Northern including Rockford & Galena, Illinois Attractions

Interactive displays at the Exploration Station include a mock airplane cockpit, fire truck, farm and medieval castle. The Community Room has hands-on exhibits, and an arts and crafts table. The Space exhibit is one of the most popular rooms at Exploration Station with its glow in the dark exhibit.

The George R. Letourneau Home Museum is preserved to commemorate the first mayor of the village and one of the oldest surviving structures in Bourbonnais.

The Chicago Great Western Depot was constructed in 1888. The railway was nicknamed "The Maple Leaf Route" since its three main lines including the branches, took on the appearance of a maple leaf.The old passenger waiting room, located within the depot, is a local history museum operated by the Elizabeth Historical Society.

The Apple River Fort was built in 1823 to protect the town during the Black Hawk War.

Ellwood House is a Victorian mansion, built in 1879, by barbed wire millionaire Isaac L. Ellwood. The bedrooms, servant's rooms, and service areas of Ellwood House have been restored to provide a glimpse of how the Ellwood family lived decades ago.

This nature park south-west of Chicago on the Illinois River, noted for its sandstone formations, is named after a group of Illini Indians who were left by their enemies to starve to death on one of the rocks.Starved Rock offers many recreational opportunities including picnicking, fishing, boating, horseback riding camping and winter sports.

Matthiessen State Park has an abundance of plant and animal life, picnicking opportunities and hiking trails. The park was named for the late Frederick William Matthiessen, a prominent industrialist and philanthropist, who operated the privately owned park for many years.

Stephen Mack was the first to settle in Rockton and his home has been restored to its original state. It offers a glimpse into the life of this frontiersman.

Tours of Whitman Trading Post, built in 1820, are available. It is located on Macktown Forest Preserve, one of the earliest settlements in Northern Illinois.

Ronald Reagan's Boyhood Home was home to the Reagan family from 1920-1923. It has been restored and furnished to appear as it did during that period. Next to the home is a Visitors Center with video footage of Mr. Reagan.

A small park marks the site of the Dixon Blockhouse, within the park is a statue of Lincoln as a young man.

Memorabilia relating to the history of German Valley and the surrounding area are featured at the German Valley Historical Museum. A kitchen area, sitting area, dining room, office and military room are furnished and include items from the Ostfriesian area of Germany.

This collection of Oliver Hart-Parr farm equipment includes farm toys, advertising and collectibles that date back to 1860.

The Kankakee County Historical Museum Complex is located in Governor Small Memorial Park and offers three main exhibit areas. The Museum, the Taylor one room schoolhouse, and the Dr. A.L. Small home (the boyhood home of Governor Len Small). There is also a Native American exhibit and sculpture gallery that houses nearly 30 original works by George Gray Barnard who lived in Kankakee during his formative years.

The Sandwich Stone Mill building is home to the Sandwich Historical Society Industrial Museum. The building is 125 years old and features local manufacturing, memorabilia, photos and historical artifacts.

The Boone County Historical Museum, founded in 1968, features local memorabilia including Civil War artifacts, historical dolls, clothing, tools and transportation methods.

Lena Area Historical Museum houses many historical items including quilts, farm tools, clothing, and military exhibits are on display. Located on the grounds of the museum are an Illinois Central caboose, the first log schoolhouse built in Lena, a summer kitchen, and a barn with related displays.

The Lena Water Tower was built in 1896, it is believed to be on of the only three in Illinois of similar construction. The 100 foot tall tower has become the symbol for the village of Lena.

Dillon Home Museum is the former residence of P.W. Dillon, son of the original owner of the Northwestern Steel & Wire Co. Built in 1857 in the Italian Renaissance-style, the home contains original furnishings and accessories. Local history exhibits are located in the museum carriage house.

The 19 room Amboy Depot Museum is housed in the Illinois Central Railroad Depot, built in 1876. The restored building features many historical artifacts from Amboy and surrounding area such as a one-room country schoolhouse, a retired steam engine and a caboose.

Baumann Park is located in the center of historic Cherry Valley. There is a playground, gazebo, baseball field, tennis courts, and cycling path. The lake offers abundant fishing opportunities.

Blackhawk Springs is a heavily wooded 629 acre preserve offering abundant fishing and hiking activities.

Deer Run, southeast of Rockford, offers over 9 miles of hiking and equestrian trails. Much of the natural area is undeveloped.

Kishwaukee River Forest Preserve is a 176-acre preserve that offers a diverse array of recreational opportunities including fishing, hiking, and canoeing.

Magic Waters Waterpark is a 43 acre waterpark featuring a wave pool, water slides, water roller coaster and beach volleyball.

Oak Ridge offers a canoe launch, seven miles of hiking and equestrian trails, a picnic area, and undeveloped natural areas.

The John Deere Historic Site features a blacksmith at work in a replica of the blacksmith's shop where John Deere made his historic plow in 1837.An archaeological team from the University of Illinois unearthed the exact location of the blacksmith shop. The complex includes the restored Deere homestead, and an archeological exhibition building on the excavated site.