Grand Village of the Illinois

In 1673, this was the site of the first Native American contact with Europeans when Father Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet passed up the Illinois River. Located in the middle of the site is the 1851 Sulphur Springs Hotel, a resort for travelers and visitors.

CITY: Utica

Hegeler Carus Mansion

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this 57-room, Victorian-era mansion features century-old chandeliers, ornate woodwork and other fine details. It was built in 1876 by Edward C. Hegeler and the mansion was designed by Chicago architect William W. Boyington.

CITY: LaSalle

Amish Ways Country Store

Quilts, crafts, florals, pottery, jams, jellies, popcorn, seasonal items and more. Christmas walk 1st weekend Nov.

CITY: Paw Paw

Annie's Little Pots and Pottery Center

Annies Little Pots is a “must-see” shop in Princeton, Illinois. Discover many local artists along with Ann Dittmer’s beautiful hand-made pottery, created in her on-site studio. Besides Princeton's own handmade pottery, you’ll find Metal Sculpture, Home & Garden decor, soaps, candles, jewelry, and original paintings. Want to try your hand at the Pottery Wheel? Schedule a Pottery Class. The Pottery Cellar located in the basement of Annies Little Pots features a fun Paint Your Own Pottery Studio.

CITY: Princeton

Reddick Mansion Association

One of Ottawa's greatest treasures. Pre-Civil war mansion, one of the area's most expensive and ornate Italianate residences. Tours available. Check website for hours.

CITY: Ottawa

Apollo Theatre

In 2009, Lara & Joachim (Jay) Schneider bought the Apollo. Since then there have been quite a few changes. Just recently new seats were installed and the concession area was given a make-over. We offer "Buy Nachos For One Buck Mondays" and BYOB (Bring Your Own Bucket and fill it up for only 75 cents) Tuesdays! If you never been to the Apollo or haven't been in awhile, please come and see this Princeton landmark!

CITY: Princeton

H.I. Lincoln Store

Two-story stone building built in 1860 by Abe Lincoln's cousin. Restored dry goods store houses a consignment shop featuring local artisans. Also national headquarters for the Lincoln Highway Assn.

CITY: Franklin Grove

Blue Beaker

Handcrafted Soap, tea, chocolate and gourmet treats, fair trade clothing & goods, yarns, knitting & crochet supplies, fairy gardens, miniature plants, garden accents, home decor, lighting and more! Classes offered too!

CITY: Ottawa

Ottawa Visitors Center

Open 7 days a week to service the traveling public. The Ottawa Visitors Center is your one stop shop for information on Ottawa's special events, free tour guides and unique Ottawa souvenirs at our Souvenir Shoppe.

CITY: Ottawa

Country Village Studio

Portrait studio and gallery conveniently located in downtown Utica. Providing photographic services to the area, including a gallery of local artists. Open Monday-Saturday.

CITY: North Utica

Déjà vu

Enter and enjoy a 3,500 sq ft. building full of unique gifts, florals, and home décor.

CITY: Ottawa

LaSalle County Historical Museum

LaSalle County history including Native American artifacts in an I & M Canal era warehouse, plus a blacksmith shop, a one room school and pioneer farm equipment.

CITY: Utica

Hume Carnegie Museum

Wild Bill Hickok, extensive photographic collection, memorabilia of yesteryear, and special exhibits.

CITY: Mendota

Mendota Museum and Historical Society

Mendota Museum & Historical Society's mission is to promote the preservation of the history of Mendota, its railroads and recognizing agricultural heritage through three museums. Hume-Carnegie Museum Saturday & Sunday 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM 3/1 - 12/15; Union Depot Railroad Museum Wed., Sat & Sun Noon to 4:00 PM, 3/1 – 12/15 Breaking the Prairie Museum by appointment. Office hours T, W, & TH – F - 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM.

