By Patrick Shea – Bicycle Touring came into my life during my college years. I attended a small school on Lake Superior’s south shore, where the deciduous and boreal forests meet and mingle. From Northland’s campus in Ashland, Wisconsin, I spent four years in an ever-widening spiral of aimless pedaling.Continue Reading
Galena Country, nestled along the Mississippi River in the upper northwest corner of Illinois, is the second most visited destination in Illinois, after Chicago. The great thing about a trip to Galena Country is that it’s your story to write. Take on an outdoor adventure along the Mississippi River. Spend hoursContinue Reading
The Greater Freeport Partnership One organization. One voice. One mission: To grow Freeport & Stephenson County. What does the Partnership do? The Greater Freeport Partnership promotes Stephenson County and support businesses. We accomplish these goals through workforce development, marketing, beautification, business education and providing data resources. Our history: In JuneContinue Reading
Family Friendly There is fun for the whole family in Freeport and Stephenson County. Enjoy our parks, museums and other indoor and outdoor activities for kids and families. Krape Park Explore beautiful Krape Park, awarded “Outstanding Multi-use Facility” by the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association. Heavily wooded Krape Park featuresContinue Reading
There is fun for the whole family in Freeport and Stephenson County. Enjoy our parks, museums and other indoor and outdoor activities for kids and families. Krape Park Explore beautiful Krape Park, awarded “Outstanding Multi-use Facility” by the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association. Heavily wooded Krape Park features a picturesqueContinue Reading
Enjoy endless outdoor fun with bubbles, including the chance to make Discovery Center history as we attempt to break a world bubble making record! Free for members or with general admission! When:August 1, 2025 Where:711 North Main StreetRockford, IL 61103 Continue Reading
The Heartland Marimba Quartet (Matthew Coley, Eri Isomura, Marco Schirripa, andSam Wetzel) will perform several works from their Composer LabFest initiative andcollaborations with the Iowa Composers Forum. Free concert ($25 suggested donation) 3:00 PM: Pre-concert “show and tell”4:00 PM: Concert (FREE admission w/ suggested donation) Featuring this amazing program ofContinue Reading
Join Us! Let’s get you on the water! West Rock offers a premier water sports experience located just West of Chicago in Rockford, IL. Our environmentally friendly cable system, removes the need for a boat (and all of the other cost prohibitive elements needed for waterskiing), giving you the abilityContinue Reading
Join Us! Our Ghost Tour Guides will lead you through the streets of Galena by candlelight while sharing ghostly tales and eerie folklore of Galena. Performed in a true story telling format with costumed guides, our Ghost Walk is spooky fun for all When:July 12, 2025 Where:Haunted Galena Tour Start220Continue Reading
Join Us! Located in the heart of downtown Rockford, Illinois, Prairie Street Brewhouse is a beloved riverside landmark that has welcomed visitors for over a century. Throughout its storied history, the building has survived fires, floods, and other challenge When: Now- August 11, 2025 Where:200 Prairie St., Rockford, IL Continue Reading
Join Us! Tough Mudder is more than just an obstacle course. Built on foundation of teamwork and overcoming obstacles, it’s the chance to unplug from the daily grind, experience the unexpected, and accomplish something bigger than yourself. When:AUGUST 23 & 24, 2025 Where:Rockford International Airport6313 Beltline Rd., Rockford, IL 61109Continue Reading
Join us every Thursday for Dinner on the Dock (DOD), where great food, cold beer, and live music come together on the riverfront. Set against the backdrop of the Rock River, this weekly event is all about community, good vibes, and summer nights done right. There are plenty of options to soakContinue Reading
Join Us! “🔥 Rockford’s Biggest Fiesta! 🔥” SAME LOCATION AS LAST YEAR! Tamale Showdown: Who makes the best? Midwest Food Fest: Explore Latin American flavors. Lowrider Show & Hop Contest. Lucha Libre Action! Plus Jalapeño Eating & Pin-Up Contests. Live Music & Dance: Ballet Folklorico, Aztec Dancers. Art, Vendors, &Continue Reading
Where Love Reigns and Art ShinesOne of the most interesting things to do in Illinois!See 27 unique rooms!A Romantic Dream of Love and Art! You will find it in paintings, sculptures, emblazoned across the ballroom Musician’s Balcony, on a custom-made china service, and even memorialized in stained glass. Love andContinue Reading
Join Us! Celebration River Cruises is a family owned and operated River Boat offering cruises up and down the regional midwest along the Mighty Mississippi River. We offer specialty themed lunch cruises, dinner and sightseeing cruises as well as special events such as our popular Dueling Pianos Cruise and FireworksContinue Reading
Join Us! Docent-led tours focus on the architectural components of two homes with Japanese cultural design influences but distinctly different character. Guests will be granted exclusive access to Anderson Japanese Gardens’ 16th century Sukiya-style Guest House, built by Japanese Craftsmen in 1985 and features post and beam construction followed byContinue Reading
Check out Galena’s website for live music, events, tours and shows for season 2025. When:Season 2025 Where:Galena, IL Continue Reading
Browse events in Galena, IL Charming Galena Country always has something exciting happening! Check out these great events, and don’t forget to explore the Original Experiences, a collection of only-in-Galena Country experiences featuring unique educational workshops, delicious tastings, outdoor adventures, and more! When:2025 Season Where: 101 Bouthillier Street Galena, Galena, ILContinue Reading
Meet us at the Market year-round! The Indoor Rockford City Market Buildingis open all year round with a Food Hall, an Incubator Kitchen, Rentable Venue Space, and a Creative Studio! The Food Hall inside our Indoor Rockford City Market Building is open 5 days a week with multiple ready-to-eat diningContinue Reading