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Arts and Entertainment

Spend a day, two days or a week visiting our towns. Learn about Sterling and Rock Falls history through local museums that document key moments in the cities’ histories. For those wishing for a more recreational stop, visit the Hennepin Feeder Canal—walk or bike its trail, fish from the lock or canoe the quiet waters. Launch your motorboat into the Rock River and waterski, party on your pontoon boat or just fish from the banks (or ice-fish in the winter). See live elk, bison and red deer at area farms; learn about farming in the “good ole days”; buy fresh produce at farm stands and find your way through a corn maze in the fall. Play miniature golf, enjoy free concerts and skydive! Go to an old-fashioned county fair; visit the birthplace of President Ronald Regan in nearby Tampico or his boyhood home in Dixon or venture to Grand Detour a few miles east and learn how the world famous John Deere agricultural, landscape and construction equipment company first began. Looking for something different? Visit the Southern Loop Tourism Area. This tourism area has more than 25 businesses and attractions—from great shopping to family fun and historic places of interest in the Sauk Valley Area.

If athletic events are what you are searching for, we can help you find local teams to cheer on including the Clinton Lumber Kings and Quad City River Bandits minor league baseball teams, the Quad City Mallards hockey team or the Steamwheelers Arena football team.

In the summertime, bring your lawn chairs for a great evening of “Music Under the Stars” at the Grandon Civic Center. The Sterling Municipal Symphony Band is comprised of musicians of all ages—from the early teens to the 70s and 80s—and has been playing in town since 1866. They present a wide variety of musical treats every Wednesday evening June through August, as well as an indoor concert in April and one in December.

Visitors and residents can also attend Sauk Valley Community Concert Association concerts in Dixon and Sterling by membership subscription. These concerts range from classical to jazz to popular music.

The newly remodeled Veteran’s Memorial Park in Rock Falls features a band shell where concerts are held on various Sundays throughout the summer.

If you are in search of more cultural venues, choose from the Sterling Rock Falls Historical Society’s Museum, the Dillon Home or Woodlawn Arts Academy.

Sauk Valley Community College is another cultural center, bringing speakers, concerts and drama to their stage. These performances are open to the public. Area schools’ music and drama departments bring programs and plays presented by the students. The Centennial Community Players also offer plays at Centennial Auditorium. Several of the pubs and bars in the area offer live music geared to their clientele.

Sauk Valley Community College and Woodlawn Arts Academy also present exhibitions of the visual arts created by their students. Local businesses hang art by local painters and photographers on their walls. The Sterling Mural Society has sponsored murals of local history on subjects like the founder of Sterling and the first teacher, U.S. presidents who have visited Sterling and the first airplane to fly over Sterling and Rock Falls.

For those who are movie buffs, the area has three options: the Sterling Theater; Sauk Valley Cinemas and one of the last drive-in movie theaters in the region, the Midway Drive-In.

The Sterling and Rock Falls Libraries are homes to great literature. Sterling’s Public Library is located downtown in Library Plaza and maintains a collection of more than 67,000 volumes. Both libraries offer many programs on art, history, architecture, books and other topics for adults. Children have their own programming including story times (in English and Spanish) and reading incentive programs. Computers are provided to the public and those who have their own can use the library’s Hot Spot wireless Internet connection.

Whatever your interests, we are certain we have something here for you to do year round. We invite you to join us.

Behren's Country Village
1512 Prophet Road, Rock Falls
(815) 625-5116
This quaint "village" has a farm atmosphere, florist, gifts, antiques, craft shop, country furniture, Muffins-N-More restaurant, children's shop and more for you to explore. Buses and groups are welcome.

Blue Goose Run
14609 Blue Goose Road, Sterling
(815) 772-7200
Blue Goose Run is a family-owned and run establishment. Since 1945, the Stutzke family farm has been producing crops, pork, beef, dairy and poultry and now has a vineyard too. Dine in the Corn Crib Restaurant; browse through the Machine Shed Gift Shop or book your next party, special event or wedding here.

Centennial Auditorium at Sterling High School
1608 4th Avenue, Sterling
(815) 622-3542
This great auditorium hosts community and school theatrical and musical performances. Call for performance and ticket information.

