Hidden Creek Estates unveils new addition, renovations to Winnebago County getaway

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROSCOE — The path into Hidden Creek Estates new wine and whiskey cellar is meant to feel like a step back in time into a secret backroom during the Prohibition Era.

A pair of unassuming black cabinet doors open to a bookshelf that holds a couple antique telephones, black-and-white framed photos and leather-bound books. But you can push past that bookshelf into a lounge filled with furniture from a bygone era.

“We embrace the 1920s and the speakeasy vibe,” said Kerry Frank, who owns the estate with her husband, Dude. “We wanted to have a secret door to just embrace that time period and make it fun for guests to come in and find the secret entrance.”

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The speakeasy-style room is among a host of renovations Hidden Creek made to its picturesque yellow barn and event center and the grounds outside. That includes a 3,000-square-foot addition to the barn that allows Hidden Creek to host small weddings and other events year-round.

The northern Winnebago County getaway at 13276 White School Road is unveiling its renovations during a grand reopening event on Sunday.

There was about 5,000 square feet of work to the grounds total, including new landscaping to make room for more seating near the outdoor live music bandstand. They also added a terrace with a pizza oven, fireplace and ceiling covered with fans.

“So it will be a nice place no matter what the weather to sit out on the terrace,” Frank said. “And, you have a direct line of sight to the bandstand where we have live music every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. This will be the premier outdoor spot.”

Hidden Creek is setup as a place to relax on weekdays at its wine bar, where you can sip from its extensive collection that includes one of the largest selections of Burgundy wine in Illinois. There’s also a European-inspired food menu and onsite lodging at four vacation rentals: The Cottage, Oak View, That 70s House and The French Hen. 

Hidden Creek is open during summer from Wednesday through Friday and then again on Sundays. It’s closed to the public on Saturdays during the wedding season. Right now, a wedding is booked every weekend this summer and there are just two Saturdays left in the summer 2025, according to Jared Malavolti, general manager of Hidden Creek.

They are now booking for winter and early spring weddings, too, from November through April.

The addition built on the property keeps with the historic theme of the rest of the site. You walk into the west entrance to the addition through 200-year-old Hungarian doors that Hidden Creek secured from an antique dealer. A pair of stained glass windows rescued from an old church are both decorative and functional, preventing too much light from pouring in through the west end of the building as the sun sets. There is also a hand-carved mahogany bar and chandeliers that were once in the Olympic hall dining room in Salt Lake City.

The 77-acre property includes 5 miles of trails and a pond stocked with fish. This summer they’re adding honey bees, chickens and a garden.

“It’s a great place to stay because then you get to explore the entire property and there’s lots of experiences on the property,” Frank said. “It’s becoming a destination. People will drive from hours away or fly here and just stay on the property for a week. … You don’t have to leave, and when you do you leave relaxed.”

Hidden Creek Estates | open house

What: Hidden Creek Estates will hold a grand opening open house and unveiling of its new expansion.

When: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 19

Address: Hidden Creek Estates, 13276 White School Road, Roscoe

Info: Go HERE

Summer hours: 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; (closed Saturdays for weddings); 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays with brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Online: hiddencrk.com

Social: @hiddencrk on Facebook and @hiddencrk on Instagram

Phone: 815-242-2099

Editor’s note: This article has been updated to correct the date of the open house.

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas