‘Begins the Trail’ Reagan Statue

A bronze statue of Ronald Reagan, astride the likeness of a palomino horse he rode nearly 60 years ago, sits at the head of the Heritage Crossing Riverfront Plaza located on River Street in downtown Dixon. The statue, created by local artist Don Reed, serves as the centerpiece of Heritage Crossing, an open-air plaza that looks out onto the Rock River.

CITY: Dixon

23 Clark Street & Soap Shoppe

Full line of cross-stitch supplies with hand-dyed threads. Also available are "affordable luxury soaps," lotions and beauty accessories made in Oregon, Illinois. In addition, Longaberger baskets, antiques and more are sold. Located in Conover Square Mall.

CITY: Oregon

Air Play Sports & Espresso Bar

Air Play Sports in Sterling is YOUR source for Alternative Sporting Goods. We carry northern Illinois' largest selection of disc golf supplies, stunt kites, boomerangs and more. We are also the town's only full coffee bar with gourmet coffees, espresso, cappuccinos, lattes and more. We are family friendly with toys and coloring books for younger children as well as changing station in our clean restroom. We have live inventory on our website and we can be followed on Facebook and Twitter.

CITY: Sterling

All Seasons Motel

31 deluxe rooms, with individually controlled air conditioning and heating units, offering some with jacuzzis, refrigerators, microwaves, near restaurants and offering WiFi.

CITY: Rock Falls

Amboy Depot Museum

Built in 1876, this 19-room museum, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was the division headquarters for Illinois Central Railroad. The museum showcases local artifacts from Amboy and the surrounding area.

CITY: Amboy

Amboy Pharmacy

Old time pharmacy with soda fountain, penny candy and old-fashioned homemade chocolate for our shakes, malts and sodas.

CITY: Amboy

American Heritage Antique Center

Antique center.

CITY: Sterling

Angelo's II

Serving Italian sandwiches, spaghetti, lasagna, Italian bread, ravioli, salad bar and pasta buffet. Banquet room is available for any occasion.

CITY: Sterling

Arnold's Bicycle Repairs and Rentals

Located in downtown Thomson, Illinois near the Thomson Public Causeway and steps from the Great River Bike Trail that extends 62 miles from the Quad Cities to Savanna, Illinois. We specialize in Recumbent Bikes & Trikes so what are you waiting for? Test ride one of our recumbents and capture a view of the mighty Mississippi. We offer sales (new and used); service and repairs (the friendliest customer service around) and special requests - need something unique, customization or special needs – we can do it! We offer bike rentals, too!

CITY: Thomson

Asa Crook Home

The Asa Crook Home is the first frame house built in 1839 by Whiteside County's first settler. The restored home is open for tours.

CITY: Prophetstown

Bangkok Gardens

Asian cuisine offer that Thai & Japanese specialties. Check us out on Facebook!

CITY: Dixon

Beef-a-Roo

Delicious soups, salads and sandwiches all available in a great Rock 'n' Roll atmosphere.

CITY: Sterling

Beelendorf's Deli & Catering

The Sauk Valley's best pies, bagels and other baked goods. Catering service available for all locations.

CITY: Rock Falls

Behren's Country Village

Find many unique gifts at this farm-like spot, including year-round Christmas items, furniture, fresh and silk flowers and plants, children's clothing, and the Muffins 'n' More lunchroom.

CITY: Rock Falls

Bennigan's Irish-American Grill and Tavern

Bennigan's Irish-American Grill and Tavern is a casual restaurant known for our great American food, large selection of beers and our special brand of Irish hospitality.

CITY: Rock Falls

Best Western Reagan Hotel

Full service hotel in a beautiful rural setting.

CITY: Dixon

Big Bend State Fish and Wildlife Area

1,188 acres of natural beauty. Fishing on Rock River and hunting.

CITY: Prophetstown

Black Hawk Statue at Lowden State Park

At Eagle's Nest Bluff in Lowden State Park, proudly stands a 48-foot statue of a Native American quietly revering the beauty of the River Rock Valley below. Commonly called Black Hawk, after the legendary Chieftain, the statue was created as a tribute to all the Native Americans who once called the area their home.

CITY: Oregon

Blackhawk Chocolate Trail

A delicious mixture of cocoa is found every which way along the Blackhawk Chocolate Trail in the four-county area of Northwest Illinois. Enjoy visiting candy stores, bed and breakfasts with special chocolate-themed packages, gift shops and old-fashioned soda fountains.

