Kilbuck Creek was born out of a desire to bring dreams to life, and we’ll go above and beyond to help you realize your vision. Whether you’re planning a wedding, a family vacation, or a business retreat, you can rely on our small team of experienced and dedicated hosts to foster unforgettable memories and help you feel at home away from home.
Through our dedication, we’ve risen to become a premier booking member on VRBO, as well as a member of the Byron Chamber of Commerce. We couldn’t be more proud of these achievements—but as a family-owned business, nothing is more important to us than the experiences of the families we serve. Let us show you the best that north central Illinois has to offer!
Explore Our Grounds
Wedding Gallery
Vacation Rental Gallery
Our Team
Kilbuck Creek was founded in 2009, and since that time, our tight-knit team has grown to include nearly twenty staff members. Our venue is always exclusive to your event, which means you’ll never have to compete for our attention—and since we always have someone on site to serve our guests and attend to our pool, assistance is never more than a phone call away. Get to know us here, and plan your event today.
A Message from the Owner
Hosting different groups is such a joy to our family and staff. Seeing people come together from all over and enjoy their time on our property is magical. We know there are lots of options for our guests to travel to, and we are honored to have you choose to make your memories with us. On behalf of all of our dedicated Kilbuck Creek staff, we say thank you and we hope you have an amazing time!
Branigan Theden
Event Director
Branigan has been with Kilbuck Creek since we began our wedding program in 2014. When the wedding calls started to pour in shortly after we opened, we needed someone with lots of energy and enthusiasm for the wedding industry to help create a wedding program for us. Branigan did just that. Not only does she work with the couples to plan their special day, but she’s also working behind the scenes to create a smooth-running system for our couples. Weddings are one of the things that make Kilbuck Creek so special, and we are thankful to have Branigan guide each couple and help plan their very special day!
“My goal for my couples is for them to arrive on the day of their wedding and have nothing to worry about except for looking picture perfect and embracing this special moment in their lives! It’s my responsibility to put the procedures in place to make everything run smoothly, and I don’t take that responsibility lightly!”
Sophie Theden
Property Manager
Sophie has been helping us manage the Kilbuck Creek business since 2020, but having grown up on the property, she actually has decades of knowledge of it. It takes a lot of time and effort to care for the visitors to Kilbuck Creek and ensure that every guest has a 5-star experience, and we are lucky to have Sophie on board to keep the train running smoothly on the tracks.
“Being a family run business, it’s so important to us to treat all of our guests as if they were our own family. I truly feel that that is what sets us apart as a business. From the serene nature trails, cozying up with a book by the fireplace, or splashing around in the indoor pool, we truly want you to enjoy all the special aspects Kilbuck Creek has to offer!”
Mona Ames
Guest Relations
Mona has been with us since the very beginning of Kilbuck Creek. It’s always nice to have a friendly and helpful voice on the other end of call, and that’s exactly what you’ll get with our sweet Mona! She handles all of our customers’ inquiries and all of our invoicing. Mona will most likely be the first Kilbuck Creek staff member you’ll be in contact with, and she will be happy to guide you through the booking process and answer any questions you may have. Mona also does our wedding tours, and truly enjoys getting to show off the beautiful Kilbuck Creek grounds and facilities.
“I love to hear the excitement in our guests’ voices when they are planning their trip out to Kilbuck Creek, and it’s my pleasure to help them with all the questions they may have before their arrival. Touring the weddings might be my favorite part of my job, because you get to see the couples’ faces light up, and their excitement about the property is just so infectious!”
Visiting Kilbuck Creek
Whether you choose to stay in our cabin or will be driving in from nearby on the day of your event, you’ll find that our commitment to hospitality is unmatched. Our secluded, all-season, and all-inclusive event venue is located in Monroe Center, IL, and set against 200 acres of idyllic, wooded terrain.
We’re less than thirty minutes away from downtown Rockford, and easy to reach from anywhere nearby—but our venue is anything but ordinary. When you make your way to Kilbuck Creek, you’ll feel as though you stepped through the pages of a fairy tale.
Before Your Stay: Frequently Asked Questions
How Many People Can Stay at Kilbuck Creek?
Our reception hall can host up to 200 people, and we can accommodate up to 40 in our fully furnished, resort-style cabin. The cabin itself includes seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms—as well as a swimming pool, a hot tub, a fireplace, and so much more. Tents are not allowed without permission, and there are no RV hookups on the premises. If you have any questions about transportation to and from the venue, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Are Any Activities Prohibited?
Kilbuck Creek is first and foremost a venue for families. We do not allow guests to bring any guns, fireworks, ATVs, or dirt bikes. Guests should refrain from feeding our horses, and respect our grounds by keeping vehicles on marked roads. We don’t allow minors to drink, and we don’t allow overnight guests who are not members of your group. Although service animals are welcome, all other pets should remain at home. Out of respect for our neighbors, we also ask all guests to abide by our strict 11 PM noise ordinance.
Who Can You Expect to See at Kilbuck Creek?
Our venue only hosts one event a time, and that means we’re here for you and you alone! We are, however, a functioning business—and you may see one or more members of our staff taking care of our grounds or our pool. Additionally, our team has someone on site at all times. If you need anything at all, just reach out and let us know what we can do.
How is Event Pricing Determined?
Pricing varies depending on the type of event, as well as the season. For current pricing and availability, you can always contact us directly, peruse the reference sheets below, or book your event with VRBO.