VisitNW Illinois

05/29/2026

🌾 Two chances to hit the trail at 𝗡𝗮𝗰𝗵𝘂𝘀𝗮 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 this weekend!

Spend part of your weekend exploring restored prairie landscapes, scenic overlooks, wildflowers, and peaceful open spaces during two guided nature hikes at Nachusa Grasslands in Franklin Grove.

🥾 𝙎𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙙𝙖𝙮, 𝙈𝙖𝙮 30 | 10 am–12 pm
Walk through Thelma Carpenter Prairie and discover the story of rare remnant prairie alongside restored grasslands.

🥾 𝙎𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙮, 𝙈𝙖𝙮 31 | 10 am–12 pm
Explore the Big Jump area on a three-mile guided hike focused on prairie restoration, wildlife habitat, and the evolving landscape. Wet feet are possible!

📍 Nachusa Grasslands Visitor Center
🎟 Free to attend, but signup is required

FB link: https://rb.gy/ygd7r

Enjoy Illinois Friends of Nachusa Grasslands

05/28/2026

We agree! ❤️

05/28/2026

Festival season in Northwest Illinois is almost here 🎡☀️
Fairs, rodeos, concerts, races, tractor pulls, funnel cake… honestly, it’s a lot in the best way possible. 😅

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙗𝙡𝙤𝙜 𝙞𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙬 at
https://link.vnwil.com/Summerfestivals

Enjoy Illinois
Visit Lee County Discover Dixon Visit Carroll County IL

05/27/2026

Follow the waterline to a quieter side of summer 🌿 At the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge, scan wetland views with binoculars, explore hands-on exhibits at the 𝗜𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗹 𝗪𝗲𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿, then let the trail lead the whole crew into nature. Family adventures, birdwatching, and wide-open spaces await in Thomson.

Enjoy Illinois Visit Carroll County IL

05/27/2026

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬. 🎡☀️

A new blog article is now live, featuring some of the biggest festivals, fairs, rodeos, races, concerts, and small-town celebrations happening across Northwest Illinois this summer!

Basically: start clearing your calendar now. 😅

👉 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙡𝙤𝙜: https://link.vnwil.com/Summerfestivals

Enjoy Illinois
Visit Lee County

05/26/2026

We love seeing Northwest Illinois in the spotlight! 🦅 Yahoo Travel just featured Seven Eagles Campground & Resort in Savanna as a hidden gem worth the trip, and we couldn't agree more. With stunning Mississippi River views, bald eagles, pelicans, and all the amenities you could want, it's no wonder visitors keep coming back. Thank you to Yahoo Travel and Only In Your State for sharing this incredible piece of our region with travelers everywhere. If you haven't experienced Seven Eagles yet, it might be time to book your spot before the secret gets out! 🏕️

https://travel.yahoo.com/guides/articles/hidden-campground-near-mississippi-river-204700074.html

Explore Savanna Visit Carroll County IL Enjoy Illinois

A sharp sliver of sunshine ricochets off the banks of the Mississippi River, and I hear the breathy whistle of a bald eagle taunting me overhead.

05/23/2026

Trail time at 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗣𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 🌲
📍 Start at the trail sign and follow a green route
🥾 Wander wooded paths beneath fresh spring leaves
😊 Let the kids set the pace—selfies, snack breaks, and plenty of “look at this!” moments included

From quiet footbridges to winding forest trails, White Pines is made for easy spring exploring. Pack the snacks and enjoy a simple day in the pines.

Enjoy Illinois

05/21/2026

POV: You said there’s “nothing to do” before June. 😏. May understood the assignment.

Northwest Illinois this week:
🎶 Live music
🎭 Godspell opening at TLP
🚜 Touch-A-Truck
🌳 Golf cart birding tours
🍻 Dement Town Music Fest

Event details: https://link.vnwil.com/events

Enjoy Illinois Visit Carroll County IL Visit Lee County Discover Dixon Timber Lake Playhouse

05/19/2026

Still looking for plans before June sneaks up on you? NW Illinois is ready. 👀🎶🚜🌳

• Golf Cart Tours at Ingersoll Wetlands (May 20 & 23)
• Timber Lake Playhouse opens the season with Godspell (May 29-June 7)
• Music at the Museum featuring The Iowans (May 29)
• Touch-A-Truck in Rock Falls (May 30)
• Dement Town Music Fest in Dixon (May 30)

From live music and theater to giant trucks and birdwatching by golf cart… yeah, May’s going out strong.

Event details: https://link.vnwil.com/events

Enjoy Illinois
Visit Rock Falls Visit Lee County Discover Dixon Visit Carroll County IL Timber Lake Playhouse