Located in the heart of scenic northwest Illinois, the Blackhawk Waterways region encompasses the four counties of Carroll, Lee, Ogle and Whiteside . . . 2700 square miles of unique experiences, attractions, destinations and adventures that await your personal discovery.

The region is an outdoor recreation paradise: 10 state parks, a 2200-acre state forest, great golf, and over 125 miles of superb boating and fishing water courtesy of the scenic Rock River and the mighty Mississippi. We boast exciting wildlife viewing, miles and miles of hiking and biking trails, and unobstructed views and vistas that give our pastoral landscape its special flavor.

Significant historical sites, monuments, museums and points of interest are seemingly everywhere, retelling stories of our rich heritage and our important past. Tour the John Deere Historic Site, witness the birthplace and the boyhood home of Ronald Reagan, travel stretches of the Lincoln Highway and the Great River Road National Scenic Byway, and learn about the clashes and bloody battles that took place here during the Black Hawk War of 1832.

Visit our many small towns and charming villages and you'll be greeted by shopkeepers with rare and genuine hospitality as you search for eclectic hand-crafted gifts, artisan items, and antique treasures and collectibles. Attend one of the region's many special events, fairs, festivals, celebrations and cultural happenings; there's always something exciting and wonderful going on here!

In short, we're the ideal destination for a weekend getaway escape, a family vacation, or, just a scenic drive-in-the-country daytrip. From Chicagoland, we're just 60 minutes or so minutes away — what could be easier!

As the Illinois Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) responsible for promoting this magnificent section of our state and attracting tourism, we — the Blackhawk Waterways CVB — hope you enjoy this introduction to our region here today, and we look forward to your visit in the near future. Of course, certainly don't hesitate to email us or call us at 800.678.2108 if there is anything we can do to help you plan your escape to the Blackhawk Waterways region!