Northwest Illinois Directory
Family-friendly in Dixon
Every supper club, trailhead, main-street shop, and stay across all four counties: searchable in one place.
Al & Leda PizzeriaFamily-run for over 60 years, Al & Leda Pizzeria is a local landmark in Dixon, IL. Famous for its signature Spaghetti Pizza—a crispy-yet-chewy crust topped with spaghetti noodles, marinara sauce, and mozzarella—plus unique pizzas like BBQ Cheeseburger and BLT. Menu includes Italian cheeseburgers, torpedo sandwiches, and homemade classics. Casual, friendly, and perfect for families. Owned by the Bartolomei family since 1960.
Ballou ParkDixon Park District neighborhood park with lighted ball diamonds, a basketball court, a playground, and the Kiwanis picnic shelter with tables, a grill, and electricity. The shelter and ball fields are available for reservations.
Dixon City MarketDixon City Market brings 50+ local and regional crafters, artisans and food vendors to the riverfront, with live music, drinks and kids activities. The 2026 market runs 5–8 p.m. Wednesdays from May 27 through Aug. 5 on the published event dates, concluding with Dixon City Market Jr. Check Discover Dixon for the current schedule and vendor applications.
Dixon Family YMCACommunity health and recreation center serving all ages with fitness classes, personal training, aquatics and swim lessons, youth sports, childcare, camps and community events. The main facility includes an indoor pool, gym and wellness spaces. Check the official schedules and membership pages for current hours, programs and access details.
Dixon Park DistrictDixon Park District manages parks, trails, recreation programs and facilities throughout the community, including historic Lowell Park, Park 4 Paws, a nature center, sports facilities and reservable shelters and event spaces. The district offers program registration, rentals, seasonal activities and community events; use the official website for current schedules and reservations.
Dixon’s Railroad Street ArchesThree locally quarried Galena-limestone railroad arches carry Dixon’s shared-use trail above First, Second and Third streets. Built for the Illinois Central Railroad in the 1850s, the arches are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and were rehabilitated in 1999. Today walkers and cyclists can cross the historic structures en route to downtown and the Rock River.
Grace Johnston ParkGrace Johnston Park is a year-round Dixon neighborhood park with a playground, basketball hoop, and ball field. The Dixon Park District lists the park at 1110 Highland Avenue and keeps it open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
John Dixon ParkJohn Dixon Park is Dixon's oldest neighborhood park and a community gathering place on North Galena Avenue. Children can explore multiple play areas, including Dixon's first inclusive playground with accessible ramps, a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round, slides, and rubber surfacing. The reservable Lions Shelter has picnic tables, a grill, water fountain, and electricity; the park also hosts seasonal events such as Music at the Square and farmers markets.
Las PalmasLas Palmas is a friendly Dixon restaurant serving authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex favorites in a warm, relaxed setting. The menu offers tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, combination plates, and other familiar favorites, along with a broad selection of drinks for an easy lunch or dinner out.
Lowell Parkway TrailLowell Parkway Trail is a 3-mile paved rail-trail linking Dixon’s Washington Avenue area with Lowell Park. Built on the former Illinois Central rail bed, the route opened in 1992 and provides a scenic, mostly separated path for walking and bicycling. Park at the southern trailhead off Washington Avenue or at the north end inside Lowell Park, where visitors can continue to woodland trails, picnic areas, fishing, playgrounds, and Rock River access.
Maria’s PizzaMaria’s Pizza is a family-owned Dixon pizzeria making its own sauce and dough with fresh ingredients. The menu centers on classic and specialty pizzas, with sandwiches, pasta, chicken wings, chicken strips, Italian beef, lasagna, appetizers, and party-size options rounding out the selection. Order online for pickup or delivery, and check the website for current specials and hours.
Meadows ParkMeadows Park is a 567-acre Dixon Park District recreation area stretching from Washington Avenue toward the Rock River. Its trails support hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and seasonal nature exploration, while the park also serves local soccer programs. Families can visit Wooden Wonderland playground and the adjacent accessible Water Wonderland splash pad with 23 water features, picnic space, pavilion, restrooms, and paved parking.
Nichol's Flowers & GreenhousesLongtime Dixon florist and greenhouse offering fresh floral designs, seasonal flowers, plants and gift-ready arrangements. Contact the shop for current greenhouse availability, custom floral orders and seasonal hours.
Old Settlers Cabin, Lincoln Statue and Fort Dixon SitePresident’s Park brings together Dixon’s Old Settlers Cabin, Abraham Lincoln Statue, and former Fort Dixon site along the Rock River. Leonard Crunelle’s 1930 bronze depicts the 23-year-old Lincoln as a Black Hawk War militia captain, the only known statue showing him in military uniform. The 1894 cabin preserves local pioneer history and opens for special tours and events. The grounds and riverwalk are open for self-guided visits.
Page ParkADA boat ramp, hiking, picnic shelters, Rock River fishing, ball diamonds, tennis courts, ice rink, disc golf (9 holes), Emma Hubbs Tennis Courts, Lions shelter, bandshell, memorial benches, and more.
Page Park Boat RampFeatures parking lot, boat launches, canoe access, fishing, Emma Hubbs Tennis Courts, picnic shelter, youth baseball diamonds, scenic drive, ADA boat access, memorial benches, Lions shelter with picnic tables, grill, electricity, and bandshell.
Palmyra GreenhouseYear-round, full-production greenhouse 5 minutes from Dixon. Offers horticulture advice, Illinois-grown plants, pottery, home décor, custom baskets, and educational opportunities. Local delivery available.
Pam's Hallmark ShopComplete line of Hallmark products, year-round/seasonal gifts, greeting cards, unique gifts. Mon–Fri 9am–7pm, Sat 9am–6pm, Sun 10am–5pm. Like on Facebook!
Plum Hollow Family CenterPlum Hollow Family Center in Dixon, IL, is a full-service entertainment destination perfect for families, friends, and groups looking to play, compete, and celebrate. With 24 modern Brunswick bowling lanes offering both regular and cosmic bowling, this local favorite brings classic fun into the present. Beyond bowling, visitors can challenge each other in laser tag, tackle indoor black light miniature golf, rack up tickets in the arcade, and book private party rooms for birthdays, corporate events, or team outings.
Whether you’re joining a year-round league, taking advantage of daily specials, or just stopping by for some casual fun, Plum Hollow offers something for every age and interest. With on-site amenities like room rentals and seasonal specials, it’s a versatile spot for laid-back family time or high-energy group celebrations right here in Dixon.
Reagan Peace ParkPark featuring a 20-foot Wings of Peace and Freedom sculpture by Nick Tanev, murals, and a replica of the Berlin Wall, recognizing President Reagan’s impact on world peace.- Rock River Bible Camp
Rockin' Nutrition & WellnessDixon nutrition café serving shakes, loaded teas, and other wellness-focused drinks and hosting community fitness activities.
Rusted RelicsDixon antique shop with a changing selection of primitives, vintage pieces, furniture, collectibles, and regional finds.
Rustic RootsModern farmhouse home décor shop carrying gifts, clothing, candles, furniture and seasonal décor, with cabinet-painting services and DIY offerings.
