Anderson Japanese Gardens

Rockford's 12-acre, "pond-strolling" Japanese garden is acclaimed as one of the top two authentic formal Japanese gardens outside of Japan. Winding paths, serene waterfalls, Sukiya-style buildings, and a gift shop selling authentic Japanese crafts make the gardens a must-see.

CITY: Rockford

CoCo Key Water Resort - Rockford

CoCo Key, one of Illinois' largest indoor water parks, is Rockford's home for any-weather family water park fun. Attached to the Best Western Clock Tower Resort and Conference Center, CoCo Key Water Resort makes for a perfect tropical family getaway. Explore over 60,000 square feet of indoor water park fun with three giant waterslides, Coconut Grove Adventure River, Parrot's Perch interactive Play Island, indoor/outdoor spa, kiddie pool with zero depth entry, 10,000 square foot Key Quest Arcade, private cabanas, birthday party rooms, and more

CITY: Rockford

Magic Waters Waterpark

Some of the many fun water attractions include the five-story Abyss (a dark tunnel tube ride), the two-person Splash Blaster water coaster, Tsunami Bay (Illinois' largest wave pool), Splash Magic River, and Little Lagoon for the tykes. The newest ride is the Double Dare Drop speed slides. Each slide drops riders 75 feet, making the thrill ride the steepest speed slide in northern Illinois.

CITY: Cherry Valley

Midway Village Museum

The museum campus consists of a Victorian village with 26 historical buildings filled with artifacts of the era as well as several beautiful 19th century gardens that depict life in northern Illinois from 1890 to 1910. Interpreters in authentic period dress are available seasonally for guided tours. The main museum building holds large group meeting rooms and exhibit space with a number of permanent exhibits reflecting Rockford's history and culture that include The Girls of Summer: Rockford Peaches of the AAGPBL, Queen City of the Prairies: Rockford's First 20 Years and The Missing Link: Socks, Monkeys and Rockford's Industrial Past. Special events throughout the year include a World War II re-enatment, Sock Monkey and Scarecrow Harvest Festivals, and more. Free recreational path located on property.

CITY: Rockford

Belvidere Park District

The Belvidere Park District spans stretches of the Kishwaukee River and Mill Race. It's a great place for fishing, biking and playing tennis, and includes a playground, picnic shelters, pool, swinging bridge and the historic Baltic Mill.

CITY: Belvidere

Volcano Falls Adventure Park

Play miniature golf on the ground-shaking Volcano Course under the shadow of a three-story erupting volcano or take it easy on the nine-hole Palm Course. Sharpen your sports skills in batting cages and the area's only soccer cages; enjoy "combat" with your friends in the Laser Zone; and race around the Go-Kart track.

CITY: Loves Park

Black Hawk Statue at Lowden State Park

At Eagle's Nest Bluff in Lowden State Park, proudly stands a 48-foot statue of a Native American quietly revering the beauty of the River Rock Valley below. Commonly called Black Hawk, after the legendary Chieftain, the statue was created as a tribute to all the Native Americans who once called the area their home.

CITY: Oregon

Trolley Car #36

Take a 45-minute trolley ride along the Rock River, into Rockford's industrial roots and through Sinnissippi Gardens, where you'll visit the greenhouse, lagoon and beautiful planted gardens.

CITY: Rockford

Gurler House

Bea Gurler was nine years old when her father George moved his family into the house in 1893. Her cousins, the children of her father’s brother Henry, had been living since 1888 in the Ellwood Mansion. Everyone said it was magnificent. Bea’s parents George and Zillah, evidently shared a taste in homes that favored the elegance of simplicity. It was the unimposing yet dignified structure on Pine Street–where the back door was always open. George and Henry Gurler were both prominent businessmen, and joint owners of a number of dairies. They quickly became world-famous and respected by many dairy farmers. Bea eventually made it a goal of hers to renovate The Gurler House to be the home that she once new and loved. The Gurler House hosts an annual Folk Music Festival every summer, where people are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the music. While you are at The Gurler House, make sure to take a walk through their beautiful garden.

CITY: DeKalb

Paddle and Trail

Paddle and Trail is an independently owned, full service outdoor retailer and outfitter specializing in paddle sports, bicycling, trail runninng, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and adventure racing. Explore the beautiful waterways and trails of northern Illinois with Paddle and Trail trips. The store hosts the Regional Activity Center located beyind their building on Windsor Lake, with opportunities for fishing, kayaking and more water sport activities.

