Location: Sterling
Top Things to do in Sterling
Countries
What to do and see in Sterling, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Sterling is a city in Whiteside County, Illinois, United States. The population was 15,370 at the 2010 census, down from 15,451 in 2000. Formerly nicknamed "Hardware Capital of the World", Sterling has long been associated with manufacturing and the steel industry.
Restaurants in Sterling
1. Sinnissippi Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By Francisco O - Iowa City, Iowa
This park has ample parking, plenty of picnic areas, a large playground for children, Frisbee golf, a baseball diamond and a variety of walking trails. The park also provides beautiful views of the Rock River. You may see the pelicans that have made nests near the Rock River during the summer as well as Bald Eagles during the fall and winter months.
The park also overlooks the Union Pacific rail line. For train buffs you can get excellent shots of the trains from a high vantage point with your camera.
There are plenty of places to go fishing in the park.
During the winter months there are a number of hills perfect for sledding.
For history buffs, the Sinnissippi Mounds can be found at the park which date back 2,000 years and is listed on the the National Register of Historic Places.
2. Selmi's Greenhouse and Farm Market
Overall Ratings
5 based on 23 reviews
We are a working greenhouse and farm, 4 generations and 86 years of growing. For the Seasons of Your Life, Selmi's has homegrown flower and vegetable plants in the spring, fresh vegetables in the summer and a wonderful, fun Pumpkin Patch and Harvest Festival in the Fall. Be sure to check the website for hours open, as they change with the seasons.
Reviewed By TripsAbroad84 - Illinois
We always make an appearance during the fall harvest time to get fresh produce from the area. The kids love coming here during Halloween time. They have a pumpkin patch, haunted house, petting zoo, and a place for the kids to run around. My 5 and 2 year old have a blast every time we visit.
3. Firehouse Ministries Fire Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Mcasa1994
We went over the Summer for a visit while they had an open house and it was a neat learning experience, seeing what the past fire fighters had to use to put out fires to the more updated times. The array of cool pieces of...MoreThanks so much for visiting! Glad you enjoyed it!
4. Midway Drive In Theatre
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By GoneOffTheGrid - Vernon Hills, Illinois
This drive-in theatre is in excellent condition. The concession area offers great eats and the restrooms are very clean. The theatre is run by a family that live close to Chicago and drives way out to Sterling to keep it going as a labor of love.
Far away from the big city, a double or triple-feature under the stars (with the Big Dipper over the screen) at Midway is fantastic. If you're in the area don't pass up a chance to experience one of the finest remaining 1950's-era drive-in theaters still in operation!
5. Johnny's Bar and Grill
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By emtdan61270
Stopped in for dinner on a recommendation from a friend. Typical bar decor. Staff is friendly. One annoying thing was one meal came out to table, then 5 minutes later the appetizer and second meal came out together. Not a big deal, but annoying. Appetizer was 4 hard shell tacos....delicious and only $4! We had the Cod basket and fried chicken sandwich. Both were very good and large portions as well. Nice bar with good food. We will be back!
6. Crystal Lake Recreation
Overall Ratings
4 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By edpleskovitch - Rock Falls, Illinois
This is a spring fed manmade lake with a nice sand beach and a lot of blow-up units that are on the lake that can be climbed on. There is also a go-kart track. They as usual are not cheep but they are fun. Recently they have added camping. I don't know about that yet ,because I have not used it yet, but it looks nice and is a good addition to the site.
7. Dillon Home Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
The home was built in 1858 for Brigadier General Edward Kirk. The home is on the register of National Historic Places under Kirk's name. The Dillon’s bought the home in 1882. Washington Dillon had the Northwest Barb Wire Co., which was wildly successful. His son, P.W. Dillon, eventually took over the mill and it became Northwestern Steel and Wire Company. P.W. was born in the house, and he died in the house in 1980 at the age of 96. The cities of Sterling and Rock Falls were built up around the mill because of the job opportunities. The 1929 Baldwin Locomotive that sits in the rear grounds was the last working steam engine in the United States to be used in an industrial application. Mrs. Dillon traveled extensively and the home is filled with treasures from around the country, and the world. It is untouched from the day Mr. Dillon passed in 1980, and very impressive. The furnishings date from the late 1800’s to the mid-1900’s, and are all original.
Reviewed By Steven E - Deer Creek, Illinois
Hidden Treasure because of locale but great stop on the way to Galena, IL. House donated to the park system as long as everything original remains intact. Curator gives tours and is outstanding with nearly 40 years knowledge of family and house. One of a kind antiques and very well presented. Tour includes main level, upstairs, and a portion of the basement. Original train out back and also a county historical society on grounds. Excellent picnic area on a trail that goes beyond the house. Cost just $3 for adults. Tours at 10, 11, 1, 2, 3. Plenty of parking. Open T, TH, Sat.
8. Martin's Landing & Sinnissippi Dam Walkway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By JJRiann - Chicago, Illinois
My husband and I visited the dam walkway and Martin's Landing last week. The walkway is beautiful and you get sweeping views of the Rock River. The walkway leads to a trail that takes you uphill to Martin's Landing. The whole area was beautiful and manicured nicely. This little landing is directly behind the Dillion House Museum in Sterling, Illinois.
9. Crow Valley Campground
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By redundantecho - Deltona, Fl
Cute campground with nice large shady (big maples) sites with views of Rock River. There is a boat ramp & they allow fishing, but no swimming or tubing. Sites are grass & have a picnic table & fire pit. There are clean restrooms with showers up on a hill, & port-a-pot (changed out routinely) closer to the lake & tent areas. Wi-Fi is available while sitting on the scenic office patio. The owners, Rindy & Scott, are very hands on & are working extremely hard to make improvements & updates. Make sure you bring insect repellent & a flashlight!
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