Take a Bike Ride Along the Mighty Mississip'
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
2 2017 Blackhawk Waterways Visitor Guide #NWIllinoisIRL · www.VisitNorthwestIllinois.com 3 WELCOMETO BLACKHAWK WATERWAYS Ready to make a ripple? In the Blackhawk Waterways of Northwest Illinois you’ll discover 125 miles of watery trails, including rivers, canals and streams that lead to nesting eagles, spotted fawns, canopied forests and your own private paradise. Need a canoe, kayak or even a guide? We’ve got you covered with rentals and outfitters. Find out more online at visitnorthwestillinois.com. Then beat it to the backwaters! Diane Bausman, In the rolling hills and old-growth forests of beautiful northwest Illinois, Executive Director Blackhawk Waterways is a world away from your regular day. This region Blackhawk Waterways CVB encompasses the four counties of Carroll, Lee, Ogle and Whiteside – 2,700 Promoting tourism in the counties of square miles of genuine smiles, outdoor adventure and charming villages Carroll, Lee, Ogle and Whiteside. that dot a landscape watered by the Rock River and the mighty Mississippi. Scenic byways, rich history and outstanding special events make Blackhawk Waterways a preferred destination for hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. So, whether you’re searching for a family outing, a great escape or a Call 815-946-2108 romantic getaway, you’ll discover hidden treasures and unique pleasures in Toll free 800-678-2108 this special place in the pines. [email protected] Visitor information: For additional copies of this Visitors Guide and advertising inquiries, call Blackhawk Waterways Convention & Visitors Bureau (BWCVB) at 800- 678-2108. Every attempt has been made to verify the accuracy of the information provided and contained in this publication. As such, BWCVB assumes no liability for incorrect information contained herein. Further, the information contained in the publication does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by BWCVB. ©Copyright 2017, Blackhawk Waterways Convention & Visitors Bureau 201 N. Franklin Ave., Polo, IL 61064. Printed in the USA 2/2017. 30,000 copies. Photography by Debbie Cram, Danny Higgins, Bill Kleiman, Dee Hudson & A. Steinmann. 4 2017 Blackhawk Waterways Visitor Guide A LITTLE ABOUT What is #NWIllinoisIRL? BLACKHAWK WATERWAYS Picturesque sunsets, meandering rivers, rolling hills, amazing wildlife and old- Do EVERYTHING or nothing at all... fashioned charm, many of these treasures The Blackhawk Waterways region is filled with History lovers find a new home in the Blackhawk often taken for granted and lost in the opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking and biking, Waterways, where a treasure trove of museums, unconscious routine of what we call life. boating and fishing, shopping and antiquing, and monuments and historical sites capture the imagination. You see, it’s easy to settle and wish away exploring our nation’s rich history, or just sitting in an Experience the birthplace and boyhood home of the days, expecting tomorrow to be no old-growth forest and reading a book. Blackhawk President Ronald Reagan, travel stretches of the original different than today. Waterways is packed with history and mystery – 2,700 Lincoln Highway and the Great River Road National But, if we stop and remind ourselves just square miles of woodlands and wonderful attractions, Scenic Byway, tour the John Deere Historic Site, and how powerful life’s little treasures can be, charming small towns and villages, unobstructed views learn more about the bloody battles of the Black Hawk how they can enrich our lives, how they can and pastoral settings that will have you returning to visit. War of 1832 that pitted half of all federal troops of the recharge our souls, wouldn’t we take pause If nature’s your thing, you’ll discover a region rich in U.S. Army (as well as 9,000 volunteers from the Illinois from our daily routines and seek out those outdoor opportunities, from 10 state parks and a 2,200- Militia, including future President Abraham Lincoln) very treasures? Travel to destinations that acre state forest to exceptional golf courses and 125 against Black Hawk, a war chief of the Sauk, Fox and inspire us? Perhaps stop living vicariously miles of beautiful boating and great fishing courtesy of Kickapoo nations, and his British band of warriors. through our family and friends who boast the Rock and Mississippi Rivers. From catfish, muskie Whether you’re seeking a day trip or a week-long endlessly about their last great escape all and trout, local streams, rivers and lakes provide adventure, discover excellent restaurants and diverse over social media? Become the envied anglers with the perfect settings in which to research lodging choices that range from primitive campsites rather than the envious? their next big fish story. and rustic cabins to pampering B&Bs, comfortable Retail therapy enthusiasts applaud the shopping country inns