Northern Region, IL Land for Sale

The Northern Illinois region includes the counties in the northern part of the state, excluding those around Chicago in the Chicagoland region. The region borders Wisconsin to the north and Missouri to the west, and one county, Kankakee, borders Indiana to the east. The largest city in this region is Rockford, with other large cities of Belvidere, Freeport, Sycamore, Geneva, Dixon, Ottawa and Kankakee.

Illinois' Northern region has 25 state parks and wildlife areas, with the most notable including Apple Canyon State Park, Buffalo Rock State Park, Franklin Creek State Park, Gebhard Woods State Park, Goose Lake Prairie State Park, Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park, Lowden State Park, Matthiessen State Park, Mississippi Palisades State Park, Moraine Hills State Park, Morrison-Rockwood State Park, Rock Cute State Park, Silver Springs State Park, Starved Rock State Park and White Pines Forest State Park.

Economic activity includes heavy manufacturing, commercial, retail, service and office based economy, but rural areas of the region are highly productive in agriculture, and are part of the Corn Belt. Northern Illinois is one of the world's busiest freight railroad and truck traffic corridors as well. Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb and is the state's second largest institution of higher education. Other universities in the region include Rockford University, Rock Valley College, Northern Illinois University-Rockford, University of Illinois College of Medicine ? Rockford, and branches of Rasmussen College and Judson University.

McHenry County is in the northeastern corner of the Northern Illinois region, and borders Wisconsin to the north. It is the sixth most populated county in Illinois. It is named for Major William McHenry, a Native American fighter who died in 1835. The largest city is Crystal Lake and Woodstock is the county seat, with other cities being Harvard, Marengo and McHenry, and there are more than 50 other villages, townships and unincorporated communities. McHenry County College is in this county, with the main campus being in Crystal Lake, and secondary facilities in the city of McHenry. The economy of the county centers around manufacturing, metalworking, media development and printing, transportation equipment, agriculture, healthcare, education, retail, food production, distribution and technology. The southern portion of the county is within an area called the Golden Corridor, a region of commerce along the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway. The county is also known for its diverse shopping, with McHenry, Crystal Lake and Algonquin/Lake in the Hills being major retail areas. There are also several historic downtowns that offer unique shops and eateries, such as Woodstock Square Historic District. McHenry County Conservation District features several natural areas throughout the county, providing recreational opportunities for residents. Highlights include the McHenry County Prairie Path, a bike path that extends from Wisconsin and connects with the Fox River Bike Trail. The Fox River, Kishwaukee River and Chain O'Lakes provide many opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming and other water activities. Moraine Hills State Park and Chain O' Lakes State Park are in the county, with Crystal Lake, Wonder Lake and McCollum Lake being other major lakes. There are also several skiing areas in the county.

Kendall County is in the eastern part of Illinois' Northern region. It is named for Amos Kendall, the editor of the Frankfort, Kentucky newspaper, a U.S. Postmaster General, and an important advisor to President Andrew Jackson. Oswego is the most populated municipality and Yorkville is the county seat. Other cities include Plano and part of Aurora, Joliet and Sandwich and there are more than 20 other villages, townships and unincorporated communities. The majority of the population of the county is in the northeast along the Fox River. The southern part of the county is primarily agricultural. The county has two ranges of low-lying hills. Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area is located in the county. The northern half of the county is served by Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, Aurora and Plano, and the southern half is served by Joliet Junior College.

LaSalle County is located in the southern part of Illinois' Northern region. It is named for French explorer Ren?- Robert Caveleir, Sieur de LaSalle, the first European recorded as entering the area. It is the second largest county in the state by land area, and fourth largest by total area. Ottawa is the largest city and the county seat, with LaSalle being the next largest city. There are more than 90 other small cities, villages, townships and unincorporated communities. Much of the population is congregated in cities and towns along the Illinois River. The regions north and south of the river are mostly agricultural, which includes the Fox River area, which has few large towns. The Boy Scouts of America was founded in Ottawa. Illinois Valley Community College is located in LaSalle County. Starved Rock State Park, Matthiessen State Park and Buffalo State Park, which has an enclosure featuring American bison, and a mound sculpture known as the Effigy of Tumuli, are in LaSalle County. Some other attractions in the county include Hegeler Carus Mansion, Hopalong Cassidy River Trail, Illini State Park, Kaskaskia Alliance Trail, LaSalle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, Ottawa Avenue Cemetery, Plum Island Eagle Sanctuary, Washington Park Historic District in Ottawa and the Wild Bill Hickock Memorial.