Jenny Lind Chapel, Donated to the Community by Sweden’S First International Rock Star
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Visit Henry County, IL County, Henry Visit visithenrycounty.com 1 Can you hear that? No, it’s not rush-hour traffic. That, my friend, is the sound of the back roads. The back roads aren’t just a path to travel, but a way of life. They remind us to make time for family and to stop and smell the roses. Quite simply, they remind us to enjoy those little moments and appreciate the beauty in the world. As you travel through Henry County, Illinois, take this book along as your guide. It’s time to experience all that the back roads have to offer. Our beautiful, all season destination full of friendly faces and rich heritage encourages everyone to fully immerse themselves. Traverse our art galleries, shopping and dining destinations, or take in the country air with our many outdoor activities. Well, c’mon, the back roads are beckoning. HISTORY & HERITAGE ......................05 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ................25 OUTDOOR RECREATION ...................15 FESTIVALS & EVENTS .....................29 AMAZING AGRICULTURE ..................21 Communities ................................33 visithenrycounty.com • 309-761-8473 EVERY BACKROAD Has A STORY History abounds in Henry County. Our charming culture is full of grand traditions, colorful heritage and friendly communities to make the day a little brighter. Stroll past beautifully restored 19th-century buildings in Bishop Hill – a National Historic Landmark. Experience concerts from a 100-year-old band shell in Orion. Discover the area’s Underground Railroad connection at the Geneseo Historical Museum. Take in [the stories of those by-gone days] the cornerstone of Andover, the Jenny Lind Chapel, donated to the community by Sweden’s first international rock star. Once you’re ready for more, you can peruse our numerous museums. Experience rich and beautiful history with a visit to Henry County! Geneseo Historical Association 5 5 HENRY COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM Henry County Historical Society & MUSEUM HCHS was founded with these goals in mind: To bring together people interested in the history of Henry County and to collect and preserve articles of historical value to pass on to future generations. The society’s museum features five display rooms, showcasing artifacts from early Henry County, including blacksmithing tools, harness shop artifacts, military memorabilia, agriculture and more! When your visit to Henry County leaves you wondering how it all began, this is the place to be. The museum is the perfect place for anyone excited to discover our rich history. Special guided tours are available by reservation. 202 Park Street, Bishop Hill • 309-927-3528 • historichenrycounty.com 7 BISHOP HILL Historic Bishop hill Once home to many Swedish immigrants, Bishop Hill is worth a visit any time of the year. Designated as a State Historic Site and a National Historic Landmark, visitors from near and far come to experience this historic village rich in Swedish-American tradition. [Bishop Hill is registered as a National Historic Landmark.] Over a dozen structures remain from the old colony, dating back to 1846. As you stroll through the streets of Bishop Hill, you can imagine the early days as peeks into the past are clearly displayed throughout the town. Take a moment to browse many of our unique shops for antiques, pottery, Swedish imports, quilts, and baskets. Indulge your taste buds as you sample authentic Swedish meatballs at one of our restaurants. All museums, specialty shops, and restaurants are within walking distance. Learn all about Henry County’s history on page 13 of this guide. 103 North Bishop Hill Street, Bishop Hill • 309-927-3899 • bishophillheritage.org 9 RYAN’S ROUND BARN A must-see site at the entrance of the Johnson-Sauk Trail Park, Ryan’s Round Barn is one of the nation’s largest round barns, measuring eight feet high and eighty-five feet in diameter. The barn’s main floor houses an extensive collection of agriculture antiques. One outstanding feature of Ryan’s Barn is the moisture-resistant plastered interior located directly in the building’s center. Ryan’s Round Barn… Come See What’s ‘Round the Bend! WOODLAND PALACE at Historic Francis Park* Woodland Palace is an incredible find off the beaten path. Its unusual, whimsical architecture stands out against any home from its time. Ahead of its generation, its walls house some awestriking engineering wonders. This is a must-see attraction at Francis Park in Kewanee! WOODLAND PALACE *National Historical Register Place Orion band shell Preservation of the 100-year-old music band shell brought the community of Orion together and sparked renewed interest in the downtown spirit. During summer concerts, melodies of the Orion Community Band and regional performers fill the air while the band shell sparkles. The inspiring atmosphere draws return visits from guests far and wide. Orion Band Shell Jenny lind chapel The chapel, located in Andover, is