Northwest Illinois Directory
Family Fun in Sterling
Every supper club, trailhead, main-street shop, and stay across all four counties: searchable in one place.
Blackhawk LanesFamily-friendly bowling center offering open and cosmic bowling, leagues, birthday parties, arcade games, pool, darts, video gaming, a restaurant and bar, and a pro shop.
Bugsy’s Arcade and GamingBugsy's Arcade and Gaming is a popular entertainment spot, known for its fun and diverse range of activities. While it's not a widely recognized brand, if you're looking for arcades and gaming centers, you might find such places that offer a variety of classic and modern arcade games, redemption games, and other entertainment options.
Color Me Happy LLCA downtown Sterling DIY art studio offering canvas painting, wood workshops, ceramics, candle making, spin art, private parties, and creative activities for children and adults.
Duis Recreation CenterSterling Park District recreation center with indoor aquatics, a 25-yard pool and diving well, lap swim, open swim, water walking and a gymnastics facility. The renovated center includes locker rooms, a multipurpose room, elevator access and viewing areas, and has served the community since 1970.
Sterling-Rock Falls Family YMCACommunity YMCA with strength and cardio facilities, gym, indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, steam room, group exercise, youth sports, swim lessons, child watch, school-age programs, and summer camp.
Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society Carriage House MuseumLocal-history museum tracing Sterling and Rock Falls from prehistoric times through the modern industrial era with permanent and rotating exhibits; summer public hours and separate appointment access are posted by the Historical Society.
The Sterling Theater1924 vaudeville theater rebuilt 1944, Art Moderne style. Recently renovated. Brew-and-view with 2 screens, beer/wine, pizza, appetizers, cabaret seating. See website for showtimes.
Twin City Farmers MarketIndoor market open year-round, outdoor May–October. Saturdays 8am–noon. 20+ year-round vendors and more seasonal. Local meats, produce, herbs, honey, baked goods, crafts, and more. SNAP EBT accepted; Link Match. Outdoor market allows leashed pets, indoor service animals only.
Whoop Your AxeSterling entertainment venue with five axe-throwing lanes, a golf simulator, classic and modern arcade games, a tavern and concessions area, a private gaming room, and party or full-facility rentals. Walk-ins and advance bookings are available.
Willy's RestaurantFamily-friendly Sterling restaurant serving authentic Mexican food including tacos, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, tamales, seafood, fresh chips and salsa, margaritas, and other traditional favorites.
Woodlawn Arts AcademySterling nonprofit arts academy offering visual, music, literary, performing, dance, and wellness programming in a renovated school campus with studios, gallery space, and a 150-seat performance venue.
X-Golf Sauk ValleySterling indoor golf venue with advanced simulators, practice and play options, leagues and tournaments, a full restaurant and bar, and reservable space for parties, meetings, and group events.
