EXCELLENT! VERY PLEASANT STAY!
I stayed here three nights for FREE on
Silverleaf's bonus time program. The condo
was exactly like the models I had seen there
previously with a few exceptions.
The only negatives were the cabinets were a
different finish than the models and the carpet
was a bit frayed at the entry. Also, I am a
clean freak and think housekeeping could
have done a better job of getting into the
corners, etc. Most people wouldn't have
noticed.
All the bed linens were extremely clean
(sheets, pillow cases AND bedspreads) and
there were about 10 bath towels, plenty of
hand towels, wash cloths and kitchen towels.
The kitchen is extremely well equipped with
every utensil imaginable plus an icemaker,
toaster, oven, and microwave. The seating
was plentiful and comfortable all coordinated
to a rustic look. One bedroom has a jacuzzi
the other has a standard full bath. The TVs
had cable and there were 3 phones (bring a
calling card). 2 of the phones are on 1
extension - the other phone has its own
extension. The balcony had a wooden table
and 4 chairs with an entrance from the master
bedroom and also from the living room.
The grounds are absolutely spotless. Free
mini golf, free swimming in a huge indoor pool
(outdoor pool too for the summer), a free 5
hole par 3 golf course, board games,
horseshoes, volleyball, etc., etc. The free
campsites were in very good condition as I
walked through the area on the way to the
Fox River. I will drive to the river next time. It
is connected to the resort but far from the
condos. They have over 300 acres of land
there. Do not mistake the lake with canoes
for the river. They have horse trail rides for
$20 an hour and $7.50 for a 15 minute kids
ride. They are in the process of installing a
central fire alarm system in the condos.
I was there midweek (school also in session)
and although the resort was full it was very
very very quiet and peaceful.
I am a bachelor that never cooks. There is a
full country store (Norway Store), coffee shop
and Italian restaurant one mile away. The
resort's snack bar is very limited. There are
many restaurants 7 - 15 minutes away west
on 71 (over 80) or west a few miles on 80.
Ask the staff for exit numbers. There is a go
kart track (1 mile away), several golf courses,
low altitude flying school, skydive place and 3
great state parks (don't miss Starved Rock
State Park) within 30 minutes. Great nearby
small towns include Utica, Ottawa and LaSalle-
Peru. There is a casino in Joliet and another
in Aurora.
Without traffic, it will take 75 minutes to the
Sears Tower, etc in downtown Chicago.
I have been here on the free day usage
several times and had a good time. This is a
great place for singles, couples or families.
You won't go broke with kids asking for tons
of expensive things here (unlike WI Dells or
Disney areas). They will have plenty to see
and do all for free or cheap. Do not miss the
state parks ... Starved Rock, Mathiesson and
Illinois/Michigan Canal. American Bald Eagles!
Take advantage of Silverleaf's Bonus Time at
any of the 12 resorts, free camping at many,
free day usage at all. This is a great value
resort in the middle of miles and miles and
miles of farms - many with fresh produce
roadside.
Follow the signs for the RV registration if you
arrive after the front desk is closed (and are
not familiar with the resort) or I guarantee
you will get lost. Check-in documents are
prepared in advance for quick check-in.
The staff was very welcoming and courteous
with a couple of them remembering /
addressing me by name. One of the grounds
staff saw me outside, greeted me and asked if
I was enjoying my stay.
I will be buying another week here or at
another Silverleaf property and have already
taken three friends to see this property. This
is a hidden treasure.
Note: The resort is actually on the edge of
Sheridan, IL and really should have a Norway,
IL address. The entrance is easily missed - it
is in the Norway 45 mph zone on Rt 71 150 -
200 ft west of the Norway Store on the
opposite side of the road. This is about .8
miles west of Rt 52.
(added 11/4/04) ... I now own 4 weeks here
(16, 23, 26 and 51) and looking for more to
buy or rent. I will consider selling my week 16
or 51 and trading any of my weeks.