Northwest Illinois Directory
Places to Go in Lee County
Every supper club, trailhead, main-street shop, and stay across all four counties: searchable in one place.
Loveland Community House and MuseumLoveland Community House and Museum combines a free local-history museum with an active Dixon community and event venue. Exhibits include a full-length portrait of city founder John Dixon, equipment from Charles Walgreen’s first drugstore, Civil War weapons, dolls and toys, pioneer tools, local industry artifacts, art, and Reagan memorabilia. The historic building also offers lounges, meeting rooms, a stage, full kitchen, and a dining hall seating up to 200 for weddings and events.
Lowell ParkLowell Park, the National Register of Historic Places, spans 240 acres along the Rock River and features the Ruth Edwards Nature Center, restrooms, parking, boat launches with Rock River access, fishing, hiking trails, a nature preserve, cross-country skiing, shelters, grills, playground equipment, and more. Ronald Reagan saved 77 lives here as a lifeguard during his boyhood years.
Until you have walked through this nature wonderland, you will 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 the test of time as a place where people could relax and enjoy recreation to the fullest.
History Fun Fact: It is where Ronald Reagan took a summer job as a lifeguard and reportedly saved 77 people from the river during his tenure.
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.
Mad Water SaloonNew in 2024, Mad Water Saloon in downtown Dixon is a bar and full live music venue with a large back room for private parties and events. Features line dancing on Mondays, bingo on Thursdays, karaoke on Fridays, and a variety of local and regional bands. Contact for event booking.
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.
Mary’s DinerLocated in Dixon’s Dement Town neighborhood, Mary’s Diner offers breakfast and lunch. Known for home-cooked meals, generous portions, friendly service, and affordable prices. Follow on Facebook for daily specials.
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.
Mendota Hills Campground130-acre campground with fishing, boating, hayrack rides, swimming beach, hiking, camp store, church services, and campfires. Rental campers, golf cart rentals, RV sites (seasonal, monthly, weekly, overnight), and tent camping. Themed weekends and frog jumping contest every Sunday.
Mills & Petrie Memorial Library & GymnasiumMills & Petrie Memorial Library & Gymnasium serves Ashton and surrounding communities with books, audiobooks, public computers, Wi-Fi, digital resources, interlibrary loan, children's programs, clubs, and community activities. The historic community building also offers an affordable gymnasium, Legion Room, entry hall, commercial kitchen, and meeting rooms for birthdays, reunions, weddings, business meetings, and other gatherings. Contact the facility for rental availability.
Moonlight Bay Marina & RestaurantMoonlight Bay Marina & Restaurant is a family-owned waterfront destination on the Rock River, serving the Sterling area since 1963. The relaxed restaurant and bar offers burgers, tacos, tenders, locally sourced dishes, beer, wine, cocktails, outdoor patio seating, live music, and river views. The marina provides a safe harbor and recreational boating access, while the property also welcomes wedding parties and special gatherings. Check the website and social pages for current kitchen hours and events.
Mormon CemeteryCemetery of the Church of Latter Day Saints containing the grave of one of Brigham Young’s wives.
Mormons in Amboy Historical MarkerThis downtown Amboy historical marker identifies the site of Goldman’s Hall, where Joseph Smith III was ordained president-prophet of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on April 6, 1860. The event formalized the church’s reorganization, now known as Community of Christ. The marker also recalls Amboy’s early Mormon congregation and was erected in 1974 by the Lee County and Illinois State Historical Societies.
My Play VillageInteractive children’s play center/party venue, Dixon Plaza. Mini village for creative/dramatic play. Ages 1–10. Open play, parties, themed events. $9/child, adults free (limit 2/adult per child). FB for updates.
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.
Northwest Territory Historic CenterHistory research and learning center in Ronald Reagan’s boyhood school, Dixon, IL, affiliated with Smithsonian. Features exhibits on Native Americans, Reagan, Rock River Assembly, Chautauqua, farming, WWII, and more. Art gallery, theater, auditorium, and museum store. Open Mon–Fri, 9am–4pm.
Old Lee County CourthouseCompleted in 1901, the Old Lee County Courthouse is a Classical Revival landmark in downtown Dixon and a contributing property in the historic district. The domed cut-stone building stands on the site of Lee County’s earlier courthouse and continues to house county administrative offices and the County Board meeting room. A marker on the lawn recalls Abraham Lincoln’s campaign speech at the site.
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.
Old Settlers Log CabinBuilt in 1894 as a tribute to early settlers. Relocated to former Fort Dixon site. Also features a statue of Abraham Lincoln in military uniform. Managed by Lee County Historical Society, open weekends and during the Dixon Petunia Festival.
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.
Palmyra Pub & EateryHidden gem on west edge of Dixon. Classic burgers, roasted chicken, steaks, BBQ, signature appetizers, salads, wraps. Mon–Thu 11am–9pm, Fri–Sat 11am–11pm, Sun 11am–9pm.
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!
PatiO’s Irish PubFriendly staff, great drinks, outdoor seating/patio. FB for info.
