Northwest Illinois Directory
Outdoor Recreation in Whiteside County
Every supper club, trailhead, main-street shop, and stay across all four counties: searchable in one place.
A.V. Sieglinger Memorial ParkSeventeen-acre Rock Falls park with four enclosed baseball diamonds, T-ball facilities, concessions, restrooms, parking, horseshoe courts, and a family picnic shelter.
Albany MarinaBoat launching and marina services. Public use boat ramp that offers access to Pool 14, known for largemouth bass and smallmouth bass fishing. A convenient location for those accessing the Mississippi River.
Alfred and Sylvia Den Besten Memorial ParkRiverfront green space near De Immigrant Windmill and the Windmill Cultural Center, with picnic tables, restrooms and a Great River Road Scenic Byway interpretive kiosk. The Great River Bike Trail passes the area, making the park a convenient stop for cyclists and Mississippi River visitors.
Benson’s on Lake CarltonLocated in the heart of Morrison-Rockwood State Park on the beautiful 77-acre Lake Carlton. Home to fishing, hiking, and camping. We offer a great menu of food & drinks served in our restaurant or on our screened-in deck. Our bait shop offers worms, leeches, minnows, and fishing tackle. Watercraft rentals include kayak, pedal boats, and motorboat rentals. Hours: Open 11 am - 7 pm Tuesday through Sunday, Closed Mondays.
Big Bend State Fish & Wildlife Area1,188 acres west of Prophetstown. Open for hunting, hiking, limited fishing.
Bitler MarinaFamily-owned on the Mississippi River in Albany. Sells G3 boats, Yamaha outboards, parts, accessories, certified service. “5 Star Service” doesn’t end at the sale.
Booth ParkCommunity park in Tampico with a picnic shelter and tables, playground, lighted tennis courts, a small baseball area, and public restrooms.
Cattail Park & PavilionLocated north of Fulton along Cattail Road. Great for fishing, paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking, or watching wildlife. Features charcoal grill, playground, picnic shelter, and pavilion with kitchen, event tables/chairs, and restrooms (only accessible during rentals). Paved parking. Open during daylight hours. No alcohol. Restrooms only available during pavilion rentals.
Cattail Slough Recreation AreaA day-use recreation area on the Mississippi River backwaters south of Fulton off Illinois Route 84. Features a boat ramp with courtesy dock, bank fishing, and vault restrooms. A $5 daily fee applies to boat-ramp access; annual passes are available. Check the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recreation-area status before visiting.
Copper Bit RanchCopper Bit is a riding lesson facility in Sterling, IL, set on 30 acres with a 16-stall barn, 3-stall quarantine barn, indoor arena, outdoor arena, cross-country jumping field, turnout paddock, and grazing pastures. Please call Joan at 815-625-4961 if you are interested in riding lessons. This facility is NOT a horse rental business.
Deer Valley Golf ClubDeer Valley Golf Club in Deer Grove features an 18-hole championship course measuring 6,415 yards, four tee sets and a separate 9-hole executive course. The property includes a golf shop and bar and grill. Check the official site for current rates, tee-time booking, events and seasonal hours.
Docks on the RockMarina on Rock River near Arduini Boat Launch, Rock Falls. Boat slips, fuel, food, boat repairs, storage, jet ski storage, winterizing, tours, convenience store, dock building. Seasonal: closed Oct 15–Apr 15.
Douglas ParkTwo-acre neighborhood park in Sterling's Douglas Park Subdivision, established on land donated in 1955. Amenities include basketball courts, playground equipment and open play areas.
Drives Athletic ParkCommunity athletic park in Fulton with a pavilion, ball fields, soccer field, playground and bandshell. Drives Park supports local youth athletics and also hosts public community events, including outdoor music, seasonal festivals and family activities.
Eberley ParkSet on 25 wooded acres, Eberley Park features a 1.5-mile soft-surface walking and running course. The shaded route is popular with walkers and joggers and offers a peaceful place to enjoy Sterling's natural landscape.
Emerald Hill Golf CourseEmerald Hill Golf Course has been a staple of the Sterling golf scene since 1923 and is currently operated by the Sterling Park District, combining tradition with quality facilities for golfers of all skill levels. The 18-hole regulation course challenges players with a thoughtful layout that includes well-maintained fairways, water hazards, and sand traps, while lush bentgrass greens and practice areas provide opportunities to sharpen every aspect of your game.
In addition to the course itself, Emerald Hill features a driving range, three practice greens, and a chipping area — perfect for warmups or focused practice sessions. The welcoming clubhouse offers a pro shop stocked with gear, friendly staff to help with tee times and cart rentals, and the Clubhouse Grill, where golfers can enjoy snacks, beverages, or a full meal after a round. It’s a great stop for locals and visitors alike who want a relaxed but rewarding round of golf in Northwest Illinois.
French Creek ParkMorrison’s newest 16-acre park with soccer fields, walking path, playground, community garden, and picnic area. Used for fall youth soccer program.
Friendship ParkFulton neighborhood park at 24th Avenue and 6th Street with a playground, covered picnic pavilion, grill and picnic tables. The family-friendly park opened in 2015 and was renamed Friendship Park.
Friendship ParkLocated at 9th Street and 10th Avenue. Amenities include pavilion, picnic tables, grills, playground, restrooms, sand volleyball, and basketball courts.
Fulton MarinaLocated on the Mississippi River in Fulton, this municipal, year-round, full-service marina offers boat launches, camping, fishing, concessions, restrooms, gas dock, potable water, pump-out services, two public ramps, and ample parking. Picnic tables available. Bait and tackle nearby.
Gartner ParkGartner Park is Sterling Park District's baseball complex, developed in 1961 and improved over the years with press boxes, lighting, and field upgrades. The park offers eight regulation baseball diamonds, available by reservation through the district's administrative office, plus a playground area.
Glenn Miller Marina (Erie Boat Launch)Glenn Miller Marina, also known as the Erie Boat Launch, is a public Rock River access point for motorboats, kayaks, and canoes. The site is known for catfishing and has a large parking area with room for boat trailers beside the Erie Campground.
Harry Kidd FieldHarry Kidd Field is a Sterling Park District football facility and the home field for Sterling Jr. Tackle's fifth- through eighth-grade program. Acquired through an Open Space Land and Water Conservation Fund grant in 1976, the site provides a dedicated community football field at West Seventh Street and Woodburn Avenue.
Hennepin Canal State ParkwayThe Hennepin Canal State Parkway offers a unique blend of history and outdoor recreation, stretching across Northwest Illinois, and the canal starts right here in Rock Falls. Once a working canal connecting the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, today it serves as a peaceful destination for walking, biking, fishing, and wildlife watching. In Rock Falls, sign boards along the canal tell the story of how it was built.
Visitors can explore miles of flat, crushed limestone towpath—ideal for cyclists of all skill levels and casual walkers alike. Along the way, historic canal locks, aqueducts, and bridges offer a glimpse into the area’s past while adding visual interest to the journey. The calm water and tree-lined paths create a quiet, relaxing setting that feels worlds away from busy roads.
In Whiteside County, the canal provides easy access points for a quick outing or a longer ride, making it a popular choice for those looking to enjoy the outdoors at their own pace. Whether you're planning a short stroll, a morning bike ride, or a day spent exploring, the Hennepin Canal State Parkway delivers a scenic and laid-back experience in every season.