CITY: Loves Park

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden is a 155-acre “living museum” filled with spectacular gardens and rare trees. A handicapped-accessible paved path winds through the arboretum, and kids will have fun navigating the maze in the Children’s Garden.

CITY: Rockford

Forest City Queen Riverboat

Many cruise options on the Rock River are available, including hourly narrated tours, family-style picnics and elegant dining.

CITY: Rockford

Edwards Orchard

Open August through November, come visit our farm this fall to share in our rustic culture and enjoy a taste of the season. Many varieties of apples to taste. Also available, in season, are raspberries, pumpkins, home-made goodies, and our famous apple cider donuts. Take a horse drawn ride out to the orchard to pick your own apples too. Family tradition starts here! There's a petting zoo too.

CITY: Poplar Grove

Aldeen Golf Club & Practice Centre

Considered a "must play" course in the Midwest, Aldeen has an impressive list of accolades, including being voted best municipal course in Illinois by Golf Digest, and ranking number 38 in Golf Magazine's Thrifty 50 list.

CITY: Rockford

Summerfield Farm & Zoo

Summerfield Zoo is home to a large variety of exotic animals, ranging from reindeer and monkeys to camels and mountain lions. We are proud to offer an up close and personal animal experience. While at the zoo, enjoy our education and fun animal encounter presentations. Summerfield Zoo is open selected weekends May through November.

CITY: Belvidere

Nygren Wetland Preserve

721-acre tract near the confluence of the Rock and Pecatonica Rivers, making it an important area for many species of birds, including sandhill cranes; owned by The Natural Land Institute, which began its restoration in 2000.

CITY: Rockton

Coral Woods - McHenry County Conservation District

This sugar maple forest provides the sweet sap necessary for annual maple sugar programs, and is also known for its magnificent display of spring wildflowers. Activities include hiking, x-country skiing, picnic shelters and scenic views.

CITY: Marengo

Winnebago County Fairgrounds

Home of Winnebago County Fair, plus Pec Thing--huge bi-annual flea market and antiques sale

CITY: Pecatonica

Beattie Park

Downtown park on the banks of the Rock River. Site of several Native American "Effigy Mounds," which have been preserved, and home to Rockford Artists Fair.

CITY: Rockford

Kegel's Harley-Davidson/Buell

World's oldest family owned Harley-Davidson dealership. Large, showy shop with leather-wear, Harley-Davidson apparel and accessories. Close to Bypass U.S. 20 and CherryVale Mall in Cherry Valley. Motorcycle rentals and full service department.

CITY: Rockford

Tj's Canoe Rentals

Enjoy a day on the beautiful Rock River. Take a 5 mile or 12 mile trip or canoe camp on the river. TJ's is 'Doin Canoein' on the Rock!. Check website for hours and months of operation.

CITY: Oregon

Rock Cut State Park

Beautiful Illinois state park with two lakes set off the park's 3,092 acres. Pierce Lake, with 162 acres, is a retreat for people wanting to fish, ice fish or ice skate. A second 50-acre Olson Lake is especially for swimmers. Fishing, boat launches, restored prairie and birdwatching, hiking, extensive campgrounds, paddleboat and canoe rental, horse and bike trails, cross-country ski trails and concessions.

CITY: Loves Park

Illinois Lincoln Highway

Take a journey on the Illinois Lincoln Highway, a 179 mile National Scenic Byway. From the Indiana border, west toward the mighty MIssissippi, you will find an adventure filled with variety, rich in history and heritage. As you travel the Lincoln Highway route across northern Illinois, take time to discover each communities' unique culture and special offerings and find a past era woven together with the present.

CITY: Belvidere

Royal Oak Farm Fruit Orchard

Enjoy 22 varieties of pick-your-own and pre-picked apples from August through October, breakfast or lunch in the Country Restaurant, a miniature train ride, carousel, petting zoo, gift shop and bakery, and seasonal events that include Applefest and Pumpkinfest.

CITY: Harvard

Boone County Conservation District

The enchanting charm of Boone County’s Buffalo Creek creates a picturesque scene of nature at its finest. With a mission of preserving nature for generations to come, the area offers numerous educational events and festivals.

