Sycamore, Illinois travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

Sycamore is a city in the Kishwaukee Valley, located in Northern Illinois with a population of about 17,188.

4 things to do

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Sycamore

Farmers Market

Support our local Farmers and discover quality fare. Every Sunday 10am - 2pm at the corner of Somonauk and Elm Streets in downtown Sycamore.

Summer on State: Back to the Future

Free outdoor screening of Back to the Future. Real De Lorean cars will be there! Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and curl up under the stars. Summer on State movies are brought to you by the Sycamore Park District.

Treasures From the Attic

City-wide Estate, Yard and Sidewalk Sales. Pick up a map of Yard Sales from the downtown sidewalk sales. List your house's sale for free by calling 895-3456. Treasures From the Attic is brought to you by OC Imageworks

Cruise Night

free concert by Vintage Vinyl, food, beverages, 50s costume contest, remote control car races and a swing dancing competition. Cruise Night is brought to you by Auto Meter.

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 85°F; winter lows dip to about 20°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: May and Jun. (climate data from nearby Chicago)

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
RFD Chicago Rockford International Airport, Chicago/Rockford — 25 mi away. Directions
ORD Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Chicago — 41 mi away (major hub). Directions

The city is located along Illinois Route 64 (State Street in Sycamore) about 35 miles (56 km) southeast of Rockford and 55 miles (89 km) west-northwest of Chicago.

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.

Sample 1-day itinerary

Day 1

Morning Farmers Market, Summer on State: Back to the Future
Afternoon Treasures From the Attic, Cruise Night

Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.

Food for you

What to ask about, for your diet

Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder

Photos

Get in

By car

The city is located along Illinois Route 64 (State Street in Sycamore) about 35 miles (56 km) southeast of Rockford and 55 miles (89 km) west-northwest of Chicago.

Do

Do Farmers Market

Support our local Farmers and discover quality fare. Every Sunday 10am - 2pm at the corner of Somonauk and Elm Streets in downtown Sycamore.

📍 Corner of Somonauk and Elm StreetEvery Sunday June-September🕒 10am-2pm☎ +1 815 895-3456

Maps

Do Summer on State: Back to the Future (Presented by the Sycamore Park District)

📍 Corner of Somonauk and Elm StreetFriday, July 24th🕒 Dusk💲 Free☎ +1 815 895-3456

Maps

Do Treasures From the Attic (Presented by O.C.Image works)

📍 Sycamore, IlJuly 17th-19th☎ +1 815 895-3456

Maps

Do Cruise Night (Presented by Auto Meter)

free concert by Vintage Vinyl, food, beverages, 50s costume contest, remote control car races and a swing dancing competition. Cruise Night is brought to you by Auto Meter.

📍 Corner of Somonauk and Elm StreetJuly 25th🕒 4-11pm☎ +1 815 895-3456

Maps