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

Oakdale Nature Preserve

This Nature Preserve offers 133 acres of oak and hickory woodlands, restored prairies and shallow streams. Over four miles of winding trails are great for hiking, running, cross-country skiing, nature study and quiet reflection. Facilities, which are available to rent, include the Mogle Learning Center with meeting space for 20 people, a lodge with a kitchen and dining hall that can seat up to 80. The Oakdale Octagon Shelter has seating for up to 350 and a stage. Two picnic shelters as well as other picnic tables are available.

CITY: Freeport

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

Camp Grant Museum and Command Post Restaurant

Memorabilia of Rockford's Camp Grant, U.S. Army induction and training camp during World Wars I and II. The museum, an original building of Camp Grant, houses the Command Post restaurant and contains postcards, pictures, and memorabilia of the camp along with Rockford postcards.

CITY: Rockford

Abreo Restaurant, Wine Bar & Patio

In the heart of the up-and-coming 500 block, Abreo has become known as downtown's premiere restaurant and nightspot. Housed in vintage 1888 architecture, the atmosphere is uniquely its own. From its cozy wine bar with a beautiful stone fireplace, its whimsical dining room, its peaceful garden patio, to its intimate wine cellar, Abreo is an experience for all of the senses.

CITY: Rockford

Elliot Golf Course

Located on Rockford's far east side, Elliot is an 18-hole course with 6,443 yards of rolling terrain, large trees and spacious greens. A smattering of water hazards and sand bunkers make Elliot a challenging course for any golfer.

CITY: Rockford

The Office Niteclub

Located in downtown Rockford’s historic River District, The Office offers dancing, drag shows, karaoke and an outdoor patio in warm-weather months.

CITY: Rockford

Oppold Marina

Offers boat access to the Rock River, with a 50-ft. renovated boat launch. During the summer season, offers boat gas, concessions, paddleboat/rowboat/canoe rentals as well as 2 large shelters for family reunions and parties,

CITY: Sterling

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

Rochelle Railroad Diamond Lodge

The Rochelle Diamond Lodge is a charming Lodge located just 50 yards from the Rochelle Train Park. Three Guest Suites are currently available and an actual caboose is on site and being renovated and will be available to stay in soon! The Lodge's comfortable and tasteful decor will make you feel right at home. It's all about relaxation, and who would want it any other way? Picnic tables in the back are the perfect spot to barbeque or enjoy a nice tall glass of lemonade in the summer and enjoy your privacy taking pictures in front of the on-site caboose! RAILFANS: Enjoy your day at the Railroad Park and then just walk back across the tracks to your Suite!

CITY: Rochelle

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

Freeport Farmers Market

All local products from certified organic to conventional fruit and vegetables, cheeses, meats, eggs, baked goods, honey, maple syrup, jams and jellies, bedding plants, perennials, fresh flowers, loose leaf teas, and handmade bath and beauty products in a festive market atmosphere. The Freeport Farmers Market is in operation from May through October in the CVS parking lot on South Street in Freeport.

CITY: Freeport

Garnhart's Oliver Museum

Explore the largest Oliver Hart-Parr collection in the Midwest, including farm toys, advertising, and collectibles dating back to 1860, and real antique tractors and machinery. Bus and group tours are available, but should be scheduled in advance.

CITY: German Valley

Byron Civic Center

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

CITY: Byron

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

Rockford College Art Gallery

Six exhibitions per year featuring local and national artists, including Rockford College students and faculty.

CITY: Rockford

Ethnic Heritage Museum

Six nationalities that helped shape the cultural region are represented in this home museum, built in 1850. Located in the heart of the old water power district, the house features a room for each ethnic group it represents: African American, Irish, Italian, Lithuanian, Polish, and Hispanic. Call to confirm hours and admission fees.

CITY: Rockford

Mendota Hills Campground

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

CITY: Amboy

Byron Dragway

See NHRA championship drag racing.

CITY: Byron

Butch's Antiques

American country antiques/primitives. Restoring of 18th and 19th century and new furniture. Refinishing, cabinet making, and fire and water damage restoration. Accepting Master Card and Visa.

CITY: Freeport

4 Seasons Bowling Center

This is a 40-lane bowling center with automatic scoring, Thunder Alley sound and light experience, which is open to the public. Jumping Joe's Sports Bar & Grill, Flip Pizza Restaurant, & full service banquet facilities are also offered.

