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

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

Wings of Peace and Freedom Park

A Bulgarian immigrant donated the Wings of Peace and Freedom sculpture to the City of Dixon. The artwork, which includes a full-size replica of a section of the Berlin Wall, recognizes President Reagan's efforts to attain worldwide peace and freedom.

CITY: Dixon

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

The Frameworks -- Dixon

Custom & ready-made frame shops with large selection of prints and framed pictures.

CITY: Dixon

Jeff Adams "Images In Bronze"

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

CITY: Mount Morris

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

Karen Vroman, MWS/Added Touch Gallery

Gallery. Appointment preferred.

CITY: Erie

The Next Picture Show

Working studio for artists open to the public by appointment or during special previews. Dates to be determined. Call for appointment.

CITY: Dixon

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

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

White Pines Dinner Theater

Entertainment abounds with a dinner theater sporting musical comedies and murder mystery plays. Groups large or small. Call for reservations located in the beautiful White Pines Forest State Park.

CITY: Mount Morris

Civil War Monument

This monument features a statue of a Civil War soldier.

CITY: Prophetstown

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

‘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

Slip and Slurry Pottery

Full working pottery studio and store for 24 years, stoneware and porcelain.

CITY: Oregon

Prophetstown Historical Museum

Prophetstown is named for the Indian prophet Wa-bo-kie-shiek (White Cloud), the advisor to Black Hawk during the 1832 Black Hawk War. The museum is full of historic memorabilia, including the Eclipse Lawn Mower, which was manufactured in Prophetstown.

CITY: Prophetstown

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

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

Sterling Mural Society

The town of Sterling features 10 colorful murals in its downtown area that depict the history of the community.

CITY: Sterling

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

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

Ronald Reagan Birthplace & Museum

This quaint apartment, featuring the bedroom where the President was born, restored and decorated to its original 1900's style, sits on the second floor at the site of the First National Bank which has also been restored. Next door is a gift store and museum of Reagan memorabilia.

CITY: Tampico

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

White Pines Inn Gift Shop

Charming country gift shop that's chock full of jellies, jams, quilts, and country decor. Located in log building in White Pine Forest State Park.

CITY: Mount Morris

Unique Embroidery

Embroidery on shirts, caps, bags, etc.

CITY: Franklin Grove

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

Quilt Supplies For U

We have a large assortment of beautiful fabric and other items to fit your quilting needs. Our staff has over 20 years of professional quilting experience and we are ready to assist you

CITY: Rock Falls

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

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

On Any Sunday Motorcycle Museum

See 40 motorcycles on display, including European bikes built from 1942-1978.

CITY: Polo