Top 15 Activities and Attractions in DeKalb, IL

DeKalb, the largest city in its namesake county, is a vibrant university town enriched by its well-preserved downtown area.

The city gained prominence in the 1870s when local resident Joseph Glidden invented modern barbed wire, collaborating with entrepreneur Isaac Ellwood.

Subsequently, Glidden contributed his homestead and land, which now constitutes the campus of Northern Illinois University (NIU). Moreover, visitors can tour the splendid mansion of Ellwood.

NIU is noteworthy for its elegant architecture and engaging museums that focus on contemporary art and anthropology.

In addition to barbed wire, DeKalb’s agricultural heritage includes significant contributions to the development of commercial hybrid corn in the 1930s. Consequently, the city honors this legacy with Corn Fest, a music festival held downtown in late August.

1. Ellwood House Museum

Located in a picturesque residential area north of downtown DeKalb, the magnificent Victorian mansion commissioned by Isaac L. Ellwood (1833-1910) dates back to the late 1870s. The original neo-Gothic design was crafted by architect George O. Garnsey from Chicago.

Ellwood made several modifications later in the century, imparting a Colonial and Georgian Revival style to the property. The mansion’s current appearance is the result of further renovations conducted by Ellwood’s son Perry in the early 20th century.

This exquisite structure, reflective of the evolving tastes across three generations of the Ellwood family, is open for tours from March to November.

The ten-acre museum grounds also comprise six additional buildings, including the 1899 Ellwood-Nehring House and a visitor center housed in a repurposed grand car garage featuring two complimentary exhibits.

2. Downtown DeKalb

DeKalb has evidently invested significant effort into revitalizing its historic central business district, which has become an excellent locale for leisurely walks, shopping, live performances, and dining experiences.

The meticulously preserved brick and stone façades particularly flourish along Lincoln Highway (IL-38) west of 4th Street.

The newly improved streetscapes showcase recently planted trees, benches, shrubs, flowerbeds, vintage-style awnings, and bicycle stands.

Among the diverse shopping options, you will find stores devoted to home design, handcrafted gifts, antiques, herbs, fashion, books, and video games.

For dining, options encompass Middle Eastern, bagels, pizza, Mexican, Thai, family dining, and traditional American cuisine, all conveniently located within a few blocks.

Furthermore, the Egyptian Theatre serves as a pivotal element in the cultural scene and renewal of the downtown area, as detailed below.

3. Egyptian Theatre

As one of the few remaining Egyptian Revival theaters in the United States, the Egyptian Theatre in downtown DeKalb stands as a favored venue, hosting over 125 events annually.

Inaugurated in 1929, the theater’s design was inspired by an Ancient Egyptian tomb, a trend that arose following the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922.

Initially serving as a movie house and vaudeville stage, the Egyptian Theatre was restored in the 1980s and now focuses on the performing arts.

With a capacity of 1,430, it holds the distinction of being the largest auditorium in DeKalb County, and its preserved decor is truly remarkable, especially in the scarab motif featured in the stained glass above the marquee.

This intricate design can best be appreciated in the expansive lobby adorned with plaster columns and cornices, set above the exquisite original mosaic tiled flooring.

4. Glidden Homestead

Joseph Glidden (1813-1906), a pivotal figure in the history of the American West, was the farmer who developed modern barbed wire in 1873.

At the twilight of his life, he donated the property that eventually became Northern Illinois University. Visitors can explore the location where Glidden innovated and refined his invention on the campus.

The Glidden Homestead features an 1861 French Colonial house, an early 1860s barn, and an operational blacksmith forge.

Accessible to guests, the site is currently undergoing a meticulous restoration and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For visitor information, please refer to the homestead’s website for opening hours and details regarding upcoming blacksmithing demonstrations.

5. NIU Art Museum

Set within the magnificent Altgeld Hall on the NIU campus, the art museum significantly contributes to the university’s educational offerings while enriching the cultural landscape for the broader community.

The museum opens during the academic semesters and hosts a series of expertly curated temporary exhibitions.

Recent exhibitions have included a retrospective of Ellen Roth Deutsch, illustrations by Landis Blair, “Storied References” inspired by oral traditions, explorations of war in visual arts, and Buddhist glass paintings from Myanmar.

Additionally, guests can enjoy exhibitions curated by or featuring the work of students and faculty from the NIU School of Art and Design.

A comprehensive program of talks, lectures, symposiums, and panel discussions further complements these dynamic exhibitions.

6. Pick Museum of Anthropology

Located on the NIU campus, the respected Pick Museum of Anthropology, which opened in 1964, is accessible during university semesters.

The museum boasts a collection exceeding 20,000 artifacts, with noteworthy representation from the cultures of Southwest and Plains Native Americans, as well as from New Guinea and Southeast Asia.

Other regions represented include Africa, Mesoamerica, South America, and modern Greece. The museum hosts captivating and thought-provoking exhibits that typically last a semester, drawn from its extensive collection.

Recent subject matters have reflected range from Jim Crow America and Bedouin art to discussions on sexual violence, the history of dogs, Arctic archaeology, and Guatemalan migration.

