Oakdale Nature Preserve

This Nature Preserve offers 133 acres of oak and hickory woodlands, restored prairies and shallow streams. Over four miles of winding trails are great for hiking, running, cross-country skiing, nature study and quiet reflection. Facilities, which are available to rent, include the Mogle Learning Center with meeting space for 20 people, a lodge with a kitchen and dining hall that can seat up to 80. The Oakdale Octagon Shelter has seating for up to 350 and a stage. Two picnic shelters as well as other picnic tables are available.

CITY: Freeport

Freeport Farmers Market

All local products from certified organic to conventional fruit and vegetables, cheeses, meats, eggs, baked goods, honey, maple syrup, jams and jellies, bedding plants, perennials, fresh flowers, loose leaf teas, and handmade bath and beauty products in a festive market atmosphere. The Freeport Farmers Market is in operation from May through October in the CVS parking lot on South Street in Freeport.

CITY: Freeport

Lena Water Tower

Built in 1896, the 100-foot-tall tower is believed to be one of only three in Illinois of similar construction, and has become the symbol of the Village of Lena.

CITY: Lena

Harmony Hills Bed & Breakfast

Enjoy country hospitality and charm at this 5 acre retreat in Northern Illinois designed especially for couples seeking time away or small groups wanting to share time together. Our property is nestled among a forest of pine trees and 100 year old oak trees. In addition to offering 4 tastefully and comfortably decorated Suites (each with its own bathroom) we offer many extra amenities.

CITY: Oregon

Abreo Restaurant, Wine Bar & Patio

In the heart of the up-and-coming 500 block, Abreo has become known as downtown's premiere restaurant and nightspot. Housed in vintage 1888 architecture, the atmosphere is uniquely its own. From its cozy wine bar with a beautiful stone fireplace, its whimsical dining room, its peaceful garden patio, to its intimate wine cellar, Abreo is an experience for all of the senses.

CITY: Rockford

Ethnic Heritage Museum

Six nationalities that helped shape the cultural region are represented in this home museum, built in 1850. Located in the heart of the old water power district, the house features a room for each ethnic group it represents: African American, Irish, Italian, Lithuanian, Polish, and Hispanic. Call to confirm hours and admission fees.

CITY: Rockford

4 Seasons Bowling Center

This is a 40-lane bowling center with automatic scoring, Thunder Alley sound and light experience, which is open to the public. Jumping Joe's Sports Bar & Grill, Flip Pizza Restaurant, & full service banquet facilities are also offered.

CITY: Freeport

Garnhart's Oliver Museum

Explore the largest Oliver Hart-Parr collection in the Midwest, including farm toys, advertising, and collectibles dating back to 1860, and real antique tractors and machinery. Bus and group tours are available, but should be scheduled in advance.

CITY: German Valley

Rockford College Art Gallery

Six exhibitions per year featuring local and national artists, including Rockford College students and faculty.

CITY: Rockford

Byron Dragway

See NHRA championship drag racing.

CITY: Byron

Huron Farm Market

This multi-seasonal shop offers a garden center in the spring, a summer produce market, and fall and Halloween items in the autumn. From April thru October, also enjoy a flea market every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

CITY: Eleroy

Jane Addams Recreation Trail

This multi-use 15 mile recreational trail offers beautiful scenery and is highlighted by 21 decked bridges passing over and through wetlands, creeks, woods, prairies, geologic formations and farmland. The trail is part of the Grand Illinois Trail that traverses Northern Illinois. Its crushed limestone surface may be used by hikers, bicyclist, snowmobilers, and cross-country skiers. An additional two miles of paved trail to Highway 26 has been constructed at the southern end. The final two mile connection into historic downtown Freeport will soon be under construction. The Jane Addams Trail connects at the Wisconsin state-line with Badger Trail which extends to Madison, Wisconsin. It will also connect, in downtown Freeport, with the Pecatonica Prairie path currently under development between Freeport and Rockford. Access to the trail is available at the Wes Block Access, Freeport (exit off Highway 26 1/4 miles south of the Highway 20 intersection).

