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OFF THE BEE-TEN PATH SAVE 10% WITH CODE WELCOME2021 Private farm-to-table breakfasts • Contactless check-in Beautiful, quiet, winding country roads for biking • Fireplace and tub suites • Nachusa Grasslands for bison viewing Franklin Creek State Park for amazing wild owers, hikes, and history • Beekeeping and apple picking on our farm • Birding and agritourism • Indoor and outdoor events • Gift certi cates 409 N. State St. Franklin Grove, IL 61031 815-456-7700 www.lincolnwayinn.com 2 2021 Northwest Illinois Visitor Guide River Activities · Golf · Hiking · Biking · Art · Shopping · Theatre Located just 30 minutes south of Galena, Carroll County is a great destination for a weekend get-away and more. w w w . v i s i t c a r r o l l c o u n t y i l . c o m (815) 234-4653 BYRON, IL prairieviewgolf.com (815) 234-3473 BYRON, IL prairiefiregolf.com #NWillinoisIRL • www.VisitNorthwestIllinois.com 3 In the rolling hills and old-growth forests of Diane Bausman, beautiful northwest Illinois, Blackhawk Waterways Executive Director is a world away from your regular day. This region Blackhawk Waterways CVB encompasses the four counties of Carroll, Lee, Ogle Promoting tourism in the counties of and Whiteside – 2,700 square miles of genuine smiles, outdoor adventure Carroll, Lee, Ogle and Whiteside. and charming villages 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. Call 815-946-2108 So, whether you’re searching for a family outing, a great escape or a Toll free 800-678-2108 romantic getaway, you’ll discover hidden treasures and unique pleasures [email protected] in this special place in the pines. 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 2021. Blackhawk Waterways Convention & Visitors Bureau • 201 N. Franklin Ave., Polo, IL 61064. Printed in the USA 2/2021. 30,000 copies. Photography by Connie Zink, Peter Balser, Debbie Cram, Danny Higgins, Dee Hudson, Jack Hughes, Bill Kleiman, Andrea Vondra, Michael Krabbenhoeft, Charles Larry, Alex Paschal, Sauk Valley Media, Monte Amende, Derek Olson and A. Steinmann. 4 2021 Northwest Illinois Visitor Guide LITTLE ABOUT BLACKHAWK WATERWAYS What is DO EVERYTHING OR NOTHING AT ALL... #NWIllinoisIRL? The Blackhawk Waterways region is Experience the birthplace and boyhood Picturesque sunsets, meandering rivers, filled with opportunities for wildlife home of President Ronald Reagan, rolling hills, amazing wildlife and old- viewing, hiking and biking, boating and travel stretches of the original Lincoln fashioned charm, many of these treasures fishing, shopping and antiquing, and Highway and the Great River Road often taken for granted and lost in the exploring our nation’s rich history, or National Scenic Byway, tour the John unconscious routine of what we call life. just sitting in an old-growth forest and Deere Historic Site, and learn more You see, it’s easy to settle and reading a book. Blackhawk Waterways about the bloody battles of wish away the days, expecting is packed with history and mystery – the Black Hawk War of tomorrow to be no different 2,700 square miles of woodlands and 1832 that pitted half than today. wonderful attractions, charming small of all federal troops towns and villages, unobstructed views of the U.S. Army But, if we stop and and pastoral settings that will have you (as well as 9,000 remind ourselves just returning to visit. volunteers from how powerful life’s little the Illinois Militia, treasures can be, how If nature’s your thing, you’ll discover a including future they can enrich our lives, region rich in outdoor opportunities, President Abraham how they can recharge from 10 state parks and a 2,200-acre Lincoln) against our souls, wouldn’t we state forest to exceptional golf courses Black Hawk, a war take pause from our daily and 125 miles of beautiful boating and chief of the Sauk, Fox routines and seek out great fishing courtesy of the Rock and and Kickapoo nations, those very treasures? Travel Mississippi Rivers. From catfish, muskie and his British band of to destinations that inspire us? and trout, streams, rivers and lakes warriors. Perhaps stop living vicariously provide anglers with the perfect settings through our family and friends who to research their next big fish story. Whether you’re seeking a day trip boast endlessly about their last great escape or a week-long adventure, discover Retail therapy enthusiasts applaud the all over social media? Become the envied excellent restaurants and diverse shopping opportunities that abound rather than the envious? lodging choices that range from in the Blackhawk Waterways region, primitive campsites and rustic cabins to It’s with this idea in mind that we crafted offering everything from eclectic