2 Night Hidden Treasures Mystery Tour

DAY 1

Tuesday Mid Afternoon Arrival –-Reagan Boyhood Home
(Arrival time and give 2.5 hours for this and the Historic Center)

Tour the home that the Reagan family resided in from 1920-1923. Meander through the newly remodeled Visitor Center and Gift Shop which features books and gifts highlighting the Reagan legacy lifeline

Northwest Territory Historic Center

History Research and Learning Center housed in President Ronald Reagan’s boyhood South Central School. Beautifully restored, the Center is proudly affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution. The Center houses the Veterans History Project Regional Center, auditorium, research library, historical exhibits, art gallery, surround-sound theater and museum store. The Dixon Historic Center announces two new permanent exhibits. Designed and constructed by renowned historical presentation talent, these spectacular galleries enrich our understanding of regional Native American life and early American farming. Speaking life-like figures enrich our perception of life and the struggle to thrive in a young 19th century United States. Narrative panels fill in details about years of the Native American’s struggle to keep their land. Aspects of the settler’s lifestyle plus the implements and tools that helped settle the West are also illustrated. See the story of 1800’s America unfold through expressive conversations and watch as a noisy conflict unfolds into gunfire. Hear the sounds of the outdoors and a farmyard. Engaging, historically accurate, structures and many artifact displays round out a magnificent learning experience for every age.

John Deere Historic Site, Grand Detour 15 min from Dixon

Visit John Deere’s restored pioneer home and special archaeological exhibit of the original blacksmith shop. The group will be shown a short video presentation of the history of the plow, a tour of the John Deere home and a working blacksmith demonstration. This historic site also features a gift shop and visitor center.

DAY 2

De Immigrant” Windmill

Fulton’s authentic Dutch Windmill. The windmill was prefabricated in the Netherlands, and erected by Dutch craftsmen on the bank of the Mississippi River in Fulton.

Windmill Cultural Center

Located across the street from the Windmill, the Cultural Center houses 25 3-5 foot tall scale model windmills that depict windmills from ten European countries: Belgium, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, and The Netherlands. Informative interpretive materials compliment the windmill collection providing unique information on the products produced by windmills, country of origin, windmill specifications, and the cultural impact of windmills. The Cultural Center also boasts a gift shop where you can purchase flour ground at the windmill, Delft pottery, and other gift items.

An Iconic Roadside Experience

Kick off the afternoon with a stop at Poopy’s Pub & Grub in Savanna, Illinois’ largest biker destination and a truly unforgettable dining spot. Known for its lively atmosphere, hearty food, and quirky décor, Poopy’s is more than just a restaurant, it’s an attraction in itself. This memorable stop is always a favorite for bus groups, offering a fun and unique experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Head to White Pines Resort

Head to the heart of the forest at White Pines Resort, where you’ll check into charming individual log cabins. Surrounded by towering pines, these cozy accommodations create the perfect blend of comfort and nature. Gather together for a catered picnic among the pines, complete with delicious homestyle food served in a beautiful natural setting. This casual, outdoor meal is the perfect way to enjoy the fresh air, connect with fellow travelers, and soak in the park’s rustic charm.

DAY 3

Bus to Barnacopia

When you walk inside Barnacopia, before you get to the old-time diner or the replica downtown Polo or the bed and breakfast in the silo, you walk over the first tractor the owner ever rode. The red and white 1946 Ford is set into the floor, underneath glass, and looks as if it never spent a day in the fields. A walk up the stairs, or a ride in the elevator inside a silo, takes you to the second floor where there’s a movie theater, a chapel and 9 restored classic cars which include an old state trooper patrol vehicle.

White Pines Matinee Theatre

Enjoy a delightful afternoon at the White Pines Playhouse where you will enjoy one of their musical or comedy productions. The Matinee will also include a fabulous home-cooked buffet with all of the trimmings. After the production browse the unique Gift Shop that offers special gifts, fudge and other creative candies.

From rich history and authentic cultural experiences to unique roadside stops and cozy forest escapes, this itinerary blends learning, laughter, and lasting memories into one unforgettable journey. Whether you’re drawn to presidential history, hands-on demonstrations, or simply savoring the charm of Northwest Illinois, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Ready to book your journey? Contact us today to customize your tour and reserve your group’s unforgettable adventure.