and award-winning hotels – all just 90 It’s with this idea in mind that we crafted opportunities that abound in the Blackhawk Waterways minutes from Chicagoland. For some, the real beauty of a new push for our visitors to Northwest region, offering everything from eclectic hand-crafted Blackhawk Waterways is found in its natural wonders, Illinois called Illinois InRealLife. We gifts and quaint art galleries to antique treasures and which give pause from a workaday life. For them, the encourage our travelers to capture their coveted collectibles. And you’ll always be greeted by simplicity of a falling autumn leaf, a browsing deer or memories and post to social media using friendly shopkeepers who still understand the art of a crackling fire are the magnets that draw them to this the hashtag #NWIllinoisIRL. authentic hospitality. special place – a getaway like it used to be! The InRealLife campaign is a testament to the idea of not waiting for tomorrow to travel, not solely experiencing life through social media, not being shackled by our present urban environment, not being consumed by our devices and truly escaping to the adventures that wait just out TABLE OF CONTENTS our front doors. It’s about being a participant, not a 6 FOUR COUNTY MAP 16 CARROLL COUNTY 36 WHITESIDE COUNTY spectator. It’s also about the stark contrast between relaxing rural and stress-filled 8 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 18 MT. CARROLL 42 ROCK FALLS urban. We want the young, and the young at heart; Those active individuals who CELEBRATES CELEBRATES seek out adventure and enjoy the contrast 10 ACCOMMODATIONS between living and active, social life and 150 YEARS 150 YEARS online social interaction. 14 GOLF Let Northwest Illinois be a beacon for those 22 LEE COUNTY individuals yearning to not let life escape 15 OUTDOORS them and experience adventure InRealLife. 28 OGLE COUNTY #NWIllinoisIRL · www.VisitNorthwestIllinois.com 5 6 2017 Blackhawk Waterways Visitor Guide #NWIllinoisIRL · www.VisitNorthwestIllinois.com 7 LEE COUNTY MARCH Dixon Venetian Night Dixon St. Patrick’s Day Aug. 12 Parade & Party Gardenstock Art & Music Festival March 11 in Dixon Sublette Toy and Antique Tractor Show Aug. 19 March 18-19 Dixon Carp Tournament APRIL Aug. 26-27 Small Museum Conference Amboy Depot Days & Car Show at Loveland House, Dixon Aug 24-27 April 29 SEPTEMBER MAY Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival in Dixon Dixon Cinco de Mayo Celebration September 2 May 6-7 Paw Paw Hometown Homecoming & Sublette Cruise N Show Car Show May 13 Labor Day weekend OF EVENTS Lincoln Hwy Car Show in Autumn on the Prairie at Nachusa CALENDAR Franklin Grove Grasslands May 13 Sept. 16 JUNE Dixon Scarecrow Festival CARROLL COUNTY Dixon Rockin on the Rock Sept. 24 MARCH SEPTEMBER June 2 OCTOBER NW ILL Model Railroad Club Shannon Homecoming Celebration Cabela’s King Kat Tournament in Dixon Dixon West End Fest Open House in Chadwick Labor Day Weekend June 3 Oct. 14 March 18-19 Mt. Carroll Cruise Night Bloomin on the Rock Garden Walk Franklin Grove Zombie Ride MAY Sept. 16 in Dixon Oct. 27-28 June 17 Mt. Carroll Mayfest NOVEMBER Memorial Day Weekend OCTOBER Mt. Carroll Pumpkin Fest Ashton Fest Amboy Christmas Walk JUNE Oct. 28 June 9-11 Sunday after Thanksgiving Mt. Carroll Cruise Night JULY Small Business Saturday June 17 Savanna Museum Veterans Tribute Dance Dixon Petunia Festival Nov. 25 June 29-July 4 Lanark Old Settler’s Days Oct. 28 DECEMBER June 24-25 Dixon Nuts About Art Show Dixon Christmas Walk NOVEMBER July 1 JULY Shannon Hometown Christmas Dec. 1 Mt. Carroll Cruise Night 3rd Weekend Dixon Reagan Run Sublette Christmas in the Village July 15 July 1 Dec. 1 NW ILL Model Railroad Club AUGUST Open House in Chadwick Lee County 4-H Fair Ashton Christmas Celebration Carroll County Fair Nov. 18-19 July 27-30 Dec. 9 Aug. 8-12 Savanna Christmas Walk AUGUST Franklin Grove Christmas in the Grove Mt. Carroll Cruise Night Friday after Thanksgiving Franklin Grove Dec. 8 Aug. 19 Summer Harvest Festival DECEMBER Aug.5-6 Mt. Carroll Brick Street Saturday Mt. Carroll Christmas Walk Aug. 26 Dec. 2 LHAEA Antique Tractor Show Aug. 5-6 8 2017 Blackhawk Waterways Visitor Guide OGLE COUNTY WHITESIDE COUNTY MARCH Summer Country Jam in Rochelle FEBRUARY SEPTEMBER Aug 5 Polo Farm Toy Show Reagan Birthday celebration Sterling / Rock Falls Bridge the March 4 Polo Car, Truck & Bike Show at Tampico Birthplace Community 5K/10K Run Aug. 12 Feb. 6 Sept. 16 Rochelle St Pat's Parade & Irish Hooley March 11 Illinois Renewable Energy Fair Percussion Palooza in Rock Falls Sterling/Rock Falls Fiesta Aug. 19-20 Feb. 26 Event & Parade Byron Forst Preserve Maple Syrup Sept. 16 Festival Rochelle Lincoln Hwy Heritage Festival MAY Aug. 19-20 March 18 Fulton Dutch Days Morrison “Paint the Town” Art Festival Annual Oregon Antique Show Cypress House Outdoor Market May 6-7 Sept. 16 Aug. 26 March 25-26 Sterling Main Street Car Show Morrison Harvest Hammer Run MAY SEPTEMBER May 7 Sept.