Northland Mall

Officially established in 1857, Sterling has been a city of hard-working people, deeply rooted in local industry since that time. Originally home to a few mills powered by the river, the industrial base grew with the country and the small City of Sterling soon became the Hardware Capital of the World. Today, much of that history is still with us, but the City has matured and diversified. The community is now a strong blend of industry, commercial and retail business and residential areas. In fact, Sterling has become a regional retail hub. Situated along the Rock River, Sterling (population 15,370) is located in Northwestern Illinois on the eastern edge of Whiteside County, one of the largest counties in the state. The City is approximately 100 miles due west of the Chicago loop, 55 miles southwest of Rockford, Illinois, 55 miles East of the Iowa-Illinois Quad Cities, and 70 miles north of Peoria. It is 35 miles East of the Mississippi River, which forms the western boundary of Whiteside County. Interstate 88 and U.S. Highway 30 both run just south of the City limits, providing quick access to the Illinois-Iowa Quad City area and the Chicago area. Illinois Route 40 and Illinois Route 2 both run through the City of Sterling and provide quick access to Rockford and Peoria. The city's location along major U.S. thoroughfares, and central location in relation to Chicago, the Quad Cities, Rockford, and Peoria, contributes to Sterling's excellent business atmosphere. As well, being able to access these larger cities with ease makes the area popular for residents as well. One of the great benefits of living in Sterling is the advantage of small city life that still has the necessities such as a premier hospital and first class school and park districts without the congestion and high costs of a larger area. The drive to downtown Chicago via I-88 or I-88 and the Metra at Elburn or Aurora/Naperville is just over 2 hours, and only an hour to the Quad Cities or Rockford. Sterling has an abundance of indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities. The Rock River provides plenty of summertime fun for boaters, skiers, paddlers, and fishermen. Kayak, the fish, hike, bike or walk the Hennepin Feeder Canal, a 29-mile canal and path that connects to the 105-mile Hennepin Canal. There are golf courses, indoor/outdoor tennis, and pickleball courts, a pump track, walking paths, and trails. There are 4 State Parks within 40 miles plus additional State Recreation areas. The Sterling Park District also operates a marina, a dog park, an indoor pool, fitness centers and an abundance of recreation programming..*