CITY: Freeport

Studio Theatre at Rock Valley College

During the fall and spring semesters, Rock Valley College sponsors a Studio Theatre program, giving students and amateur actors in the area a chance to perform with guest professionals in plays such as Wings, Black Coffee, and 1940's Radio Hour. Each year the Studio Theatre presents a William Shakespeare classic. The Studio Theatre also has a new play development program with productions that have included American Rock!, Kite's Book, and Christmas With the Conroys.

CITY: Rockford

Byron Civic Center

Musicals, comedies and mysteries are performed August-May at this civic center located in Byron High School.

CITY: Byron

A.G. Spalding: From Byron to the Big Leagues Exhibit

Located at the Byron Museum of History, this exhibit features Hall of Fame baseball pitcher Albert Spalding, from his youth in Byron to his league pitching career and the founding of the Spalding Sporting Goods Company.

CITY: Byron

Butch's Antiques

American country antiques/primitives. Restoring of 18th and 19th century and new furniture. Refinishing, cabinet making, and fire and water damage restoration. Accepting Master Card and Visa.

CITY: Freeport

Evergreen Farm Inn

The house has been completely redecorated to reflect the earlier days of the 1900's. Many of the original antiques furnish the rooms. This picturesque "bed and breakfast" is located in a farming community.

CITY: Forreston

Patchwork Inn

Step back in time to a gentler age when hospitality was an art form and life was unhurried. Relax in the elegant parlor, while away an hour on the front porch or explore many of the area's attractions and state parks. Located in a restored 1840's inn, guest rooms feature restored and functional antiques along with individual room telephones and cable TV. The lower level is a great place to hold meetings or celebrate special events.

CITY: Oregon

Andrew's Mill Park

Picnic area, pond for fishing & ice skating with handicap accessible fishing pier, Gerald Strohecker natural area with native woodland, prairie and wetland.

CITY: Pearl City

Erlander Home Museum

The cultural centerpiece of Rockford's Swedish-ancestry community, Erlander Home Museum is located in Rockford's first brick home, built by John and Inga Stina Erlander family in 1871. Restored to its original Victorian decor, the twelve-room home features collections that include Rockford-made furniture, a renowned collection of more than 50 dolls created by Charlotte Weibull and many artifacts recalling Swedish immigration to northern Illinois and Rockford's Swedish heritage. Don't miss the Midsommar festival in mid-June; the First Annual KUBB Tournament in early June; Julmarknad in late November; Lucia in early December; Camp Sweden, a youth camp, in July; Swedish language classes offered in the fall and spring.

CITY: Rockford

Artists' Ensemble Theatre

Artists's Ensemble is a thriving theater group that offers five professional productions a year in the Clark Arts Center at Rockford College. Tickets are available by phone or online.

CITY: Rockford

Byron Natural History Museum

This natural history museum displays prairies, woodlands, wetlands and other interesting exhibits illustrating life as it existed hundreds of years ago in Northern Illinois. Be sure to make a stop at the museum gift shop.

CITY: Byron

Prairie View Golf Course - Byron Forest Preserve

This 18-hole course has bent grass fairways, tees and greens, a practice area, full-service clubhouse, and rental carts with canopies.

CITY: Byron

Lincoln The Debater Statue

This famous statue was designed by Leonard Crunelle of Chicago, and was presented to Freeport at the 71st anniversary of the Lincoln-Douglas Debate on August 27, 1929, by local industrialist W. T. Rawleigh. It is located in Taylor Park.

CITY: Freeport

McArthurs Reclaimed Treasures Antiques

McArthurs specializes in reclaimed garden treasures and also has a wide variety of antiques, and collectibles on two floors. This wonderful shop is a must for lovers of garden antiques.

CITY: Lena

Mount Morris Motel

Nearest motel to White Pines, one level no stairs to climb, cable TV, A/C, eat, and 24 hour phone.

CITY: Mount Morris

White Pines Dinner Theater

Entertainment abounds with a dinner theater sporting musical comedies and murder mystery plays. Groups large or small. Call for reservations located in the beautiful White Pines Forest State Park.

CITY: Mount Morris

Rockford College Performing Arts Department

Four productions per year in Clark Arts Center's Maddox and Cheek Theatres, performed by theater students, plus student-directed 3-Penny Theater productions, the Rockford College Forum Series, and Common Destines programs.

