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

Burpee Museum of Natural History

The award-winning "Jane: Diary of a Dinosaur" exhibit explores the history of the museum's young T. rex skeleton on display that has been called one of the 10 most important dinosaur discoveries of the past 100 years. Visitors can also view the skull of Homer, a juvenile Triceratops, and see Burpee staff members working on his bones in the lab. Other exhibits include a coal forest with simulated thunderstorms, a Native American exhibit with a full-size wigwam, and rotating traveling exhibits in the new Woodward Hall. Don't miss Burpee's annual PaleoFest in March.

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

Coronado Performing Arts Center

See a play or musical performance at the wonderfully ornate Coronado Performing Arts Center, which was once a 1920s movie palace and vaudeville hall. The Coronado still features its original whimsical details, such as gilded Spanish castles, Chinese dragons in relief on the walls and a faux starry sky. Coronado Performing Arts Center is the venue for many performing arts groups and traveling shows.

CITY: Rockford

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

Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens

Tinker Swiss Cottage is a historic house museum located in the heart of Rockford, Illinois. The museum complex contains the historic house museum, barn, and carriage house from the Tinker family. In addition, the property is the home of the founding site of Rockford and contains a Pre-Columbian Native American conical mound. Robert Tinker's inspiration for the Cottage came during his tour of Europe in 1862, where he fell in love with the architecture of Switzerland. In 1865, Robert began building his Swiss Cottage on the limestone bluff overlooking Kent Creek.Robert surrounded his Swiss Cottage with over 27 acres of trees, vines, winding pathways, flowerbeds, and gardens. A three-story Swiss inspired barn was added to the property which housed cows, chickens, and horses.

CITY: Rockford

Discovery Center Museum

Named one of the top 12 children's museums in the nation by Forbes in 2012, here kids can explore more than 250 hands-on art and science exhibits, a planetarium, TV studio, robotics lab and the Tot Spot for toddlers. Discovery Center also boasts the nation's first community-built outdoor science park, the Rock River Discovery Park, featuring a two-story maze, water play area and dinosaur fossil dig.

CITY: Rockford

Illinois Railway Museum

The award winning Illinois Railway Museum (IRM), open from April through October, celebrates railway preservation with electric cars, steam trains, diesel trains, trolley buses and motor buses operating throughout the grounds. This museum was the film location for all of the scenes on the train and at the railroad depot in A League of Their Own.

CITY: Union

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

Starlight Theatre at Rock Valley College

The area's oldest outdoor summer theatre with four musical productions in June and July. Starlight's home, the Bengt Sjostrom Theatre, features more than a thousand seats, a stunningly artistic and creative retractable roof, new seating and an improved stage. Starlight Theatre has been named one of Illinois' 150 Great Places by the American Institute of Architects, Illinois Council. This prestigious award is given to places that have been identified by leading architects as contributing to their communities' quality of life.

CITY: Rockford

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

Kryptonite

A downtown bar made for socializing featuring jazz, folk, light rock and a variety of music. The upper mezzanine offers comfortable lounge seating and the club features wine and gourmet pizza.

CITY: Rockford

Donley's Wild West Town

See a Wild West show and museum of Western memorabilia, then dine at Donley's Old West Steakhouse.

CITY: Union

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

Riverfront Museum Park

Arts and humanities complex housing Discovery Center Museum, Rockford Art Museum, Rockford Dance Company office and studies, Northern Illinois Public Radio offices and Rockford Symphony Orchestra offices.

CITY: Rockford

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

NickelWorld

This family amusement center has more than 78 free and five-cent games; 40 redemption games that dispense tickets for prizes; and 30 video and novelty games.

CITY: Rockford

Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center

Since 1884, the Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center (MPAC) has been offering exciting, personal, interactive music experiences to the northern Illinois area. MPAC presents several exciting concert series with local, national and internationally-renowned performers, from genres including classical, jazz, folk and Broadway.

CITY: Rockford

Sweden House Lodge

The Sweden House Lodge prides itself on offering guests the ultimate experience in Swedish hospitality, making your stay comfortable in a lodge-like setting. We cater to business and pleasure travelers, offering affordable, pleasant rooms. On-site full service spa.