Chief Shikshak Northwest Bison Ranch
23637 Quinn Road, Sterling
(815) 336-2145
On 65 sprawling acres of land in northwestern Illinois, Dr. Charles Lyon and his father have spent the last decade creating an organic ranch where bison, red deer, peacocks and waterfowl make their home. Come experience the "Real Illinois." Scenic Guided Humvee Tours - Take the one-hour off-road excursion along the creek, pond, bison pasture and deer pens. Photograph and feed the deer, geese and peacocks. General Store & Antiques - Check out the heart-healthy, low-fat and low-cholesterol bison and venison meat for sale and the wide variety of leather goods, crafts and antiques. Personalized Group Adventures - Rent mountain bikes, reserve a hayrack ride or bring your own horse for the day. Shoot at the paintball target range or have a cookout at the teepee.

Dillon Home Museum
1005 E Third Street, Sterling
(815) 622-6202
The Dillon Home Museum provides an extraordinary opportunity to view examples of Italianate architecture, a popular choice of builders in the Midwest from 1830-1880. The home was built circa 1858 by Edwin G. Allen for Colonel Edward N. Kirk and was purchased by Washington M. Dillon in 1882. In 1879, Dillon and his half-brother, William C. Robinson, founded the Northwestern Barb Wire Company, which later became known as the Northwestern Steel & Wire Company (NWS&W). Located on the grounds of the museum is a 1929 Baldwin steam locomotive, which came from the Grand Trunk and Western Railroad. NWS&W was the last full-time steam freight operation left in the country with oil-fired "iron horses" doing all of the intra-plant switching at the mill.

Emerald Hill Golf & Learning Center
16802 Prairieville Road, Sterling
(815) 622-6204
Located just off Highway 2 between Sterling and Dixon, there are 18 holes, a bar and grill, cross-country skiing and sledding.

Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park (also see Recreation)
RR 2/P.O. Box 201, Sheffield
(815) 454-2328
Want a peaceful, relaxing day of picnicking, hiking, fishing and good, old-fashioned family fun? Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park is just the place you're looking for. Spend the day, and bring a picnic lunch along. There are plenty of picnic tables at the 104.5-mile linear park that spans five counties (Rock Island, Bureau, Henry, Lee and Whiteside). Stop by the visitor center for more information on picnicking, hiking, bicycling, fishing, boating, canoeing, horseback riding, hunting and winter sports.

Lawrence Park and Pool
Avenue G Bridge, Sterling (815) 622-6205
Swim and dive at this outdoor pool for everyone, featuring a wading pool and a diving well with one- and three-meter diving boards. There is boat access, a parking area, winter eagle watching and concessions. Open daily June – mid-August. FREE!

Little Red Schoolhouse at Centennial Park
E. 11 Street & Avenue D, Rock Falls (815) 625-0272
This is a replica of an early 19th-century American one-room schoolhouse. It is open afternoons by appointment and on Sundays from Memorial Day - Labor Day from 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

Lower Dam & Bowman Family Park
Lower Dam near 1st Avenue, Rock Falls
(815) 622-0272
Enjoy great fishing from the banks of the Rock River or in the shallows just beyond the dam. Picnic in the park or enjoy a seat in the limestone gazebo. During the holidays, Bowman Family Park is aglow with lights, and in the summer the park is home to several musical events.

Muller Lane Farm
9767 Hickory Hills Road, Rock Falls
(815) 625-2607 This farm is an excellent hands-on opportunity to learn about homesteading. Tour the Muller Lane Farm; view blacksmith demonstrations and learn about bees and honey, milk, butter, soaps, woodshop tools and much more. Furniture, gifts, soaps, produce, eggs and livestock are available for purchase.

Northland Mall
2900 E. Lincolnway, Sterling (815) 625-5390
Shop this full-service, indoor mall anchored by JCPenney, Bergner's and 20 other specialty shops. Dining includes great coffee and sandwich shops. Events are held throughout the year. Mall hours are Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

Oppold Marina
Stouffer Road, Sterling (815) 622-6203
The public marina offers boat access, a parking area, restrooms, shelters and a store. Rent canoes and boats. In the winter, go ice-fishing or ice-skating. Shelters and a playground are available. This is a great place to sit on the bank and fish. It is well known for catfish. Open 5 a.m.-11 p.m. year ‘round.

Rainbow Falls Adventure Golf
1109 W. Rt. 30, Rock Falls (815) 625-2833
This is miniature golfing designed for an adventure. Located next door to Dairy Queen, Rainbow Falls provides an excellent opportunity to get outdoors and have some fun!