CITY: Belvidere

Illinois Lincoln Highway Interpretive Gazebo - DeKalb

The Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition presents 16 Interpretive Gazebos along the Lincoln Highway, a 179-mile National Scenic Byway in Northern Illinois. The DeKalb gazebo offers a unique and interactive way for visitors to learn the significance of the highway in DeKalb while enjoying stories of the early Lincoln Highway and its other Illinois communities.

CITY: DeKalb

Yaeger's Farm Market

Farm products available for purchase include plants, fresh fruits and vegetables, plus a wide variety of Amish jams and jellies. A pumpkin patch and corn maze are featured in the fall.

CITY: DeKalb

Natural Resource Center

The Natural Resource Center is located at Russell Preserve, and is open to the public on weekends. The Center offers a great stop for exploration and live animal viewing for all members of the family. The Center can be reserved by school groups and other organizations for outdoor educational field trips. While there, take a walk through Russell Preserve, beneath mature oaks and hickories, surrounded by woodland wildflowers. In the winter, Russell Preserve is a great place for tobogganning.

CITY: Genoa

Sinnissippi Golf Course

This nine-hole course, located in Sinnissippi Park, offers challenges for advanced golfers and novices. The 3,230-yard course is best known for its hilly layout and tree-lined fairways.

CITY: Rockford

Jonamac Orchard and Corn Maze

Bring your family out to our 65 acre site for a day of fall fun this harvest season! Open from August 31st through November, enjoy the horse drawn hay rides, 10 acre corn maze (Beginning Labor Day Weekend), kid's activity area with a barn, bale pile, tractor cab and more. Pick your own apples from any of our nearly 5,000 trees (Begins late August). Stop in our store and visit the bakery for apple donuts, pies, caramel apples and fresh baked bread, and fudge. Pony rides and a petting zoo will be available in the beginning of September. Apples: Akane, Mollies Delicious, Jonamac, Jonagold, Crispin, Empire, Stabrite, Braeburn, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Granny Smith, Red and Golden Delicious, Ginger Gold, Cortland, Blushing Gold, Fuji, Haralson, Red Free, Prima, Gala, Spartan, Melrose, Rome, Cameo, Tsugaru, Gold Rush. Jonamac Orchard is your family's fall tradition.

CITY: Malta

Lincoln Highway Seedling Mile and Interpretive Gazebo

Malta is home to the "first seedling mile" on the Lincoln Highway. As one of the 16 Interpretive Gazebos located along the Lincoln Highway, the Malta gazebo offers a unique way for visitors to enjoy stories of the early Lincoln Highway and its Illinois communities.

CITY: Malta

Elliot Golf Course

Located on Rockford's far east side, Elliot is an 18-hole course with 6,443 yards of rolling terrain, large trees and spacious greens. A smattering of water hazards and sand bunkers make Elliot a challenging course for any golfer.

CITY: Rockford

Sycamore Family Sports Center

Enjoy family fun at the Sports Center with a golf driving range, an 18-hole mini golf course, six batting cages from Little League to professional, go-karts and soccer kicking cages.

CITY: Sycamore

Marengo Ridge - McHenry County Conservation District

The major glacial feature at Marengo Ridge Conservation area is the Marengo Ridge, from which the site derives its name. Left by the retreating Wisconsin glacier, the Marengo Ridge moraine is 40 miles long and 3 miles wide, creating one of the steepest vertical moraines in Illinois, at 1,050 feet above sea level. This rugged, fire-protected topography supported wooded communities dominated by oak species. Site features hiking trails, campground, picnic shelters, scenic views, x-country skiing, and fishing.

CITY: Marengo

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

Country Lanes

Good old-fashioned family fun.

CITY: Hampshire

Lincoln Highway Interpretive Mural -- DeKalb

The Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition has produced many Interpretive Murals along the Illinois Lincoln Highway National Scenic Byway and its corridor in northern Illinois. The DeKalb mural depicts the history, heritage, and events of the highway and its impact on DeKalb and the other communities along the Illinois route.

