Sheridan Journals

Fall Fun at Fox River, Illinois

An August 2005 trip to Sheridan by Copper's Mum

exterior of unit Photo - Silverleafs Fox River Resort, Sheridan, Illinois More Photos
Quote: Fox River Resort is a terrific family holiday resort with many options on-site, and it's a short drive to Chicago and its suburbs with quality shopping and entertainment opportunities.
exterior of unit Photo - Silverleaf's Fox River Resort, Sheridan, Illinois
Quote:
Best Things Nearby:Chicago, easy access by interstate Variety of shopping options, including outlet malls and major shopping State parks and Illinois waterways Cycling or kayaking nearby Skydive Chicago nearby Best Things About the Resort:Amazing variety of activities Five-hole executive golf course in excellent condition, with challenging design for all abilities of golfers Two huge swimming pools, one indoor and one outdoor Variety of other activities, all free Resort Experience:The Fox River Resort is located 10 minutes north of Ottawa, Illinois, in the village of Norway, Illinois. The location is con...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on September 5, 2005

Silverleaf's Fox River Resort
2558 N. 3653rd Road
Sheridan, Illinois 60551
(815) 496-2369

Hank's Farm

Restaurant | "Hank's Fine Dining"

Quote:
Hank's Fine Dining was a pleasant surprise in the small town of Ottawa. They serve standard steakhouse fare with a variety of Norwegian/Icelandic dishes. The salad bar had basic iceberg, but a terrific variety of side salads, pickles, and cheeses. The serving portions are very large, and the staff encourage patrons to have unfinished portions wrapped to go home, not often found with fine dining. The decor is cozy and lighting dim. There is an exceptionally friendly staff. The wine list needs work, as it is a rather odd selection of bottles, but there is something for everyone.

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on September 5, 2005

Hank's Farm
2973 North Route 71
Ottawa, Illinois 61350
(815) 433-2540

Quote:
It has an amazing traditional Polish buffet that is an absolute bargain during the weekdays, when the cost per person is $8.95, which includes salads, soups, and hot dishes, including specialty items and dessert. The price goes to $12.95 on weekends. I suspect that this is due to higher traffic and the additions of one or two specialty dishes. Cabbage rolls had more meat than rice, and the potato dumplings melted in your mouth. They have a good website connected to Chicago tourism site. It is an easy drive (about 45 minutes) from the resort if you want an inexpensive and filling traditional Polish dining experience.

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on September 5, 2005

Sawa's Old Warsaw Restaurant
9200 Cermak Road
Broadview, Illinois
(708) 343-9040

Steps to Starved Rock Viewpoint Photo - Sheridan, Illinois
Quote:
What a terrific way to spend a day or just a couple of hours. Paths are well marked and the park’s staff in the visitor center is very helpful. There are amazing views of the Illinois River and the canal at Utica and beautiful sedimentary rock formations. This was worth the short drive from the resort and is free. There is the requisite gift store and snack counter, or choose to just sit and watch the river. Some trails require stairs to ascend to the viewpoints, but the view is worth it.