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Find your Real Getaway in Northwest Illinois
Map of NW Illinois
Welcome to NW Illinois

100 miles due west of Chicago lie the rolling hills, old growth forests and the pristine rivers of the Blackhawk Waterways in Northwest Illinois. With its quaint cabins and darling bed & breakfasts, it's the perfect weekend getaway in Illinois. Every mile is steeped in history, surrounded by outdoor beauty and dotted with charming villages. The Blackhawk Waterways is what your vacation getaway looks like...
In Real Life.

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John Deere

Historic Site

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photo: Jack Hughes

Mississippi Palisades

State Park

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photo: Jack Hughes

Nachusa Grasslands

Bison Herd

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De Immigrant Windmill

working windmill

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Welcome to the Blackhawk Waterways in Northwest Illinois

Welcome to the Blackhawk Waterways in Northwest Illinois

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NW Illinois Travel Blog

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  • Winter Fun in the Blackhawk Waterways

    November 28, 2022
    Winter Fun in the Blackhawk Waterways
    Summer had to end The summer of 2022 was enjoyable around here, and the fall was fabulous. Enjoying the outdoors with friends and family is addictive. It doesn't have to end when our furnaces start to growl. Many people don't think of northwest Illinois as a winter vacation destination, but…
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visit the chocolate trail in Northwest Illinois
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Lots to do, see and explore
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