7. Whiskey Acres Distilling Co.

This region of Illinois is abundant in corn, and a local farm situated just south of DeKalb utilizes this crop to produce artisanal whiskey and vodka.

Operated by a family for five generations, Whiskey Acres stands as one of only two certified “on-farm” distilleries nationwide.

The family’s rich agricultural background provides distillers with an in-depth understanding of the land and its ingredients, enabling them to craft exceptional spirits with assistance from experiences and equipment sourced from Kentucky.

The distillery’s offerings include Bourbons aged four or five years, Rye, four-year popcorn Bourbon, and vodka crafted exclusively from corn cultivated on the farm.

Open Friday through Sunday, the distillery frequently features a food truck and occasional live music performances.

8. Star Worlds Arcade

Star Worlds is a nostalgic neighborhood attraction that harkens back to the classic video arcade experience, located on the east side of downtown DeKalb.

Originally opening in Maple Park, Illinois, in 1985, it relocated to DeKalb in 2004. The arcade showcases a diverse selection of hundreds of classic and contemporary video games, all within a family-friendly environment.

The vintage machines are meticulously maintained, with walls and ceilings adorned with promotional material, posters, collectibles, and memorabilia, evoking nostalgia for a bygone era.

9. Prairie Park

Located just moments from downtown and on the southern edge of the NIU campus, Prairie Park is a charming community park featuring tracts of mature mixed woodlands.

Bordering the scenic Kishwaukee River, Prairie Park is a popular destination for walking and biking, and it is interspersed with the DeKalb Nature Trail, which closely follows the river and extends north past Annie’s Woods.

A prime attraction here is the nine-hole disc golf course that parallels the river, thus requiring accuracy to avoid getting wet.

The park also offers fitness stations equipped with advanced exercise equipment for adults, alongside a children’s playground.

10. River Heights Golf Course

Situated on the southern side of DeKalb, this 18-hole course is managed by the city’s park district. One of the appealing features of River Heights is its setting along both banks of the Kishwaukee River.

The course presents a greater challenge than it may initially appear, comprising a combination of links-style and traditional holes, with water hazards present on no fewer than 13.

Precision in driving is essential, as the greens can be exceptionally quick. A practice green is available for those looking to refine their short game, while the clubhouse features a welcoming wrap-around deck for relaxation after a round.

11. Forge Brewhouse

This craft brewery, conveniently situated on the edge of downtown DeKalb, is easily accessible on foot from nearby restaurants and attractions, such as the Egyptian Theatre.

Founded in 2015 and relocated to its current DeKalb location in 2018, Forge Brewhouse is helmed by brewer JD, who has over three decades of brewing experience and transitioned into the professional realm after a distinguished career as a farrier.

In the taproom, customers can choose from up to 13 beers on draft, with offerings like Strawbeera (Fruit Sour), Black Mamba (Dark Coffee Cherry Lager), Great Western (American Pale Ale), and Sunrise Hefe (Hefeweizen), among others. Artisan sodas and guest ciders are also available.

12. Annie’s Woods

Situated along the South Branch of the Kishwaukee River, this tranquil area has functioned as a public park since 1917.

Originally a ten-acre parcel of unspoiled forest, Annie’s Woods was acquired by the DeKalb Women’s Club in 1916, leading to the establishment of the DeKalb Park District.

As a riverside park, it offers an ideal setting for picnics. Its last renovation occurred in 2013, featuring amenities such as a basketball court, open-air shelter, ping pong table, foosball table, cornhole boards, and a well-equipped playground for children.

13. Katz Park

For pet owners, Katz Park, located in the northern part of DeKalb, features an impressive fenced dog park offering ample space for pets to play.

Notably, the dog park is free to use and includes designated areas for both small and large dogs.

Additional amenities at Katz Park include an expansive skate park, four lighted baseball diamonds, a softball field, multiple picnic tables, a BBQ grill, and a children’s playground equipped with plenty of climbing structures.

14. Shabbona Lake State Park

Named after a 19th-century Potawatomi leader, Shabbona Lake offers an excellent option for summertime outings or quick getaways, located approximately 15 miles southwest of DeKalb.

This man-made lake was created in 1975 by damming Indian Creek. It is home to various fish species, including large and smallmouth bass, rock bass, black and white crappie, walleye, muskie, and channel catfish, making it an ideal destination for fishing enthusiasts.

The surrounding 1,550 acres of park land provide diverse ecosystems, encompassing grasslands, bottomland woods, a fen, and upland mesic forests.

The state park offers a campground with 150 Class A sites and two cabins, complemented by a store and playground for visitors.

15. Corn Fest

Now in its fifth decade, Corn Fest is the highlight of the summer calendar in DeKalb and stands out as one of the last free music festivals in the state.

Scheduled for late August, Corn Fest takes place in the heart of downtown DeKalb, situated between 1st and 4th streets.

Noteworthy past headliners include Eddie Montgomery, 7th Heaven, Party Doctors, and John Waite. While all performances are complimentary, there is a nominal fee to access the soundstage area.

In addition to the music, the festival features a craft fair, carnival, community stage, art fest for children, over 90 vendors, and, of course, a corn boil on Saturday.