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

Apollo Activity Center

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

CITY: Belvidere

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

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

Boone County Historical Museum

Explore this varied collection of local memorabilia. The museum includes a log home, Civil War artifacts, a natural history room, historic dolls, clothes, tools and transportation ranging from a 1906 Eldredge Runabout to Belvidere's first Chrysler.

CITY: Belvidere

Grampa's Restaurant

We specialize in Fish, Steaks, Pastas and Grampa's own special Pizza, as well as Sandwiches & Melts for your dining pleasure!

CITY: Belvidere

Taqueria El Molcajete

Authentic Mexican restaurant serving breakfast too. Daily specials, seafood, salads, tacos, burritos, and more.

CITY: Belvidere

Ambrogio's Pizzeria

Restaurant serving Italian foods. Dine-in, delivery, or carry-out available. Pasta, steaks, chicken, sandwiches, fish, pizza and more.

CITY: Belvidere

Steam Plant Family Restaurant

Family restaurant located in an old steamplant building. Boone County memorabilia throughout. Banquet room available.

CITY: Belvidere

Bravo

Pizza and Italian restaurant. Dine in, Carry out, and Delivery. Everything from pizza to sandwiches, Friday fish fry to pasta.

CITY: Belvidere

Dari-Ripple

When in Belvidere, stop by, walk-up and enjoy a refreshing desert or a quick meal. Many choices to choose from and quality is always the best.

CITY: Belvidere

Exclusively Yours Leiza-George

A shopping experience like no other, this store has floor-to-ceiling gifts from around the would. Its specialties include handmade oak and Amish furniture, jewelry, linens, cards, Christmas items and more.

CITY: Belvidere

Tom Guirl's Beaver Creek Pottery

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

CITY: Belvidere

Nature's Garden

We've been told we're "Not just the usual" garden and gift shop. We focus on Garden and Yard Art that is both functional and fun. You never know what unique, new or crafted item you might find here!

CITY: Belvidere

All My Stitches Quilt Shop

Quilting fabric, books, patterns, notions, and classes. Come check us out!

CITY: Belvidere

Belvidere Rent All & Party Store

Get all your party supplies here! We rent just about everything, from blow-up obstacle courses, to tables and chairs, to wedding trellises. We also carry all sorts of tools and machinery to suit your needs.

CITY: Belvidere

Flower Bin Specialty Shoppe

Stop by and see their new location in Winter Plaza in Belvidere. Many wonderful gift items, fresh flowers, green plants, personalized service, and silk arrangements for home and office. Delivery all around the world -- AFS and Teleflora wire services.

CITY: Belvidere

Wooden-It-Be-Nice

Furniture from primitives to Victorian, advertising, signs, country accessories and more. Call ahead.

CITY: Belvidere

Funderburg Antiques

Large European and American furniture from 1840's to 1930's: armoires, sideboards, tables, bureaus, chairs. More than 1,000 stained and beveled glass windows, some matching. Owner makes several annual European buying trips.

CITY: Belvidere

Then and Now Gift Shop

Unique and specialty items located in the Boone County Historical Society Museum.

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

Budget Inn

Newly renovated Budget Inn. Comfortable rooms at a reasonable price.

CITY: Belvidere

The Country Club

Here, at The Country Club, we produce handmade candles, soaps and bath products. Our wonderful soaps, lotions and bath bombs are carried in stores nationally and locally. Our hand-raised goats provide us with milk, which is used in many of our products. We have a full line of glycerin soap by the slice, and cold process soaps, as well as silky goat milk lotion in many fantastic fragrances. Our candles are well-known, and come in a huge variety of scents. We are really just a little shop full of unique soaps, candles and bath products.

CITY: Belvidere

The Sweetery Co.

Over 150 varieties of novelty candy, nuts and chocolate covered nuts. Antique soda fountain, shake machine, and freezers in use to bring back the memories of the good old days. Music from the 1950s and 1960s. Come by and turn back the clock. Closed during winter months.

