O'Connell's Yogi Bear Jellystone Park

Rustic cabins and furnished park model trailers, and cindy's deluxe cottage in a clean family campground

CITY: Amboy

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

Mendota Hills Campground

More than a campground, hit a golf ball, take a golf lesson, catch a fish or hayrack ride, swim, dance, hike row/paddle a boat, play basketball, horseshoes, video games and pool or kickback with a campfire. We have 130 acres to do it all.

CITY: Amboy

Pineview Campground

On 40 acres of pine trees, the camp welcomes trailers, RVs and more.

CITY: Amboy

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

O'connell's Yogi Bear Jellystone Park

287 acres of clean camping. Large pull-thru site with 50 amp electric available. Daily activities June-August. Swimming, mini golf, water slide, 5 comfort stations, laundromats, and Yogi Bear.

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

Mendota Hills Campground

Rustic, laid back family campground. Hayrack rides, horseshoes, swimming, frog jumping, convenient store, and church.

CITY: Amboy

Blackhawk Trail Lodge

Hospitality abounds! Nestled along the beautiful Rock River, this cozy six-guestroom lodge offers a wonderful all-season porch with fireplace. Perfect for your next group retreat. Offering breakfast buffet for groups. Close to many attractions. Guest are welcome to use our private boat ramp. Or just relax and fish from our quiet river bank, or in a hammock at the river's edge. At Becky & Don's small but quaint lodge, it's all about relaxation and "Old Time Hospitality". Visit us on our FUN Web site for more information. Pets welcomed. Open year round.

CITY: Byron

Byron Civic Center

Musicals, comedies and mysteries are performed August-May at this civic center located in Byron High School.

CITY: Byron

A.G. Spalding: From Byron to the Big Leagues Exhibit

Located at the Byron Museum of History, this exhibit features Hall of Fame baseball pitcher Albert Spalding, from his youth in Byron to his league pitching career and the founding of the Spalding Sporting Goods Company.

CITY: Byron

Byron Natural History Museum

This natural history museum displays prairies, woodlands, wetlands and other interesting exhibits illustrating life as it existed hundreds of years ago in Northern Illinois. Be sure to make a stop at the museum gift shop.

CITY: Byron

Byron Museum Of History & Lucius Read House

The Byron Museum Complex consists of a large Exhibit Hall and the historic Lucius Read House, which was on the Underground Railroad and is a listed site on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. The Read House features a permanent exhibit entitled, ‘From Shackles to Freedom: The Underground Railroad’ which shines a spotlight on Byron’s participation in the Underground Railroad. We are happy to accommodate group tours outside regular hours. Tours are free and are self-guided or a docent can be arranged. We also have ample meeting space available.

CITY: Byron

Weiskopf Observatory

View the stars and planets every Tuesday and Saturday. Free public viewing is guided by our staff. Closed if cloudy.

CITY: Byron

Costa's

Italian murals, fireplace, candlelit tables, white linen tablecloths. A touch of "Old Italy".

CITY: Byron

Lake Louise Resort

The finest family recreational camping experience in Northern Illinois. Sandy beaches, slides, rafts, paddle boats, fishing, kiddie beach, sand volleyball, basketball, game room, bonfires, bands, dancing, music, horseshoes and 13- acre spring-fed lake.

CITY: Byron

Byron Recreational Path

Biking, running, and walking path. Starts at Byron Forest Preserve and crosses the Rock River to Sunshine Park then north of town.

CITY: Byron

Byron Forest Preserve District (skating)

The Forest Preserve has one outdoor skating rink and warming shelter - open weekends.

CITY: Byron

Byron Dragway

See NHRA championship drag racing.

CITY: Byron

Prairie View Golf Course - Byron Forest Preserve

This 18-hole course has bent grass fairways, tees and greens, a practice area, full-service clubhouse, and rental carts with canopies.

CITY: Byron

Hailey’s Winery

Hailey's Winery specializes in handcrafted wines from grape varieties native to Illinois, as well as other varietals, and seasonal fruits. We are a fully functioning winery, with all wines produced and bottled on the premises. Wine tastings are available in our tasting room any time during our business hours, and we also have weekend music events. In addition to wine, we have homemade bread, cheeses, chocolates, and gift items.