CITY: Rockford

Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park Campground

This undiscovered, comfortable, and family oriented campground in Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park offers 183 camping sites. Electrical hook-up is offered at 132 sites. Also available are 12 hydrants for water, a trailer dump station; flush toilets and showers are available from May 1 to October 31. An equestrian campground and trails are available from April 15 to November 15 - weather permitting. Pets and campfires are allowed. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Reservations seven days in advance of arrival my be made at www.reserveamerica.com. Rates: Electric Sites: $20 (Non Holiday Weekends) $30 (Holiday weekends - Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day) Non Electric Sites: $10. Illinois residents 62 and over receive a $5 discount Monday thru Thursday.

CITY: Lena

Memory Lane Retreat

Located in the serene countryside, this is the perfect location for a getaway with friends. The home has three bedrooms which accommodate up to nine, a fully-equipped kitchen, dining room and three bathrooms. There is a beautiful and spacious Great Room with natural light overlooking the pond and countryside which is a perfect spot for a group to enjoy scrapbooking, quilting, knitting, or just getting away. Rates: Week Day: $75 to $99 per person; Weekend: $99 to $125 per person.

CITY: Orangeville

Emerald Acres Campground

Open: May 1 thru October 15. This campground offers 46 sites with electrical and water hookups in additions to 70 permanent sites, as well as tent sites. Sewer hookups are offered when available. Also offered are two bath houses with flush toilets, showers, beach swimming, a restaurant, and playground area. Pets on a leash and campfires are allowed. Special amenities include fishing, and activities on holiday weekends. Visitors are invited to enjoy the summer at this special place. Electric and water site: $25; Ten sites: $20. Rates are for 2 adults and two children under 17. Additional day visitor is $3.00 or $5.00 for additional overnight visitor.

CITY: Pearl City

Lincoln Park

Enjoy this park offering a picnic area, playground, shelter and restroom facilities as well as access to the Pecatonica Prairie Path which is currently under construction. The Pecatonica River may also be accessed for boating and canoeing approximately 200 yards from the park.

CITY: Ridott

Sportscore One

This 105-acre sports complex, host to local and national tournaments, features eight lighted softball diamonds, eight regulation and 11 practice soccer fields, nine sand volleyball pits, concession stands, a soccer center with lockers, a boat ramp and a walking path.

CITY: Rockford

Erlander Home Museum

The cultural centerpiece of Rockford's Swedish-ancestry community, Erlander Home Museum is located in Rockford's first brick home, built by John and IngaStina Erlander family in 1871. Restored to its original Victorian decor, the twelve-room home features collections that include Rockford-made furniture, a renowned collection of more than 50 dolls created by Charlotte Weibull and many artifacts recalling Swedish immigration to northern Illinois and Rockford's Swedish heritage. Don't miss the Midsommar Dag festival in mid-June, and Lucia Fest in early December.

CITY: Rockford

Byron Museum Of History & Lucius Read House

The Byron Museum Complex consists of a large Exhibit Hall and the historic Lucius Read House, which was on the Underground Railroad and is a listed site on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. The Read House features a permanent exhibit entitled, ‘From Shackles to Freedom: The Underground Railroad’ which shines a spotlight on Byron’s participation in the Underground Railroad. We are happy to accommodate group tours outside regular hours. Tours are free and are self-guided or a docent can be arranged. We also have ample meeting space available.

CITY: Byron

Silver Moon Winery

Enjoy a glass of wine by the fireplace and chat with the winemaker, who is always delighted to share his passion for making wine with guests.

CITY: Lanark

Motel 6 - Rockford

With newly renovated guestrooms and lobby, the hotel is convenient to I-90 and Illinois Business 20. Always fresh, always clean, our 131 guest rooms include a remote-controlled TV with free cable. No pets except service guide animals.

CITY: Rockford

Olympic Tavern

Friendly neighborhood place for drinks, pizza, homemade soup or full dinners. Steaks, chops, chicken, seafood, ribs, barbeque, pizza, pasta and salads. Patio dining in summer. Full bar.

CITY: Rockford

Wetlands Preserve

57-acre wetlands preserve features wildflower, birds, and wildlife, which may be viewed from an observation deck.

