Northern Illinois

Understand

Northern Illinois is generally considered to be the area of Illinois north of I-80 and outside of Chicagoland. Another way to consider Northern Illinois is by the 815 and 779 area codes. Definitions might slightly differ to include Kankakee and Grundy counties, which may also be considered part of Central Illinois. Northwestern Illinois topography hilly with bluffs and cliffs, a stark contrast to the majority of the "Prairie State" that is mostly flat or with slightly rolling hills and farmland. This region is home to 9 of the 10 highest points in Illinois, with 8 in Jo Daviess County alone, including the highest point in Illinois, Charles Mound at 1,235 ft (376 m). Culturally, the entire region is similar to many other rust belt rural areas. Residents tend to be politically conservative.

Getting there

By plane Rockford International Airport RFD IATA is served by Allegiant Air with service to four destinations. Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD IATA) east, is the nearest full-service airport and is directly connected to Rockford by Interstate 90. Dane County Regional Airport (MSN IATA) north in Madison, Wisconsin, is about an hour and 20 minutes north of Rockford in Interstate 39/90 and is served by six airlines. Dubuque Regional Airport] (DBQ IATA) west in Dubuque, Iowa, is about a thirty minute drive from Galena.

By car A number of different major routes run through Northern Illinois: Interstates:

Interstate 80 is a cross-country east-west route running through the region, from Indiana and Chicago to the east to the Quad Cities and into Iowa. Interstate 88 (portions tolled) runs east-west from Chicago west through Rochelle, Dixon, Rock Falls and on towards the Quad Cities. Interstate 90 (tolled) connects Rockford and its suburbs with Chicago to the east, and with Madison and Rock County, Wisconsin, to the north. It enters the area near Belvidere and heads northwest before entering Rockford. Once in Rockford, it joins I-39 and turns north exiting at the Wisconsin border. Interstate 39 (portions tolled) runs north-south through the area to Central Illinois and Bloomington-Normal to the south. In Rockford, it joins I-90 and continues north to the Wisconsin border. US Routes:

US Route 20 is a major cross-country east-west route running through the region. Entering just west of Belvidere from Chicagoland, it runs due west and joins I-39 just south of Rockford. From there, it bypasses the city, runs through Freeport and Galena, and crosses the Mississippi River into Iowa at Dubuque. US Route 30 is a major cross-country east-west route running across the Northern Illinois region. Entering the area just east of Kendall County, it runs straight west and connects Dixon and Sterling-Rock Falls before entering Eastern Iowa at Clinton. US Route 52 enter

Do

Companies like Kayak Starved Rock provide unique and educational guided kayak tours as well as kayak rentals to explore the towering St. Peters sandstone bluffs and Bald Eagles.