CITY: Byron

Rouge Wine Cellar

Located in the small village of Creston, Rouge Wine Cellar is a unique shop in northern Illinois specializing in fine wines, gifts and imported pottery. The store is located in the remodeled cellar of a historic building which has been brought back to glory by Eric and Debbie who returned to Creston after living abroad for many years. The Rouge Wine Cellar offers the relaxing atmosphere of Europe while also providing the visitor with a choice of today's greatest wines from 15 countries, including local Illinois wineries. Not only are we confident that you will find the perfect wine for your special occasion, but we invite you to try some of the bottles carefully selected by Eric for daily tastings. Let Debbie inspire you with her personal selection of imported pottery, glassware and accessories that will turn your gifts into unique conversation pieces. Come and see us, we promise you will be amazed!

CITY: Creston

Priscilla's Parlor

Priscilla's Parlor is now located inside Roadhouse Antiques in Creston in a quaint shop located on Hwy 38. We carry a mix of antiques, vintage, primitives, collectibles, shabby-chic and jewelry, just to name a few.

CITY: Creston

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

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

Best Western Reagan Hotel

Full service hotel in a beautiful rural setting.

CITY: Dixon

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

St. Peter's Episcopal Church

The second-oldest Episcopal church in the state of Illinois was built in 1849 of locally quarried limestone, and is a unique combination of Gothic and Greek architecture.

CITY: Dixon

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

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

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

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

Distinctive Gardens, Inc.

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

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

Dixon Floral

Antiques, flowers, plants, and misc. gifts.

CITY: Dixon

Blumin Stuff

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

CITY: Dixon

Tangibles

Fine gifts and ladies casual to business apparel.

CITY: Dixon

The Frameworks -- Dixon

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

CITY: Dixon

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

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

Touch of Thai

Authentic Thai food rates the best in the area. Check out our sushi bar!

CITY: Dixon

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

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

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

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

Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home and Visitors Center

Tour the restored home that the Reagan family resided in from 1920-1923, and meander through the Visitor Center and Gift Shop which features books and gifts highlighting the Reagan legacy. The tour includes the four-room Presidential Timeline exhibit and the viewing of a Reagan biographical video.

CITY: Dixon

‘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

The Basil Tree Ristorante

Fine dining Italian restaurant located in the heart of the city. Beautifully renovated historic building with authentic Italian cuisine and wine list.

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

Sow's Belly

Check out this great local establishment featuring delicious sandwiches & sides; gyros & hot dogs; Chicago style pizza.

CITY: Dixon

Bangkok Gardens

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

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

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

The Magnuson Hotel of Dixon

At the Magnuson Hotel of Dixon, we have some of the best rates in the area. We're located close to both Dixon and the Sterling/Rock Falls area and are a 5-minute drive to Ronald Reagan's Boyhood Home. Located next to the Brandywine Banquet Facility.

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

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

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

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 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

Nachusa Grasslands, The Nature Conservancy

Private natural area owned by the Nature Conservancy. Highlights are 1500 acres of prairie, wetlands, and savanna woodlands. Grassland flowers, birds and butterflies to observe.

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

Unique Embroidery

Embroidery on shirts, caps, bags, etc.

CITY: Franklin Grove

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

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

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

The Colonial Rose Inn and Restaurant

Bed & Breakfast. The atmosphere has a casual elegance that embraces its colorful past. Jeff Rose is both owner and accomplished executive chef. He trained in Los Angeles and has been chef and food and beverage director in the Chicago area, Connecticut and Durham, NC.

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

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

Genealogical Research Library

Research early history, marriages, cemetery and census records, and family books, all pertaining to Ogle County.

CITY: Holcomb

Hardanger Hus

Hardanger Hus is located in the quaint village of Lee. This shop boasts a wide selection of Norwegian and Swedish gifts, material and thread for needle work, jewelry, books, and other unique finds. Hardanger Hus has been a staple in the community for over 30 years.

CITY: Lee

Coop's Bar & Grill

Come into Coop's and try one of our delicious homemade sandwiches. We have a variety of items on our menu that are sure to please you. While here, grab an ice cold beer and catch your favorite sports team.

