‘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

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

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

Atwood Park War Memorial

The memorials here are a tribute to veterans of the Vietnam War, Korean War, Gulf War and World War II. The war memorials are the only ones built in the U.S. by youth, constructed by Boy Scouts of Troop 312 Rochelle as Eagle Projects.

CITY: Rochelle

Bangkok Gardens

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

CITY: Dixon

Baymont Inn & Suites

Baymont Inn & Suites in Rochelle offers 59 spacious rooms, whirlpool suites, cable and movie channels, coffee makers, free high-speed wireless internet, microfridge in every room, voicemail and pet friendly. Continental breakfast, large indoor pool area featuring a whirlpool, exercise room, outdoor patio area. For small meetings and intimate receptions we offer facilities for groups of up to 25.

CITY: Rochelle

Beacon

Rochelle's finest restaurant, specializing in steaks, seafood, chops and pasta. Also featuring a Martini Bar and fine wine selection. Located on the Historic Lincoln Highway.

CITY: Rochelle

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

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

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

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

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

Byron Civic Center

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

CITY: Byron

Byron Dragway

See NHRA championship drag racing.

CITY: Byron

Byron Forest Preserve District (skating)

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

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

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 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

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

Chicagoland Skydiving Center

Jump with the best skydiving school in the United States - Chicagoland Skydiving Center now located at Koritz Field in Rochelle! Come see why more people from the Chicago area choose tandem skydiving at CSC. We service more first-time skydivers than any other skydiving center in Chicago and the Midwest. At CSC, our priority is on safety and customer service. Check out our skydive center and book your tandem parachute jump online. Chicagoland Skydiving Center in Rochelle, Illinois (formerly in Hinckley, IL) is your safest source for skydiving - period! Check out our brand new skydive aircraft and see how we maintain our safety record and reputation as the BEST!

CITY: Rochelle

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

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

Colonial Flowers & Gifts, Inc.

Unique store using antiques to enhance displays. Flowers and gifts.

CITY: Rochelle

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

Comfort Inn and Suites Rochelle

The only deluxe-service hotel in the charming city of Rochelle, Illinois, the refreshed Comfort Inn & Suites delivers a unique blend of friendly Midwest personality and fast-forward hospitality. For business and vacation, our contemporary lifestyle hotel offers a comfortable and convenient setting for all your travels in Northern Illinois. Whether planning a corporate connection, a romantic getaway or a train spotting adventure, you’ll find our Rochelle hotel is perfect for working and playing.

CITY: Rochelle

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

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

Costa's

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

CITY: Byron

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

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

deVine Wine Bar

Stop by to see Rochelle's newest addition to the Hickory Grove building offering fine wines on tap and micro-brew beers. We offer an elegant atmosphere & sophisticated menu.

CITY: Rochelle

Diamond G Ranch & Western Store

Large western store -- everything for the horse & rider. Also, indoor and outdoor arenas. Boarding available.

CITY: Rochelle

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

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

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

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

Granny's Berries

Stop by and pick your own blueberries and red raspberries.

CITY: Rochelle

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

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

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

Hillcrest Motel

Featuring 10 rooms with new electric heat and air conditioning for very reasonable prices. TV in each room.

CITY: Rochelle

Holiday Inn Express

The Holiday Inn Express Rochelle is conveniently located to many of Rochelle area attractions and cities. We are the choice of many visitors who want to be near the cities of Rockford, Sycamore, Dixon and DeKalb, Illinois, which are only a short drive away. The hotel is also only minutes away from many area attractions including Northern Illinois University, Kishwaukee College, Magic Waters Water Park, Rochelle Rail Fan Park, and some of the best golf in Illinois.

CITY: Rochelle

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

Hub City Antique Mall

Hub City Mall features antiques, used furniture, and much more. We offer beautiful antiques that you will love and our friendly staff will gladly assist you with all your antique shopping questions and needs.

CITY: Rochelle

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

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

Krafty Korner - Located inside R & D Do It Best Hardware

Unique gift items including, paintings from Spain, tractor collectables, yard art, candles, glass work, specialty items, and hard-to-find gift ideas.

CITY: Rochelle

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