CITY: Rockford

Rockford Art Museum

Part of the Riverfront Museum Park, the Rockford Art Museum features an eclectic collection of 20th century American artworks. Discover pieces by self-taught African American artists, American Impressionist paintings and modern art glass. Changing exhibits feature regional and national artists.

CITY: Rockford

Stockholm Inn

Popular with both locals and visitors, this restaurant's menu and decor echoes Rockford's Swedish heritage. In addition to American food, they cook up Swedish pancakes with imported lingonberries, Swedish meatballs and other Swedish favorites. And great coffee, of course! Banquet rooms are available. Home of the Lingonberry Gift Shop with "the best Scandinavian gifts in the world."

CITY: Rockford

Rockford Symphony Orchestra

The Rockford Symphony Orchestra has been serving Northern Illinois for more than 75 years and has a strong tradition of presenting classical and contemporary orchestral music of the highest caliber in Rockford's beautiful and awe-inspiring Coronado Theatre. Nationally known guest artists frequently serve as soloists for RSO concerts, adding tremendous variety and diversity to each season. In addition to a wonderful array of Classics and Pops Concerts, each season the Rockford Symphony also presents The Nutcracker in collaboration with the Rockford Dance Company. The Rockford Symphony Orchestra also brings the joy of music to thousands of students each year through its comprehensive educational programming, including Youth Concerts and the Rockford Symphony Youth Orchestra. In 2007, the RSO was named the Illinois Orchestra of the Year.

CITY: Rockford

Prairie State Winery

Established in 1998, this family winery produces many award-winning wines, all of which are made exclusively from Illinois grape varieties, including those grown in the family's own vineyard

CITY: Genoa

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

Sandy Hollow Antique & Flea Market

Rockford's only smoke-free, indoor-outdoor flea market; 60 indoor dealers, air-conditioned/heated. Snack bar featuring all fresh meat and hand-cut fries.

CITY: Rockford

Summer Wood Amphitheatre

Outdoor performances by nationally known, Christian-oriented artists at the largest outdoor Christian amphitheater in the Midwest. Family-oriented environment with children's programs, free admission to most events, and sign language interpretation.

CITY: Rockford

Jane Addams International Peace Garden

This peace garden honors Rockford College alumna and Nobel laureate Jane Addams. The garden is located at Fisher Chapel on the grounds of Rockford College.

CITY: Rockford

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

Best Western Clock Tower Resort & Conference Center & CoCo Key Water Park - Rockford

Located right off of Interstate 90. Guests traveling for work can make the most of their stay with many businesses and organizations within just a few miles of this Rockford hotel. The spacious, clean rooms offer wireless Internet access, a coffeemaker, cable or satellite television with in-room movies and much more. There are two dining options right on property with the Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery and the Calalloo Grille in the water park. There is an indoor and outdoor heated pool, fitness center, business center, free complimentary WiFi and more. CoCo Key, one of Illinois' largest indoor water parks, offers over 60,000 square feet of fun with water slides, activity pools, a lazy river, an interactive play island, private cabanas and party rooms, and a 10,000 square foot arcade. We happily accept birthday parties and group outings!

CITY: Rockford

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

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

Carlyle Brewing Company

Enjoy the taste of quality, handcrafted beer in the atmosphere of a true European-style ale house in the Rockford Region's premiere microbrewery. Ten to twelve styles of ales and lagers are on tap at any time, chosen from more than 30 styles of beer brewed on-site throughout the year. Sandwiches, bratwurst, pretzels and great thin-crust pizza are available. For a real treat for the beer lover, try the sampler tray of current beers.

CITY: Rockford

J.R. Kortman Center for Design

Upscale shop and gallery, in downtown Rockford.

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

Rockford Dance Company

Established in 1972, Rockford Dance Company pursues excellence in the art of dance through performance, education and outreach. A full season of dance is performed by company members, guest artist from around the world, and students from RDC’s school of dance. This ballet school also offers classes in modern, jazz, and tap and a recreational division full of many other unique dance genres.

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

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

Storefront Cinema

Weekend showcase for the finest in foreign, independent and classic films; children's international film festival in spring.

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

Winnebago County Fairgrounds

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

CITY: Pecatonica

Bengt Sjostrom Theatre & Studio Theatre

Newly renovated, stunning open-air theater with retractable roof, home to Starlight Theatre, the area's oldest summer theatre, and to RVC's annual Shakespeare Festival. The Studio Theatre provides a venue for amateur and student productions.

