Memories of the Wagon Wheel Resort

Free presentation

One of the Midwest's premier resorts and Rockton's most famous attraction, the Wagon Wheel Resort began as a gas station and hamburger stand in 1936, founded by Walt Williamson. Eventually the resort sprawled across 314 acres, with an air strip, golf course, swimming pools, ice skating rinks, restaurants, a private club, hotel, bowling alley, seven specialty shops, miniature train, a 35 acre lake, two-run ski hill, dinner theater and tennis building.

The Rockton Historical Society's Carriage House exhibits include many artifacts from the resort along with booklets full of pictures and copies of news articles.

Throughout the 1950s into the 1970s, people came from throughout the Midwest to stay at the resort and enjoy its many attractions. Numerous celebrities flew in to the air strip to enjoy a stay at the resort, including Bob Hope, Tyrone Power, Ronald Reagan, Charles Lawton, and Gene Autry. The Andrews Sisters sang there.

In 1964 Mr. Williamson built the Church by the Side of the Road in honor of his mother. It quickly became a popular spot for weddings.

One of the best known figures associated with the Wagon Wheel Resort was Janet Lynn the 1972 Olympic Bronze Medal winning skater who trained at the Ice Palace under the direction of her coach Slavka Kahout.

From 1958 to 1962, the Wagon Wheel Cardinals played senior amateur hockey in the Illinois Ice Hockey League.

In 1975 Mr. Williamson passed away and the resort was purchased by the owner of Pheasant Run, St. Charles, IL. In 1989, after some years of neglect and declining popularity, the resort was closed.

Portions of the resort continue under new ownership. The Church by the Side of the Road, the Old Stone School (pre-school) and the Red Barn Golf Course are the only reminders of what was once the premier Rockton attraction.

For more information, call (815) 624-8200