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Trip Ideas & Trails
Signature driving trails and day-by-day itineraries across Carroll, Lee, Ogle & Whiteside counties, with real stops, honest timings, and end-to-end maps.
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Driving Trails
Full DayTrailFeaturedPie, Coffee & Country RoadsCarroll County · Lee County · Ogle County · Whiteside CountyEight independent bakeries, coffee shops and an orchard across all four counties: scratch sourdough in Amboy, 140,000 scones in Sterling, a 1942 family bakery in Rock Falls and a fruit-and-honey orchard to finish. One day, four counties, no drive-through.Food LoversFriendsBudget-Friendly
Full DayTrailSmall-Town Antique & Main Street TrailCarroll County · Ogle County · Lee CountyFour main streets, eight shops and a former piano factory with two floors of dealers. Mount Carroll to Polo to Oregon to Dixon, a hunting trip through the region’s best-preserved downtowns, with ice cream halfway and no chain store the entire day.FriendsCouplesBudget-Friendly
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Itineraries
48 HoursItineraryFeatured48 Hours in Reagan CountryLee County · Whiteside CountyTwo days built around the two houses that made a president, the Dixon boyhood home and the Tampico apartment he was born in, with the Lincoln Highway, a restored Illinois Central depot and a four-thousand-acre bison prairie filling the space between them.HistoryCouplesFamilies
2 DaysItineraryFeaturedFly with CSC: Sky, Prairie & Rock River CountryOgle County · Lee CountyMake a tandem skydive the headline, then come back to earth with airport lunch, Rock River overlooks, restored prairie, Italian food, craft beer, and a pine-country cabin.FriendsOutdoorsCouples
2 DaysItineraryA Dixon Evening and the PrairieLee CountyAn evening in Dixon, a night by the Rock River, and Reagan’s boyhood home and the Nachusa bison the next day. Dates to be confirmed.HistoryOutdoorsCouples
2 DaysItineraryPrairies, Palisades & Small-Town BitesLee County · Carroll County · Whiteside CountyCross the region from restored tallgrass prairie to Mississippi River bluffs, using Dixon, Savanna, and Fulton’s independent kitchens as the thread between two very different landscapes.OutdoorsFood LoversFriends
Full DayItineraryThe Charm of Dixon, IL: Stunning Nature and Friendly FacesLee CountyNot only are some of my favorite photos a part of this trip, but the culture in Dixon is outstanding. I didn't realize how much rich history was in Dixon with Germany, a former president, and peace. If you can't find peace for your soul here, you'll definitely find signs! Dixon, IL is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. It is the boyhood home of Ronald Reagan, the 40th president of the United States.. One of the most notable events in Dixon is the Petunia Festival, which takes place every summer. The festival includes parades, live music, a carnival, and, of course, thousands of petunias that decorate the city streets. Castle Rock State Park, located near Dixon, is another highlight of the area. The park offers stunning views and a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and bird-watching. Its unique geological formations and diverse ecosystems make it a favorite spot for nature enthusiasts.FamiliesHistoryFriends
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Every Stop, in One Directory
823 restaurants, trailheads, museums and shops across Northwest Illinois. Filter by town, type or map.