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.

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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TOSOC Bike Ride

Saturday, Sep. 25, 2021 7:00 am until Saturday, Sep. 25, 2021 4:00 pm
TOSOC Bike Ride

The TOSOC (Tour of Scenic Ogle County) offers a fabulous bike ride with well-marked routes (no gravel) that passes through some of the most beautiful roads in Northern Illinois. Rest stops will be filled with delicious baked goods from The Village Bakery and free showers are available so you can enjoy touring historic Oregon when you’re done.

Go to the website listed above for registration details and a downloadable brochure

TŌSOC has three cycling routes to choose from and all 3 start at the Village of Progress in Oregon:
A 10 mile family ride through Oregon. Developed with the help of the Oregon Park District, this ride tours a number of the city’s parks.

A 32 mile route takes cyclists through Grand Detour (stopping at the John Deere Historical Museum) and the Nachusa Grasslands for Bison viewing

The 62 mile loop — takes the 32 mile route and adds in some of the most scenic roads in Northern Illinois.

To learn about biking in Oregon visit www.oregoncity.org and click on Bike Ogle or search BikeOgle on Facebook.


NW Illinois Travel Blog

- Latest Post -

  • Winter Fun in the Blackhawk Waterways

    November 28, 2022
    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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