Many of the folks who live in Illinois, including some who live the along Rock River are Adt customers with home security systems, and they are confident that they can, safely, leave their homes to explore the river’s treasures. Tourists from all over the world are also part of this exploration. Even though the Rock River begins in West Bend, Wisconsin, it moves to the southwest and into Illinois. Some of these areas are Rockford, Sterling, Rock Falls and Rock Island. It eventually meets and flows into the Mississippi River. At first, the river was used as the main means of transportation, and it functioned in this capacity until the railroad made its presence. Later, it was used to provide power from its hydroelectric dam.

As time moved on, the Rock River areas became well known as recreational places, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources devotes resources to the cause. Fishing is its best-known sport, and many anglers take advantage of Rock River’s sporting opportunities. The river provides great channel fishing, and catfish are the catch of choice. Some of them are large as 50 pounds, and that makes them function as wonderful trophies for those who enjoy fishing. Other types of fish are bluegill, walleye and white bass among others.

Nothing beats a picnic with family or friends on a summer day in a naturally beautiful setting like along the banks of the Rock River. Rock River is one of Illinois largest and most beautiful natural features. It spans five counties and runs the length of approximately 285 miles to join with the Mississippi River at Rock Island, Illinois.

You can find a place to picnic or just take in the view of Rock River at various locations in Northwestern Illinois like; Byron, Dixon, Grand Detour, Loves Park, Lyndon, Machesney Park, Oregon, Prophetstown, Rock Falls, Rockford, Rockton, (more…)

The Rock River is a tributary of the great Mississippi River that flows through Northwestern Illinois and Southwestern Wisconsin, and is widely known as a great destination for the fishing enthusiast.

The Rock River flows through 18 Northwestern Illinois towns: the towns are South Beloit, Illinois; Rockton, Illinois; Roscoe, Illinois; Machesney Park, Illinois; Loves Park, Illinois; Rockford, Illinois; Byron, Illinois; Oregon, Illinois; Grand Detour, Illinois; Dixon, Illinois; Sterling, Illinois; Rock Falls, Illinois; Lyndon, Illinois; Prophetstown, Illinois; Coal Valley, Illinois; Milan, Illinois; Moline, Illinois; and Rock Island, Illinois

Avid fishermen visit any one of these 18 (more…)

Rock River begins west of West Bend, Wisconsin and runs south to Illinois and then southwest toward the Mississippi River. The river passes through Waterown, WI, Janesville, WI, Rockford IL, Sterling/Rock Falls, IL and finally through Rock Island, IL where the Rock River meets the Mississippi River. Rock River is about 285 miles long.

Originally, those who settled in the area saw Rock River as a method of transportation, but the railroad came into place. The river supplied the power to the mills that were originally in the area. The City of (more…)

If you want to truly get your arms around the history and lore of the Mississippi River and its charm and mystique then you may want to tap into a few of the following books that cover the river running backwards to the ecological changes witnessed over time. Enjoy!Wicked River: The Mississippi When It Last Ran Wild (Lee Sandlin) is considered a “grand epic” that portrays a forgotten society on the edge of revolutionary change by taking a look at one of the most colorful, dangerous, and peculiar places in America’s historical landscape: the strange, wonderful, and mysterious Mississippi River of the nineteenth century.Immortal River: The Upper Mississippi in Ancient and Modern Times (Calvin R. Fremling) is a well-illustrated primer to the Upper Mississippi River and presents the basic natural and human history of this magnificent waterway. It’s written for the educated lay-person who would like to know more about the river’s history and the forces that shape as well as threaten it today. It melds complex information from the fields of (more…)

One of the biggest natural features in Illinois is the Rock River. This stretch of water reaches about 285 miles in length and connects with the Mississippi River. The merging spot of the two rivers can be found in Rock Island. The river runs through five different counties, including Lee, Ogle, Rock Island, Whiteside and Winnebago. (more…)

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Northwestern Illinois is the home of Ulysses S. Grant. The future president was a military leader during the Civil War and the reason the Union won. Elected in 1868, Grant was the 18^th president of the United States.Located in Galena, visitors can tour White Haven between 9:30am to 4:00pm; the tours usually last thirty minutes. Admission is free, but you have to obtain a ticket before touring the home. Tickets, as well as the showing of A Place Called White Haven, are found at the Visitor Center. (more…)

Located in Rockford, The Burpee Museum of Natural History has eight exhibits over the span of four floors. Home to the infamous “Jane: Diary of a Dinosaur” display, as well as exhibits like “The First People,” it’s the perfect stop for anyone who loves natural history.The museum’s most popular exhibit is “Jane: Diary of a Dinosaur.” At 21-feet tall, the T-Rex remains are a showstopper. It took four years to restore the dinosaur and showcase her skeleton; but it was worth the wait. Not only has the exhibit won an award, but the dinosaur is considered part of the ten greatest discoveries of the century. (more…)