Rock Falls Fire Department Museum
603 W 10th Street, Rock Falls (815) 622-1135
The museum features an authentic hose cart owned by the Keystone Hose Company and two alarm boxes that were positioned around Rock Falls and were a part of a telegraph alarm system. Various fire-fighting apparatus and memorabilia from the past can be viewed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Rock River Valley Self Help Enterprises, Inc.
Happy Trails Park 2300 W. LeFevre, Sterling (815) 626-3115
Enjoy five acres of walking paths, water gardens, the greenhouse, five-hole miniature golf course, swings and gardens all designed and maintained by the developmentally disabled clients of the agency. Wheel Chair Access. Open April-September Monday- Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday-Sunday by appointment. FREE!

Rock River Valley Skydivers
8681 Hickory Hills Road, Rock Falls (815) 625-6188
Student training, tandem and sport/fun jumping begins in May. Demonstration jumping is available for events. Facilities include a USPA group members drop zone and two Cessna C182 jump planes. Visitors are very welcome. Come learn about skydiving from friendly professionals.

Ronald Reagan Birthplace
111 S. Main, Tampico (815) 438-2130 www.ronaldreaganhome.com This museum is the restored and furnished apartment where our 40th President, Ronald Reagan, was born. Learn all about the former president's early years from local experts. View historical photos, letters and memorabilia. Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m.-4 p.m. January- April tours only by appointment.

Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home
816 S. Hennepin Avenue, Dixon (815) 288-5176
The Boyhood Home is restored to its 1920 condition and decorated with furniture typical of the period. Family activity extended beyond the house to the barn where "Dutch" and his brother "Moon" raised rabbits. Visitors can tour the home as well as the interpretive visitor's center next door. Open April-November Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m.-4 p.m. February and March weekends only. Closed all major holidays. Donation required for admittance.

Sandy Pine Elk Farm & Gift Store
28650 Hahnaman Road, Deer Grove (815) 438-2463
Looking for something off the beaten path? Take a wagon ride up to the elk habitat and watch these majestic animals. Help your kids pick a pumpkin or two; wander through a corn or soybean maize; browse our "North Woods" gift store or sit back, relax and enjoy a piece of fresh apple pie. September 1st-October 31st have bonfire cookouts by the tipi (reservations required) and send kids on a wagon train ride. Available for retreats May-November.

Selmi's... for the seasons of your life
1206 Dixon Avenue, Rock Falls (815) 626-3830 • www.selmi.com
Selmi’s Black Sheep Gift Shop has unique, one-of-a-kind gifts and free gift-wrapping, and their Bridal Shop offers everything you need to help you plan for your big event. Springtime brings beautiful homegrown, quality bedding plants and vegetables in the greenhouse. Summer produce begins in July and continues on until October 31. During October there are free outdoor displays, animals to feed, a haunted house, model railroad, haunted wagon rides on weekends, and more. Don't miss the new Treasure Hunt! Admission to all for just $5.00 plus a chance to win $150! This special market is also featured on the Trail of Terror. Open daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sinnissippi Park
Sinnissippi Road off Rt. 2, Sterling (815) 622-6200
Located on the east side of Sterling overlooking the scenic Rock River, the park features ball diamonds, picnic facilities, a playground and Frisbee golf course. Nature trails provide excellent bird watching and cross-country skiing, while the bayou is a popular year round fishing spot. A special feature of Sinnissippi Park is the Hopewellian Indian Mounds, which are listed with the Register of National Historic Places.

Sterling/Rock Falls Historical Society Museum
1005 E. 3rd Street, Sterling (815) 622-6215
Located in the Carriage House on the grounds of the Dillon Home Museum, this museum traces the history of the area from the prehistoric days of the mammoth to the modern industrial era. Permanent and temporary exhibits tell the story of local history placed within the stream of U.S. history. Limited Wheel Chair Access. Open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 10 a.m.-Noon and 1 p.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Closed all major holidays. FREE!

Sterling Municipal Band Concerts
Grandon Civic Center, Sterling (815) 625-7973
Come to the concerts in the park, celebrate the 4th of July, munch on the concessions, bring your own lawn chairs or enjoy the park benches. Wednesdays June-August 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m. FREE!

Sterling Mural Society
Downtown Sterling (815) 626-5421
The mural society proudly presents more than 18 beautiful and colorful murals in the downtown area that depict the history of our community. Walking tours are available. Call for more information.

Westwood Sports Center
West LeFevre Road, Sterling (815) 626-6204
This full-service sports center offers a ball diamond, basketball courts, batting cages, cardiovascular area, cross-country skiing, hockey, racquetball, tennis, volleyball and track and wally ball courts. There is also a full-service expo center for trade shows and other large events.

Greater Sterling Development Corporation