H. I. Lincoln Building This historical and classic stone building of the 1850s was one of the original meeting places for the Lincoln Highway. The structure has served as a general store, newspaper, and post office. The large upstairs meeting hall was the community center for 75 years. The structure has been restored and is used by the Lincoln Highway Association.
(815) 456-3030, Elm Street, Franklin Grove 61031.
Chaplin Creek Historic Village A 19th century Midwestern village currently being restored. Visitors may tour a saltbox house, blacksmith shop, country school, etc. Demonstrations and bluegrass jam sessions during the Summer Harvest Festival, 1st weekend in August, and Pioneer Day, 3rd Sunday in September.
Hours: Also open by appointment. Groups welcome.
(815) 734-3030, 1/2 mile S. on Whitney Road, Franklin Grove 61031.
Nachusa Grasslands Over 1,000 acres of native Illinois prairie. Sandstone buttes, oak savannas, wetlands, original species of plants and animals sustain a dynamic functioning ecosystem.
Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset.
(815) 456-2340, 2055 Lowden Road, Franklin Grove 61031.
Amboy Depot Museum Built in 1873, this old Illinois Central Railroad Depot was the division headquarters for the railroad. It now houses railroad and local artifacts. A steam locomotive is an outside exhibit.
Hours: May-Sept., Sat. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m to 4 p.m.
(815) 857-3814, 50 N. East Avenue, Amboy 61310.
Amboy Pharmacy An old-time soda fountain featuring shakes and malts made from homemade syrups, a variety of "penny candy," old-time fixtures, and complete with wooden floors, brings back memories of the past.
Hours: Memorial Day-Labor Day, Mon.-Fri. 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
(815) 857-2323, 202 E. Main Street, Amboy 61310.
John Deere Historic Site This is where John Deere developed the steel plow in 1837. Visit his restored pioneer home, an archaeological site of his blacksmith shop, a reconstructed working blacksmith shop, gift shop and visitors center. Learn about the first self-cleaning plow.
Stuka Military Museum From Civil War to Desert Storm, this military museum has uniforms, helmets, swords, medals, patches and souvenirs from the past conflicts.
Hours: Open year round, by chance or appointment.
(815) 732-2091, 3178 S. Daysville Road, Oregon 61061.
