Pat’s Farmhouse Guidebook
Sightseeing
A great place to hike with seasonal waterfalls, awe-inspiring bluffs and rugged canyons.
14 locals recommend
Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center
2678 East 873 RoadA great place to hike with seasonal waterfalls, awe-inspiring bluffs and rugged canyons.
Grist Mill is fun to visit, right across from the Equestrian Campground
7 locals recommend
Franklin Creek State Natural Area
1872 Twist RdGrist Mill is fun to visit, right across from the Equestrian Campground
Nachusa Grasslands is home to more than 700 species of native plants and more than 230 species of birds.
9 locals recommend
Nachusa Grasslands Visitor Center
2075 Lowden RdNachusa Grasslands is home to more than 700 species of native plants and more than 230 species of birds.
Canyons, streams, prairie and forest with some great trail riding.
43 locals recommend
Matthiessen State Park
2500 IL-178Canyons, streams, prairie and forest with some great trail riding.
Popular with fishermen and campers. Has a lovely Equestrian Campground.
36 locals recommend
Rock Cut State Park
7223 Harlem RdPopular with fishermen and campers. Has a lovely Equestrian Campground.
Great for birders and hikers, along the Kishwaukee River so it can be marshy or buggy after it rains. Massive oak trees.
Oak Ridge Forest Preserve
8321 Blomberg RoadGreat for birders and hikers, along the Kishwaukee River so it can be marshy or buggy after it rains. Massive oak trees.
Adjacent to the more well known Starved Rock, Catlin is smaller, shares the same geology and features but, in my opinion, is much better managed. There is a lovely state hwy route 71 that goes west from Utica that is popular with motorcyclists. Those of us with horse trailer tend to avoid it! My neighbor who used to work in Utica, gave me directions that avoid I-39 on some lovely country roads. Just ask me and I’ll hand draw a map for you!
Catlin Park
2560 East 1251st RoadAdjacent to the more well known Starved Rock, Catlin is smaller, shares the same geology and features but, in my opinion, is much better managed. There is a lovely state hwy route 71 that goes west from Utica that is popular with motorcyclists. Those of us with horse trailer tend to avoid it! My neighbor who used to work in Utica, gave me directions that avoid I-39 on some lovely country roads. Just ask me and I’ll hand draw a map for you!
A man-made lake formed in 1975 by damming Indian Creek. Popular with fishermen. There is a café there called Pokanoka’s, named after Chief Shabbona’s wife. You can also rent boats, pontoons etc.
6 locals recommend
Shabbona Lake State Park
4201 Shabbona Grove RdA man-made lake formed in 1975 by damming Indian Creek. Popular with fishermen. There is a café there called Pokanoka’s, named after Chief Shabbona’s wife. You can also rent boats, pontoons etc.
Come join us for Yoga and a walk in the woods. Mondays at 9:30 FREE!
Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area
13608 Fox RdCome join us for Yoga and a walk in the woods. Mondays at 9:30 FREE!
Food scene
South Moon BBQ
100 East Lincoln AvenueAwesome BBQ! (30 minutes; east on Rte 30)
Basil Tree Ristorante
123 E 1st StBy far the best restaurant in the area. (30 minutes west on Rte 30 to Rte 52)
El Senor De Los Tacos
1001 North 7th StreetThe best Mexican food in the area (20 minutes north on 251)
Acres Bistro
407 Lincoln HighwayAn up and coming food destination getting traffic from Rockford now. (20 minutes north)
Volunteers make food every Tuesday and Thursday evening for anyone who is hungry and in need of a warm meal. “It is important to us for our food to be homemade instead of purchased frozen and heated up for service.”
The Kitchen Table Inc.
7034 South Klondike RoadVolunteers make food every Tuesday and Thursday evening for anyone who is hungry and in need of a warm meal. “It is important to us for our food to be homemade instead of purchased frozen and heated up for service.”
Breakfast, lunch, pastries in a charming setting. You can also buy tickets for a mule-pulled 1840’s replica canal boat tour.
6 locals recommend
Lock 16 Cafe & Visitor Center
754 1st StBreakfast, lunch, pastries in a charming setting. You can also buy tickets for a mule-pulled 1840’s replica canal boat tour.
Shabbona's answer to "fast food". They open at 11 am and are closed in winter. (15 minutes east on Rte 30)
Screamers Ice Cream
408 East Comanche AvenueShabbona's answer to "fast food". They open at 11 am and are closed in winter. (15 minutes east on Rte 30)
Beaver Den Tavern & Grill Co.
347 Chicago RoadGreat new place in town with delicious burgers and old town charm.
Groceries and Fresh Food
Farm raised beef, pork, chicken, eggs and seasonal fruits and vegetables. (20 minutes)
Pfeiffer Farms Fresh Market
2511 Reynolds RdFarm raised beef, pork, chicken, eggs and seasonal fruits and vegetables. (20 minutes)
If you enjoy Mexican food, you definitely need to visit. They have a butcher on hand, and occasionally prepared food to go, like tamales.
Lupita's Food Market
249 Pulaski RoadIf you enjoy Mexican food, you definitely need to visit. They have a butcher on hand, and occasionally prepared food to go, like tamales.
PawPaw fresh market
361 Chicago RoadBasic groceries opening at 3 pm. (5 minutes via Beemerville Rd)
Local Nurseries, Gardens & Antiques
Blumen Gardens
403 Edward StAntiques, plants and ideas for decorating. Very fun to visit.
A destination for avid gardeners, wonderful to visit even if you are not a gardener!
Hornbaker Gardens, Inc.
22937 County Rd 1140 NA destination for avid gardeners, wonderful to visit even if you are not a gardener!
This is far and away the best of the many vintage/recycle or antique shops in Rochelle. Many pieces in my home were purchased here.
All Things New and Used Furniture, LLC
316 North 6th StreetThis is far and away the best of the many vintage/recycle or antique shops in Rochelle. Many pieces in my home were purchased here.
My friend Cathy's favorite hang out spot. LOTS of inspiration if you are a crafter or quilter. A couple doors down from Lock 16.
Quilting In The Valley
838 1st StreetMy friend Cathy's favorite hang out spot. LOTS of inspiration if you are a crafter or quilter. A couple doors down from Lock 16.
Adventure
It's fun to watch the colorful parachutes while driving up Rte 251. Hosted the US National Skydiving Championships in 2018
Chicagoland Skydiving Center
1207 E Gurler RdIt's fun to watch the colorful parachutes while driving up Rte 251. Hosted the US National Skydiving Championships in 2018