CITY: DeKalb

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

Lincoln Highway Interpretive Mural - Genoa

The Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition has produced many Interpretive Murals along the Illinois Lincoln Highway National Scenic Byway and its corridor in northern Illinois. The Genoa mural depicts the history, heritage, and events of the highway and its impact on Genoa and the other communities along the Illinois route.

CITY: Genoa

Winnebago County Forest Preserve District

Over 9,500 acres for outdoor fun in 40 locations throughout Winnebago County. 87 miles of hiking trails, 28 shelter houses, 4 campgrounds, 4 rivers, 5 education centers, birdwatching in many locations. Restored prairie and hiking paths at headquarters.

CITY: Rockford

Boone County Fairgrounds

Location for many events including craft shows, auto shows, animal shows, softball & volleyball games, and the Boone County Fair (held in August). Also see one-room school house relocated from northern Boone County.

CITY: Belvidere

Lincoln Highway Interpretive Mural -- Malta

The Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition has produced Interpretive Murals along the Illinois Lincoln Highway National Scenic Byway and its corridor in northern Illinois. The Malta mural depicts the history, heritage, and events of the highway and its impact in Malta and on the communities in Illinois.

CITY: Malta

Silver Ridge Golf Course

Silver Ridge is an 18-hole public golf course.

CITY: Oregon

Macktown Golf Course

This beautiful 18-hole, par 71 course was built in the 1930s with limited sand traps and one pond. It's located in Rockton, near the site of the earliest white settlement in Northern Illinois.

CITY: Rockton

Chicagoland Skydiving Center

Jump with the best skydiving school in the United States - Chicagoland Skydiving Center now located at Koritz Field in Rochelle! Come see why more people from the Chicago area choose tandem skydiving at CSC. We service more first-time skydivers than any other skydiving center in Chicago and the Midwest. At CSC, our priority is on safety and customer service. Check out our skydive center and book your tandem parachute jump online. Chicagoland Skydiving Center in Rochelle, Illinois (formerly in Hinckley, IL) is your safest source for skydiving - period! Check out our brand new skydive aircraft and see how we maintain our safety record and reputation as the BEST!

CITY: Rochelle

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

Sandy Hollow Golf Course

A popular 18-hole course on Rockford's south side, Sandy Hollow is a tree-lined fairway course with strategically placed fairway bunkers. One of the more challenging holes on the 6,228-yard course is No. 11, which requires a tee shot over a pond.

CITY: Rockford

Swanhills Golf

This beautiful 18-hole golf course is enjoyable for all levels of golfers, located just minutes from Rockford in Belvidere.

CITY: Belvidere

Lake LaDonna Family Campground

Family campground with cabins.

CITY: Oregon

Buena Vista Golf Course

Buena Vista is a par 32, nine-hole golf course with a driving range, pro shop and snack bar. Open seven days a week during the season, weather permitting.

CITY: DeKalb

Oak Club Genoa

This picturesque, 18-hole watered course winds through wooded and lowland areas along the meandering Kishwaukee River. Oak Club is rated among the region's top 20 courses by Chicagoland Golf.

CITY: Genoa

Rochelle Country Club

Our 18-hole golf course provides a serene backdrop to many of the course's lush fairways and manicured greens. There is a practice bunker, chipping-putting greens and well-equipped pro shop. Private and group lessons available from our PGA Professional. Clubhouse restaurant serves lunch and dinner from 11am–9pm.

CITY: Rochelle

Lockwood Park Trailside Equestrian Centre and Children's Farm

Forty acres of woods and meadows for riders eight years old and up; trail rides--excellent for first-time or occasional riders--offered on weekends. Also in Lockwood Park: pony ring, wagon rides, hayrides, petting farm and riding lessons. Special season opening activities in the spring and Halloween hayrides in the fall. Call for hours, rates and group outing opportunities.

CITY: Rockford

The Ledges Golf Course

Built in 1966 with water on 10 holes, this 18-hole course is par 72.

CITY: Roscoe

Lake Louise Resort

The finest family recreational camping experience in Northern Illinois. Sandy beaches, slides, rafts, paddle boats, fishing, kiddie beach, sand volleyball, basketball, game room, bonfires, bands, dancing, music, horseshoes and 13- acre spring-fed lake.

