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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Rock River Chase | Rock Falls

Saturday, Aug. 06, 2022 10:30 am until Saturday, Aug. 06, 2022 5:00 pm
Rock River Chase | Rock Falls

Stock outboard boat racing

Aug 6-7 | 10:30 am - 5 pm | Sewards Park, Rock Falls
This unique event has been held at the same location from the early 80s through the late 90s. The event made its return in 2014.

The ages of racers range from 9 years old to racers in their 70s or older. Boat racers compete in several different classes of race boats ranging in speeds from around 35 mph to 80 mph.

Craft, food, and snack vendors are on sight both Saturday and Sunday.


Event repeats

NW Illinois Travel Blog

- Latest Post -

  • Conover Square Mall | A one-of-a-kind shopping experience

    April 10, 2023
    From an old piano factory to a one-of-a-kind shopping experience While visiting the Blackhawk Waterways region of northwest Illinois (Carroll, Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside Counties), a shopping mecca straight out of the 70s must be put on your itinerary. Conover Square Mall is a historic shopping center in Oregon, Illinois,…
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