CITY: Polo

Blue Goose Run

Blue Goose Run is the perfect farm setting for an outdoor wedding, family or class reunion, corporate or business meetings, and baby or bridal showers. Visit the Machine Shed Gift Shop and Corn Crib Restaurant.

CITY: Sterling

Blumin Stuff

Eclectic selection of home accents, florals, lamps, wall decor, and candles.

CITY: Dixon

Boeger Leadership Center

Surrounded by the Lowden-Miller State Forest, the Boeger Lodge is a year-round facility with multiple modern conveniences just right for your next business meeting, seminar, or residential retreat. When you book a retreat at the Boeger Lodge, you will find a large meeting room for up to 100 people. Flexible meeting space with modern AV equipment. Full wireless access. On-site sleeping accommodations for up to 42 people.

CITY: Oregon

Books on First

General bookstore specializing in local interest (Reagan, Blackhawk, Rock River, etc), children's and more. Also featuring classic jazz & blues CD's, fine coffees & other drinks, pastries, call for special events.

CITY: Dixon

Briar Patch Gifts

Gift shop featuring aromatique, briar root candles, specialty food items, greeting cards and much more.

CITY: Morrison

Burns House

The first brick home built in Polo is now a tourist information center and home of the local Convention and Visitors Bureau.

CITY: Polo

Chaplin Creek Historic Village

Chaplin Creek is an evolving, full-scale historical restoration project depicting a prairie settlement typical of the mid-19th century. Several historically significant buildings and artifacts have been relocated here from the surrounding area. Photo courtesy of Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition

CITY: Franklin Grove

Chateau Lodge

A quaint family owned 12 room Lodge tucked away in scenic Oregon. Uniquely renovated theme rooms give our Lodge a warm comfortable feel. With every visit you can enjoy a different environment. Do you like boating, hunting, or gardening? Let us know! At Chateau Lodge, our friendly and hospitable staff is anxious to make your stay a pleasurable one! We understand our success is measured by your satisfaction. Let us prove it!

CITY: Oregon

Cimino's Restaurant & Lounge

American and Italian cuisine. Specialty pizzas, subs, 15 selections of pasta dinners, homemade breads. Everything from steaks to ribs.

CITY: Rock Falls

Civil War Monument

This monument features a statue of a Civil War soldier.

CITY: Prophetstown

Cobblestone Ice Cream & Deli

We offer a New York Deli style experience with flavorful, fresh, meaty sandwiches. Our focus is top quality ingredients and BIG flavor to give the ultimate taste experience. We offer a large line up of hot, toasted sandwiches. Our sandwiches are prepared with top of the line artisan breads and our own custom made sauces. Our soups, deli salads and treats are made from scratch in house. We feature several premium salads that are sure to please. We carry 24 flavors of gourmet hard ice cream, as well as, a custom blend of soft serve that is out of this world! We offer shakes, malts, real fruit smoothies, floats, flurries and sensational sundaes.

CITY: Sterling

Comfort Inn - Dixon

Located near the intersection of Interstate 88 and Illinois Route 26 in Dixon, sits along the Ronald Reagan Trail, the historic Lincoln Highway and the Northwest Passage Heritage Corridor, a collection of eight counties with fascinating histories. This Dixon, IL hotel is located midway between Chicago and the Quad Cities. Area attractions include the Franklin Creek Historic Site, the Dixon Theater, Bureau County Fairgrounds, the Loveland Museum and Lowell Park.

CITY: Dixon

Conover Bakery

The very best breads, bagels, donuts, muffins, cinnamon rolls, scones, coffee cakes and cookies baked fresh each day. Soups and sandwiches also available.

CITY: Oregon

Conover Square Mall

Old piano factory converted into small shopping mall.

CITY: Oregon

Constantly Stitching N' More

Located on the Lincoln Highway in the old Unionville School, 1,200 bolts of 100% cotton quilting fabric, notions, books, patterns and antiques.

CITY: Morrison

Cook's Collection

A gourmet accessory shop full of gadgets and unusual gifts to improve everyone's kitchen. Specializing in Yankee Candles, Boyds Bears, baskets, Pat Richter creations, Salmon Falls pottery and homemade fudge.

CITY: Oregon

Country at Heart Quilt & Gift Shop

Don't miss this quaint and unique country quilt and gift shop! Featuring Bowe pottery, candles, quilts, doilies, framed art, country gifts and accessories. We offer a huge selection of antique and primitive furniture too! The quilt shop offers a wide variety of quilting fabrics, notions, patterns, books and so much more!