CITY: Freeport

Fever River Railroad

For model railroad aficionados -- and everyone else who ever enjoyed model trains -- this model railroad is something to see. The Fever River Railroad is a 120X24-foot HO scale model of a hypothetical railroad running from Duluth, Minnesota to St. Louis, Missouri. This fully operational model railroad has detailed scenery, rail yards, factories, and interchanges with many other railroads. The model railroad allows for the operation of multiple trains along railroad right-of-way that portrays typical towns along the Duluth to St. Louis route. The Fever River Railroad is an ongoing project with upgrades to the layout and scenery that provides an exciting model railroad experience. A collection of railroad memorabilia and pictures, many from the surrounding area, are on display throughout the facility. The Stephenson Society of Model Trainmen, who operate the railroad, host an open house twice a year, and visitors are welcome at other times by appointment.

CITY: Freeport

Zealous Art Studio

This exceptional art gallery features local artists - paintings, photography, ceramics, and woodworking. Also offered are children's art classes as well as pottery classes.

CITY: Freeport

Slip and Slurry Pottery

Full working pottery studio and store for 24 years, stoneware and porcelain.

CITY: Oregon

Soldiers Memorials

The Civil War Soldiers Monument, on the southwest corner of the Stephenson County Courthouse, is inscribed with the names of those soldiers from Stephenson County who lost their lives in the Civil War. On the southeast corner is the Stephenson County Vietnam Era Veterans Memorial, which is a bronze statue of a full-sized M-16 with a bayonet stuck in the ground and a helmet on top.

CITY: Freeport

Silver Creek and Stephenson Railroad and Silvercreek Museum

All aboard, as a 36-ton, 1912 Heisler steam locomotive pulls three cabooses, including an antique red caboose reported to be the oldest in the state, for a four-mile ride through farmlands. Purchase your ticket at the Silver Creek Depot, a turn-of-the-century replica filled with railroad artifacts, and browse the Freight House Gift Shop and Silvercreek Museum that's filled with early Americana.

CITY: Freeport

Lena KOA Kampground

Visit the KOA for a complete camping experience, including cottages, cabins and campsites, at this friendly, quiet, and relaxing rural setting. The five log cottages offer shower baths, kitchenettes, gas log fireplaces and air-conditioning. One cottage is wheelchair accessible. There are six cabins with heat and air-conditioning. The guest provides bedding and utensils, but has use of the KOA's Kamping Kitchen. There are ninety campsites that include full hookup, open grassy or wooded sites, and big rig long and level pull through sites with 50 AMP service. The recreation/game roon, heated pool with slide, bike rental, jumping pillow, playground, and sand volleyball will be a hit with the kids. Pets on a leash and campfires are allowed. Small county store with groceries and gift shop, RV supplies, and LP gas are also available. Open: April 1 thru November 1 (Limited winter facilities)

CITY: Lena

Pec Playhouse Theatre

Performances produced by people dedicated to proividing quality community theatre in an intimate, rustic venue.

CITY: Pecatonica

Graham-Ginestra House

An 1857 Italianate limestone house with ceiling murals, parquet floors, pocket doors, stained glass, curved staircase, carriage house and stables. English garden. Special events. Guided tours for groups on Sundays by appointment.

CITY: Rockford

Giovanni's Restaurant & Big Al's Bar

A local favorite, Giovanni’s Restaurant is known for its good food, service and competitive prices. Extensive banquet facilities. Big Al's Bar, an upscale entertainment and jazz bar, has a bar menu that includes pasta dishes, sandwiches appetizers & much more.

CITY: Rockford

JMK Nippon

Midwest's finest Japanese restaurant where they prepare your meal right before your eyes at the Teppan tables. Traditional seafood, steak and chicken dishes and sushi bar. Karaoke Bar.

CITY: Rockford

Lexington Hotel at Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort - Rockford

Cliffbreakers overlooks the beautiful Rock River. Whether you have come here to attend a business meeting or celebrate with loved ones during a wedding reception, enjoy an evening of fine dining in Cliffbreakers Restaurant, a view of the Rock River will offer a pleasant and memorable time. On-site fine dining restaurant, martini lounge, Swedish hot rock sauna, business center, 25,000 sq. ft. of function space.

