Z Tour is more than just a bike ride. It’s also the perfect weekend getaway for shopping, dining, dancing, and experiencing the best rural Illinois has to offer. Whether you’re going riding with your friends or looking for a weekend away with your family, you’ll want to experience Princeton and the surrounding attractions before you leave. To keep up with what’s happening in Princeton, visit: princetontourism.org
Historic Shopping on Main Street
Princeton features two historic downtown shopping areas, with dozens of unique stores–boutiques, home decor, bakeries, antiques, and so much more! Venture up and down Main Street with your family or friends after the ride, or let your family shop while you ride. Check in early on Friday Night during Princeton’s Summer Solstice weekend on the North end of town. Enjoy shopping, eating, and live music on the North end of Princeton.
Theater in the Park
After a busy day of riding and shopping, it’s nice to kick back and enjoy the show. That’s exactly what you can do thanks to the Festival 56 theatre production! Summer schedule will be announced soon.
Where to Stay
There are plenty of options for staying in Princeton! Whether you prefer roughing it at a campground or the comfort of a cozy hotel, you can find the right place at a reasonable rate for one or both nights.
Hotels
Princeton includes four hotel options, right off of Interstate 80, including AmericInn (http://www.americinn.com/hotels/il/princeton), Days Inn (http://www.daysinn.com/hotels/illinois/princeton/days-inn-princeton/hotel-overview), Econo Lodge (https://www.choicehotels.com/illinois/princeton/econo-lodge-hotels/il120?source=gglocalai), and Super 8 (http://www.super8.com/hotels/illinois/princeton/super-8-princeton/hotel-overview).
Also, stay at the historic Knox Hotel (pictured) right on Main Street.
B&Bs
If you’re looking for a more unique experience, consider several Airbnb’s in our area.We have several Airbnb’s within sight of Princeton’s north and south shopping districts, and within smelling distance of two bakeries! If you’re looking for the perfect place to kick off your shoes after a long day of riding and walking, look no more.
On the opposite end of Princeton, the Homestead Hobby Farm offers farm fresh eggs for breakfast and your very own petting zoo filled with ponies, goats, and chickens!
Camping
The Bureau County Fairgrounds (https://www.bureaucountyfair.com/) offers campsites with water and electrical hookups. And the Friday Night Street Concert and downtown shopping is only a couple minute bike ride away! View the map (https://ztour.org/camping/).
Another camping option is Hickory Grove (https://hickorygrovecamp.com), located just off the 80 mile Hennepin Canal bike trail. Hickory Grove offers full service water, electric, and septic, along with spacious landscaped campsites with ample distance between you and your neighbor. The camp ground also features a recreation room and a clean shower house.
Other Things to Do
There are plenty of options for staying in Princeton! Whether you prefer roughing it at a campground or the comfort of a cozy hotel, you can find the right place at a reasonable rate for one or both nights.
Red Covered Bridge
Located just north of Princeton, the Red Covered Bridge (https://www.enjoyillinois.com/explore/listing/red-covered-bridge) dates back to 1863 and is one of only five remaining covered bridges in Illinois.
Owen Lovejoy Homestead
The Lovejoy Homestead (https://owenlovejoyhomestead.com/), on the eastern edge of Princeton, is a former station along the Underground Railroad. Reverend Owen Lovejoy, a prominent abolitionist and founder of the Republican Party, lived in the house until 1864.
Starved Rock State Park
Starved Rock State Park (https://www.starvedrocklodge.com/) has been voted the #1 attraction in the state of Illinois. Just 30 miles east on Interstate 80, Starved Rock includes winding trails through canyons, extraordinary views, a beautiful lodge with dining, drinking, and live music, and historic trolley tours.