CITY: Mendota

The Back Door Lounge at Starved Rock Lodge

Enjoy a relaxed dinner on the veranda during the summer months and live music every Friday from 8pm to 11pm. Rock, alternative, acoustic, R & B, Jazz, country & pop. Visit the website for a complete music schedule. Special events include beer dinners, pub crawls, theater productions, and holiday events.

CITY: North Utica

B L Kassabaum Artist's Gallery

Limited edition prints, originals, conservation framing, appraisal art & photo restoration, cards.

CITY: Princeton

Bureau County Historical Museum

The Bureau County Historical Society Museum is located behind the Courthouse square at the intersection of beautiful Park Avenue West and Pleasant Street in Princeton, Illinois. The museum consists of two buildings that are next door to each other: the Clark-Norris Home, a handsome Prairie Square mansion built in 1900, and the Newell-Bryant House, a stately Greek Revival house dating back to 1853. The Museum is behind the Courthouse. There is free parking on Park Avenue in front of the Museum.

CITY: Princeton

Ottawa Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum

A museum established to promote and preserve the history of the Ottawa area and the colorful and proud traditions of Boy/Girl Scouting and Camp Fire. Features national traveling exhibits from museums and libraries. Open Thursday-Monday 10:00 AM-4:00 PM, Closed on Holidays.

CITY: Ottawa

Amboy Depot Museum

Built in 1876, this 19-room museum, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was the division headquarters for Illinois Central Railroad. The museum showcases local artifacts from Amboy and the surrounding area.

CITY: Amboy

Clark St. Studio & Village Pottery

Wheel-thrown pottery by resident potter.

CITY: Utica

Franklin Creek Preservation Area

Franklin Creek Grist Mill, 1893 Twist Road off Old Mill Road, Franklin Grove. Covered wagon tours. Interpretive Center.

CITY: Franklin Grove

Putnam County Historical Society

Tours of the recently restored, redecorated 1844 Pulsifer House. Genealogical historical research facilities. Open Wed & Fri from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Agricultural Museum open by appointment.

CITY: Hennepin

Mendota Hills Wind Farm

The largest commercial wind farm in Illinois features 63 towering windmills that are an awesome sight to see, and generate an alternative source of electric power.

CITY: Paw Paw

Marie Olmstead Museum

Described as "a hidden gem" of local cultural, natural and prehistoric history for lower DeKalb and upper LaSalle Counties. Three rooms comprising some 5,000 square feet packed full of artifacts and antiques that could be featured on "Antiques Raodshow". One of the "must-sees" is a 32-round flitlock rifle reportedly presented to Chief Shabbona at the signing of the peace treaty at Prairie du Chien in 1829. A favorite of the youngsters to see while visiting the museum is a stuffed, two-headed calf.

CITY: Somonauk

The Carving Shop

The Carving Shop features the work of Joe Dillet, Master Craftsman, and specializes in custom hand carved heirlooms for the family, church and architectural carvings. We work from your designs, or ours, to create an awesome look that only hand carving can achieve. All wood is seasoned. All work is protected with a finish that will last many years. All work is guaranteed.

CITY: Somonauk

Unique Embroidery

Embroidery on shirts, caps, bags, etc.

CITY: Franklin Grove

Country Mill Square - Waterman

Gifts and antiques. Cards, gifts, and country furniture built and hand-painted by local artisans. Christmas room, baskets, candles, throws, collectible dolls, pottery, and more. We buy antiques.

CITY: Waterman

Festival 56

Festival 56 is now a year-round professional theater festival, with 10 productions each year. Each season, Festival 56 assembles from across the country a team of the most creative and talented artists living and working in professional theater today. The festival presents a wide spectrum of programming, from free productions of Shakespeare to classic and world premier musicals and the masterworks of playwrights such a Steinbeck, Ibsen and Tennessee Williams. Festival 56 is committed to championing the American theater as an art form by creating a home for the artists who are its heart and soul.

CITY: Princeton