hand- pampering B&Bs, comfortable country a new push for our visitors to Northwest crafted gifts and quaint art galleries inns and award-winning hotels – all Illinois called Illinois InRealLife. We to antique treasures and coveted just 90 minutes from Chicagoland. For encourage our travelers to capture their collectibles. And you’ll always be some, the real beauty of Blackhawk memories and post to social media using greeted by friendly shopkeepers who Waterways is found in its natural the hashtag #NWIllinoisIRL. still understand the art of authentic wonders, which give pause from a hospitality. workaday life. For them, the simplicity The InRealLife campaign is a testament to the idea of not waiting for tomorrow to History lovers find a new home in the of a falling autumn leaf, a browsing travel, not solely experiencing life through Blackhawk Waterways, where a treasure deer or a crackling fire are the magnets social media, not being shackled by our trove of museums, monuments and that draw them to this special place – a present urban environment, not being historical sites capture the imagination. getaway like it used to be! consumed by our devices and truly escaping to the adventures that wait just out our front doors. It’s about being a participant, not a TABLE OF CONTENTS spectator. It’s also about the stark contrast between relaxing rural and stress-filled 6 • FOUR COUNTY MAP urban. We want the young, and the young at 8 • ACCOMMODATIONS heart; Those active individuals who seek out adventure and enjoy the contrast between 12 • GOLF living and active, social life and online social 13 • OUTDOORS interaction. 14 • CARROLL COUNTY Let Northwest Illinois be a beacon for those 20 • LEE COUNTY individuals yearning to not let life escape them and experience adventure InRealLife. 27 • OGLE COUNTY 36 • WHITESIDE COUNTY #NWillinoisIRL • www.VisitNorthwestIllinois.com 5 6 2021 Northwest Illinois Visitor Guide #NWillinoisIRL • www.VisitNorthwestIllinois.com 7 ACCOMMODATIONS Whether you’re seeking a day-trip or a week-long adventure, discover excellent restaurants and diverse lodging choices that range from primitive campsites and rustic cabins to pampering B&Bs, comfortable vacation rentals and award-winning hotels - all just 90 minutes from Chicagoland. Prairie Path Guest House CABINS/COTTAGES CAMPGROUNDS CARROLL We offer three guest rooms where you are surrounded by antiques and sleep under handmade quilts. Wake up to the Hickory Hideaway Fin & Feather Campground BED & BREAKFASTS/ smell of coffee and fresh baked cinnamon Escape to our wooded property in either 7 acres riverfront camping, hunting, COUNTRY INNS rolls and enjoy our hearty country a cozy cabin or cottage equipped with all fishing on backwaters of Mississippi River. breakfast including Swedish pancakes, the comforts of home including whirlpool Boat, motor, canoe rental & access. Bait sausage or bacon & our own jams & tubs, fireplaces and bonfire pits. We are shop & concessions. Ecology Inn jellies. Relax while sitting on the wicker located a short distance from state parks Thomson • 6284 Riverview Rd. Four boutique style rooms with private porch swing on the upstairs veranda and and Mississippi River. 815-273-3302 baths. Full kitchen & living space with enjoy our peaceful countryside. Make hickoryhideaway.com views of Mississippi River. Located in time to bird watch, shop in our quilt & gift Shannon • 24366 Payne Rd. Lake Carroll Campground downtown Savanna & near Mississippi shop or explore the historic community 815-864-2099 Private ownership campground featuring Palisades State Park. Free WiFi. Pet we call home. No pets. Free Wi-Fi. Check 135 sites situated on 113 acres. Complete friendly. us out on Facebook! The Nest at Palisades Cabins with full service electrical and water ecologyinn.com bbonline.com/il/prairiepath 1 bdrm., private cabins, wooded acreage hook-up options, a newly renovated Savanna • 321 Main St Mt. Carroll • 1002 N. Lowden Rd. above the Mississippi. Jacuzzi, gas/ playground, a spacious shower house, 815-273-0336 815-541-0753 wood stove, satellite TV, VCR/CD/DVD. camper storage, a pavilion for group Complimentary bicycles. events, and waste station. Seasonal, Country Palmer House Standish House Bed & thenestatpalisades.com Daily/Weekly, and Overflow sites are Two guest rooms with private baths, WiFi, Savanna • Scenic Ridge Rd. available to members. full country breakfast included. Fireplace Breakfast 815-273-7824 golakecarroll.com in TV room. Hilltop views. Outside hot Antique canopy beds, breakfast by Lanark • 15-960 Plumtree Blvd. tub. candlelight. Rustic River Cabins 815-493-2552 Mt. Carroll • 17035 Elizabeth Rd [email protected] Log cabins in the Bluffs overlooking 815-244-2343 Lanark • 540 W.