CITY: Rockford

Cheese Market

This cheese shop features a wide variety of cheese, as well as local artisan cheese, sausages, Amish salsas, jams and local vegetables. Open: Sunday: 11 am - 4 pm; Monday - Friday: 10 am - 6 pm; S: 9 am - 6 pm.

CITY: Freeport

Book Stall of Rockford

Used and rare books: history, military, cookbooks, art, antiques, poetry, fiction, technology, natural history. First editions, hard-to-find and antiquarian books. By chance or by appointment.

CITY: Rockford

Spare Time Lanes (Lena)

Enjoy the fun of bowling.

CITY: Lena

Lena Farmer's Market

Local farmers offer this seasonal farmers market with a variety of locally grown seasonal produce, fruit, and baked goods. Open every Saturday from 8 am - 11 am June thru September.

CITY: Lena

Gensler Gardens

Gensler Gardens is a family owned operation specilizing in greenhouses and locally grown vegetables.

CITY: Loves Park

Lowden-Miller State Forest

A 2,225-acre state forest situated along the Rock River. Enjoy hunting, hiking, cross-country skiing and equestrian trails.

CITY: Oregon

4 Season Bowling Center

40-lane center with automatic scoring. Jumpin' Joe's Sports Bar & Grill and full service banquet facilities are also offered.

CITY: Freeport

River House Bed & Breakfast Getaway Retreat - Machesney Park

The River House is actually two waterfront lodges, well separated on five tree shaded acres. The luxury Getaway Lodge offers couples romance in three suites complete with Jacuzzi, fireplace, and gourmet breakfast, plus special occassion amenities for honeymoon or anniversary romance. The Timeaway Lodge, with five family sized guestrooms, offers comfortable, child friendly accommodations for leisure travel or group retreat. It is an ideal location with its large gathering room, conversation bar and outdoor deck to host a family reunion, church or business retreat, scrapbooking weekend, or wedding ceremony and reception. Special package options are available. An Extended Stay furnished apartment also available for weekly rental.

CITY: Machesney Park

Silver Ridge Golf Course

Silver Ridge is an 18-hole public golf course.

CITY: Oregon

StudioPLUS - Rockford

Conveniently located, just off I-90 and Business Rt. 20, all rooms have full kitchens, including a full refrigerator and freezer, oven and four burner stovetop, microwave, coffee maker, toaster, and kitchen utensils, and free Wifi. Conveniently located, just off I-90 and Business Rt. 20. Near Magic Waters waterpark, CherryVale Mall, antique shops, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center.

CITY: Rockford

Jeanette Lloyd Theater

Large theater with seating for 850

CITY: Freeport

Lena Area Historical Museum

The Lena Historical Museum tells the history of Lena and the surrounding area, with galleries focusing on various historical topics. Highlights include a Civil War regimental flag and an extensive clothing collection. Also on the grounds are a summer kitchen, the first log schoolhouse built in Lena, an Illinois Central Railroad caboose, a general store, a recreated chapel, and a barn filled with antique vehicles and farm tools.

CITY: Lena

White Pines Inn Gift Shop

Charming country gift shop that's chock full of jellies, jams, quilts, and country decor. Located in log building in White Pine Forest State Park.

CITY: Mount Morris

Five Forks Market

Tapas-based cuisine plus a variety of sandwiches and soups. Extensive gourmet "to go" menu. Wine sales and free wine tasting Saturday afternoons.

CITY: Rockford

Hoffman House Restaurant

Continental cuisine, steaks and prime rib in a relaxed setting. Banquet facilities to 400 people. Full bar, plus Rockford's hottest sports bar, the Scoreboard. Inside the Holiday Inn, but owned separately.

CITY: Rockford

Courtyard by Marriott - Rockford

Courtyard surrounds travelers with the conveniences that make business and pleasure travel easy. Relax and get ready for the day ahead in one of our spacious guest rooms, featuring a comfortable sitting area, large work desk, two phones with data ports, free in-room high speed Internet access, in-room coffee service, HBO, in-room movies, and a newspaper. Unwind in our swimming pool, whirlpool and fitness room. No pets except service guide animals. Totally non-smoking facility. 24 hour Courtyard Market with snacks and drinks for your convenience. WiFi in lobby. You can also dine at the The Bistro, a "fast casual" restaurant for guests and the public, serving breakfast and dinner. The restaurant proudly serves Starbucks coffee and products 24 hours a day.

