Lee County
Amboy
Amboy grew up around the railroad, and the 1876 Amboy Depot Museum, once the Illinois Central’s division headquarters, still tells that story across nineteen rooms of artifacts, a retired steam engine, and a caboose. The Green River Trail runs nearby for an easy walk or ride.
Fuel the day
Eat & Drink
- AmboyBusy Bee BakeryBusy Bee Bakery is a locally owned bakery located at 205 N. Main St. in downtown Amboy, Illinois. Michelle Wiemken opened the shop, which brings a wide selection of fresh, made-from-scratch baked goods to the community and fills a long-standing need for homemade treats in town. Customers can find a rotating variety of items, including breads (such as sourdough), cookies, pies, cinnamon rolls, and coffee cakes, along with savory options like quiches, meat pies, soups, and chicken salad sandwiches. The bakery also offers breakfast favorites like biscuits and gravy and egg casserole, plus made-to-order cookies, cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, and coffee cakes. Busy Bee Bakery is currently open Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from 7 a.m. to noon, making it a convenient stop for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat. Operating Hours: Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. To confirm hours, check their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/busybeebakeryandgifts.
- AmboySunset Inn RestaurantFamily-owned roadside diner serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with scratch-made American comfort food, soups, sandwiches, fried chicken, burgers, pies, and kid-friendly choices.
- AmboyLong Branch SaloonLong Branch Saloon is a longtime Amboy dinner spot serving fried chicken, steaks, ribs, seafood, burgers, sandwiches, cocktails, and desserts in a casual historic setting. The building stands on the 1855 site of Samuel Carson and John Pirie’s first dry-goods store, a predecessor of Carson Pirie Scott. Guests can dine in or order takeout; the restaurant offers accessible seating, a kids’ menu, high chairs, and reservations.
Out and about
Things to Do
- AmboyGremel Wildlife Sanctuary395-acre Illinois Audubon Society sanctuary (former Green Wing Lab, Lee Co). Expanding habitat near Amboy Marsh. Public access after parking area completion.
- AmboyAmboy Marsh Nature PreserveThe Amboy Marsh Nature Preserve is a 302-acre Illinois Audubon Society sanctuary featuring diverse ecosystems including marshes, oak savannas, meadows, and prairies. This exceptional preserve is home to rare and endangered flora and fauna, making it a vital conservation area in northwest Illinois. The preserve offers outstanding seasonal birding opportunities, with trails open from sunrise to sunset year-round. Visitors can explore the natural habitats while observing wildlife in their native environment. Please note that pets are not permitted to protect the sensitive ecosystems and wildlife. This preserve plays a crucial role in conservation education and protecting Illinois' natural heritage.
- AmboyFirst Carson Pirie Scott Store PlaqueThis historic plaque marks the Amboy storefront where Samuel Carson and John T. Pirie established the dry-goods business in 1854 that became Carson Pirie Scott & Co. The marker is mounted at the original brick building, now home to the Long Branch Saloon.
Home base
Stay
- AmboyMendota 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.
- AmboyGreen River Oaks Camping ResortGreen River Oaks Camping Resort in Amboy offers a relaxed camping experience surrounded by the quiet countryside of Lee County. Open seasonally beginning in May, the resort provides a welcoming destination for RV travelers, tent campers, and visitors looking for a peaceful outdoor getaway. Guests can choose from spacious RV sites, tent camping areas, and comfortable cabin rentals. The property’s tree-lined setting creates a calm atmosphere for enjoying campfires, outdoor games, and time with family and friends. Whether visitors stay for a weekend or an extended trip, the campground provides a comfortable base for enjoying Northwest Illinois. Green River Oaks also features amenities designed to make camping easy and enjoyable. Visitors can take advantage of recreational areas, a swimming pool, and open green spaces throughout the resort. The nearby Green River adds to the area’s outdoor appeal, with opportunities for fishing, paddling, and exploring the surrounding landscape. Located just outside Amboy, the campground offers a convenient starting point for discovering Lee County’s small towns, scenic countryside, and outdoor recreation areas. With a mix of natural surroundings and family-friendly amenities, Green River Oaks Camping Resort is a popular seasonal destination for campers visiting Northwest Illinois.
- AmboyPineview CampgroundFamily-style camping with two lakes for swimming and fishing, electric, water, and sewer hookups, showers, and flush toilets on wooded sites. Open May 1 through October. See website for details.