CITY: Belvidere

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

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

America's Best Value Inn - Belvidere

Welcome to the Americas Best Value Inn of Belvidere, IL. We are located in north central Illinois, approximately 75 miles northwest of downtown Chicago and 12 miles east of Rockford. Our newly renovated exterior access facility offers 44 guest rooms and 2 efficiencies. All guest rooms and efficiencies are furnished with complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access, cable TV, complimentary local calls, and wake-up service. Our efficiencies also feature a kitchenette with a stove. For your convenience, we offer fax and copy service at our 24-hour front desk and complimentary wireless Internet access in our 24-hour lobby. Take a moment to enjoy our complimentary continental breakfast served every morning and our picnic area. Come experience the value of staying at Americas Best Value Inn Belvidere/Rockford.

CITY: Belvidere

Belvidere Farmer's Market

Community Farmer's' Market. Due to their commitment to quality and freshness, not all products are available all year round. The farmers bring only their produce to market in their freshest state so not all selections are in stock every week. The Market does its best to ensure seasonal produce is abundantly available during harvest time. Open seasonally June through October.

CITY: Belvidere

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

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

Blackhawk Trail Lodge

Hospitality abounds! Nestled along the beautiful Rock River, this cozy six-guestroom lodge offers a wonderful all-season porch with fireplace. Perfect for your next group retreat. Offering breakfast buffet for groups. Close to many attractions. Guest are welcome to use our private boat ramp. Or just relax and fish from our quiet river bank, or in a hammock at the river's edge. At Becky & Don's small but quaint lodge, it's all about relaxation and "Old Time Hospitality". Visit us on our FUN Web site for more information. Pets welcomed. Open year round.

CITY: Byron

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

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

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

Weiskopf Observatory

View the stars and planets every Tuesday and Saturday. Free public viewing is guided by our staff. Closed if cloudy.

CITY: Byron

Costa's

Italian murals, fireplace, candlelit tables, white linen tablecloths. A touch of "Old Italy".

CITY: Byron

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

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

Byron Forest Preserve District (skating)

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

CITY: Byron

Byron Dragway

See NHRA championship drag racing.

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

Hailey’s Winery

Hailey's Winery specializes in handcrafted wines from grape varieties native to Illinois, as well as other varietals, and seasonal fruits. We are a fully functioning winery, with all wines produced and bottled on the premises. Wine tastings are available in our tasting room any time during our business hours, and we also have weekend music events. In addition to wine, we have homemade bread, cheeses, chocolates, and gift items.

CITY: Byron

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

Harmony Water Garden

This aquatic nursery has hundreds of water lilies, marsh plants, fish and related products. In business for a decade. Pond maintenance services available, call for an appointment.

CITY: Caledonia

Wind Ridge Herb Farm

Test your green thumb at this herb shop and garden. Herbs produced here are organically grown. Complete line of soaps, lotions, oils, teas, etc. Classes available too. Many new items in our inventory including heirloom & organic veggie plants, iron and cement garden ornaments, and more.

CITY: Caledonia

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

Paulson's Agriculture Museum of Argyle

Home of the largest and best collection of farm equipment and antiquites of yesteryear. Over 700 cast iron implement seats, 50 antique tractors, windmills, windmill weights, and antique washing machines. Wagons, spreaders, cultivators, planters, and the most extensive collection of Rockford, Illinois-made Emerson Brandingham equipment. A model tractor and toy collection is as large as it is unique. Individual tours available. The main building is heated and available all year round for weddings, birthdays, social gatherings, or auctions.

CITY: Caledonia

Rosa's

Italian restaurant in Capron serving pizza, sandwiches and dinners.

CITY: Capron

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

Boberosa Barnworks

The quaint shop opened in the fall of 2001, selling pumpkins and barn wood crafts. Antiques and crafts, from furniture and home decor to primitives, tools and vintage farm equipment -- there's a wide assortment to choose from.

CITY: Capron

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

CherryVale Mall

Enclosed 2-level regional shopping mall with many external businesses on same property. Many public activities including craft and car shows, community and holiday events. Food court, children's play area, early morning walking.

