Newark IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Newark, Illinois.
1. Fox Paintball Field
COLORFUL OUTDOOR COMBAT EXPERIENCE
Fox Paintball Field offers an exhilarating outdoor paintball experience for adventure seekers in Newark. Visitors can engage in strategic team battles across various themed playing fields that provide cover, obstacles, and challenging terrain. This recreational facility provides all necessary equipment rentals and safety gear for both beginners and experienced players looking for an adrenaline-pumping activity.
2. S & J Lisbon Locker
LOCAL SPECIALTY MEAT SHOP
S & J Lisbon Locker serves as a popular local butcher shop and meat processing facility in the Newark area. Visitors appreciate the shop for its quality cuts of meat, specialty sausages, and custom processing services for hunters and farmers. The establishment has become a community staple known for its friendly service and locally-sourced products.
3. Millbrook Trail Rides
SCENIC EQUESTRIAN ADVENTURES
Millbrook Trail Rides offers enchanting horseback riding experiences near Newark, including special moonlight rides complete with bonfires and s'mores. Riders can explore beautiful countryside trails while guided by experienced equestrians who ensure safety and enjoyment for all skill levels. The facility's May 2025 Oracle event combines horseback riding with a mystical evening experience under the stars.
4. Yorkville Recreation Area
OUTDOOR FAMILY FUN DESTINATION
Yorkville Recreation Area provides a comprehensive outdoor recreational space for families near Newark with facilities for various sports and leisure activities. Visitors can enjoy well-maintained parks, playgrounds, and picnic areas perfect for gatherings and celebrations throughout the warmer months. The recreation area also features walking paths, sports fields, and seasonal community events that attract residents from surrounding communities including Newark.
5. Farnsworth House
ICONIC MODERNIST ARCHITECTURE
Farnsworth House stands as one of the most significant architectural landmarks in the region, designed by renowned architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. This stunning glass and steel structure, set alongside the Fox River, represents a pinnacle of modernist design and attracts architecture enthusiasts from around the world. Visitors can take guided tours of this National Historic Landmark to learn about its innovative construction and historical significance.
6. Silver Springs State Park
NATURAL HABITAT WILDLIFE PRESERVE
Silver Springs State Park encompasses over 1,300 acres of natural beauty with diverse ecosystems that include woodlands, prairies, and wetlands near Newark. The park offers extensive hiking trails, fishing opportunities in clear streams, and wildlife observation areas where visitors might spot native birds, deer, and other Illinois wildlife. Educational programs at the nature center provide insight into the region's natural history and conservation efforts.
7. Fox River Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER LOCAL FAVORITE
Fox River Brewing Company delights visitors with its selection of handcrafted beers produced in small batches using traditional brewing methods and locally-sourced ingredients. The taproom provides a welcoming atmosphere where guests can sample flight boards of seasonal and signature brews while enjoying views of the brewing equipment. Food pairings and regular events such as trivia nights and live music make this a popular gathering spot for residents from Newark and surrounding communities.
8. Kendall County Historical Society
LOCAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION CENTER
Kendall County Historical Society preserves and celebrates the rich history of the region including Newark through its museum collections, historic buildings, and educational programs. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of early settlers, agricultural development, and community growth over the centuries. The society hosts regular historical presentations, workshops, and seasonal events that bring the past to life for all ages.
9. Hoover Forest Preserve
SCENIC NATURAL RECREATION AREA
Hoover Forest Preserve offers a peaceful retreat with over 300 acres of natural landscapes including woodlands, prairies, and the scenic Fox River. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, canoeing, hiking trails, and wildlife observation opportunities throughout the changing seasons. The preserve includes picnic shelters, campgrounds, and open spaces ideal for family gatherings and outdoor recreation near Newark.
10. Oswego Brewing Company
ARTISANAL BEER TASTING EXPERIENCE
Oswego Brewing Company welcomes visitors to its modern taproom featuring a rotating selection of house-brewed craft beers ranging from classic styles to innovative experimental brews. The brewery's open concept design allows guests to observe the brewing process while enjoying flights, pints, or growler fills in a casual, industrial-chic setting. Weekly events including food trucks, live music, and brewing workshops create a community gathering space popular with residents from Newark and neighboring towns.
11. Hudson Crossing Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION DESTINATION
Hudson Crossing Park provides a beautiful riverfront recreational area along the Fox River with scenic walking paths, fishing piers, and kayak launches. Families appreciate the modern playground equipment, splash pad water feature during summer months, and picnic pavilions available for gatherings. The park serves as a venue for community events including summer concerts, festivals, and outdoor movies that attract visitors from Newark and throughout the county.
12. Dickson-Murst Farm
HISTORIC AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE SITE
Dickson-Murst Farm preserves an authentic 19th-century farmstead that offers visitors a glimpse into the agricultural history that shaped communities like Newark. The property features restored farm buildings, historic equipment displays, and heritage gardens maintained by dedicated volunteers and historical societies. Throughout the year, the farm hosts special events including harvest festivals, antique tractor shows, and living history demonstrations that celebrate rural Illinois traditions.
13. Raging Waves Waterpark
THRILLING AQUATIC ADVENTURE PARK
Raging Waves Waterpark stands as Illinois' largest waterpark with over 32 acres of water attractions including massive water slides, a wave pool, and lazy river perfect for hot summer days. Families from Newark and beyond flock to the Australian-themed park for its variety of thrill levels, from adrenaline-pumping slides to gentle kiddie areas designed for younger visitors. The park offers cabana rentals, dining options, and special events throughout the summer season, making it a popular day trip destination.
14. Saw Wee Kee Park
CHALLENGING MOUNTAIN BIKING TRAILS
Saw Wee Kee Park attracts outdoor enthusiasts with its challenging mountain biking trails carved into the hilly terrain along the Fox River. The park's rugged landscape offers some of the most technical single-track riding in northern Illinois, with steep climbs, quick descents, and natural obstacles that test riders' skills. Beyond biking, visitors can enjoy hiking paths, river access for fishing, and bird watching opportunities in this less-developed natural area near Newark.
15. Oswegoland Heritage Association Museum
COMMUNITY HISTORY SHOWCASE
Oswegoland Heritage Association Museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents chronicling the development of the region including nearby Newark. Visitors can explore exhibits on indigenous peoples, early European settlement, agricultural innovation, and the evolution of local businesses and industries. The museum's knowledgeable volunteers provide engaging tours that connect the past to present-day communities through storytelling and interactive displays.