Things to Do
Keep the whole family happy while visiting
Before you visit our beautiful neck of the woods, scroll through all the amazing attractions and activities everyone will enjoy. Shop for reclaimed antiques or peruse local boutiques. Raise a glass in a local brewery or distillery. Nosh in a ‘60s supper club or modern, farm-to-table eatery. Marvel in the visual and performing arts, including toe-tapping outdoor concerts. Share some good times and laughs over axe throwing and bowling. How about an outdoor adventure hiking woodland trail or floating on one of our waterways? Yup. We've got it all.
Adventures in the Great Outdoors
If fresh air and wide-open spaces are calling your name, Northwest Illinois delivers. The dramatic bluffs of Mississippi Palisades State Park in Savanna are a hiker’s dream, offering winding trails, towering cliffs, and some of the best bald eagle watching in the state. For more breathtaking views, head to Castle Rock State Park near Oregon, where sandstone formations and sweeping overlooks create a picture-perfect backdrop for exploration. Nature lovers will also find plenty to discover at the Byron Forest Preserve, which features over 2,000 acres of restored prairie, woodlands, and bluffs — plus the J. Weiskopf Observatory for stargazing. Don’t miss the scenic drive along the Great River Road, a legendary route that hugs the Mississippi and showcases charming river towns, rolling farmland, and river views that stretch for miles.
Arts, Culture & Entertainment
Northwest Illinois is brimming with cultural gems that surprise and delight. The Historic Dixon Theatre offers a glimpse of grandeur from a bygone era while hosting modern-day concerts, films, and live shows. For a touch of Broadway in the countryside, make your way to Timber Lake Playhouse in Mt. Carroll, Illinois’ oldest professional summer stock theatre. Tucked away in the woods, it’s the perfect place to catch a musical or comedy in an enchanting setting. If live music under the stars sounds more your style, the Rhythm Section Amphitheater delivers unforgettable nights with top-notch sound, a quirky silo bar, and open-air vibes surrounded by nature.
Flavorful Finds & Local Eats
Bring your appetite, because the culinary scene here is as adventurous as the landscape. In Oregon, Blackhawk Steak Pit has been serving charcoal-grilled steaks and fresh seafood since 1978, complete with a classic salad bar and Rock River views. For a one-of-a-kind dining experience, Poopy’s Pub & Grub in Savanna combines hearty food with live music, biker-friendly energy, and even an onsite tattoo shop. Sweet tooths and brunch lovers alike will find their happy place at Krumpets Restaurant & Bakery in Fulton, where flaky pastries and cozy charm keep visitors coming back for more.
Thrills & Recreation for All Seasons
For those seeking adventure, Northwest Illinois has you covered. The Chicagoland Skydiving Center in Rochelle gives adrenaline-seekers the chance to leap into the skies with one of the top facilities in the Midwest, complete with an on-site restaurant, bar, and even a campground. Anglers can reel in bass, catfish, and walleye along the Mississippi, while boaters and paddlers take to the water for a relaxing day on the river. Golf courses dot the landscape for every skill level, and horseback riders can enjoy scenic trails that meander through forest and farmland. In the colder months, the region transforms into a winter playground with cross-country skiing, snowmobile trails, and world-class bald eagle viewing that draws nature lovers from across the state.
History, Heritage & Landmarks
Step into the past at attractions that honor the region’s rich history. At the Heritage Farm Museum, visitors can churn butter, learn about maple syrup production, and experience farm life as it was lived generations ago. Just down the road in Fulton, Wierenga’s Heritage Canyon invites you to wander a recreated 19th-century village complete with cabins, shops, and a picturesque white-steepled church. Towering above the Mississippi, the De Immigrant Windmill — a 100-foot-tall Dutch windmill — stands as both a cultural treasure and a scenic overlook offering sweeping views of the river valley.