CITY: Cherry Valley

Rouge Wine Cellar

Located in the small village of Creston, Rouge Wine Cellar is a unique shop in northern Illinois specializing in fine wines, gifts and imported pottery. The store is located in the remodeled cellar of a historic building which has been brought back to glory by Eric and Debbie who returned to Creston after living abroad for many years. The Rouge Wine Cellar offers the relaxing atmosphere of Europe while also providing the visitor with a choice of today's greatest wines from 15 countries, including local Illinois wineries. Not only are we confident that you will find the perfect wine for your special occasion, but we invite you to try some of the bottles carefully selected by Eric for daily tastings. Let Debbie inspire you with her personal selection of imported pottery, glassware and accessories that will turn your gifts into unique conversation pieces. Come and see us, we promise you will be amazed!

CITY: Creston

Priscilla's Parlor

Priscilla's Parlor is now located inside Roadhouse Antiques in Creston in a quaint shop located on Hwy 38. We carry a mix of antiques, vintage, primitives, collectibles, shabby-chic and jewelry, just to name a few.

CITY: Creston

The Buss Stop

Daily specials, Friday fish fry, Saturday pizza specials and ice cream specialities in a friendly atmosphere. Cheese available for purchase. Carryout, smoke-free. No credit cards.

CITY: Dakota

Tribal Cafe

A new dining experience with a hometown feel. Serving sandwiches, soups, homemade desserts and more, plus pizza on Thursday thru Saturday nights. Daily specials. Carryouts and catering. Visit us one Facebook at Tribal Cafe.

CITY: Dakota

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

Miller's Country Cheese

Direct from the factory, enjoy over 70 varieties of cheese, plus deli meats, sausage and salami. Sandwiches, soups, mustards, crackers, snacks, beverages, and Cedar Crest Ice Cream; plus cards, seasonal gifts and crafts, holiday cheese boxes and gift certificates. Cheese can be shipped.

CITY: Davis

Wenger's Springbrook Cheese Factory

Visit this artisan cheesemaker with a small retail outlet featuring Muenster and Swiss cheese made on the premises; also featuring cheeses from other area cheesemakers.

CITY: Davis

Country Cheese

Direct from the factory, enjoy over 70 varieties of cheese, plus deli meats, sausage and salami. Cheese can be shipped. Sandwiches, soups, mustards, crackers, snacks, beverages,and Cedar Crest Ice Cream; cheese gift boxes and gift certificates.

CITY: Davis

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

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

Rosati's

Authentic Chicago pizza, plus ribs, chicken, and pasta for all your catering needs.

CITY: Genoa

Crumpets Tea Room and Ice Cream Parlor

Enjoy a unique dining experience in our Victorian tea room and turn of the century ice cream parlor.

CITY: Genoa

Victoria's Crossing

Shop for antiques, home accessories and collectibles, from homespun country to Victorian elegance.

CITY: Genoa

Cattywampus featuring MCR Framing

Fun and unusual gifts plus home accessories and custom framing for your favorite art.

CITY: Genoa

Wild Thyme Herb Garden

Herbs, whole food, vitamins, flower essences, books, essential oils, magazines, plants, seeds and homemade soap. The store in Genoa is for people who want to get back to nature. Unique gifts. Finest quality herbal products available.

CITY: Genoa

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

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

Kishwaukee Valley Heritage Society

In 1977, the Kishwaukee Valley Heritage Society was formed to bring together area people who had an interest in local and regional history and its preservation.

CITY: Genoa

Cattywampus

Cattywampus offers fun, affordable gifts! A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest folks!

CITY: Genoa

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

Genoa Open Air Market

Last Saturday of the month from June through October. Featuring locally-grown produce, wine, baked goods, flowers, and artisan crafts.

