PATHWAYS TO THE PAST ARTS & HERITAGE TOUR
By Blackhawk Waterways CVB
08/11/2008
Get a taste of Illinois culture through the arts in our area. From sculptures, buildings and delectable delights your group will enjoy our Midwest hospitality.
Contact Information:
t: view phone 800-678-2108
e: view email jkessinger@bwcvb.com
w: view URL http://www.bwcvb.com
- Sculpture Trail driving tour through historic Oregon to view unique statuary
- Dinner cruise on an authentic paddle wheel boat on the Rock River
- Tour of Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home & Visitor Center
- Tour of John Deere Historic Site
- Tour of authentic Dutch windmill located along the Mississippi River
Tour Dates:
Number of Days: 3
DAY ONE: Oregon, Illinois
Oregon Sculpture Trail (step-on guide provided)
The Oregon Sculpture Trail began in 1911 with the creation of the 48 ft Blackhawk Statue created by Lorado Taft which he called “The Eternal Indian”. The bus will travel through the town of Oregon to view 7 unique statues as well as a variety of small bronze and plaster statues all associated with members of the Eagle’s Nest Artist Colony. The trail ends at the “Paths of Conviction, Footsteps of Fate” bronze statue of Blackhawk and Abraham Lincoln. The tour will then proceed to Adagio Fine Art and Art Casting of Illinois where visitors will enjoy this fine art gallery featuring original works by Renoir, Whistler, Durer, Rembrandt and many more. If your group is lucky they can see a bronze sculpture being cast! The group will travel to White Pines State Park for lunch at the White Pines Inn. Located in an authentic log lodge in the heart of the historic White Pines State Park, the White Pines Inn menu features a full fare plus specialties and a variety of desserts. In the summer, your lunch can be served under the Garden Canopy. The gift shop specializes in chocolates, fudge and unique gifts. Following lunch you’ll enjoy shopping at Conover Square Mall, an old piano factory offering a variety of antique stores, specialty shops and many other eclectic & unique shops that will make your stop unforgettable. Need to take a break for afternoon coffee & dessert? Try Conover Coffee & Chocolates, Cooks Collection or the Conover Bakery. The evening will find you checking at The Paddle Wheel Inn or Chateau Lodge. April thru Nov 15th –You’ll enjoy a 2 hour dinner cruise on the scenic Rock River on the Pride of Oregon, an authentic paddle wheel boat. During the off season you’ll dine at the Riverside Restaurant which offers beautiful front row views of the Rock River.
DAY TWO: Grand Detour & Dixon Illinois
Following breakfast you’ll travel to Grand Detour to the John Deere Historic Site. Visit John Deere’s restored pioneer home and special archaeological exhibit of the original blacksmith shop. This is the site where John Deere invented the self-cleaning plow. The historic site also features a working blacksmith shop, gift shop and visitor’s center. The motor coach will transport you to Dixon where you can choose from a variety of charming eateries and explore the unique shops. The afternoon will find our guests at The Next Picture Show. Located in a restored 1854 building, The Next Picture Show is home to working artist’s studios, a fine arts gallery and an arts education center. The tour will then offer you the chance to visit the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home which has been restored to the 1920’s era when Ronald Reagan and his family lived there. Learn about his boyhood and teen years spent in Dixon. Gift shop and visitor’s center on site.
Check in at Quality Inn & Suites or Comfort Inn. A group dinner can be arranged or take your pick of the many area dining options offered.
DAY THREE: Fulton Illinois
Following breakfast the tour will depart for Fulton. Fulton’s authentic Dutch windmill, “De Immigrant” was prefabricated in the Netherlands and erected by Dutch craftsmen in Fulton. Gift shop and welcome center on site. Following lunch the tour will continue at Heritage Canyon which is located on the Mississippi River in an old 12 acre quarry restored and furnished to replicate a mid-1800’s settlement. Paths through the wooded hillside lead from home sites to doctors office, one room school, church, covered bridge, swinging bridge and much more.
Itinerary options include historic museum or architectural tours, railroad tours and antique shopping opportunities. Contact Blackhawk Waterways CVB to plan your personalized itinerary.
