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

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

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

Heritage Inn & Suites - Harvard

Fitness center, indoor pool, sauna/spa, meeting facility. Complimentary breakfast.

CITY: Harvard

Prairie Labyrinth

This Chartres-style labyrinth can be used for prayer or meditation.

CITY: Harvard

Ben's Christmas Tree Farm

Ben's Christmas Tree Farm was founded in 1983. Since then, Ben's has provided visitors with organically grown fir and pine trees in an authentic country atmosphere. Besides trees, enjoy the animals, wagon rides and more.

CITY: Harvard

The Family Gathering Amish Furniture

Handcrafted Amish furniture, can be custom built to your specifications. Built only by true Amish craftsmen, with every attention to detail using only solid pieces of wood. Built to last for generations to come! Onsite gourmet coffee bar.

CITY: Harvard

Harvard Antique Emporium

Come see our selection of antiques. Something for everybody's taste.

CITY: Harvard

Royal Oak Farm Orchard

Apple Orchard

CITY: Harvard

Steel Heart Ltd.

Unique showroom & warehouse sprawls over an impressive 50,000 square foot inside the historical Starline building, which is the perfect showroom for their pieces. With the outside of the building encased with climbing ivy, huge skylights, and old wooden beams and floors, their products feel at home here. Shop a vast collection of home and garden decor featuring arbors, gazebos, trellis, planters, wall baskets, chandeliers, statuary, antiques, cast iron and more.

CITY: Harvard

RavenStone Castle B&B

Step back in time and delight in the ambience of a 16th century style, greystone castle. Located in rolling farm country just south of Harvard, IL. RavenStone Castle features three Medieval theme guest rooms, private baths and European-style breakfast.

CITY: Harvard

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

RavenStone Castle Bed & Breakfast

RavenStone Castle may look medieval, but it is the newest edition to McHenry County's collection of B&Bs. It's straight out of Camelot and is the perfect place to indulge your royal fantasies.

CITY: Harvard

Morning Glory Bed & Breakfast

Located in the quite farm country on the outskirts of Harvard enjoy a quite night stay close to apple orchards, farm markets, golfing, and the annual Harvard Milk Days celebration.

CITY: Harvard

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

Gensler Gardens

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

CITY: Loves Park

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

Rockford Speedway

Top-name NASCAR racing on a quarter-mile, high-banked track just 2 miles west of I-90. More than 85 scheduled events per year; plus special holiday events and National Short Track Championships in September.

CITY: Loves Park

Rockford Ski Broncs Water Ski Show

This world-class water ski team gives free shows from early June until Labor Day at Shorewood Park.

CITY: Loves Park

Sportscore Two/Indoor Sports Center

124-acre sports complex at I-90/Riverside Blvd. intersection. Includes Wedgbury Stadium, Indoor Sports Center and outdoor sports fields for soccer, rugby, football, volleyball, basketball, in-line hockey, badminton and adapted and wheelchair sports.

CITY: Loves Park

Keeling-Puri Peace Plaza

This 2.5-acre park is dedicated to promoting peace and celebrating diversity. The plaza is located at the head of Rockford's 20-mile Perryville Path network of bicycle and recreational trails.

CITY: Loves Park

Carlson Ice Arena and Sapora Playworld

This year-round indoor ice rink features figure skating, hockey, broomball and exhibitions. Sapora Playworld is an indoor three-level soft playground for children ages 5-12. There's also a skate shop, sub shop and arcade.

CITY: Loves Park

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

Rockford Aviators Professional Baseball

Rockford's professional baseball team is part of the Frontier League, an independent professional league. Home games are played at Aviators Stadium just off I-90 at Riverside Blvd., the first exit north of Business 20 (E. State St.). Specials, giveaways, entertainment and good, old-fashioned summertime baseball make a visit to the ballpark a great family outing.

CITY: Loves Park

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

Quality Inn & Suites of Loves Park

Quality Inn & Suites of Loves Park is the perfect place to find comfortable and relaxing accommodations for the business traveler. It offers free deluxe continental breakfast, unlimited in-room high-speed Internet access, a unique business office to accommodate all of your needs, complimentary USA Today, indoor pool and fitness center to relax your mind, and many other services included in a great price. Discounted Magic Waters tickets available.

CITY: Loves Park

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites - Loves Park

Located just off I-90. As with all Holiday Inn Express hotels, our ample complimentary "Hot" Breakfast Bar and Simply Smart baths are the leaders in the industry. Complimentary WiFi and hard wired internet are included. Offers 119 beautiful rooms equipped with a mini refrigerator and microwave. A Business Center and meeting rooms are available. We also have a heated swimming pool and whirlpool with outside patio and grills, a cardiovascular fitness center. We are a pet friendly hotel.

CITY: Loves Park

Beef-A-Roo - Cafe Style

Not a chain, but a Rockford Original cooking it just for you. Sandwiches are made to order and the sides, including baked potatoes, are delicious. Each area location has its own, distinct personality.

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

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

Field of Blues Festival at Aviators Stadium

Crossroads Blues Society presents the inaugural Field of Blues Festival, with Lil' Ed and the Blues Imperials, Willie Buck and Tail Dragger with the Rockin' Johnny Band, Toronzo Cannon, Dave Weld and the Imperial Flames, Aaron Williams and the HooDoo, and the Flaming Mudcats. This lineup gets into deep traditional, funky, and rocking blues. The energy and sound will please all blues fans. Gates open at 11:00am and the fun begins at noon.

CITY: Loves Park