CITY: Genoa

Laughing Cat Antiques Shop

The Laughing Cat Antiques Shop is the purrfect place to find that vintage treasure, your own personal key to the past! We have 17 dealers here to make sure you have plenty to choose from. you will find vintage Indian jewelry as well as rhinestone and sterling. Come in, walk down memory lane, and see our eclectic mix of antiques, rare antique post office items, depression glass, antique dolls, advertising signs, and Victorian children's items. We also have a primitives room for you, featuring the most fantastic American primitives...a must see!

CITY: Genoa

Poppy Seed Primitives

Poppy Seed Primitives is a cozy place where you can find antiques, primitive home decor items and gift ideas. We strive to find products that are unique and sometimes one-of-a-kind. We are proud to offer many items that are made here in the U.S. Some are even locally hand-made. Our inventory is always changing for the seasons.

CITY: Genoa

Corner Grill on Main

We are known for our Italian beef, gyros (cooked on the spit), 10oz. burgers, Chicago-style hot dogs, and BBQ ribs. We pride ourselves on having great food, big portions, and fair prices. Located in downtown Genoa, stop in today!

CITY: Genoa

Genoa Cafe

Genoa Cafe is located in the heart of Downtown Genoa. Stop in for breakfast or lunch and achieve that small town feel. We have an extensive menu that is sure to please. We look forward to seeing you!

CITY: Genoa

Joe's Pizza and Pub

Stop in for an ice cold beer and enjoy a hot pizza pie. We offer burgers, salad, pasta and more! You will just have to come in and explore our menu yourself. While your here, enjoy our outdoor dining area. Great for friends and family!

CITY: Genoa

Karlsbad Tavern

Karlsbad constantly has specials and a changing menu. Every Friday night is our famous Fish Fry, and every Sunday we have biscuits and gravy starting at 10am. We are a small tavern located in Downtown Genoa. Come in for good food, friendly service, and a nice conversation. Kids are welcome.

CITY: Genoa

Robert's Drive In

Robert's Drive In takes you back to the old school diners. We offer lots of ice cream treats, a variety of shake flavors, burgers, and much more! You have to come visit us and view our menu for yourself.

CITY: Genoa

Cafe 72

Cafe 72 is a family owned and run restaurant serving daily breakfast, lunch and dinner specials. A party room to accommodate up to 75 guests, free of charge when ordering off the menu.

CITY: Genoa

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

German Valley Historical Museum

This newly refurbished museum features displays of memorabilia relating to the history of German Valley and the surrounding area, including items from the Ostfriesian area of Germany. A kitchen area, bedroom, dining room, parlor, military room, and children's playroom are furnished with items from the past, and a display room offers a variety of exhibits. A schoolroom contains items of interest from German Valley's Pleasant Prairie Academy and other area schools. Farm and other outdoor exhibits are featured in an outdoor facility. Special events and displays are featured throughout the year.

CITY: German Valley

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

Bunker Hill Dog Training and Specialty Store

This specialty store offers dog and cat food, toys, collars, leads, carriers, coats, mugs, picture frames, shampoos, and training and grooming equipment. Also specialty breed purses, wallets, sweatshirts, and more. Grooming and training are also available.

CITY: German Valley

Critter Camp Exotic Pet Sanctuary

Tour Critter Camp Exotic Pet Sanctuary. Personally guided tours are available seven days a week year round for up to six people per tour, but all tours are by appointment. Animal lovers can learn about, pet, hold and feel some of the 350 rescued animals, comprised of 30 different species. All income supports the rescued animals. Critter Camp is a non-profit, tax exempt, charitable, volunteer operated, no-kill facility that does not buy, breed, sell or exploit any animal.

CITY: German Valley

Ben Miller Memorial Park

This park provides a quiet scenic area ideal for family reunions and group gatherings. A large and a small shelter house, softball diamond, volleyball and basketball courts, playground, and wooded area are offered. A concession stand is open during softball season.

CITY: German Valley

Van Raden Memorial Park

The Van Raden Memorial Park features Lake Baalton, a three acre man-made lake stocked with bass, crappie, blue gill and catfish. A small shelter and playground area are also offered. A Veterans Memorial honoring all German Valley area service men and women, past or present is at the park

CITY: German Valley