Poplar Grove blends rural charm with small-town growth
About 20 miles east of Rockford , Poplar Grove is a former farming community that’s grown into a melting pot of new and established families. “We’ve got generations of roots here,” says Kristi Richardson, village president. “We’ve also got people moving here looking for that slower pace. They appreciate the familial feeling here.” With a population of around 5,000, this Boone County village boasts a quiet atmosphere, natural beauty and various recreational opportunities.
Housing ranges from cozy cottages to spacious lakeview estates
Some of the city’s oldest neighborhoods are closest to downtown, with early- to mid-20th-century architectural styles dominating. Homes here are well-established, surrounded by mature trees and well-worn streets. Lots are typically a quarter-acre or less, and many residents can comfortably walk to Poplar Grove Elementary or Lions Park. Prices start at $130,000 and range to around $250,000. Farther west, communities surrounding Candlewick Lake are known for their contemporary homes, including one-story Cape Cods and lakeview New Traditional designs, ranging from $160,000 to $430,000, depending on size and amenities. The 21st-century houses outside Poplar Grove Airport are some of the largest, often exceeding 4,000 square feet on lots that are a third of an acre and larger. These are typically priced from $260,000 to $570,000.
From bocce ball to wetlands, outdoor fun is built into the town
Local parks, like Bel-Air and Sherman Oaks, have playgrounds and other standard amenities, including picnic pavilions and open fields. Lion’s Park sets itself apart with baseball diamonds, a gaga ball pit and a bocce ball court. Swanhills Golf Course is a public course with 18 holes, a clubhouse and league play options. With 177 acres of wetlands and other biomes, the Piscasaw Fen Conservation Area is a popular site for nature lovers eager to take in a diverse variety of flora and fauna, including tallgrasses, flowering perennials and different species of bees and butterflies. “Our town is known for its ruralness, but it’s also known for leisure activity – we’ve built one into the other,” says Richardson.
State Street offers essentials while Rockford fills in the gaps
Some shopping and services are available on State Street and State Route 76, including locally owned stores and coffee shops. For more extensive retail, residents frequently visit Rockford, about 18 miles away. Pacemaker Foods Countryside Market is available for groceries. Established in 1982, Boone County Family Restaurant is a local staple, offering no-frills diner fare and freshly-made pies in a homey atmosphere. In addition to a full bar and daily specials, the HydeOut Bar and Grill has live music, karaoke night and plenty of TVs to watch the big game. Richardson says Edwards Apple Orchard is an important local business for the community. “It’s been here since 1964 and brings in a lot of people from the city,” she says. “The owners are amazing and they’re really active in the community.”
Flour bomber bingo adds quirky charm to summer festivities
First held in 1972, the summer’s Poplar Grove Airport Fly-In includes a day of food trucks, flight demonstrations and a rummage sale. Flour bomber bingo is a big draw at the event, attracting visitors with the promise of prizes and a little aerial mayhem. Outside of one important detail, the rules are the same as those for regular bingo. Instead of a ball cage or tumbler, numbers are determined by planes “bombing” gridded squares on a field below. Winners take home prizes and a light dusting.
Two school districts offer different strengths and experiences
Most students are served by the North Boone Community Unit School District Number 200, which has a B from Niche. North Boone High School, which also has a B, offers various extracurricular activities, focusing on athletics and the performing arts. A smaller portion of students attend Belvidere Community Unit School District 100, which has a B-minus. “They both have something to offer,” says Richardson. “Belvidere is larger, so it has amenities you can’t get elsewhere. But North Boone is smaller and has a more personal feel to it.”
Main highways offer access to nearby cities and hospitals
The area’s main highways are State Routes 76 and 173, the latter providing a route to Rockford, some 18 miles away. The nearest hospital and emergency room is UW Health Belvidere Hospital, about 10 miles away.
