Boone County: Culture, Trails and Nature

Boone County brings together cultural and historic sites with trails through a varied landscape. When planning your stay, you can focus on what you’d like to do, such as exploring historic architecture, attending events or spending time outdoors.

The county encompasses rolling hills and flat farmland, as well as numerous streams, ponds and wetlands and significant wooded areas. Flora Prairie is one of three formally designated nature preserves in Boone County. The Kishwaukee River is home to sunfish, catfish and black bass.

Cultural History and Art

In 1997, Belvidere was designated an Illinois “City of Murals” following the Governor’s Art Award. The story of the downtown murals began with ten works created during a festival in June of that year. The Poplar Grove Vintage Wings & Wheels Museum offers another perspective on regional history, focusing on transportation history from 1903 to 1957.

Historic buildings also offer a range of perspectives. The Historic Baltic Mill in Belvidere Park was built as a gristmill in 1845. Frank Lloyd Wright designed the Pettit Memorial Chapel in Belvidere Cemetery; it was built in 1907. The Duxstad Cabin was built in Manchester Township in 1840 and later moved to the Boone County Museum of History. The museum’s mission is to foster interest in Boone County history through education and research, and to preserve artifacts and archival materials.

Tours at the Funderburg House are scheduled on Saturdays; advance reservations are recommended. Since 1991, the Boone County Arts Council has hosted the free Summer Concerts in the Park series at various locations throughout the county. If you’re planning a tour or concert visit, it’s worth checking the dates.

Trails and Nature in the County

The Long Prairie Trail is a 14.2-mile hiking and biking trail that runs east to west through northern Boone County. Its route passes through wooded areas, working farmland and native prairie, as well as Capron, Poplar Grove and Caledonia.

Another option is the Kishwaukee Riverfront Path, a 3.5-mile paved trail used year-round by walkers, joggers and cyclists. It starts at the State Street Bridge in downtown Belvidere, passes through Doty Park and Belvidere Park, and ends at Spencer Conservation Area. By length, the Long Prairie Trail is the longer route; the Riverfront Path offers a shorter paved option.

The Belvidere Park District extends along sections of the Kishwaukee River and Mill Race. Features mentioned at Belvidere Park include a historic suspension bridge, an accessible fishing pier and disc golf. Park amenities may change; check the park information before your visit.

Events and Special Attractions

The Boone County Fair is held every August at the Boone County Fairgrounds. Its attractions include the One Room Schoolhouse. The grounds also host car, arts and crafts, and ethnic festivals, livestock shows and other events. Check the specific fair dates and attraction details before your trip.

Summerfield Zoo is home to numerous exotic animals, including reindeer, monkeys, camels and mountain lions. It also offers educational presentations and animal encounters. In Boone County, McEachran Homestead Winery offers wine tastings and is considered the only winery in the historic county. As tasting options may change, check availability before you arrive.

Getting Here and Planning Your Hotel Stay

Major road connections in Boone County include Interstate 90, US Highway 20, and Illinois Highways 76 and 173. Poplar Grove Airport is located on Highway 76 and serves the surrounding communities. When planning your stay, start by choosing the focus of your trip: historic sites, outdoor trails or an event. If the Boone County Fair is part of your plans, August is the right time to consider when scheduling your trip.

Discover more destinations: Belvidere, Garden Prairie, Poplar Grove, Kane, Woodford County, Bond County, Mercer County, Douglas County.

For the broader travel overview: Illinois.