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

Village Green Home & Garden West

A fascinatingly large garden center with outdoor furniture supplying customers from all over the Midwest. The center also takes care of holiday needs with trees, trims and gifts. Home center, same location, 815.637.8840. There's a Village Green East, too.

CITY: Rockford

Edgebrook

Edgebrook offers local specialty shopping with a unique blend of eclectic boutique shops, excellent restaurants and convenient service-oriented businesses, where there is truly something for everyone. Please visit edgebrookshops.com for a list of merchants and events happening. Owned and operated by Orput Companies, Inc.

CITY: Rockford

Belvidere Cemetery and Pettit Memorial Chapel

Established in 1847, this is the burial ground for Belvidere's illustrious pioneers. Want to go right to a Frank Lloyd Wright landmark? Visit the Pettit Memorial Chapel.

CITY: Belvidere

Petit Memorial Chapel

Petit Memorial Chapel, located in Belvidere Cemetery, was designed by Frank Llyod Wright and erected in 1907. Brochures available for self-guided historic tours. Open daily, 8am - sunset. Tours available by appointment.

CITY: Belvidere

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

Rockford Speedway

See top-name NASCAR racing on a quarter-mile, high-banked track. From Kid's nights to monster trucks, fireworks, fantastic NASCAR racing action, you will enjoy an exciting night of affordable family fun at Rockford Speedway.

CITY: Loves Park

Rock Cut State Park Camping - Loves Park

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, paddleboat and canoe rental, horse and bike trails, cross-country ski trails, concessions.

CITY: Loves Park

Blackhawk Valley Campground - Rockford

More than 130 units in developed campground located in a wooded and secluded area on the Kishwaukee River with mini golf, pedal carts, a playground, weekend activities and hayrides for the kids.

CITY: Rockford

Laser Quest

The laser tag maze is a multi-level game floor with black lights, music, sound effects and automatic computerized scoring.

CITY: Rockford

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

Opera House of Woodstock

Built in the 1800s in Steamboat Gothic style, the opera house hosts musicals, dramas, dance and touring groups.

CITY: Woodstock

New Mill Antiques

Two buildings of furniture, glassware, kitchenware and old toys. Located in the town of New Milford.

CITY: Rockford

A Leauge of Their Own - Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Rd., Union

This comedy follows the formation of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League during the 1940s, at the start of World War II. All of the movie's scenes on the train and at the railroad depot were shot at the Illinois Railway Museum in Union, home to more than 250 restored electric, steam and diesel trains. The Nebraska Zephyr passenger train seen in the film is part of the museum's permanent collection.

CITY: Union

Frank Lloyd Wright Pettit Memorial Chapel

Take a free self-guided tour of the Chapel, located in the Belvidere Cemetery, which was built in 1907 in memory of a local doctor.

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

Donley's Wild West Town

Wild west displays and genuine cowboy memorabilia including train rides, horse rides, panning for gold, cowboy shows and more. Extensive antique phonograph and music box collection on display. Seasonally open April - October.

CITY: Union

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

Grampy's Antique Store

Offers affordable American and English antiques / curiosities in primitive, country, cottage, Victorian, and traditional styles. Includes furniture, architectural goods, lamps, glassware, stoneware, tools, artwork, etc. Spend a day in Hebron.

CITY: Hebron

Antiques at Hillwood Farms

Country and early New England furniture and accessories.

CITY: Pecatonica

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

Fox Run Bed & Breakfast - Rockford

Fox Run Bed and Breakfast Inn was built in 1878 by J.P. Sauber. Karyn Sauber Brokhausen and her husband, Kurt, have fully restored the grand Eastlake home to its present high Victorian splendor. Fox Run offers prestigious and luxurious accommodations. Choose from five themed rooms, each with an adjoining or hall-access private bath. The inn, with its numerous antiques and heirlooms, sets the scene for your "Victorian Adventure". High Victorian decor with family heirlooms, antiques, fireplace, library. Five-course gourmet breakfast. Private parties, weddings, small meetings. Only blocks from Rockford Memorial Hospital. Currently listed in "Antiquing Weekends: 52 Excursions Across America" by Gladys Montgomery and featured in the March 2007 Rockford Life Magazine.

