Amana Colonies -- This cluster of villages in east-central Iowa was the home of a utopian community of Germans who lived communally and became known for their high-quality manufactured goods. Today the settlements house shops and restaurants that range from the homespun to the highly commercial. Take Interstate 80 west from Davenport about 70 miles to exit 225, then north on U.S. 151; or follow U.S. 6 west from Davenport to about 15 miles west of Iowa City.

Bishop Hill -- This peaceful western Illinois village once was home to a prosperous 19th-century Swedish communal society. Today it houses museums, restaurants and unique gift shops, plays host to thousands at seasonal festivals -- and 160 residents call it home. Take Interstate 74 south to Alpha-Woodhull exit, follow Illinois 17 and U.S. 34 east about 13 miles, and turn north on County Road 39. (309) 927-3345 or 927-3899.

Carl Sandburg State Historic Site, Galesburg -- The childhood home of one of America's best-loved poets and authors offers personal tours of the cottage, plus exhibits, a video and gift shop; the ashes of Sandburg and his wife are buried nearby. Donations accepted; open 9-5 year-round except for holidays. 313 E. 3rd St., Galesburg; take Interstate 74 from Moline about 40 miles south, use exit 48A (Main Street) and follow the signs. (309) 342-2361.

Field of Dreams, Dyersville, Iowa -- The movie ``Field of Dreams,'' released in 1989, has inspired millions with its mixture of reality, fantasy, and dreams can come true. This is where the baseball diamond was built in the middle of a corn field. Filming lasted 14 weeks in the middle of a drought in the summer of 1988; the baseball field, constructed in just three days, has remained open for 11 years now. Free admission; open daily April through November, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Take U.S. 61 about 80 miles north from Davenport to Dubuque, then U.S. 20 about 25 miles west to Dyersville. Many businesses there offer maps to the movie site. (888) 875-8404

Heritage Canyon, Fulton -- A self-guided walking tour of the 12-acre wooded site, dotted with historic buildings, takes you back to the 19th century. Open daily from April through December. 515 N. 4th St., Fulton; take Illinois 84 about 45 miles north from East Moline. (815) 589-2838

Illinois Railway Museum, Union -- A display of steam engines, street cars, interurban electrics and passenger rail cars. Admission includes unlimited rides on a steam-powered train on weekends, or on an electric trolley daily. Union is about 25 miles east of Rockford.

Jenny Lind Chapel, Andover -- Opera singer Jenny Lind, ``the Swedish Nightingale,'' who toured America in the 1850s, donated money in 1854 to build a Lutheran chapel for the Swedes in Andover, Ill. The chapel became a landmark of the Augustana Lutheran Synod, which founded Augustana College in Rock Island. Take Interstate 74 about 19 miles south from Moline to the Andover exit and go east two miles on Illinois 81; the chapel is on the west edge of town, south of the highway.

John Deere Historic Site, Grand Detour -- Home of John Deere and his first self-scouring steel plow before he moved to Moline. Highlights include reconstructed blacksmith shop with working blacksmith, Deere's restored pioneer home, natural prairie, and visitor's center. 8393 S. Main, Grand Detour, Ill.; take Illinois 5 and Interstate 88 from East Moline about 65 miles east to Dixon, go 2 miles north on Illinois 26 and 6 miles northeast on IlliCol 1, Depth P84.09 I14.13 nois 2. (815) 652-4551.

Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park, Kewanee -- Of the park's 1,361 acres, the centerpiece is a 58-acre lake that offers fishing and boating. The park combines names of the Sauk Indian tribe and state Sen. Frank P. Johnson, who worked tirelessly on the park. Features wildlife, natural areas, a pond and a round barn. 27500 1200 Ave., Kewanee; follow Interstate 80 about 35 miles east of Moline to Annawan, then south about 5 miles on Illinois 78. (309) 853-5589.

Maquoketa Caves State Park -- Hiking trails through scenic area along the Maquoketa River. Take U.S. 61 north from Davenport about 35 miles to Maquoketa, Iowa, then turn west on Iowa 428. (319) 652-4602.

Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge, Keithsburg Division -- A 1,471-acre refuge along the Mississippi River. Wildlife includes bald eagles, herons, egrets, deer and fox. The area offers boating, fishing and hunting. Take U.S. 67 from Milan south to Viola (17 miles), Illinois 17 west to Keithsburg turnoff (about 20 miles), and turn south.

Mississippi Palisades Park, north of Savanna -- Rugged cliffs provide scenic overlooks of the Mississippi River valley. Woods, camping, picnic tables, and hiking trails ranging from easy to rugged. Follow Illinois 84 about 50 miles upriver from East Moline.

National Coal Museum, West Frankfort, Ill. -- Tour an actual coal mine 600 feet below ground at the world's only vertical-shaft coal mine open to the public. An annual coal-miners reunion is the third Saturday of August. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Mondays except Memorial Day and Labor Day. From Interstate 57, take exit 65 at West Frankfort; travel east on Illinois 149 about six miles to Logan Road, turn south (right) and travel one mile. (618) 937-2625

Starved Rock State Park, Utica -- River and bluff trails lead to sandstone canyons and unique rock formations along the Illinois River. Scenic overlooks provide views of canyons, the river and seasonal waterfalls. Take Interstate 80 east from Moline for about 80 miles, turn south on Interstate 39 and follow the signs.

Usher's Ferry Historic Village, Cedar Rapids -- Step back in time: Scrub clothes on a washboard or mow grass with a push mower. Special events highlight a busy season. In Seminole Valley Park, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; take Interstate 80 west from Davenport about 55 miles, then 20 miles north on Interstate 380 to Cedar Rapids. (319) 398-5401.

Wildlife Prairie Park, Peoria -- 1,850 acres of grazing land and lakes for animals native to Illinois, including elk, bison and deer. Eight miles west of Peoria; take Interstate 74 about 85 miles south and east to Edwards exit and drive south on County Road R40.

Yellow Banks Territory -- The name comes from the Indian work ``Oquawka,'' referring to the yellow color of the river bluffs. The area includes New Boston and Sturgeon Bay Park, Keithsburg and Big River State Forest, and Oquawka and Delabar State Park in Illinois. To reach New Boston on the north, take U.S. 67 south from Milan 17 miles to Viola, then Illinois 17 west for 24 miles. To reach Oquawka, take U.S. 67 south from Milan 40 miles to Monmouth, then take Illinois 164 west for 16 miles.