CITY: Lee

Jonamac Orchard and Corn Maze

Bring your family out to our 65 acre site for a day of fall fun this harvest season! Open from August 31st through November, enjoy the horse drawn hay rides, 10 acre corn maze (Beginning Labor Day Weekend), kid's activity area with a barn, bale pile, tractor cab and more. Pick your own apples from any of our nearly 5,000 trees (Begins late August). Stop in our store and visit the bakery for apple donuts, pies, caramel apples and fresh baked bread, and fudge. Pony rides and a petting zoo will be available in the beginning of September. Apples: Akane, Mollies Delicious, Jonamac, Jonagold, Crispin, Empire, Stabrite, Braeburn, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Granny Smith, Red and Golden Delicious, Ginger Gold, Cortland, Blushing Gold, Fuji, Haralson, Red Free, Prima, Gala, Spartan, Melrose, Rome, Cameo, Tsugaru, Gold Rush. Jonamac Orchard is your family's fall tradition.

CITY: Malta

Lincoln Highway Seedling Mile and Interpretive Gazebo

Malta is home to the "first seedling mile" on the Lincoln Highway. As one of the 16 Interpretive Gazebos located along the Lincoln Highway, the Malta gazebo offers a unique way for visitors to enjoy stories of the early Lincoln Highway and its Illinois communities.

CITY: Malta

Lincoln Highway Interpretive Mural -- Malta

The Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition has produced Interpretive Murals along the Illinois Lincoln Highway National Scenic Byway and its corridor in northern Illinois. The Malta mural depicts the history, heritage, and events of the highway and its impact in Malta and on the communities in Illinois.

CITY: Malta

Karshone's Hometown Cafe

Craving breakfast? Karshone's is the place to be! Here we make all our toast in house, and have amazing biscuits and gravy. We also have a variety of lunch options, like a steak and cheese sandwich, as well as delicious desserts such as peanut butter pie.

CITY: Malta

Union Depot Railroad Museum

Model railroad, locomotive display, railroad memorabilia.

CITY: Mendota

Hume Carnegie Museum

Wild Bill Hickok, extensive photographic collection, memorabilia of yesteryear, and special exhibits.

CITY: Mendota

Lord Stocking's Bed & Breakfast

Thee-story, Victorian home decorated with original antique furnishings. Mendota has parks and three museums. Starved Rock State Park is close by. Please call for reservations.

CITY: Mendota

Mendota Museum and Historical Society

Dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of the people, commerce, and industry of the Mendota area. Extensive photographic collection depicting over 100 years of Mendota area history. Three Western Cottage organs and a Carpenter organ manufactured in Mendota in late 1800s. Hume-Carnegie Museum Saturday & Sunday 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM 3/1 - 12/15; Union Depot Railroad Sat & Sun Noon to 4:00 PM, 3/1 – 12/15 Breaking the Prairie Museum by appointment. Office hours Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM.

CITY: Mendota

Lils Acres

Eight acres of beautiful landscaping and flower gardens include the Life of Christ Memorial Garden, featuring life-sized sculptures tracing the life of Christ from birth to ascension.

CITY: Monroe Center

Kilbuck Creek

Located in the heart of the mid-west in Monroe Center, Illinois, just a 20 minute drive south from Rockford, a quiet, majestic dwelling sits among the trees that seclude Kilbuck Creek from sight of even its closest neighbors. This secluded sanctuary in the wilderness could be the location of your upcoming wedding, family reunion, church or business retreat or romantic getaway.

CITY: Monroe Center

White Pines Inn

25 cozy one-room cabins complete with hardwood floors, open beamed ceilings and queen size beds with old fashioned trundle beds. Modern conveniences include TVs, phones, heat/air, and gas fireplaces.

CITY: Mount Morris

The Cabins of Pine Creek

Family cabins are located adjacent to White Pines State Park. Cabins sleep from 6-10 people. Gas fireplaces, full kitchens, log lodge furnishings

CITY: Mount Morris

Mount Morris Motel

Nearest motel to White Pines, one level no stairs to climb, cable TV, A/C, eat, and 24 hour phone.

CITY: Mount Morris

The Kable House

Dates from 1939 and is situated on 9 wooded acres on the sunset golf course. Five suites feature private baths, two with jacuzzi tubs, and all have refrigerators, microwaves, phones, tv, queen beds, and central air

CITY: Mount Morris

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

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

Sandy's Candles and Gifts

The store features hand poured Soy & Palm Wax Candles by Sandy. There are many handcrafted items including: custom gift baskets, hanging flower baskets, Leaning Tree Cards, jewelry, candles, decor, home and garden items.

CITY: Mount Morris