named after the world-famous opera star, Jenny Lind, known as the “Swedish Nightingale,” who contributed to its construction in 1850. The structure is a memorial to Swedish settlers who came to America in 1849 to found a branch of the Swedish Lutheran Church under the leadership of Pastor Lars Paul Esbjörn. He later became the first president of Augustana College. The chapel hosts a museum of early immigrant experiences through exhibits with audio/video presentations. Open daily May through October, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 11 MUSEUMS & MORE Bishop Hill – Colony Hotel* Geneseo Historical Museum Orion Band Shell* 209 Main Street, Bishop Hill 205 South State Street, Geneseo 1208 5th Street, Orion American Woman’s League Chapter House* 309-924-3345 309-944-3043 309-526-8299 440 Locust Street, Andover geneseohistoricalmuseum.com mainstreetorion.com 309-476-8228 Bishop Hill Museum 304 South Bishop Hill Road, Henry County Courthouse* Kewanee Historical Society Andover Historical Bishop Hill • 309-927-3345 307 West Center Street, 211 North Chestnut, Kewanee Museum & Grounds* Cambridge • 309-937-3530 309-854-9701 418 Locust Street, Andover Cambridge henrycty.com kewaneehistory.com 309-476-8228 Heritage Village Park andovertourism.com 209 East Court Street, Cambridge Henry County Historical Ryan’s Round Barn* 309-945-6823 Museum depicted on cover Atkinson Historical Museum Cambridge Main Street 202 South Park Street, 28616 Sauk Trail Road, Kewanee 402 North State Street, Atkinson Bishop Hill • 309-927-3528 309-853-2425 309-521-8127 Wiley House Museum 906 West Division Street, Jenny Lind Chapel* St. Mary of the Fields Shrine Bishop Hill – Colony Church* Galva • 309-932-8992 604 Oak Street, Andover 24772 St Mary’s Road, 101 Maiden Lane, Bishop Hill 309-521-8127 Hooppole • 309-935-6911 309-927-3345 jennylindchapel.org stmaryofthefieldsshrine.weebly.com The Bishop Hill Heritage Association Museum 103 North Bishop Hill Street, Bishop Hill • 309-927-3899 bishophillheritage.org Woodland Palace at Historic Francis Park* 29862 North 900 Avenue, Kewanee 309-852-2611 • cityofkewanee.com/francis.php Bishop Hill Heritage Association They began their work in 1962 with the goal of maintaining the historic structural properties and Swedish culture of Bishop Hill. They offer two museums for visitors, including the 1854 Steeple Building and the 1908 Albert Krans Livery Stable. 309-927-3899• bishophillheritage.org BISHOP HILL *National Historical Register Place HERITAGE ASSOCIATION 13 The Great Outdoors Await Take the back roads to an outdoor adventure. Breathe the fresh air as you bike your way through over 90 miles of surfaced bike trails. Witness natural beauty as you canoe or kayak down the Hennepin Canal. Earn your prize at one of the most popular controlled duck and pheasant hunting sites in Illinois. Travel on horseback over miles of equestrian riding trails. Create your next big-fish story at Johnson Sauk Trail or the Hennepin Canal, [When you take the back roads, adventure is all around you] stocked to the shoreline with bluegill, walleye, crappie and other beautiful game fish. Or tackle the winter weather with a little ice fishing, cross-country skiing or snowmobiling. We even have five golf courses to enjoy! If it’s an outdoor adventure you seek, the back roads can get you there. Country view Golf COurse 15 Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park Hennepin Canal PARKWAY STATE PARK An all-season adventure... take on over 90 miles of trails for hiking, biking, snowmobiling, ice fishing and more. Lace up your shoes for the Hennepin Hundred or the Annawan Canal Ambush Mini-Triathlon and 5K Run and Fun Walk. Plus, you’ll experience the stunning Hennepin Canal on a beautiful autumn day. Run on the multi-purpose trail, bike along Patriot Way and paddle down the Hennepin Canal to victory. Hennepin Canal Visitor Center • 16006 875 East Street, Sheffield • 815-454-2328 • dnr.state.il.us There are Geocaching sites all over Henry County. Good luck! 17 Must-See Atkinson Motorsports Park – Gob Hill for Adrenaline Junkies Looking for an adrenaline rush? Motorsports enthusiasts can experience the thrill of the Hill! Filled with 216 acres of unrestricted trails, undiscovered timber, rugged hills, steep valleys and lakes, Gob Hill is a motorsport enthusiast’s dream! More conservative riders can enjoy over four miles of perimeter road with sites of beautiful Midwestern vistas. Atkinson Motorsports Park hosts several events throughout the year. Plus, Gob Hill has children’s and motocross tracks! On-site camping is available, too. If you love motorsports, this is a can’t miss. 23354 US Hwy 6 • 309-936-7878 • gobhill.com Atkinson Motorsports Park Golf Valley View Golf Club Chautauqua Park 9701 Illinois Highway 82, Cambridge West Division Street, Kewanee Kewanee Dunes After 85 years, they’re still going strong. 309-937-3938 • valleyviewclub.org Richmond Hill If you’re looking for a great day of golf Maple Bluff Golf Club HK Robinson Drive, Geneseo in Henry County, look no further than 19283 East 1600 Street, Geneseo the Dunes.