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

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens

Situated along the banks of the beautiful Rock River in Sinnissippi Gardens, the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens brings the tropics to the Midwest. The entire facility is the third largest conservatory in Illinois with a total of 22,000 square feet, and at the highest point stands 52 feet. A tropical setting includes an 11,000 square foot plant exhibition area complete with water features, seating areas, and sculptures, all in a tropical plant setting. Features: Water features, seating areas, and sculptures--all in a tropical plant setting; changing seasonal floral displays and special events; educational programs where children can learn the importance of plants; special workshops and lecture series for adults; the perfect place to host your event--small weddings, receptions, business meetings; a gift store for that special gift. Free admission the third Wednesday of every month, 3pm-7pm.

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

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

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

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

Edwards Orchard

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

Severson Dells Nature Center

Nature lovers will enjoy 369 unspoiled acres with an unusual 90% concentration of native wildflowers, a paved path and 2.5 miles of trails. The Nature Center features a butterfly garden, gift shop, aquarium and indoor beehive.

CITY: Rockford

Bull Run Maize Maze

This seven-acre maze was designed by England's Adrian Fisher, the "Michael Jordan of mazes." Navigate the four miles of paths during the day or in the evening on special moonlight maze nights.

CITY: Poplar Grove

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

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

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

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

Poplar Grove Children's Farm

Poplar Grove Children's Farm is a seasonal farm for children and families who come for the petting zoo, mini-putt, craft barn and lots more.

CITY: Poplar Grove

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Von Bergens Country Market

In fall enjoy farm animals, pumpkin picking, a train ride, seasonal decorations and a craft corner. An annual antique tractor show is held in September.

CITY: Hebron

Whisper Creek Golf Course

This beautiful course is set on 240 acres rich in bluegrass, protected wetland environments, and even magnificent rock formations with casading waterfalls.

CITY: Huntley

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

Country Lanes

Good old-fashioned family fun.

CITY: Hampshire

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

Bowl - Hi Lanes

Enjoy bowling as well as karaoke every Friday and Saturday.

CITY: Huntley

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

Swanhills Golf

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

CITY: Belvidere

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

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

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

The Ledges Golf Course

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

CITY: Roscoe

Lehmans

A campground nestled in Marengo.

CITY: Marengo

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

Royal Oak Farm Orchard

Apple Orchard

CITY: Harvard

Oney's Tree Farm

Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride to find your perfect Christmas tree and browse the gift shop.

CITY: Woodstock

Crystal Woods Golf Club

This beautiful par 72, 18-hole golf course in a scenic rural setting features a driving range and banquet facility.

CITY: Woodstock

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

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

Deer Run Golf Center

This golf center features a driving range, chipping green, putting green and adventure golf.

CITY: Woodstock

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

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

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

Chicago Northwest KOA Campground

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

CITY: Union

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

Side By Side Cycle

Do you enjoy being outdoors? Do you enjoy biking or hiking on the long prairie trail? Come rent a Side By Side Cycle for use on area trails. Child trailers available. Helmets and padlocks provided.

CITY: Capron

Pinecrest Golf Course

This course includes a restaurant and pro shop, and hosts the McHenry Senior Amateur (a Pinecrest special event).

CITY: Huntley

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

McHenry County Fairgrounds

Site of Annual County Fair and other events.

CITY: Woodstock

Craig Woods Golf Course

Take a swing at this challenging par 34, scenic nine-hole course.

CITY: Woodstock