CITY: Sterling

Country Inn & Suites of Rock Falls

Charming guest rooms with 25" remote TV, coffee makers, hairdryers, iron & ironing board. Suites include a refrigerator, microwave, and wet bar. Whirlpool suites and handicap accessible rooms also available.

CITY: Rock Falls

Crawford House Inn

This Italianate style mansion offers year 'round hospitality for that romantic getaway or an extended stay in Dixon. Elegance and relaxation await your arrival in the 12 spacious rooms furnished with Victorian furniture.

CITY: Dixon

Cross Creek Golf Course

This nine-hole golf course features a pro shop, bar, snack bar and putting green.

CITY: Morrison

Crow Valley Campground

Grassy shaded lots with gravel pads. Electric and water or primitive sites. Located on the Rock River. Basketball court, playground, good fishing, pool and complete bath facilities. Boat ramp to Rock River. Open April 15 – October 15. Easy access from I-88.

CITY: Sterling

Deer Valley Golf Club

Located just 10 miles south of Rock Falls, Deer Valley is a challenging 18-hole championship golf course.

CITY: Deer Grove

Dillon Home Museum

Built in 1858, this Italian Renaissance-style home displays the history of the Dillon family and Northwestern Steel, as well as fine antiques which belonged to the Dillons.

CITY: Sterling

Distinctive Gardens, Inc.

Unique nursery and gift shop. We have display gardens, monthly events and garden talks. We also offer landscaping

CITY: Dixon

Dixon Floral

Antiques, flowers, plants, and misc. gifts.

CITY: Dixon

Dixon Historic Center

History Research and Learning Center housed in President Ronald Reagan's boyhood South Central School. Beautifully restored and proudly affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution.

CITY: Dixon

Dixon Super 8 Motel

Award-winning motel with 41 newly renovated guest rooms. A themed hot tub suite. Free continental breakfast, 24-hour coffee, hair dryers, irons and ironing boards. Free local calls, microfridges, cable TV with free HBO, bus and truck parking, outside outlets.

CITY: Dixon

Dixon Welcome Center

We provide information on Dixon area attractions as well as the Illinois Lincoln Highway. Purchase Reagan and Dixon souvenir items. Also houses the "Of The Prairie" Gift Shop specializing in Illinois Wines and other Illinois Products.

CITY: Dixon

Dry Gultch Ranch

Located across from the Conover Square Shopping Village. Offering a full line of antique furniture, collectibles, estate jewelry, gifts, porcelain dolls, vintage clothing & hats, dishes, glassware & framed art - a little bit of everything!

CITY: Oregon

Eagle Point Horseback Riding Farm & Eagle Point Paintball Games

Horseback riding for young and old. Trails follow Elkhorn Creek. Great for the more experienced rider. Paintball field is on island off Elkhorn Creek.

CITY: Milledgeville

Eagles Nest Gifts and Gallery

Beautifully crafted silver jewelry, Minnetonka moccasins, log furniture, and an outstanding art gallery filled with sculptures and pottery can be found at the Eagles Nest.

CITY: Oregon

Emerald Hill Golf and Learning Center

This golf complex features an 18-hole course.

CITY: Sterling

Enchanted Forest

Choose and cut your own Christmas tree here. On weekends, caboose rides help transport your tree out of the Enchanted Forest.

CITY: Prophetstown

Evergreen Farm Inn

The house has been completely redecorated to reflect the earlier days of the 1900's. Many of the original antiques furnish the rooms. This picturesque "bed and breakfast" is located in a farming community.

CITY: Forreston

Evergreen Farm Inn

This charming farmhouse has been in the owner's family for five generations and stands hidden in the pine trees just waiting to offer guests a chance to experience the 1900's decor. Chat in the living room, or relax on the front porch swing as you experience the country atmosphere. Open April — October.

CITY: Forreston

Executive Inn

Clean room and great rates. Now under new ownership. Whirlpool suite. We are a great place to stay while fishing or hunting in northwest Illinois - just 1/2 mile to the Mississippi River and just off the Great River Bike Trail. New restaurant and Bar! View the bald eagles. We also have extended stay.

CITY: Thomson

Fin and Feather Campground

Campground for camping, hunting, and fishing. Located on backwaters of Mississippi River with boat rental, canoe rental, motor rentals, bait shop, concessions and canoe access

CITY: Thomson

First Christian Church

First Christian Church served as the Reagan family church while they lived in Dixon and helped form Ronald Reagan's Christian-based work ethic, which included a short term as a Sunday School teacher.

