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Shedd Aquarium

Lowell Park

2114 Lowell Park Rd. , Dixon, IL 61021

Bird & Eagle Watching

Lowell Park encompasses 240 acres along the Rock River and includes the Ruth Edwards Nature Center, boat launches with Rock River access, fishing, hiking, nature preserve, and more.

Until you have walked through this nature wonderland, will you not appreciate this wonderful gift that was presented to the City of Dixon near the turn of the 19th century. Established in 1907, it has stood through all these years as a place whereby people could relax and enjoy recreation to its fullest and is on the National Register Of Historic Places. It is where a young Ronald Reagan took a summer job as a lifeguard and is reported to have saved 77 people from the river during his tenure. Along with the Ruth Edwards Nature Center, there are rest rooms, parking, boat launches with Rock River access, fishing, hiking, nature preserve, cross country skiing, shelters, grills, playground equipment, and more. 

What's happening nearby...

Absolutely Abstract Art Exhibition in Dixon

Jun 03 – Jul 11 @ 10AM

A juried exhibition celebrating bold 2D and 3D abstract art at The Next Picture Show in Dixon, June 3–July 11, 2026.

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62nd Petunia Festival in Dixon

Downtown Dixon •  Jul 02 – Jul 05 @ 8:30AM

The 62nd Annual Dixon Petunia Festival returns to Dixon, Illinois, July 2–5, 2026, with four days of live music, carnival rides, food, family fun, a parade,…

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Dixon's Reagan Run 5K

Haymarket Square •  Jul 04 @ 8AM

Lace up for the 26th annual Reagan Run 5K on the Fourth of July in Dixon, Illinois. Start at Ronald Reagan's boyhood home, cross the Rock…

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