CITY: Byron

Prairie Pines Golf Course

Located 2 1/2 miles west of Annie Glidden Road on Route 38 in Dekalb, Illinois. The nine-hole, par 34 facility features a gently rolling course on 53 acres surrounded by farmland. Soothing views of pine trees and beautiful fields make the experience a pleasure and prevent worries about errant shots hitting homes nearby. Water features are promenant on holes number 2 and 3 and a meandering stream through the course provides ample challenge. Thinking of an outing or a family reunion? You can rent the whole facility at a reasonable price for a few hours or the whole day. Besides access to nine holes of golf and carts, "The Pines" offers fishing in their ponds, a large outdoor barbeque and plenty of space for horseshoes, volleyball, or bag games.

CITY: DeKalb

Byron Recreational Path

Biking, running, and walking path. Starts at Byron Forest Preserve and crosses the Rock River to Sunshine Park then north of town.

CITY: Byron

Countryside West

This nine-hole public golf course, opened in 1966, is a par 34 at 2,465 yards. Rental carts are available.

CITY: DeKalb

Royal Oak Farm Orchard

Apple Orchard

CITY: Harvard

Lehmans

A campground nestled in Marengo.

CITY: Marengo

Sycamore Golf Club

This par 71, 18-hole golf club offers watered bent grass fairways, a putting green, swimming pool, tennis courts and horse shoes.

CITY: Sycamore

River Road Camping and Marina

30-acre full-service campground with heated pool open to the public. Canoe rental, boat ramp and launch, gas, general store, volleyball, basketball, game room and playground.

CITY: Oregon

Green Tree Golf Course

Our facilities include indoor meeting, banquet and reception facilities for small groups or up to 1,000 guests with full food and bar service. Our nine hole championship golf course is creative and challenging. The Executive Chip ‘n Putt course is designed to be fun and flexible.Outdoor facilities include the Tikki Hut Bar and Grille, Orchard Picnic Area, mobile sound stage, horseshoe pits, bocce ball courts, badminton and volleyball sets, table tennis and card tables. We will provide children amusements per your request.We invite and will help you mix-and-match our facilities and services to come as close to, as is possible, pleasing each and every one of your guests – from golf outings to multi-activity fun-a-thons with something for everyone!

CITY: DeKalb

Long Prairie Trail

This 14.6 mile paved recreational trail runs south of Illinois Route 173 and winds past the Northern Boone County towns of Caledonia, Capron, Belvidere and Poplar Grove.

CITY: Caledonia

River Heights Golf Course

River Heights Golf Course is an 18-hole facility that winds along the banks of the Kiswaukee River in DaKalb County, offering a challenging mix of traditional and links-type holes for the weekend player or serious golfer.

CITY: DeKalb

Meadow View Corn Maze, Pumpkin Patch & More

In addition to a corn maze, Meadow View includes a two-acre pumpkin patch, hay rides, moon walks, a hay maze for younger children, food and fall decor.

CITY: Harvard

Sand Bluff Bird Observatory

A fascinating opportunity to see a wide variety of migrating birds banded and released. Special events in spring and fall, including the annual BirdFest in early May. Located in the Colored Sands Forest Preserve in the northwestern corner of Winnebago County. Colored Sands, site of original and restored prairies, is one of the most beautiful natural areas in northern Illinois.

CITY: Shirland

Marengo Ridge Golf Club

Built in 1985, this 18-hole golf course offers a clubhouse, driving range, golf lessons, pro shop and a putting green.

CITY: Marengo

Golf Club at Timber Pointe

This 18-hole golf course is open to the public, and includes a practice facility and full-service clubhouse.

CITY: Poplar Grove

Byron Forest Preserve District (skating)

The Forest Preserve has one outdoor skating rink and warming shelter - open weekends.

CITY: Byron

Walcamp Outdoor Ministries Family Campground

Walcamp Outdoor Ministries Family Camp would like to invite you and your family to come camping with us! Can host family reunions, company or church picnics, and many themed weekends! Situated on 177 acres of woods, fields, streams and ponds!

CITY: Kingston

Chicago Northwest KOA Campground

Tent, vehicle, and cabin sites. Game room, pavilion, playground, and laundry facilities.

CITY: Union

McEachran Homestead

The McEachran Homestead is offically recognized by the State of Illinois as a sesquicentennial farm. In addition to preserves and fresh produce, the farm sells its own line of grape and fruit wines.

CITY: Caledonia