There is a small suburb called Cherry Valley, IL that is in the far Northwest area of the state. This little known suburb is located sort of in the center between Rockford and Belvidere about 2 hours from Chicago. While a lot of people don’t know a lot about Cherry Valley there is actually quite a bit to do there. Here are some of the fun and interesting places to visit in Cherry Valley, IL.
Magic Waters Water Park
Magic Waters Water Park is located at 7820 Cherry Vale North Blvd. The phone number is 1-800-373-1679.
Magic Waters is an outdoor water park that is opened from Memorial Day weekend up until Labor Day weekend. General Admission for the park is $22.95 but there are significant discounts for Seniors and kids under 42 inches tall.
Magic Waters has an 80 foot 2 person water coaster, tube slides that you go down in total darkness on, and a Typhoon Terror 4 person tube ride. Aside from the tube rides there is a large lazy river, a heated wave pool, a large play structure and a children’s lagoon.
Competition Grand Prix
Competition Gran Prix is located at 7215 Cherry Vale North Blvd. The phone number is: 815-332-9647.
Competition Gran Prix is a place where you can bring the whole family Go-Carting. You can get a single seater or a double seat car there and you can drive around the 1500 foot banked road course. There is also a kiddie track for the young ones. Competition Grand Prix is opened from April to October on days when the weather is good. Last known price was $5.00, but that may be changing for the upcoming season. Call ahead for pricing information. They also offer party packages and group discounts.
Forest Preserves
What is very nice about Cherry Valley is that it is the perfect place for nature lovers as there are a handful of Forest Preserves in the area.
Deer Run Forest Preserve – Deer Forest Preserve is a 593 Acre forest preserve. It has 9 miles of walking trails. Most of the area is still all in its natural state but there is some prairie there that is being preserved. You can also picnic at this park.
Blackhawks Springs Forest Preserve – Blackhawks Springs Forest Preserve is an ideal place for bird watchers. The 951 acre mostly prairie preserve is home to many varieties of birds. There are plenty of walking trails and views of the Kishwaukee River. If you have a horse this is an ideal park for you as there are equestrian trails provided. There is also fishing and picnic tables are available.
Espenscheid Forest Preserve – This is located adjacent to the Blackhawks Springs Forest Preserve and each can be accessed from the other, and even the equestrian trails are merged. Espenscheid Forest Preserve has over 114 acres of land. They are known for their many mature Bur Oak Trees and bushy woodlands. There is plenty of picnic area at this park and there is even a shelter house there that can seat around 80 people. You can also rent canoes at this park and there are also Mountain Bike Trails. Those who want to kick back and relax will enjoy the provided Horse Shoe pits. The park has 1.6 miles of hiking trails.
Oakridge Forest Preserve – Oakridge Forest Preserve is a beautiful park with wonderful views of the Kishwaukee River. There is canoe access to get on to the River so bring your canoe along if you have one. The park is 653 acres in total dividing that between prairie, sedge meadow, and flood plain forest. There are also Equestrian Trails.
Valley Orchard
Valley Orchard is located at 811 East State Street and the phone number is (815) 332-9696.
Valley Orchard has 35 acres of family owned apple, blue berry, black berry and raspberry orchards. You can go out and pick your own which is a fun family activity or purchase freshly picked at their gift shop. You can also purchase freshly made cider there and various other baked goods and items. Such as Jams and Jellies, and seasonal decorative items, as well as other produce items. They also offer tours. There are also some animals on the grounds which children in enjoy.
Call ahead for apple varieties and such available for picking and other items, or visit their web site at: http://thevalleyorchard.com/
Near Rockford Illinois
If you can’t find enough in Cherry Valley to keep you busy it is a short 17 minute drive from Rockford, IL. Rockford has a variety of museums and other things to do and see there such as the Anderson Japanese Gardens and CoCo Key Water Resort.
Where to Stay
Most of the places to stay near Cherry Valley are either Inns or Bed and Breakfasts. Meadowlark Inn is a rustic Inn with a country setting. 5759 US Hwy 20, East Springfield, NY, 13333 United States 866-539-0036. It is the closest Inn to Cherry Valley and is just a little over 4 miles away. If you are looking for more mainstream lodges you should look at hotels in Rockford as there is a lot more variety there.