Oswego is located on the Fox River in Kendall County, Illinois. Some people may remember Oswego as having a town drag-strip from 1955-1979 that attracted muscle car racers from all over the Midwest. The drag-strip is now closed, but Oswego still races ahead with a boost in population growth and jobs. Oswego has a variety of festivals like Drag Strip Days, Wine on the Fox, Christmas Walk, and others. Oswego is an all-American city, with a lot of potential to give a lasting impression on any visitor. Oswego is a hidden gem in Kendall County. With beautiful parks, a welcoming atmosphere, and family-friendly activities everyone can enjoy what Oswego has to offer.
1. Fox Valley Winery
Fox Valley Winery creates handcrafted, award-winning wines. They’re made in small batches made from a small vineyard of Illinois grapes. Vines were first planted in 2000 by the Faltz Family in a vineyard near Sheridan, Illinois. The Faltz family carefully tends to their grapes and harvest them at the right moment to make the most delicious wines. Fox Valley Winery has a tasting room decorated with artwork from local artists and where visitors can taste dessert wines, dry wines, and sweet wines. Wines can also be purchased online.
The Tasting Room is open Monday-Thursday from 12 pm-6 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am-7 pm, and Sunday from 11 am-5 pm. Tours of the winery are by appointment only. An event room can be rented for a private party.
Address: 5600 US-34, Oswego, IL 60543
Website: Fox Valley Winery
2. Emerson Creek Pottery and Tearoom
Located inside a 100-year-old house the shop sells more than just pottery. The shop does sell exclusive, hand-crafted pottery pieces, but it also sells handmade candles, artisan spreads and preserves, home decor, fashion accessories, and more. There is also a tearoom that serves a weekly lunch menu made with fresh ingredients. The tearoom takes reservations, and the property can be rented out for special events. The shop is open from 10 am-3 pm. The tearoom is open from 10:45 am-2 pm. An event calendar can be found online.
Address: 5126 Stephens Rd, Oswego, IL 60543
Website: Emerson Creek Pottery and Tearoom
3. Little White School Museum
The Little White School Museum is located in downtown Oswego. It is owned by the Oswegoland Park District. The museum includes a research and records area that is open to anyone interested in Oswego history. The museum has changing exhibits and a calendar of presentations online. Group tours can be arranged by emailing the staff through its website. Research hours are Thursdays 10 am-5 pm, Saturdays 10 am-12 pm, or by appointment. The museum can also be rented for events.
Address: 72 Polk St, Oswego, IL 60543
Website: Little White School Museum
4. Downtown Oswego
Downtown Oswego started a project to boost the downtown area. The project included street improvements, sidewalks, landscaping improvements, and decorative lights and benches. The downtown area has dining, shopping, and historic buildings and homes.
Address: Main Street, Oswego, IL 60543
Website: Downtown Oswego
5. Fox Bend Golf Course
Fox Bend Golf Course is a demanding par 72 golf course with 34 bunkers and water on 11 holes. It was voted a 5-star golf course by Chicagoland Golf Magazine. Fox Bend Golf Course has a pro-shop and restaurant, Pearce’s. Fox Bend has league play for men and women, as well as junior golf programs. Lessons are offered for individuals and groups. Tee times can be booked online and Fox Bend can be reserved for a wedding or banquet. Rates for golf can be found online as well.
Address: 3516 US-34, Oswego, IL 60543
Website: Fox Bend Golf Course