The Rock River Valley is the home of three state parks - White Pines, Castle Rock, and Lowden, and they provide picturesque outdoor landscapes that you won't believe are only 100 miles from Chicago. The valley offers tall trees (don't laugh - you'll be surprised at how nice they are after not-seeing any for a while) and limestone bluffs in what is amazingly still a well-kept secret. Its rumored that John Denver wrote his hit "Country Roads" after visiting this area; if that doesn't convince you of its beauty, not much will (besides a visit).

The Rock River Valley also has its share of odd tourist attractions, not the least being the popular "Chocolate Tour," and the homes of both John Deere and Ronald Reagan.

And best of all, if you have the good fortune to be traveling during the leaf-changing weeks of Autumn, you won't be disappointed. Veteran deciduites argue that this area is the top-drawer of Illinois' Fall color tours. Be sure to take the little jog (Highway 2 north of Dixon) along the Rock River for the main show.

If you can manage to get to Oregon, IL early enough, you can catch the 11:30 departure of the "Pride of Oregon" paddleboat ride. It departs from Maxson Riverside Restaurant. If you miss it, don't fret; there are two more departures, one at 3:00 p.m. and another at 6:30 p.m. The evening departure includes dinner, the other two offer a luncheon and sightseeing, respectively. Whenever you manage to catch the boat, you'll be in for a sightseeing feast, especially in Autumn. Prices range from $10 to $30 (depending on whether a meal is included). For more information, call (800) 468-4222.

If you're interested in the southernmost stand of virgin white pine in the Midwest (and who isn't?), make sure to visit White Pines Forest State Park. (6712 West Pines Road, Mt. Morris; (815) 946-3717). Officially this is Mt. Morris, but its only 8 miles west of Oregon. The park has seven well-marked hiking trails running through its 385 acres, and the entire area is rich in Native American history. This is the most-popular of the three local state parks; it boasts more amenities, including a lodge, gift shop, cabins, and restaurant.

Lowden State Park is right across the river from Oregon (go north on River Road from Route 64, to Route 2; (815) 732-6828). As you may well know, the 48-foot statue of Black Hawk if found here. The statue is the most-famous work of Lorado Taft, who started an artist's colony here in the 1920's called "Eagles Nest." The beautiful 207-acre park is situated on a bluff overlooking the river.

Castle Rock State Park is the largest of the three state parks, with over 2,000 acres; this is the spot for the real nature-lovers (Route 2, Oregon; (815) 732-7329). For the geologists out there, this is one of the few places where one can view St. Peter Sandstone, which underlies nearly all of Illinois. For those less-nerdy, there's a large wooden staircase to the top of Castle Rock that offers an outstanding view of the river.

This area is obviously a hot-spot for the outdoorsy-types, and not just White Pine and St. Peter Sandstone lovers. Fishing, canoeing, and hunting are popular, as well as golf (Silver Ridge Golf Course; 815-734-4440) and horseback riding (White Pines Ranch; 815-732-7923). If its the right time of year, you can even visit the Sinnissippi Forest and cut your own Christmas tree (815-732-6240).

If you aren't crazy about actually wandering around and doing things outdoors, there are two local architecurally important spots in DeKalb. The first is the Ellwood House Museum, 509 North First Street. Col. Isaac Ellwood, who made his fortune in barbed wire (a local invention, by the way) built an astounding Victorian mansion here. It's open from April to early December every day but Monday and major holidays. Admission is but $1.00. Call (815) 756-4609. The second spot has to be the Egyptian Theater, 135 North Second Street (near Lincoln Highway), (815) 758-1215. Touring companies still perform in this Egyptian Revival vaudeville theater, and its worth a stop.

You can also drive down Highway 2 to the John Deere Home, Grand Detour (5 miles north of Dixon). Admission is only $3.00, and you'll be surprised at how interesting it is (815) 652-4551. Also, you could plan a trip to DeKalb (home of Cindy Crawford) and a tour of Northern Illinois University, the 2nd-largest school in Illinois. For a tour, call the University at (815) 753-1000.

Of course, there is always the "Blackhawk Chocolate Trail." This is sort of crazy, but why not. Its a trip through four Northwestern Illinois counties where you'll come across chocolate everything. You can even stay at an all-chocolate B&B, or plan a chocolate tea-time. For a brochure, call (800) 678-2108.

No small Midwest town would be complete without its requisite share of craft and antique shops, and the Rock River Valley won't disappoint in this category. If you're interested in staying for more than just a day, there are plenty of places to lodge and a surprisingly large variety of restaurants.

There are special events all year long, but you need not schedule your visit around them; the Rock River Vally obviously has plenty to do any day of the year. Visit this wonderful area before the secret gets out to everyone else, and Have Fun!

Directions

To get to the Rock River Valley area, take Highway 88 west out of the city and all the way to Dixon. Its only 100 miles away. OR, if you prefer the road less-traveled, take 88 west to De Kalb, then job north on 64; follow that to Oregon, Illinois. Then down Highway 2, along the Rock River, to Dixon. Its a lot more scenic, and not all that far out of your way if you're worrtied about time. Definitely worth it.