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Illinois Get your fill of history, recreation and scenery
As we move into the crisp autumn days, the rolling hills of northwestern Illinois draw travelers, sightseers and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the spectacular scenery and take part in many outdoor activities.
This region not only offers beautiful scenery as the seasons change, but also provides many opportunities for recreation, as well as a full calendar of special events for every age range and interest.
A good place to embark is Galena. Once one of Illinois's most influential cities, it boasted a population of almost 12,000. Today, the city honors its past and is overflowing with history. To get an overview of the area, stop at the visitor information center in the old train depot on Bouthillier Street. You'll find a knowledgeable staff ready to help you plan your stay - long or short - in this charming town.
Galena and Gen. Ulysses Grant are synonymous. Before he went off to fight in the Civil War and became the 18th president, he worked in his family's leather goods store, located in the old Coatsworth Building on S. Main Street.
His Italinate house on Bouthillier Street is open for tours. Seeing furniture from the period and many 19th century items are among the rewards of going through this home, which is maintained by the State of Illinois.
Going back before Grant's time, check out the Dowling House on N. Main Street. It is the city's oldest residence, dating back to 1826. An admission fee is charged.
You'll be able to satisfy your historical curiosity with a visit to the Galena/Jo Daviess County History Museum on S. Bench Street. In addition to many historical items and exhibits, visitors can see an original lead mine from the 1830s when the precious mineral was king in the area. Don't leave the museum without seeing Thomas Nast's painting of Lee's surrender to Grant at Appomattox. The large painting is prominently displayed on one of the walls in the exhibit area.
An amazing fact about Galena is that the town is also home to eight other Civil War generals. You can find out more about them in the museum, which is open daily and charges an admission fee.
The Old Market House downtown is home to many exhibits and artifacts from the history of Galena, including an extensive collection from Grant. The 1845 building is a state historical site.
On Main Street, you'll find many architectural delights. Stores along the route offer a many items, including clothing, home decor, books and food items. Restaurants in the area offer menu items for every taste.
Outdoor pleasures
Just outside Galena, hike or bike the Galena River Trail. The path runs along a railroad right of way from the Information Center to the junction of the main line along the Mississippi River. The trail just opened a few years ago. Hiking or biking, you'll pass wetlands and limestone cliffs while enjoying a good display of wild plants and fall colors. For information, visit the Web site at www.galenarivertrail.org.
For the adventurous, the fall and winter seasons are invitations to explore the outdoors.
There are a number of state parks throughout the area, perfect spots for viewing the fall colors, hiking or camping.
Parks in this area include: Apple River Canyon State Park, near Apple River, Lake Le-Aqua-Na, north of Lena, and Mississippi Palisades, on the northern edge of Savanna. All the parks have nature trails, picnic areas and campgrounds. In cooler weather, sledding, cross country skiing and skating are popular pursuits.
There are also many smaller parks that afford good opportunities for recreation, especially for families. Gramercy Park in East Dubuque, the Lions Park in Lena and the city park in Lanark are good recreation spots. Grant Park on Park Street in Galena is the site of the annual craft and art fair each October. Vendors from the region will have many artworks, crafts goods and seasonal items for sales.
If you're adventurous, gallop through the countryside by visiting the Shenandoah Riding Center, east of Galena. And, in Apple River, check out the Stagecoach Rails Livery. Horse-drawn wagons are available. In the colder months, sleigh rides can be arranged.
Tours and more sites
To capture great fall colors on your camera amid the rolling hills in this area, a good bet is a drive along the Stagecoach Trail, going east from Galena. Several miles east, turn off Ford Road and visit the Galena Cellars Vineyard and Tasting Room.
Tours are available of the wine making process, and you can sample the final products in the tasting room. Enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the breathtaking scenery. The vineyard is open weekends through October and on Saturdays in November. Call 815/777-3330 for information.
Only the locals may brag about it, but the highest point in Illinois is found at Charles Mound. Turn off Stagecoach Road at Scales Mound to reach this lofty vantage point.
The distinction of the "Mallard Capital of the World" goes to Hanover, about 10 miles southwest of Elizabeth. The town is the site of Whistling Wings, the world's largest duck hatchery. The town celebrates the Mallard Duck Festival on Sept. 19 at White Park. There is a parade and a full slate of activities.
Going south you come to Savanna. Some of the best scenery in the Midwest can be found along Illinois 84, leading into the town.
In Savanna, be sure and visit the Pulford Opera House on Main Street. Scores of dealers from the region have many antiques and collectibles on display under one roof. The Train Car Museum on lower Main Street looks back on the heritage of railroading in this area. The converted Milwaukee Railroad car holds artifacts from this era, especially as they relate to Savanna. The car was used on the Midwest Hiawatha from 1950 to 1971.
East of Savanna is Mount Carroll, a picturesque town that has often been referred to as the "New England of the Midwest."
The superior 19th century architecture has resulted in much of the downtown area being registered as a National Historic District. The Campbell Center for Historic Preservation Studies, located in the former Shimer College buildings, is a resource offering workshops in restoration and preservation of everything from old lace to cracked masonry. Many world-renowned experts come here to teach.
Have you ever been to a haunted house? Raven's Grin Inn on N. Carroll Street, has an assortment of bizarre artwork, videos, mazes and slides that provide entertainment for all ages. Open all year, information is available by calling 815/244-4746. At Camp Benson, there are many nature trails to explore, as well as a guided tour of an original old lead mine.
Some of best fall foliage in this region can be viewed on area roads. Good bets for taking in the magnificent scenery are along Illinois 84 between Galena and Hanover, Derinda Road from Elizabeth to Mount Carroll, as well as Blackjack Road that stretches from Galena to Hanover.
While on the latter road, take a side trip to Blandings Landing by turning off at the Chestnut Mountain exit. The landing offers a picturesque view of the Mississippi River and has campgrounds and picnic areas available.
Highlights of some seasonal events in the area include the Elizabeth farmers market, held on weekends. Also, Stockton will have Civil War Days Oct. 3-4 at the David Pierce Farm, Curtiss and E. Schueller Roads. And, the annual Apple Canyon Lake Ice Cream Social and Craft Fair gets underway Sept. 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Apple Canyon Lake clubhouse.
Fall is celebrated in grand style at the annual Country Fair in Galena. This year it takes place Oct. 10-11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In Stockton, visit the Heritage Museum on weekends to see a display of the Kraft Cheese operations in this area. The Nouveau Wine Festival in Galena on Nov. 20-21 features horse-drawn wagons delivering the new wine to area stores and restaurants.
henry county beckons
To the south near the Quad Cities is Henry County. A good look at history in this area can be gained by stopping at the Henry County Museum in Bishop Hill. Thousands of artifacts are used to tell the story of this region. Exhibits include a one-room schoolhouse, agricultural implements and an authentic windmill.
The county is host to many special events throughout the fall. In Kewaunee, the annual pork barbeque will be held downtown Sept. 4-7. Atkinson hosts its heritage days Sept. 12-13. And, in Colona, the Fort Obie Rendezvous and Living History Encampment is set for Oct. 9-11. The event will take place at the Bob Davis Farm, 817 Cleveland Road. There is an admission fee.
Galva High School is the site for the Beta Sigma Phi annual craft show on Oct. 17. An admission fee is charged. And in Geneseo, get into the holiday spirit wit the Geneseo Art League Christmas Forest, from Nov. 21 to Dec. 12.