Beyond the comforts of the house, the Lincoln Way experience wouldn’t be complete without a total immersion in the Franklin Grove community at the gateway of the Rock River valley.
For everyone from the outdoor enthusiast to the indoor indulger, there are limitless options in the Franklin Grove area, like hiking, biking, birding, canoeing, photography, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, antiquing, dining, wineries, live music, history, seeing herds of native bison and more.
With so much to do and explore, you’re sure to find activities that interest you. For most guests, fitting them all in is the hardest part.
Suit up for a visit to the Nomia Meadows Farm apiary just 3 miles away and learn how to bee a beekeeper! You and up to three others will be immersed in the fascinating ways of Apis mellifera (the honey bee) and help harvest, extract, bottle, and each take home your very own 13-ounce bottle of local honey! No experience required and full overall bee suit, leg ties, and gloves provided. Outing timing is approximately two-three hours. Available late June-September.
Pizza, available in both traditional and deep-dish style. Also delivers directly to the Inn.
Locally grown products and teas made to support a healthy lifestyle.
Suit up for a visit to the Nomia Meadows Farm apiary just 3 miles away and learn how to bee a beekeeper! You and up to three others will be immersed in the fascinating ways of Apis mellifera (the honey bee) and help harvest, extract, bottle, and each take home your very own 13-ounce bottle of local honey! No experience required and full overall bee suit, leg ties, and gloves provided. Outing timing is approximately two-three hours. Available late June-September.
18-hole golf course overlooking a restored dolomite prairie. Daily fee and open to the public.
18-hole golf course in the Rock River Valley. Daily fee and open to the public.
This 882-acre hardwood forest is home to several large natural springs, bedrock outcroppings, and a large variety of flora and fauna. Also home to the restored 1847 Grist Mill. The park offers 4 ½ miles of hiking trails, 12 miles of equestrian trails, six miles of snowmobile trails, two miles of cross-country ski-trails, and creek fishing. The Mill is open for tours from noon to 4 p.m., Friday to Sunday, April 11 through October 31.
A comprehensive resource on northern Illinois’ 40 wineries, vineyards and tasting rooms.
Located in the heart of the Rock River Valley in Mt. Morris, Illinois, with tremendous history on its 385 acres. Hiking and winter sports abound!
Located just north of Oregon, Illinois, the park is home to the Black Hawk statue designed by sculptor Lorado Taft. Includes four miles of hiking of trails, along with plentiful boating and fishing on the Rock River.
Purchased by the Illinois Amboy Society in 2012, this 272-acre wetland complex with 2.5 miles of trails is where you may see the state-endangered Blanding’s turtle and a unique ephemeral orchid wetland.
A 200-acre woodland park along the Rock River with beautiful scenic drives, hiking trails, picnic areas and boat access. The park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
This 2,000-acre state park is a unique natural resource in Illinois. Six miles of hiking trails can also be used for cross-country skiing.
Nachusa Grasslands, located just a few miles from the Inn, consists of 4,000 acres of prairie remnants, restorations, and reconstructions — a perfect location for a sun-dappled hike. Owned by The Nature Conservancy, Nachusa staff and volunteers have recreated a vision of 1800’s Illinois mosaic prairie, savanna, and wetlands, complete with native bison.
This 882-acre hardwood forest is home to several large natural springs, bedrock outcroppings, and a large variety of flora and fauna. Also home to the restored 1847 Grist Mill. The park offers 4 ½ miles of hiking trails, 12 miles of equestrian trails, six miles of snowmobile trails, two miles of cross-country ski-trails, and creek fishing. The Mill is open for tours from noon to 4 p.m., Friday to Sunday, April 11 through October 31.