Visit this charming Dutch town, 52 miles from Galena (about an hour), offering scenic parks, a 90-foot-tall Dutch windmill and the Heritage Canyon. This year marks Fulton’s 150th anniversary with the Fall Festival and it’s festivities of square dancers, live music, a scavenger hunt, 2 mile run/walk, arts & craft show, windmill tours and more. Consider staying in Galena if you prefer a busier downtown with a larger assortment of accommodations, but don’s miss out on the picturesque scenery of the surrounding areas.

Be blown away by the sight of 15 huge, colorful balloons flying high during the day and night. Flight times are 7am and 5pm daily, weather permitting. Each night the sky will light up with balloons being it up in the night sky participating in a “night glow”. There will be activities for the kids and food vendors. Stay in Rock Island, Illinois only 14 miles from the balloon races where you will find an active downtown, golf courses, casino, biking paths, marina, shopping and more.

Abe Lincoln Corn Maze Arial View

Be amazed at this corn maze design of Abe Lincoln cut out of 10 acres of corn field. Activities include pony rides, flea market, petting zoo, bake sale, flashlight maze and more. Besides seeing all the Lincoln Historical sites at Springfield, see the Dana-Thomas House, the Illinois State Capitol, shop at central Illinois’ largest indoor shopping facility and at the historical area downtown and take to the outdoors with activities like golf, biking or water activities.

Wine lovers compete for prizes as you stomp grapes in a team of four at a winery located high up on a ridge while you hear live music and then reward your hard labor with wine tastings, beer and nourishment. Home to Frank Lloyd Wright, Richland County is picturesque of natural wonders like Wisconsin’s largest onyx cave, Natural Bridge at Rockbridge and Elephant Rock. Make sure to also visit a historic building like the Frank Lloyd Wright’s Warehouse and the 1873 Park Hotel and be sure to shop at the many art studios and cheese factories.