CITY: Rockford

Cedarville Historical Museum

This museum is located in an 1889 school building and features a permanent exhibit honoring Jane Addams, who was born and raised in Cedarville. Miss Addams was an internationally famous humanitarian and social work pioneer who founded Chicago's Hull House and won the Nobel Peace Prize. Museum exhibits include personal items and memorabilia from her life and the life of her family. There are also changing exhibits on topics of local historical interest and a research center and a research center.

CITY: Cedarville

Lindo Theater

This historic movie theater, built in 1922, features first-run movies presented in the latest 4K digital projection and sound on nine screens. Stadium seating, digital 3D and party room.

CITY: Freeport

John Deere Home

John Deere's home still stands with a working replica of his blacksmith shop and a preserved archeological dig that unearthed Deere's original shop.

CITY: Grand Detour

McConnell Area Historical Society & Museum

Items on display in this local town museum include a mill stone, ox yoke, McConnell telephone switchboard, and other items relating to the history of McConnell and Waddams Township. There is a large collection of family histories, obituaries, and genealogical materials. Special activities and exhibits are planned for each of the open dates.

CITY: McConnell

Hansens Hideaway Ranch & Campground

Tents, pop-ups and RV camping sites with water and electric hookups, swimming, nature trails, arcade, snack bar, playground, horseshoe pits, covered pavilion, restrooms, showers, sanitary dumping station, fire rings, firewood, and ice available.

CITY: Oregon

Burns House

The first brick home built in Polo is now a tourist information center and home of the local Convention and Visitors Bureau.

CITY: Polo

Comfort Inn - Rockford

The hotel is centrally located within one mile of several restaurants and shopping areas, close to I-90 and Business 20. Pets allowed with fee.

CITY: Rockford

Red Roof Inn - Rockford

Newly remodeled rooms throughout. Conveniently located to I-90, Free high-speed internet for T-Mobile customers. Free USA Today.

CITY: Rockford

Dakota Nature Trail

The Dakota Nature Trail for biking, hiking, and cross-county skiing links Dakota Park with the Dorothy Wirth Nature Area. The trail surface is crushed limestone and follows a former railroad right-of-way. The trail begins on Main Street in Dakota.

CITY: Dakota

Ferguson Fine Arts Theatre

Located on the campus of Highland Community College - features a variety of fine arts programming including vocal and music concerts, live theater, special performances, and the popular Summerset Theater Program, a community performing arts theater.

CITY: Freeport

Old River School Historic District

This residential district includes original Freeport and the city's first street, Monterey, and was later known as the "Gold Coast". Points of interest include Freeport's oldest house (built in 1838), the childhood home of famed Hollywood gossip columnist Louella Parsons, a monument honoring Freeport's founder, William "Tutty" Baker, and the Van Buren Bridge, built in 1885 of wrought iron.

CITY: Freeport

Silvercreek Museum

This museum, operated by the Stephenson County Antique Engine Club, which also operates the Silver Creek and Stephenson Railroad, offers 20 rooms of early Americana. Exhibts include 500 pieces of crockery, dolls, a recreated schoolroom and kitchen, art exhibits, quilts, tools and agricultural equipment, and many other historical exhibits. Also on the grounds is a display of antique machinery and an exhibit of Henny Motor Company vehicles which were manufactured in Freeport. Plus visitors can view the Cooper-Corliss engine, a giant 130-ton steam engine with a 25 foot flywheel which originally operated a rolling mill in a zinc plant. Special exhibits and events are featured throughout the year.

CITY: Freeport

Uniquely Yours Quilt Shop

Enjoy this store offering over 6000 bolts of the finest quality 100% cotton quilting fabric, quilt books, patterns, supplies and classes. Original designs and patterns plus kits galore.

CITY: Freeport

The Pink Anchor Gift Store

A glorious and eclectic artisan gallery for both the heart and soul. Handmade cards, Southwestern pendants, nautical jewelry, pretzel necklaces, natural care products, crafts, paintings, candles, purses, and more unique, one-of-a-kind gifts.

CITY: Freeport