CITY: Rockford

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

Historic Auto Attractions

More than 70 historic autos including presidential limousines, Al Capone's car and movie cars such as the Batmobile, PLUS hundreds of "pieces of history" and constantly changing exhibits make this museum a step above the standard auto museum.

CITY: Roscoe

Victorian Veranda - Winnebago

This 1865 country house features five guest rooms, all with private baths, are located on the second floor and decorated in an individual style with unique & antique collectibles. Eclectic Victorian decor with wraparound porch, wicker furniture, porch swings, croquet, cards. Specialize in quilting and scrapbooking retreats, private parties, weddings and small meetings.

CITY: Winnebago

Susie's Garden Patch

Find u-pick asparagus, strawberries, tomatoes and pumpkins. Roadside produce includes sweet corn, muskmelons, peppers and pumpkins. Susie's hosts a Strawberry Festival every June.

CITY: Garden Prairie

Rockford Art Museum

Part of the Riverfront Museum Park, the Rockford Art Museum features an eclectic collection of 20th century American artworks. Discover pieces by self-taught African American artists, American Impressionist paintings and modern art glass. Changing exhibits feature regional and national artists.

CITY: Rockford

Camp Grant Museum and Command Post Restaurant

Memorabilia of Rockford's Camp Grant, U.S. Army induction and training camp during World Wars I and II. The museum, an original building of Camp Grant, houses the Command Post restaurant and contains postcards, pictures, and memorabilia of the camp along with Rockford postcards.

CITY: Rockford

Fox Valley Framing & Gallery

Custom framing, prints, framed prints.

CITY: Woodstock

Lloyd and Leota's Antiques

Antiques and fine furniture, restoration, refinishing, repair, rushing, caning, spindles, and hand stripping. Complete restoration service. Eight shops and restaurants nearby. Spend a day in Hebron.

CITY: Hebron

Ghost Town Antiques

Country furniture, copper, brass, country accessories, woodenware, smalls, iron and tin. Appointment necessary.

CITY: Pecatonica

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

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

The Office Niteclub

Located in downtown Rockford’s historic River District, The Office offers dancing, drag shows, karaoke and an outdoor patio in warm-weather months.

CITY: Rockford

Blackhawk Farms Raceway

This off-road and motorcycle dirt track also features sport car, motorcycle and go-kart racing.

CITY: South Beloit

Historic Woodstock Square

A Victorian town square, complete with bandstand and gazebo, is the setting for many unique shops, eateries, antiques stores and art galleries. The square is home to many events, and was the film site for the hit movie Groundhog Day.

CITY: Woodstock

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

Tom Guirl's Beaver Creek Pottery

Find skillfully handmade and kiln-fired pottery to decorate your home.

CITY: Belvidere

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

Apollo Activity Center

The Apollo is an all-purpose activity center, featuring a renovated historic 1912 theater.

CITY: Belvidere

More Than Delicious Orchard

This seasonal orchard offers more than 80 varieties of apples and pears.

CITY: Woodstock

Northern Illinois Wine Trail

Located one to two hours northwest of Chicagoland, the Northern Illinois Wine Trail features 15 wineries set among beautiful countryside and charming towns. Offering award-winning wines, gourmet-style food and handcrafted gifts, the wine trail makes it easy to escape the urban hustle and bustle for a quaint and bucolic culinary experience.

CITY: Genoa

Rockford College Art Gallery

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

CITY: Rockford

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

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

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

Homestead Orchard

This u-pick orchard features 14 varieties of apples, plus rhubarb and raspberries. The Homestead's store is located in a century-old horse barn, stocked with homemade honey, candles, dried flowers, dried apple chips and more.

CITY: Woodstock

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

Macktown Living History Education Center

Built in 1834 on the Pecatonica River by fur trader Stephen Mack, one of the area's first settlers. See the walnut cradle Mack made for his children, plus Native American artifacts, donated by Mack's descendents. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Macktown is where Stephen Mack, his Native American wife, Hononegah, and the people who inhabited the village conducted their daily business. Remnants of 8,000 years of Native American occupation of this same site can be seen. Stephen Mack’s Home and the Whitman Trading Post still stand, and a reconstruction of the village is being undertaken, including the disassembly of the 2-story shop and schoolroom to be rebuilt at its original site. There are many historic and prehistoric artifacts in the Education Center.

CITY: Rockton