Sterling, Illinois may be a small, rural town, but there’s so much to do in the area! Whether you fancy checking out some local history, looking at cool dinosaur fossils, catching a movie at a drive-in theatre, learning how a distillery works, or choosing bright orange pumpkins fresh from the patch, you’ll find it all in the Sterling area! Take a look at our list of the best things to do in and around Sterling, Illinois.
1. Showplace Antiques & Treasures
How about you go treasure hunting but at an antique shop? Showplace Antiques & Treasures is a treasure chest full of surprises located on 1st Street, Sterling. It is a shop that specializes in all types of antiques and collector’s items. There are precious items such as glassware, furniture, used books, primitives, pottery, vinyl records, and Victorian memorabilia; name it and they most probably have it. With an enormous number of collectible objects and pieces in its three-story space and basement, you’ll thoroughly love this place.
The staff is extra friendly too; if you’re the haggler type, you might just get more items in your basket. Do not pass this place if you are an avid antiquer and collector.
Showplace Antiques & Treasures
Address: 307 1st Ave, Sterling, IL 61081
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)
2. Hennepin Canal Feeder Bike Trail
Expose yourself to nature by going to Hennepin Canal Feeder Bike Trail. It is an out and back trail near Rock Falls, Illinois, just a four-minute drive from downtown Sterling. The trail is about 26.7 km (16.6 mi) long and takes an average time of almost 7 hours to complete, depending on skill level and weather. Generally considered an easy route and solely used for recreational purposes year-round, the trail is ideal for bringing the whole family to jog, run, walk, skate ski, or bike!
The enthusiasts who frequent the trail suggest that the best times to visit are during April through October.
Hennepin Canal Feeder Bike Trail
Address: 810 E 2nd St, Rock Falls, IL 61071
Website: Hennepin Canal Feeder Bike Trail
3. Sinnissippi Mounds
The Sinnissippi Mounds, in the beautiful Sinnissippi Park, are a product of the Native American Hopewell Tradition which flourished in the Sterling area two thousand years ago. The burial mound grouping is an indication of the vast trade network along the Mississippi River centuries ago, so it’s a really interesting piece of local history! Spend the afternoon in the picturesque park, and discover the history of Sterling.
Sinnissippi Mounds
Address: 1100 Sinnissippi Rd, Sterling, IL
Website: Sinnissippi Mounds
4. Midway Drive-In and Diner
In Sterling, you can partake in a classic feature of many, many American movies - the Drive-In Theatre! Simply arrive in your car, grab some drinks and snacks at the Midway Diner, and enjoy the movie. The drive-in is “like entering a time-capsule to the 1950s,” complete with a classic retro ‘spaceship’ ticket booth and full service concession stand. Showing a range of films, from new movies to old favorites, the Midway Drive-In is bound to be a fun evening out!
Midway Drive-In and Diner
Address: 91 Palmyra Road, Sterling, Illinois 61021
Website: Midway Drive-In and Diner
5. Mississippi River Distilling Company
The Mississippi River Distilling Company is a family-run venture that began in 2010. They handcraft their spirits from the finest grains from reputable local farmers, and “control every step of the process ourselves, taking our fresh grain and make it into your favorite liquors.” Find out how it’s made on a distillery tour, or just hang out and try the goods in the brand new Cocktail Room!
Mississippi River Distilling Company
Address: 303 North Cody Road, PO Box 801, Le Claire, IA 52753
Website: Mississippi River Distilling Company
6. Dillon Home Museum
The Dillon Home, built in 1858 in Italian Renaissance style, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum tells the story of the Dillon family, who owned and ran the Northwestern Steel and Wire Company. The museum is also partly run by the Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society, who display exhibits related to medicine, community history, Abraham Lincoln, the Civil War, and local industries. A great visit to learn more about local history, in a stunning location that’s popular for weddings!
Dillon Home Museum
Address: 1005 E. Third Street, Sterling, IL, 61081
Website: Dillon Home Museum
7. Anderson Japanese Gardens
Anderson Japanese Gardens is recognized as one of the premier Japanese gardens in North America, so it is well worth a visit! See the beautiful Japanese architecture and stunning horticultural arrangements, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon being at one with nature. The gardens were designed by Hoichi Kurisu, who carefully orchestrated “the placement of every rock, alignment of every tree, and layout of all paths.” A truly stunning spectacle!
Anderson Japanese Gardens
Address: 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, IL 61107
Website: Anderson Japanese Gardens
8. Burpee Museum of Natural History
The Burpee Museum of Natural History will be enjoyed by people young and old - there’s such a range of intriguing exhibits, and something for everyone! The highlight exhibition is Jane, the world’s most complete and best preserved juvenile T-Rex, but there are plenty more fossils on display. Visit the interactive, realistic prehistoric coal forest exhibition; see fossils of the critters that lived in the Ordovician Sea which covered Rockford, IL millions of years ago; learn about the history of Native American settlements in the area - and much more! An afternoon out that’s bound to be full of fun and learning, don’t miss out on the Burpee Museum of Natural History.
Burpee Museum of Natural History
Address: 737 North Main Street, Rockford, IL 61103
Website: Burpee Museum of Natural History
9. The Rusty Fox Wine and Alehouse
Visit The Rusty Fox for a guaranteed evening of fun! Their weekly trivia game, ‘Outfox the Fox’ gathers a crowd at 7pm on Wednesdays; there’s frequent live music nights; and they offer “our fresh-baked bread, mouth watering cheeses and charcuterie each night” - what’s not to love? With an extensive beer, cider and wine list, a range of snacks and a great atmosphere, you’ll love a cosy night at The Rusty Fox.
The Rusty Fox Wine and Alehouse
Address: 1 E 3rd St, Sterling, Illinois
Website: The Rusty Fox Wine and Alehouse
10. Selmi's Greenhouse, Farm and Pumpkin Patch
Is there a cuter way to spend a morning? Selmi’s is a family-run business with a greenhouse, farmer’s market, fresh fruit and veg, and beautiful plants. It’s best enjoyed in the fall when they have their Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch, one of the most anticipated Sterling, Illinois events each year. Shop for some cute plants, stock up on veg for dinner, or choose the best pumpkin for carving with the kids - enjoy a wholesome morning at Selmi’s.
Selmi's Greenhouse, Farm and Pumpkin Patch
Address: 1206 Dixon Ave, Rock Falls, IL
So many ideas for all ages!
Never worry about what to do in Sterling, Illinois. On our list, there are ideas for everyone in the family. You can make delicious family meals with fresh produce from Selmi’s Farm, washed down with a local ale at The Rusty Fox, after a great afternoon checking out the fossils at the Burpee Museum of Natural History…and so much more!
Should you want to extend the vacation to a nearby town, check out the best things to do in Dixon, Illinois. With a rich culture, history, and plethora of Airbnb vacation rentals in Dixon, you’ll enjoy the city as much as you did Sterling.