Why You Should Go...
The Blackhawk Waterways region in Northwest Illinois is filled with opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, biking, boating, fishing, shopping, and antiquing, or just sitting in an old-growth forest and reading a book.
If outdoor adventure is your thing, discover a region rich in back-to-nature opportunities, from 10 state parks and a 2,200-acre state forest to exceptional golf courses and 125 miles of beautiful boating and fishing courtesy of the Rock and Mississippi Rivers. In addition, the Great River Bike Trail offers 62 miles of paved biking path along the Mississippi River, or rent a kayak or canoe and take advantage of backwater areas.
History lovers can experience the birthplace and boyhood home of President Ronald Reagan or tour the John Deere Historic Site & blacksmith shop where John Deere invented the plow.
The Blackhawk Waterways region offers events, festivals, and various lodging options ranging from camping, cabins, and B&Bs to vacation rentals and award-winning hotels - all just 90 minutes from Chicago.
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Why You Should Go...
The Blackhawk Waterways region in Northwest Illinois is filled with opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, biking, boating, fishing, shopping, and antiquing, or just sitting in an old-growth forest and reading a book.
If outdoor adventure is your thing, discover a region rich in back-to-nature opportunities, from 10 state parks and a 2,200-acre state forest to exceptional golf courses and 125 miles of beautiful boating and fishing courtesy of the Rock and Mississippi Rivers. In addition, the Great River Bike Trail offers 62 miles of paved biking path along the Mississippi River, or rent a kayak or canoe and take advantage of backwater areas.
History lovers can experience the birthplace and boyhood home of President Ronald Reagan or tour the John Deere Historic Site & blacksmith shop where John Deere invented the plow.
The Blackhawk Waterways region offers events, festivals, and various lodging options ranging from camping, cabins, and B&Bs to vacation rentals and award-winning hotels - all just 90 minutes from Chicago.
What You Should Know...
Open:
Year-Round
Extra Fun...
Fun Facts
The region’s most recognizable landmark is the 50-foot-high Eternal Indian statue, better known as the Black Hawk Statue. It stands 125 feet above the Rock River in Oregon and is the 2nd largest concrete monolith in the world. Created by the sculpture, Lorado Taft, it was dedicated in 1911.
This is the perfect place to work on your adventure bucket list! The Chicagoland Skydiving Center is located at the Rochelle Airport and the bluffs of the Mississippi Palisades State Park offer challenging rock climbing. Want to get scared silly? Raven’s Grin Inn Haunted House is open year-round.
The Great River Road National Scenic Byway travels north and south along the western Mississippi River border and The Lincoln Highway National Scenic Byway travels east and west along US Rt 38 and 30. Both offer scenic drives through some of the Midwest’s most beautiful countryside.
How You Can Follow...