Discover the rustic elegance of this breathtaking setting for your special day. Say “I do” surrounded by tall pines and panoramic views or exchange vows in front of our magnificent stone fireplace. We offer full-service catering options, a wealth of wedding day enhancements and trolley rental transportation to make your special day a lasting memory. Unsurpassed by beauty, service, and cuisine, Starved Rock Lodge is the picture-perfect venue for your dream day.

IF YOU VALUE FAMILY AND FRIENDSHIP AND DON’T BELIEVE IN OBLIGATORY INVITES, A WEDDING EXPERIENCE AT THE HOMESTEAD 1854 IS DESIGNED FOR YOU! Offering the ideal combination of elegance and tradition, the organic beauty of our Midwestern setting serves as an enchanting backdrop for your wedding day. Located less than 60 miles from downtown Chicago in Plano, Illinois, our accommodating team, recognized for their professionalism and creative flair, works beside you to make your intimate wedding an unforgettable experience. It’s our job to make your wedding day stress-free! Whether your wedding calls for grandeur or simple elegance, The Homestead 1854’s wedding packages provide for most of the essential elements of your wedding day, while still offering you the opportunity to select your own Caterer, Photographer, Florist, D.J., Coordinator, and Hair/Make-Up Artists.

Nobody likes the standard. What's the point of playing along doing what everybody else does? Our event team believes in the power of listening. Your personal vision plus our creative expertise is how trends are born. Who wants to do something memorable? We're at your service for weddings, receptions, private parties, black-tie galas, and unforgettable celebrations. Whether you're inviting 30-300 guests, Hotel Arista creates inspired weddings and banquets that are sophisticated, contemporary, classic and flexible. Our venues set the perfect stage for life's greatest moments.

In 1976, Hugh and Jody Deery had established themselves as greats in Midwest short track race promoting. With their large plot of land in Loves Park, just miles north of Rockford already housing Rockford Speedway, they asked themselves what's missing? The answer was affordable quality banquet space! Thus the idea for the Forest Hills Banquet was born. Construction began in 1977 and was completed in 1978. The annual Rockford Speedway Banquet was one of the first events held in the newly constructed "Lodge" and we are proud to have played a part in many wonderful celebrations in the years which have followed.