CITY: Freeport

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

Northland Mall

Northland Mall is the only enclosed shopping center between Rockford and the Quad Cities. Includes large stores like JCPenney and Bergners as well as 20 other specialty shops.

CITY: Sterling

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

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

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

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

Studio Theatre at Rock Valley College

During the fall and spring semesters, Rock Valley College sponsors a Studio Theatre program, giving students and amateur actors in the area a chance to perform with guest professionals in plays such as Wings, Black Coffee, and 1940's Radio Hour. Each year the Studio Theatre presents a William Shakespeare classic. The Studio Theatre also has a new play development program with productions that have included American Rock!, Kite's Book, and Christmas With the Conroys.

CITY: Rockford

Artists' Ensemble Theatre

Artists's Ensemble is a thriving theater group that offers five professional productions a year in the Clark Arts Center at Rockford College. Tickets are available by phone or online.

CITY: Rockford

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

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

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

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

Patchwork Inn

Step back in time to a gentler age when hospitality was an art form and life was unhurried. Relax in the elegant parlor, while away an hour on the front porch or explore many of the area's attractions and state parks. Located in a restored 1840's inn, guest rooms feature restored and functional antiques along with individual room telephones and cable TV. The lower level is a great place to hold meetings or celebrate special events.

CITY: Oregon

Lincoln Park

Enjoy this park offering a picnic area, playground, shelter and restroom facilities as well as access to the Pecatonica Prairie Path which is currently under construction. The Pecatonica River may also be accessed for boating and canoeing approximately 200 yards from the park.

CITY: Ridott

Rockford College Performing Arts Department

Four productions per year in Clark Arts Center's Maddox and Cheek Theatres, performed by theater students, plus student-directed 3-Penny Theater productions, the Rockford College Forum Series, and Common Destines programs.

CITY: Rockford

Erlander Home Museum

The cultural centerpiece of Rockford's Swedish-ancestry community, Erlander Home Museum is located in Rockford's first brick home, built by John and Inga Stina Erlander family in 1871. Restored to its original Victorian decor, the twelve-room home features collections that include Rockford-made furniture, a renowned collection of more than 50 dolls created by Charlotte Weibull and many artifacts recalling Swedish immigration to northern Illinois and Rockford's Swedish heritage. Don't miss the Midsommar festival in mid-June; the First Annual KUBB Tournament in early June; Julmarknad in late November; Lucia in early December; Camp Sweden, a youth camp, in July; Swedish language classes offered in the fall and spring.

CITY: Rockford

Lincoln The Debater Statue

This famous statue was designed by Leonard Crunelle of Chicago, and was presented to Freeport at the 71st anniversary of the Lincoln-Douglas Debate on August 27, 1929, by local industrialist W. T. Rawleigh. It is located in Taylor Park.

CITY: Freeport

Sportscore One

This 105-acre sports complex, host to local and national tournaments, features eight lighted softball diamonds, eight regulation and 11 practice soccer fields, nine sand volleyball pits, concession stands, a soccer center with lockers, a boat ramp and a walking path.

CITY: Rockford

Wetlands Preserve

57-acre wetlands preserve features wildflower, birds, and wildlife, which may be viewed from an observation deck.

CITY: Freeport

Zealous Art Studio

This exceptional art gallery features local artists - paintings, photography, ceramics, and woodworking. Also offered are children's art classes as well as pottery classes.

CITY: Freeport

Motel 6 - Rockford

With newly renovated guestrooms and lobby, the hotel is convenient to I-90 and Illinois Business 20. Always fresh, always clean, our 131 guest rooms include a remote-controlled TV with free cable. No pets except service guide animals.

CITY: Rockford

Erlander Home Museum

The cultural centerpiece of Rockford's Swedish-ancestry community, Erlander Home Museum is located in Rockford's first brick home, built by John and IngaStina Erlander family in 1871. Restored to its original Victorian decor, the twelve-room home features collections that include Rockford-made furniture, a renowned collection of more than 50 dolls created by Charlotte Weibull and many artifacts recalling Swedish immigration to northern Illinois and Rockford's Swedish heritage. Don't miss the Midsommar Dag festival in mid-June, and Lucia Fest in early December.

