Dash to DeKalb IV

Things to See and Do While at the 2025 H.A.S. Convention

By Matt Short (PF-1161)

The next Dash to DeKalb is a little over a month away. For those making travel plans, below are some of my favorite things to do in and around Northern Illinois University that aren’t in Chicago or the suburbs.

DeKalb

My favorite local attraction is the Egyptian Theater, built in 1929 and the last of its kind east of the Rockies. I understand there will be a production of Lion King, Jr. during the convention, but one hour tours can also be scheduled in advance for $10. A few doors down is DeKalb’s Confectionary, where you can choose from a variety of homemade chocolates and candies.

In addition to the Ellwood House, which we’ll be visiting on Saturday, you might also be interested in stopping by the Glidden Homestead & Historical Center, a living history museum with a focus on the barbed wire industry. On Sunday, you can listen to a lecture, take a tour, and eat a bowl of soup for just $5 or sign up for a blacksmithing class.

If you like tavern style pizza, Pizza Villa is a townie favorite that’s right across from the University on the other side of Lincoln Highway. Another good option in nearby Malta, Old School Pizza, is located in an old elementary school full of antiques and pop culture memorabilia. We also have some excellent Asian options, including my favorite restaurant, Thai Pavilion. (Order the duck curry!) And about twenty minutes outside of DeKalb, right across from the Sycamore Speedway, is Sorrento’s Supper Club. The Italian food there is great, but the main attraction is their prime rib.

There is only one independent book store in town, Robin’s Nest, and one used book store, Classic Books on 115 N. First Street. The latter is in a converted garage and is owned and operated by Charles Sigwart, a retired computer science professor. Visiting his shop isn’t for the faint of heart: books are stacked in piles everywhere with only the barest semblance of order. But they’re cheap and half the fun is the hunt.

Sandwich, Illinois

Sandwich, located about 30 minutes south of DeKalb, might have more antique shops than people. The largest and best of the bunch is the Olde Timers Antique Center. At least one vendor there has a shelf of Alger books, and it’s also a great spot to find World’s Fair memorabilia. After visiting, I recommend having lunch in the Bull Moose Bar & Grille across the street, which was converted into a diner from the 1893 Pullman car used by Roosevelt during his 1912 presidential campaign. The sandwiches, burgers, and atmosphere are worth the drive alone.

Starved Rock

Located about an hour away on the banks of the Illinois River, Starved Rock is one of the most visited state parks in the country, featuring several canyons spread out over 2,000 acres. Originally built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, many of the original cabins, buildings, and trails still exist. If you’re not a hiker or just want to avoid the crowds, I recommend parking at the East End Parking Lot and heading over to the Council Overhang and the Ottawa Canyon, both of which are a short hike. And if you like root beer, check out the Root Beer Stand for a quick lunch and drive-in service in Oglesby on your way back to DeKalb.

Wisconsin

If you have more time to spend in the area, Wisconsin is about as close to DeKalb as Chicago is. Circus World in Baraboo, about two hours from DeKalb, is a great time, and the Big Top show should be open during the convention. A couple hours south, through the “Driftless Area,” is the House on the Rock. The latter defies description and needs to be experienced, especially by anyone who calls themselves a collector or has an interest in roadside attractions. There are also dozens of antique stores and cheese shops along the way.