Spring Valley was founded on the banks of the Illinois River in the heart of the coal fields of Northern Illinois. It was incorporated in 1886 and became a thriving coal community. Immigrants from Poland, Italy, Lithuania and Ireland settled here to work in the mines.

John Mitchell, 5th President of the United Mine Workers of America and known as the "Father of the 8 Hour Day", called Spring Valley home.

After the demise of the coal industry, Spring Valley was known as a popular entertainment center. Hicks Park was one of the area's most popular dance pavilions. Big names such as Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway performed there. In the 1960's the Les-Buzz Ballroom flourished featuring the Glenn Miller Band, Lawrence Welk, Guy Lombardo and Louis Armstrong.

Today, Spring Valley is home to Honeywell Hobbs and Wal-Mart Distribution Center 6092 employing more than 1200 people from throughout the Illinois Valley. Spring Valley is also home to St. Margaret's Health, anchored by St. Margaret's Hospital and extending to several regional health centers throughout the area.

Springtime in Spring Valley brings more than just robins; it brings fishermen from all over the nation to fish for walleye and sauger in the annual Cabela's Masters Walleye Circuit Tournament. This year marks the 21st time that Spring Valley has hosted the first stop of the Cabela's MWC, making it the oldest consecutively run professional walleye tournament in the country.

Barto Landing, a public launch site on the Illinois River in Spring Valley, is the "Gateway to the Sauger Capital of the World." Ample parking is provided for vehicles and trailers. If Barto is full one can still put in at the public launch site on the south side of the river across from Barto.

Whether one is in the tournament or just here for a river outing, stock up on all your fishing and boating needs at Riverview Marine, carrying one of Illinois' largest inventories of new and used boats. Riverview Marine provides a wide selection of fishing and pleasure boats in their two big showrooms. And get the local fishing forecast, tackle, bait and latest reports while there from "Baitshop Bob". Bob gives a river fishing update on WLPO 1220 AM radio Tuesday thru Friday at 7:45 A.M. Or catch him behind the counter selling tackle, bait, and guides to the "hot spots". To fish the Illinois River from the shore or boat, Bob can tell you some of the easiest places to park or put in and what baits are working. If you get some pictures, make prints while you wait at Valley Photo! Check out their other photography related supplies and equipment.

Food and beverage supplies for a day outdoors or a trip down the Illinois River can be obtained at the Spring Valley Supermarket. Whether you need some items for a picnic or a banquet the folks at Spring Valley will be happy to help. And if you are looking for a great place to eat with auto related and hunting memorabilia, then the Valley Bar & Grill is your kind of place. The walls are filled with signs and old pump signs line the walls. The restaurant is a local favorite and prides itself on its sandwiches and specials. Its hard to just grab a quick bite with all there is see.

At the southeast is Coal Mine Park. Hiking along the paths one can gain access to spectacular views of the barge traffic as it moves up and down the Illinois River.

If you are an old car buff Spring Valley is where you can see some great looking cars during the Fireman's Car Cruise in August and the Hall High School Car Show in October. Annual events these are well attended by local owners and also from outside the area.