blvd.; Kiwanis fundraiser; options include a brat, hot dog, meatless options too; entertainment during lunch, dinner; $8; alpinekiwanis-il. com and Facebook

JULY 14

Woodsong Summer Concert — Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford; bring a chair or blanket and enjoy music; gates open at 4 p.m.; $15 admission; klehm.org and Facebook Live at Levings: Red Day Featuring Jamecia Bennett — Levings Park, 1420 S. Pierpont Ave., Rockford; live musical performances; 5 p.m.; gorockford.com and Facebook

JULY

19

Music on the Mall — Center Court of the Mall, Edgebrook 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; featuring music 3 Good Men; 6:30-8:30 p.m.; edgebrookshops.com/events/music-on-the-mall/

JULY

26

EVENTS cont’d from page 75 EVENTS cont’d to page 77

Music on the Mall — Center Court of the Mall, Edgebrook 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; featuring music by River Road Trio; 6:30-

Birding with Bryce — Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford; join wildlife biologist for an early morning walk; bring your own binoculars; admission $5; advance registration required; 7-8:30 a.m.; seversondells.com

JUNE 21

Music on the Mall — Center Court

Music on the Mall — Center Court of the Mall, Edgebrook 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; featuring music by Joel Baer Big Band; 6:308:30 p.m.; edgebrookshops.com/ events/music-on-the-mall/ Brit Floyd — Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford; see website for tickets; 7:30 p.m.; coronadopac.org

JULY

12

Music on the Mall — Center Court of the Mall, Edgebrook 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; featuring music by Dirty Fishnet Stockings;

Music on the Mall — Center Court of the Mall, Edgebrook 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; featuring music by Abbie Thomas & The Crazy Hearts Band; 6:30-8:30 p.m.; edgebrookshops.com/events/music-on-the-mall/ Friday Night Flix in Davis Park — 320 S. Wyman St.; park opens at 6:30 p.m., movies begin at dusk; concessions available; free; bring lawn chairs and blankets; see Facebook ‘Friday Night Flix’

JULY 28

Woodsong Summer Concert —

Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford; bring a chair or blanket and enjoy music; gates open at 4 p.m.; $15 admission; klehm.org and Facebook

Live at Levings: Soul in the Park — Levings Park, 1420 S. Pierpont Ave., Rockford; live musical performances; 5 p.m.; gorockford.com and Facebook

AUG. 2

Music on the Mall — Center Court of the Mall, Edgebrook 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; featuring music by The Grand Groove Hotel; 6:30-8:30 p.m.; edgebrookshops. com/events/music-on-the-mall/

AUG. 11

Woodsong Summer Concert —

Rockford International Airport, 6100 Beltline Road, Rockford; distances of 5K, 10K, 15K and Infinity (8 hours); advance registration required; 8 a.m.-noon; toughmudder.com/events/chicago EVENTS cont’d from page 76

Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford; bring a chair or blanket and enjoy music; gates open at 4 p.m.; $15 admission; klehm.org and Facebook Live at Levings: Gospel in The Park — Levings Park, 1420 S. Pierpont Ave., Rockford; live musical performances; 5 p.m.; gorockford. com and Facebook Polish Fest — St. Stanislaus Church, 201 Buckbee St.; music, dancing, food and more; times TBD; st-stanislaus.org

AUG. 14-18

Winnebago County Fair — Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 500 W. First St., Pecatonica; livestock, 4-H exhibits, music, carnival and more; admission varies by day; winnebagocountyfair.com

AUG. 16

Music on the Mall — Center Court of the Mall, Edgebrook 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; featuring music by The Beaux Band; 6:308:30 p.m.; edgebrookshops.com/ events/music-on-the-mall/

AUG. 19

Full Moon Hike — Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague

www.facebook.com/toughmudder/photos AUG. 24-25

Tough Mudder

Road, Rockford; explore the evening and walk the trails; admission $5; advance registration required; 7:30-9:30 p.m.; seversondells.com

AUG. 23

Music on the Mall — Center Court of the Mall, Edgebrook 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; featuring music by Nauti-Nauti; 6:30-8:30 p.m.; edgebrookshops.com/ events/music-on-the-mall/

AUG. 25

Woodsong Summer Concert — Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford; bring a chair or blanket and enjoy music; gates open at 4 p.m.; $15 admission; klehm.org and Facebook

AUG. 30

Music on the Mall — Center Court of the Mall, Edgebrook 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; featuring

music by Soul2Soul; 6:30-8:30 p.m.; edgebrookshops.com/ events/music-on-the-mall/

SEPT. 8

Woodsong Summer Concert-Hypnotized: The Music of Fleetwood Mac — Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford; bring a chair or blanket and enjoy music; gates open at 4 p.m.; $15 admission; klehm.org and Facebook

SEPT. 14

Rockford Symphony Orchestra performs Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff— Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford; 7:30 p.m.; see website for tickets; rockfordsymphony.com

SEPT. 14-15

Pec Thing — Winnebago County Fairgrounds, 500 W. First St., Peca-

tonica; featuring antiques, quilts, crafts, holiday décor, art, woodworking and more; admission $5, free for children 12 and younger; 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; winnebagocountyfair. com/pec-thing/ Greenwich Village Art Fair — Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St.; artists display their work at outdoor show, live music, food and drink, children’s activities; admission $5 cash admission; Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.5 p.m.; greenwichvillageartfair.com

SEPT.

28-29

World War II Days — Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford; historical displays and re-enactments; admission fee applies; see website for schedule; midwayvillage.com and Facebook

EVENTS cont’d to page 78

cont’d from page 77

SEPT. 29

The Glenn Miller Orchestra — Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford; see website for tickets; 3 p.m.; coronadopac.org

OCT. 5-6

Cider n’ Cinnamon Arts & Crafts Fair — Edgebrook, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; more than 70 vendors displaying variety of art, jewelry, crafts, clothing, vintage decor and more, with food and live music; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday; edgebrookshops.com/ events/cider-n-cinnamon

OCT. 12

The Guess Who — Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford; see website for tickets; 7:30 p.m.; coronadopac.org

OCT. 19-20

Holidazzle Arts & Craft Show —

County Fairgrounds, 500 W. First St., Pecatonica; gifts, crafts, art and holiday decor; $5 admission, free for children 12 and younger; Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. -3 p.m.; winnebagocountyfair. com/holidazzle

OCT. 20

Stayin’ Alive: One Night of the Bee Gees — Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford; see website for tickets; 7:30 p.m.; coronadopac.org

OCT. 26

Rockford Symphony Orchestra Spooktacular— Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford; wear a costume and enjoy spooky symphonic sounds; see website for tickets; 4 p.m.; coronadopac.org

NOV. DATE TBD

Stroll on State — Downtown Rockford; featuring holiday activities including a tree lighting, wagon rides,

(scroll

visit with Santa and a parade; food and drink for purchase; 2-9 p.m.; gorockford.com/stroll-on-state/

NOV.

1

Kansas — Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford; see website for tickets; 7:30 p.m.; coronadopac.org

NOV.

22

Holiday Tree Lighting and Open House — Edgebrook, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; visit with Santa, holiday carols, tree lighting at 5 p.m.; edgebrookshops.com/ events/holiday-tree-lighting/

NOV. 23-24

Holiday Blitz Craft and Vendor Show — Stateline Sports Center, 7939 Burden Road, Machesney Park; admission is $1; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; gorockford.com

DEC. 7

Nutcracker — Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford; collaboration of Rockford Symphony Orchestra and Rockford Dance Company; see website for tickets; 6 p.m.; coronadopac.org

DEC. 14

Last-Minute Market — Edgebrook, 1639 N. Alpine Road, Rockford; find arts, crafts and gift ideas; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; edgebrookshops.com/events

JAN. 2025 DATE TBD

Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition — Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford. Viewing hours are daily from sunrise until 10:30 p.m.; sculptures will remain after the competition, until they melt. Limited parking is available at the park, additional parking in overflow parking lot at Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, 1354 N. Second St., just west of the park, across Second Street. Note: Event date varies, based on weather; go to ilsnowsculpting.com for the latest updates.

And now that you’ve read about events and destinations throughout the Sauk Valley, read about the communities they call home, in Sauk Valley Media’s local magazines — Carroll County Living, Dixon Living, Ogle County Living, Sterling-Rock Falls Living, Small Town Living East and Small Town Living West, and more! All at shawlocal.com/saukvalley/ enewspaper/

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 DESTINATIONS cont’d to p. 80

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

DESTINATIONS cont’d from page 79

FULTON CONT’D

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

Address: 515 N. Fourth St. 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

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

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.

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

DESTINATIONS cont’d to page 81

DESTINATIONS cont’d from page 80

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-inthe-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 con-

nect 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.

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, 815499-0520 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

Crystal Lake RV Park

Crystal Lake, adjacent to the Hennepin Canal Parkway and across

Firehouse of God minister and parttime 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

DESTINATIONS cont’d to page 82

DESTINATIONS cont’d from page 81

ROCK FALLS CONT’D

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 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/rbwpark-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

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@shawmedia.com

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

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

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 815-622-6204

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

DESTINATIONS cont’d to page 84

DESTINATIONS cont’d from page 83

STERLING CONT’D

Lincoln in Sterling statue

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

Address: Propheter Park, 506 E. Sixth St.

Phone: 815-632-6621

Online: ci.sterling.il.us/history. cfm

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-a-kind. 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 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 top-of-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

TAMPICO

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.

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

Photos: Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media

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,

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

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 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

EVENTS cont’d to p. 87

EVENTS cont’d from page 86

JULY 9

Mainly Marathons: Heartland

Series — Day 4 of what’s billed as the “world’s best multi-day, multistate 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 admission; 5-8 p.m.; visitrockfalls.com or Facebook

JULY 11-13

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 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

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

EVENTS cont’d to page 88

EVENTS cont’d from page 87

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

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

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

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

EVENTS cont’d to page 89

EVENTS cont’d from page 88

SEPT. 21

Paint the Town — downtown Morrison; register to paint your own 5-by5-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

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

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.

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.

com and Facebook

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/saukvalley-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

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

EVENTS cont’d to page 90

EVENTS cont’d from page 89

OCT. 26

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

NOV. 3

SVM file photo

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

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.

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

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 Christ-

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

mas 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

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

Christmas in the Canyon — Experience a holiday in the 1800s. Fulton’s Heritage Canyon offers demonstrations, 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 threeday 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