CITY: Rockford

Graham-Ginestra House

An 1857 Italianate limestone house with ceiling murals, parquet floors, pocket doors, stained glass, curved staircase, carriage house and stables. English garden. Special events. Guided tours for groups on Sundays by appointment.

CITY: Rockford

Olympic Tavern

Friendly neighborhood place for drinks, pizza, homemade soup or full dinners. Steaks, chops, chicken, seafood, ribs, barbeque, pizza, pasta and salads. Patio dining in summer. Full bar.

CITY: Rockford

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

Fever River Railroad

For model railroad aficionados -- and everyone else who ever enjoyed model trains -- this model railroad is something to see. The Fever River Railroad is a 120X24-foot HO scale model of a hypothetical railroad running from Duluth, Minnesota to St. Louis, Missouri. This fully operational model railroad has detailed scenery, rail yards, factories, and interchanges with many other railroads. The model railroad allows for the operation of multiple trains along railroad right-of-way that portrays typical towns along the Duluth to St. Louis route. The Fever River Railroad is an ongoing project with upgrades to the layout and scenery that provides an exciting model railroad experience. A collection of railroad memorabilia and pictures, many from the surrounding area, are on display throughout the facility. The Stephenson Society of Model Trainmen, who operate the railroad, host an open house twice a year, and visitors are welcome at other times by appointment.

CITY: Freeport

Giovanni's Restaurant & Big Al's Bar

A local favorite, Giovanni’s Restaurant is known for its good food, service and competitive prices. Extensive banquet facilities. Big Al's Bar, an upscale entertainment and jazz bar, has a bar menu that includes pasta dishes, sandwiches appetizers & much more.

CITY: Rockford

Paone's Blackhawk Lanes

This bowling alley features 20 lanes, a pro shop and a lounge.

CITY: Sterling

‘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

Soldiers Memorials

The Civil War Soldiers Monument, on the southwest corner of the Stephenson County Courthouse, is inscribed with the names of those soldiers from Stephenson County who lost their lives in the Civil War. On the southeast corner is the Stephenson County Vietnam Era Veterans Memorial, which is a bronze statue of a full-sized M-16 with a bayonet stuck in the ground and a helmet on top.

CITY: Freeport

Slip and Slurry Pottery

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

CITY: Oregon

Pec Playhouse Theatre

Performances produced by people dedicated to proividing quality community theatre in an intimate, rustic venue.

CITY: Pecatonica

JMK Nippon

Midwest's finest Japanese restaurant where they prepare your meal right before your eyes at the Teppan tables. Traditional seafood, steak and chicken dishes and sushi bar. Karaoke Bar.

CITY: Rockford

Lexington Hotel at Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort - Rockford

Cliffbreakers overlooks the beautiful Rock River. Whether you have come here to attend a business meeting or celebrate with loved ones during a wedding reception, enjoy an evening of fine dining in Cliffbreakers Restaurant, a view of the Rock River will offer a pleasant and memorable time. On-site fine dining restaurant, martini lounge, Swedish hot rock sauna, business center, 25,000 sq. ft. of function space.

CITY: Rockford

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

Silver Creek and Stephenson Railroad and Silvercreek Museum

All aboard, as a 36-ton, 1912 Heisler steam locomotive pulls three cabooses, including an antique red caboose reported to be the oldest in the state, for a four-mile ride through farmlands. Purchase your ticket at the Silver Creek Depot, a turn-of-the-century replica filled with railroad artifacts, and browse the Freight House Gift Shop and Silvercreek Museum that's filled with early Americana.

CITY: Freeport

Cheese Market

This cheese shop features a wide variety of cheese, as well as local artisan cheese, sausages, Amish salsas, jams and local vegetables. Open: Sunday: 11 am - 4 pm; Monday - Friday: 10 am - 6 pm; S: 9 am - 6 pm.

CITY: Freeport

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

StudioPLUS - Rockford

Conveniently located, just off I-90 and Business Rt. 20, all rooms have full kitchens, including a full refrigerator and freezer, oven and four burner stovetop, microwave, coffee maker, toaster, and kitchen utensils, and free Wifi. Conveniently located, just off I-90 and Business Rt. 20. Near Magic Waters waterpark, CherryVale Mall, antique shops, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center.

CITY: Rockford

Book Stall of Rockford

Used and rare books: history, military, cookbooks, art, antiques, poetry, fiction, technology, natural history. First editions, hard-to-find and antiquarian books. By chance or by appointment.