CITY: Dixon

Flashbacks for You

Flashbacks For You is a Quality Consignment store selling antiques, vintage and handmade purses, a wide variety of collectibles, dishes, comics and so much more! We sell local treasures worldwide. Go to our website for more information.

CITY: Prophetstown

Flynnie's Diner

We serve a deliciously home-cooked meal that promises to never leave you hungry. We pride ourselves on our friendly service and fresh meals that are made to order. We are constantly adding new food items to our menu and have Flynnie’s apparel that you can purchase at our restaurant. All of our food is freshly prepared. Nothing is ever made ahead or frozen.

CITY: Dixon

Franklin Creek Grist Mill & Interpretive Center

This four-story, reconstructed 1847 grist mill features a four-ton waterwheel and displays of 1800s milling equipment.

CITY: Franklin Grove

Franklin Creek Preservation Area

Franklin Creek Grist Mill, 1893 Twist Road off Old Mill Road, Franklin Grove. Covered wagon tours. Interpretive Center.

CITY: Franklin Grove

Franklin Creek State Natural Area

Developed by local volunteers, it offers scenic trails, horseback riding, fishing, and limited hunting. The site contains the historic Franklin Creek Grist Mill and a 180-acre dedicated nature preserve.

CITY: Franklin Grove

Galena Steak House

Fine dining in a casual atmosphere. Full bar, banquet facilities available for parties up to 65 people. Open area dining room with fireplace.

CITY: Dixon

Ginkgo Tree Cafe

With a focus on fresh, seasonal, made-from-scratch, healthy foods, this cafe serves breakfast and lunch, offering soup, salad and sandwiches. On Saturday evenings, live music is featured while you enjoy artisan pizza by the slice and you can bring your own beer & wine. We sell bulk tea, by the glass or by the pot. We have a certified herbal counselor, a massage therapist, fitness classes, meeting/party space for rent, and a gift shop featuring local crafters and artists.

CITY: Dixon

Gramma Jack's Back 40

Homemade food served in a charming atmosphere with antique charm makes Gramma Jack’s Back 40 a great place to have breakfast or lunch. Enjoy made-from-scratch muffins, daily lunch specials and tempting desserts!

CITY: Polo

Green River Oaks Camping Resort

Camping resort with two pools, mini golf, basketball courts, fishing in lake and river, rental trailers, 225 sites with hookups.

CITY: Amboy

Green River State Wildlife Area

Green River is the best remaining example of the wetland-prairie mosaic that once covered the area's nearly 1 million acres of lowlands. This multiple-use site provides hunting, hiking, and birding opportunities.

CITY: Harmon

H.I. Lincoln Store

Two-story stone building built in 1860 by Abe Lincoln's cousin. Restored dry goods store houses a consignment shop featuring local artisans. Also national headquarters for the Lincoln Highway Assn.

CITY: Franklin Grove

Hansens Hideaway Ranch & Campground

Tents, pop-ups and RV camping sites with water and electric hookups, swimming, nature trails, arcade, snack bar, playground, horseshoe pits, covered pavilion, restrooms, showers, sanitary dumping station, fire rings, firewood, and ice available.

CITY: Oregon

Harmony Hills Bed & Breakfast

Enjoy country hospitality and charm at this 5 acre retreat in Northern Illinois designed especially for couples seeking time away or small groups wanting to share time together. Our property is nestled among a forest of pine trees and 100 year old oak trees. In addition to offering 4 tastefully and comfortably decorated Suites (each with its own bathroom) we offer many extra amenities.

CITY: Oregon

Henry School

The 1878 Henry School, located on the Galena Trail, was used as an operating school until 1957. The Polo Historical Society has turned it back into an old country school, which includes displays on the Black Hawk War of 1832.

CITY: Polo

How Sweet It Is

We specialize in anything sweet including cookies, candies, cakes & cupcakes plus custom baking. We also offer free wifi and fresh brewed coffee. Large & special orders welcome.

CITY: Sterling

Inn Of Sterling

Large renovated guest rooms, refrigerators in all rooms. Spacious suites with full kitchettes. Coin laundry on site, also long term units available.

CITY: Sterling

Jeff Adams "Images In Bronze"

Fine art gallery / sculptor, Jeff Adams studio. Tour full-service casting facility. Saturday by appointment.

CITY: Mount Morris

Jim Ardvini Boat Launch Park

Boat ramps into Lake Sinnissippi area of Rock River. Picnic tables, scenic river view, adjacent to Hennepin Canal State Park.

