Whether an active participate or a cheering fan in the stands DeKalb has many great activities for residents and visitors that enjoy the outdoors, and other activities. In DeKalb, through the award winning DeKalb Park District, there are two public golf courses, over 40 public parks, over six miles of paved bike trails, a water park with Olympic size pool, soccer and ball fields. To escape the in climate weather DeKalb offers many indoor venues such as a health club, community center and a YMCA.
DeKalb hosts an annual Corn Fest. The festival celebrates corn as one of the top crops produced within the DeKalb area. The festival features, live music, races, historical tours, and much more!
Other entertainment venues in the DeKalb area include the following:
Altgeld Art Gallery
Northern Illinois University, Altgeld Hall, 2nd floor
DeKalb, IL 601115
(815) 753-1936
Chicagoland Skydiving Center
p.o. box 758 Rt. 30
Hinkley, IL 60520
800-404-JUMP
Davis Hall Observatory
Northern Illinois University Davis Hall
DeKalb, IL 60115
(815) 753-1772
Fridays in February & March from 7 - 9PM; Fridays in April & May from 8 - 10PM. Call for group appointments.
DeKalb Community Labyrinth & Serenity Garden
Huntley Park, between S. 2nd & S. 3rd Streets
DeKalb, IL 60115
DeKalb Public Library
309 Oak Street
DeKalb, IL 60115
(815) 756-9568
National Registry of Historic Places
Ellwood House Museum & Park
509 N. First St.
DeKalb, IL 60115
(815) 756-4609; Call for tour hours
www.ellwoodhouse.org
National Registry of Historic Places. One-hour tours include the beautifully restored home, the children's playhouse, and the Visitor's Center. Experience a by-gone era as you tour the great English living room with its vast stone fireplace, the mahogany-paneled dining room, and the magnificent rotunda with a three-story spiral staircase. The many restored bedrooms, servant’s rooms, and service areas provide a glimpse of a complete household at the turn of the twentieth century. A visit to this elegant home brings the past to life! Tours are available daily.
Four Seasons Sports Bowling
1745 DeKalb Ave.
Sycamore, IL 60178
(815) 895-5125
Bowling, billiards, lounge.
Joseph F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center
921 W. Lincoln Hwy
DeKalb, IL 60115
(815) 756-7904
www.gliddenhomestead.org
This site has been commemorated by the Illinois State Historical Society as the birthplace of barbed wire. It was the home of Joseph Farwell Glidden, inventor of "The Winner" barbed wire. It is undergoing restoration, but is open May-November for events and tours.
Gurler House
205 Pine Street
DeKalb, IL 60115
(815) 758-4897
Tours are available by appointment. This is a beautiful example of the Greek Revival Style.
Heritage Square Gallery
105 N. 1st Street
DeKalb, IL 60115
(815) 756-1445
The Gallery is open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
Experience DeKalb's rich history in photographs. Hundred's of pictures highlight the growth and changing face of the downtown area from 1860 through the present
Jack Olson Gallery
Northern Illinois University NIU Visual Arts Building, AB200 Art Gallery
DeKalb, IL 60115
(815) 753-4521
Monday - Friday, 10am - 4pm
Mardi Gras Lanes Bowling
1730 Sycamore Rd.
DeKalb, IL 60115
(815) 756-9411
Bowling, billiards, lounge
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL 60115
(815) 753-1535
Walking tours of the expansive campus depart from Williston Hall Monday to Friday at 1:30pm and noon on most Saturdays. Self-guided walking tours are available.
NIU celebrated its centennial in 1995.
Regional History Center
Northern Illinois University
Swen Parson, Room 155
DeKalb, IL 60115
(815) 753-1779
They have records on 18 of the 19 northern Illinois counties. They also have genealogical information.
Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Clock
DeKalb Memorial Park
Northwest corner of 1st St. & Lincoln Hwy
DeKalb, IL 60115
(815) 748-7788
This is a World War I memorial, originally dedicated in 1921. One of the city's murals is also located here.
Attractions: Orchards & Farms
Honey Hill Orchards
11747 Waterman Rd
Waterman, IL 60556
(815) 264-2158
www.honeyhillorchards.com
Jonomac Orchard, Inc.
19412 Shabbona Rd.
Malta, IL 60150 USA
(815) 825-2158
jonamac@tbcnet.com
Kuipers Family Farm
1N318 Watson Road
Maple Park, IL 60151
(815) 827-5200
www.kuipersfamilyfarm.com
September-October: 10am-6pm Wed-Sun
November-December: 10am-5pm Wed-Sun
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Yeager’s Farm Market
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www.yeagersfarmsmarket.com
164 E. Lincoln Highway (Route 38) DeKalb, Illinois 60115 (877)-DeKalb1