Dana's Retreat -The Guide Book
Sightseeing
This is our favorite place to unwind at sunset. The viewing tower is amazing and kayaking is so private.
Dixon Waterfowl Refuge at Hennepin & Hopper Lakes
This is our favorite place to unwind at sunset. The viewing tower is amazing and kayaking is so private.
Hennepin Canal Parkway Trail
Hennepin Canal Parkway Trail92 miles of tow path along the canal. So much wildlife and so quiet.
Just 19 miles east - our favorite trails for waterfalls and sandstone. Go early and beat the crowds on the weekends
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Starved Rock State Park
2678 E 875th RdJust 19 miles east - our favorite trails for waterfalls and sandstone. Go early and beat the crowds on the weekends
Another gorgeous state park just 19 miles east. We hike here often - go early to avoid crowds.
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Matthiessen Staatspark
2500 IL-178Another gorgeous state park just 19 miles east. We hike here often - go early to avoid crowds.
Red Covered Bridge
One of only 5 original covered bridges - a great photo op
Not just a garden center, its an experience and great shopping. One of our very favorite places - we will go just to look at their gardens and fish ponds. check out their page and social media for events - every one of them is so fun!
Hornbaker Gardens, Inc.
22937 County Rd 1140 NNot just a garden center, its an experience and great shopping. One of our very favorite places - we will go just to look at their gardens and fish ponds. check out their page and social media for events - every one of them is so fun!
Food scene
Just 9 miles from us:
Hankering for some cheap yummy fried chicken??? This place is a must visit for a crazy cheep fun meal. Cold beer too! Great for the family. Go early as the lines can be busy.
Rip's Tavern
311 N Main AveJust 9 miles from us:
Hankering for some cheap yummy fried chicken??? This place is a must visit for a crazy cheep fun meal. Cold beer too! Great for the family. Go early as the lines can be busy.
This is great place for expert yummy adult beverages. Always a good vibe and on the weekends - watch for the food trucks! One of favorite places. Just 7 miles to town
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Barrel Society
930 N Main StThis is great place for expert yummy adult beverages. Always a good vibe and on the weekends - watch for the food trucks! One of favorite places. Just 7 miles to town
Located in the historical Westclox building - the beer is self serve with a cool card - so many local brews its heaven! Not a beer drinker - no worries the fire roasted pizza is perfect for the whold family.
Fire on Fifth
300 5th StreetLocated in the historical Westclox building - the beer is self serve with a cool card - so many local brews its heaven! Not a beer drinker - no worries the fire roasted pizza is perfect for the whold family.
Just 13 miles east is Stone Jug BBQ. Amazing food and drinks. Great atmosphere and some of the best BBQ we've ever had. There is Chicken as well as pork. Not a meat eater - no worries the salmon and side dishes are amazing too!
Stone Jug Barbeque
1920 4th StreetJust 13 miles east is Stone Jug BBQ. Amazing food and drinks. Great atmosphere and some of the best BBQ we've ever had. There is Chicken as well as pork. Not a meat eater - no worries the salmon and side dishes are amazing too!
On the veranda at Starved Rock Lodge is a great outside restaurant! Live music on weekends and a view that is outstanding. We love the Gorgonzola Nachos O M Gee they are good.
The Back Door Lounge
One Lodge LnOn the veranda at Starved Rock Lodge is a great outside restaurant! Live music on weekends and a view that is outstanding. We love the Gorgonzola Nachos O M Gee they are good.
Thyme Craft Kitchen
Bean Buzz Coffee
This is our new favorite -happy vibe and local!
Myrtle's Pie
927 N Main StCafe Grace
great vibe and great service
Paisano’s Ristorante
great chicken strips & carryout
Flour House Bakery & Coffee
950 N Main Stour favorite but closing December 2023 :(
great food great service this place is always hopping, they do a fast carry out. Phone ahead !
Los Ranchitos
1204 W Peru Stgreat food great service this place is always hopping, they do a fast carry out. Phone ahead !
Neighborhoods
Our little town has lots to offer. Little boutiques, food, antiques and a Saturday Morning Farmers Market. We love our little down. Check it out!
Princeton
Our little town has lots to offer. Little boutiques, food, antiques and a Saturday Morning Farmers Market. We love our little down. Check it out!
City/town information
Just 20 miles east, Utica IL, the gateway to Starved Rock State Park is crazy good. They closed down the entire street for dining and 100% dog friendly - Be sure to do wine tasting at August Hill Wine Tasting Room! Down the road is a good old fashioned Honky Tonk at Jamies Outpost! So many cute shops too.
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North Utica
Just 20 miles east, Utica IL, the gateway to Starved Rock State Park is crazy good. They closed down the entire street for dining and 100% dog friendly - Be sure to do wine tasting at August Hill Wine Tasting Room! Down the road is a good old fashioned Honky Tonk at Jamies Outpost! So many cute shops too.