CITY: Rock Falls

John Deere Historic Site

This historic site is where John Deere (1804-1886) first developed and produced his steel plow, changing the face of farming in the Midwest. Deere erected a simple, one-and-a-half-story clapboard house that resembles a type found in New England. Although the original Deere blacksmith shop was demolished, its archeological excavations and interpreted artifacts are open, sheltered by a pavilion. A reconstructed blacksmith shop located southwest of the original site is furnished with old tools, farm equipment, pioneer utensils, and a working forge. The John Deere Home in Grand Detour was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964 and placed on the Nation Register of Historic Places in 1966. Copy and descriptions courtesy of AIA Illinois and the 150 GreatPlaces in Illinois www.illinoisgreatplaces.com

CITY: Dixon

John Deere Historic Site

John Deere's home still stands with a working replica of his blacksmith shop and a preserved archeological dig that unearthed Deere's orginal shop.

CITY: Grand Detour

John Deere Home

John Deere's home still stands with a working replica of his blacksmith shop and a preserved archeological dig that unearthed Deere's original shop.

CITY: Grand Detour

Karen Vroman, MWS/Added Touch Gallery

Gallery. Appointment preferred.

CITY: Erie

Kidder Music Service

A provider of musical instrument sales, rentals and repairs as well as lessons, print music and accessories of all kinds.

CITY: Sterling

La Vigna Restaurant

Fine Northern Italian cuisine. We bring the best of Italy to your table. Seafood, poultry, aged steaks, pasta, homemade desserts, full bar.

CITY: Oregon

Lake LaDonna Family Campground

Family campground with cabins.

CITY: Oregon

Lee County Genealogical Society

Dedicated to promoting family history and helping people in their genealogical research, the society's archives are housed in the Family Tree Center.

CITY: Dixon

Leisure Lake Campground

68 full hookup sites, of which 32 are pull-thru. All are 20 & 30 amp. Hookup (50 amp available), pay phones, full laundry.

CITY: Rock Falls

Lincoln Highway Association National Headquarters

Visitors from around the world enjoy researching highway information in this restored 1860 dry goods store built by Abe Lincoln's cousin. The Lincoln Highway Museum and Store is also housed inside.

CITY: Franklin Grove

Lincoln Manahan Museum

Abraham Lincoln, then 47, came to Sterling to speak at a rally for presidential candidate, John C. Fremont. On July 18, 1856, a twist of fate brought Mr. Lincoln to the home of Sheriff William Manahan to spend the night. He slept on a sofa with two chairs placed at its end to accommodate his long legs. In the morning he graciously thanked his host and left Sterling for a speaking engagement in Chicago and the rest is history! The home has been restored and its interior, furnishings, and facade reflect the time when Lincoln visited in the late 1850s.

CITY: Sterling

Lincoln Monument

This memorial commemorates Lincoln's 1832 service in the Black Hawk War, and consists of a bronze figure of Lincoln as a 23-year-old captain. The statue was dedicated in 1930 during the centennial celebration of the town of Dixon.

CITY: Dixon

Lost Nation Golf Club

This beautiful 18-hole course with large, smooth greens and rolling hills is open to the public, and offers a pro shop and restaurant.

CITY: Dixon

Loveland Museum

Step back in time in the Loveland Museum and get a glimpse of Dixon and Lee County history. With exhibits from the life of "Father" John Dixon, the Blackhawk War, Civil War and other conflicts, local industry and attractions, the Truesdell Bridge disaster and President Ronald Reagan.

CITY: Dixon

Lowden-Miller State Forest

A 2,225-acre state forest situated along the Rock River. Enjoy hunting, hiking, cross-country skiing and equestrian trails.

CITY: Oregon

Lowell Park

Featuring 240 acres, Nature Center, parking, boat launches and Rock River access, fishing, hiking, nature preserve, cross-country skiing, shelters, grills, playground equipment, and more. Ronald Reagan saved 77 lives here as a lifeguard during his boyhood years.

CITY: Dixon

Lundstrom Florist

Providing flowers for all occasions. Beautiful gift shop includes many collectibles, flower arrangements and specialty gifts. Christmas time brings beautiful poinsettias and live garland and wreaths.

CITY: Sterling

Main Street Wine Cellar

We offer wines, specialty beers, cheese and chocolates. You can bring in food or have it delivered, and we can pair it with wine from our selection, or you can choose your own.

CITY: Sterling