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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Fishing is for the whole family. Rock River Professional Guide Service's goal is not just to take people fishing. Their…
Whiteside County

Benson's on Lake Carlton

18750 Lake Rd
Morrison, IL 61270
Located in the heart of Morrison-Rockwood State ParkWe are located on the beautiful 77-acre Lake Carlton at Morrison-Rockwood State Park,…

Lowden State Park Boat Launch

1992 IL Rt 2 North
Oregon, IL 61061
Located off Illinois Rt 2 north of Oregon across the river from Lowden State Park. The scenic Rock River flows…
Carroll County
Kayaking and tubing  in the Savanna area of NW Illinois just got easier! Visit our website for your choice of multiple drop-in…
Ogle County

Kathryn A. Hamas Memorial Park Kayak Launch

108 E Diamond St
Byron, IL 61010
Kathryn A. Hamas Memorial Park has been renovated and now contains new kayak launch and floating boat docks along the…
Ogle County

He-Leo Forest Preserve Kayak Launch

6065 North Illinois Route 2
Oregon, IL 61061
Kayak Launches and Boat Docks The Byron Forest Preserve District has a kayak launch and floating boat docks at their…
Ogle County

Journey Through Time Kayak Tours

Conover Square - 201 N 2nd St
Oregon, IL 61061
At Journey Through Time Kayak Tours, its mission is to promote tourism in beautiful Oregon, Illinois. Their historic kayak tours…
ogle County

White Pelican

201 N. 3rd St.
Oregon, IL 61061
White Pelican offers canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, tube, and bike rentals on the beautiful Rock River in Oregon, IL. There…
Whiteside County

Crystal Lake Recreation Park

600 E 17th St
Rock Falls, IL 61071
Crystal Lake Recreation Park has long been a tourist destination in Rock Falls. The property includes a man-made lake for swimming and play, a go-kart…
Ogle County

Jack's Landing

corner of 2nd & Lafayette St
Oregon, IL 61061
Jacks Landing is a 10 acre site located at the corner of 2nd Street and Lafeyette Street in Daysville (rural…
Whiteside County

Bitler Marina

202 2nd Ave
Albany, IL 61230
Located on the banks of the Mississippi River in Albany, Bitler Marine is a family owned and operated business that…
Whiteside County

Seward Riverside Park

E 2nd Street & Ave C
Rock Falls, IL 61071
Boat launch area, picnic area, playground equipment & many ducks to feed.
Whiteside County

Docks on the Rock

1409 Shore Acres Rd.
Rock Falls, IL 61071
Located in the heart of the Rock River close to the Arduini Boat Launch, our prime location offers convenient access…
Lee County

Page Park

1 Page Park Dr.
Dixon, IL 61021
Boat ramp with ADA dock; hiking; picnic shelters; Rock River bank fishing; ball diamonds; tennis courts, ice rink.  Page Park…
Lee County

Meadows Park

Washington Ave.
Dixon, IL 61061
Biking/hiking trails; wooden playland area; soccer fields; mini golf complex; picnic areas; Rock River shoreline fishing access; snowmobile & equestrian…
Whiteside County

Thomas Park

2301 12th Avenue
Sterling, Illinois 61081
12.25 acre site  Amenities Basketball Courts (Outdoor) 6 Pickleball Courts (Outdoor) Picnic Areas Playground Equipment Open Play Areas Seasonal Restroom…
whiteside County

Lawrence Park

13650 Avenue G Island
Sterling, Illinois 61071
Acquired in 1925, Lawrence Park is considered the first park of Sterling, and was named for the Lawrence family in…
Whiteside County

Oppold Marina Harbor House

532 Stouffer Road
Sterling, Illinois 61071
Free Boat Launching Facilities, Boat Slip Rentals, Picnic Shelters, Restrooms, fishing, playground equipment and open play areas.Open 7 days a…
Ogle County

Grand Detour Camping Islands

8195 Route 2 South
Grand Detour, IL
NOTE: DUE TO THE PANDEMIC WE ARE CLOSED FOR THE 2021 CAMPING SEASON. FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR UPDATES. Adjacent and immediately east of historic…
Ogle County

Oregon Park East

120 River Road
Oregon, IL
Oregon Park East is a 23-acre site that is divided by River Road. There is access above and below the…
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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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