CITY: Rockford

Courtyard by Marriott - Rockford

Courtyard surrounds travelers with the conveniences that make business and pleasure travel easy. Relax and get ready for the day ahead in one of our spacious guest rooms, featuring a comfortable sitting area, large work desk, two phones with data ports, free in-room high speed Internet access, in-room coffee service, HBO, in-room movies, and a newspaper. Unwind in our swimming pool, whirlpool and fitness room. No pets except service guide animals. Totally non-smoking facility. 24 hour Courtyard Market with snacks and drinks for your convenience. WiFi in lobby. You can also dine at the The Bistro, a "fast casual" restaurant for guests and the public, serving breakfast and dinner. The restaurant proudly serves Starbucks coffee and products 24 hours a day.

CITY: Rockford

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

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

4 Season Bowling Center

40-lane center with automatic scoring. Jumpin' Joe's Sports Bar & Grill and full service banquet facilities are also offered.

CITY: Freeport

Silver Ridge Golf Course

Silver Ridge is an 18-hole public golf course.

CITY: Oregon

Five Forks Market

Tapas-based cuisine plus a variety of sandwiches and soups. Extensive gourmet "to go" menu. Wine sales and free wine tasting Saturday afternoons.

CITY: Rockford

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

Read Park

Read Park offers many recreational opportunities and is highlighted by the Read Park Family Aquatic Center, which includes a zero depth pool, water slides and play area, and by a state of the art 11,000 square foot skate park, SK8 Park. This scenic park also features baseball and softball diamonds, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, an outdoor lighted hockey and ice staking rink, concession stand, picnic areas, shelters, and playgrounds. The Morgan Memorial, a charming statue of two children surrounded by fountains, is a serene spot to enjoy. Park attractions are open seasonally; please call ahead to confirm availability of specific attractions and costs.

CITY: Freeport

Jeanette Lloyd Theater

Large theater with seating for 850

CITY: Freeport

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

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

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

Comfort Inn - Rockford

The hotel is centrally located within one mile of several restaurants and shopping areas, close to I-90 and Business 20. Pets allowed with fee.

CITY: Rockford

Hoffman House Restaurant

Continental cuisine, steaks and prime rib in a relaxed setting. Banquet facilities to 400 people. Full bar, plus Rockford's hottest sports bar, the Scoreboard. Inside the Holiday Inn, but owned separately.

CITY: Rockford

Old River School Historic District

This residential district includes original Freeport and the city's first street, Monterey, and was later known as the "Gold Coast". Points of interest include Freeport's oldest house (built in 1838), the childhood home of famed Hollywood gossip columnist Louella Parsons, a monument honoring Freeport's founder, William "Tutty" Baker, and the Van Buren Bridge, built in 1885 of wrought iron.

CITY: Freeport

Lindo Theater

This historic movie theater, built in 1922, features first-run movies presented in the latest 4K digital projection and sound on nine screens. Stadium seating, digital 3D and party room.

CITY: Freeport

Silvercreek Museum

This museum, operated by the Stephenson County Antique Engine Club, which also operates the Silver Creek and Stephenson Railroad, offers 20 rooms of early Americana. Exhibts include 500 pieces of crockery, dolls, a recreated schoolroom and kitchen, art exhibits, quilts, tools and agricultural equipment, and many other historical exhibits. Also on the grounds is a display of antique machinery and an exhibit of Henny Motor Company vehicles which were manufactured in Freeport. Plus visitors can view the Cooper-Corliss engine, a giant 130-ton steam engine with a 25 foot flywheel which originally operated a rolling mill in a zinc plant. Special exhibits and events are featured throughout the year.

CITY: Freeport

Uniquely Yours Quilt Shop

Enjoy this store offering over 6000 bolts of the finest quality 100% cotton quilting fabric, quilt books, patterns, supplies and classes. Original designs and patterns plus kits galore.

CITY: Freeport

Wall of Yarn

This small shop offers a wide variety of yarns, needles and accessories. Classes in knitting, crochet and weaving are also offered.

CITY: Freeport

Friends Forever Humane Society Dog Park

Take your dog to this special 10 acre fenced dog park with a pond (for dog swimming ony). The park also offers a separate fenced area for small dogs and a dog agility equipment area. Fee is $5.00 per dog per day.

CITY: Freeport