This region is at its best in autumn with farmland and local produce reaching its peak, and markets and events that celebrate the very best of Ogle County and Northern Illinois.
Bicyclists can be seen nearly every season on the back roads south of Mt. Morris, particularly during TŌSOC (Tour of Scenic Ogle County). Three routes – 10, 32 and 62 miles – pass through some of Northern Illinois’s most beautiful roads, and include a rest stop by our campus. You’ll ride past historic sites, farms, native grasslands and woods where wildlife abounds. This event, which benefits The Village of Progress, will be on Saturday, September 28.
The 5th annual Back Roads Market will be held Saturday, September 28 from 9-4. Spend a fall day in the colorful countryside north of Mt. Morris while stopping at four favorite locations for farm-to-table goods, hand-crafted gifts and décor, unique antiques, and original works by local artists. There will be signs to help direct you.
Hough’s Maple Lane Farm, 3788 North Mt. Morris Road, Mt. Morris, offers an amazing array of homemade maple goodies made from locally tapped trees. They will host several unique and talented artisans: Apple Road Honey Farm, Ewald’s Popcorn, Homespun Goodz, The Garlic Guy, Harry’s Yard Art, Happy Hound Décor, Nancy Ocken’s pottery and quilts, 815 Farmgirl air fresheners, and Bowerman Woodworking.
At Berry View Orchard, 7504 West Midtown Road, Mt. Morris, you can pick your own apples or load up on fresh-picked apples – and Nelson Farms Meats, jams and treats, Lynnie’s Kitchen Goodies, fresh flowers, and much more. There will be food concessions by Nelson Farms, and some local musicians may swing by. You simply can’t leave Berry View Orchard without a fresh apple cider donut or slushie. The donuts are so good they may not make it home… or to the car.
Just a few miles away – and open exclusively for the Back Roads Market – is Funky Junk Vendors, 6410 West Grove Road, Mt. Morris. Vendors will have vintage goods, refurbished furniture, retro items, primitives, relics, collectibles, local advertising, “Junko-Lanterns,” and more. There will be food concessions at this stop, too.
Down the road, discover Vintage Chicks and Feeds, 700 Route 72, Leaf River. They will celebrate 10 years in business with 10% off everything vintage and feed, plus treats and giveaways. Browse their unique vintage wares and primitives, items by local artists, and complete feed.
Fall is the best time to enjoy the beautiful scenery, peaceful countryside, and changing colors in and around My Town, Mt. Morris. Discover more here.