Northwest Illinois Directory
Explore All Places
Every supper club, trailhead, main-street shop, and stay across all four counties: searchable in one place.
The Royal PalmsDowntown Dixon neighborhood bar with a relaxed atmosphere, cold drinks, and video gaming. Check its current social listing for hours and events.
FeaturedThe Rusty Fox Alehouse & Wine BarRusty Fox Ale House is a laid-back neighborhood bar and grill in Sterling, offering a mix of craft beer, wine, and classic cocktails alongside approachable pub food. The menu includes burgers, sandwiches, and shareable appetizers, making it a comfortable option for lunch, dinner, or an easy night out.
The Rusty Fox also hosts live music and regularly features beer, wine, and liquor tastings. With its relaxed atmosphere and friendly service, it’s a go-to local spot for gathering with friends and enjoying a casual night in town.
Closed on Sundays and Mondays.- The SanctuaryThe Sanctuary is an inclusive events venue specializing in intimate acoustic concerts and personalized ceremonies. Also presents art exhibitions.
The Shoppes at Grandon PlazaDiscover the Shoppes at Grandon Plaza
Nestled in downtown Sterling at 310 2nd Avenue, the Shoppes at Grandon Plaza is a charming open-air market of boutique chalets and pop-up spaces offering handcrafted goods, local art, and small-batch creations. Supported by Sterling Main Street, this incubator brings together rotating merchants—from botanical beauty brands and greeting-card artisans to elegant home décor and jewelry designers.
Whether you’re strolling through summer evening markets or browsing thoughtful gifts made with Midwest spirit, the Shoppes are about more than just shopping—they’re about connection, creativity, and community. A must-visit for curious travelers looking for authentic local flair.
The Soldiers' MonumentLorado Taft's Civil War monument on the north lawn of the Ogle County Courthouse, honoring county residents who served, with two additional Civil War cannons displayed on the east lawn.
The Spark ShopSmall-business retail incubator inside Rochelle's restored 1918 Standard Oil filling station, offering rotating locally made gifts, home décor, candles, baked goods, apparel, tumblers, cards, and other products.
The Special TouchFull-service Lanark florist and gift shop creating arrangements for everyday occasions, weddings, and sympathy needs, with pottery, candles, and other distinctive gifts.
The Sterling Theater1924 vaudeville theater rebuilt 1944, Art Moderne style. Recently renovated. Brew-and-view with 2 screens, beer/wine, pizza, appetizers, cabaret seating. See website for showtimes.
The TailorThe Tailor is a beautifully restored 1892 loft in downtown Morrison's national historic district. The 800-square-foot studio sleeps up to four guests and blends Victorian character—original Douglas fir floors, 10-foot ceilings, pocket doors, and a clawfoot tub—with a full kitchen, washer and dryer, queen bed, sofa bed, dedicated workspace, Roku TV, Wi-Fi, self check-in, and one parking space. The second-floor loft is above an art gallery and requires climbing 21 stairs.
The Thomson HangoutThe Thomson Hangout offers a warm hometown feel, ice cold drinks, delicious food, & smiling faces so you are sure to have a great time! Follow us on Facebook for weekly specials and more!
The Toy StoreIndependent Sterling toy shop offering games, puzzles, educational toys, creative playthings, and gifts for children and playful adults.
The Village BakeryThe Village Bakery in downtown Oregon is an Illinois Made honoree specializing in fresh baked goods made with locally sourced ingredients, along with coffee, frozen drinks, and ice cream. This community-focused bakery proudly employs adults with disabilities, providing meaningful work opportunities and demonstrating that "We Bake a Difference." Visit our website for our inspiring story and current hours of operation.
The Warehouse BoutiqueAmboy women's boutique and salon offering clothing, jewelry, accessories, gifts, home décor, and beauty services in the restored warehouse at 204 N. Jefferson Avenue.
Thom's InnThomson pub and café serving beer, wine, spirits, espresso drinks, soups, burgers, quesadillas, and baked goods, with a beer garden and periodic live music, jams, and karaoke.
Thomas ParkSterling Park District's 12.25-acre neighborhood park with six pickleball courts, basketball, a playground, dog park, picnic areas, open play space, seasonal restroom, and reservable shelter.
Thomson Causeway Recreation Area131 campsites, 50 amp service, playgrounds, boat ramp, picnic shelters, horseshoe pits, Hidden Slough Trail, access to Great River Bike Trail. Camping May 1–4th Sunday Oct; limited winter access.
Thomson Depot MuseumHistoric railroad depot, open Memorial Day-Labor Day (Sat/Sun 1-4pm). Tours, music, food, and new displays. Built in late 1800s, restored and moved to current site in 1986. Annex added in 1989. Free admission, donations accepted.
Tiger Town ParkDog-friendly Byron park with an inclusive playground, zip line, swings, basketball and bocce courts, table tennis, chess, game tables, and a central plaza.
Timber Creek Golf CourseEstablished 1915. Gently rolling fairways, sand traps, and bentgrass greens. 18 holes with cart $25, 9 holes with cart $15, twilight special after 6pm $15. 250-yard driving range, two large practice greens. Memberships and range passes available. Bogey’s Bar & Grill open daily during the season.
Timber Lake PlayhouseLocated in Mount Carroll, Timber Lake Playhouse is Illinois’ oldest continuously operating professional summer stock theatre, presenting a full season of live performances from April through October.
The playhouse features a dynamic mix of Broadway-style musicals, comedies, classic plays, and new works, all performed by professional artists from across the country. Its scenic, tucked-away campus creates a relaxed and intimate setting where audiences can enjoy high-quality theatre just steps from the stage.
In addition to mainstage productions, Timber Lake Playhouse offers educational workshops and programs for youth and teens, helping inspire the next generation of performers. With a long-standing national reputation for quality, accessible facilities, and free on-site parking, it’s a standout destination for arts and culture in Northwest Illinois.
Timber Lake ResortEstablished in 1955, Timber Lake Resort is a 159-acre resort and campground in historic Mount Carroll. Offers 120 campsites (including RV sites with hookups), deluxe log cabins, lakeside rustic camping, pool, group pavilion, recreation center, general store, lakeside deck, two lakes, biking/hiking trails. Timber Lake Playhouse, Illinois’ oldest summer stock theater, is next door.
Timber Lane Christmas Tree FarmOpens the Friday after Thanksgiving through December 23. Cut your own or choose pre-cut Christmas trees (starting at $9/foot for cut-your-own, $10/foot for pre-cut). Also offers greenery, wreaths, porch decor, and a country store with ornaments and home decor.
Tina’s Ice Cream and Riverview AntiquesAntique/collectibles shop with consignment vendors plus Tina’s Ice Cream Shoppe: sandwiches, hot dogs, hard ice cream. See Facebook for hours/specials.
Tiny Home-Cozy Cabin on the Mississippi RiverSome more features of the cabin are its large deck, and large windows that overlook the River. With an open floor plan the cabin is cozy with its full bed and sofa bed, its one bathroom, and a kitchen that has a fridge and stove, and microwave. The kitchen is stocked with necessary dishes and utensils. This cabin also has an outdoor fire pit, picnic tables, charcoal grill, and chairs with a view of the Mississippi River. Nearby there is a bar and restaurant, walking, and bike paths. The neighboring town of Savanna has several historical attractions as well. Owners of property have lived in the area for over 15 years and are able to provide more information if requested. Cabin can be rented at different prices for longer stays.
Guest access
You have access to the grill and the fire pit, which are north of the cabin.
Other things to note
This is a shared property with another Airbnb. Which both have access to the dock when it is in the water..
