The NW Illinois Directory
Explore All 821 Places
Every supper club, trailhead, main-street shop, and stay across all four counties — searchable in one place.
Alfred and Sylvia Den Besten Memorial ParkRiverfront green space near De Immigrant Windmill and the Windmill Cultural Center, with picnic tables, restrooms and a Great River Road Scenic Byway interpretive kiosk. The Great River Bike Trail passes the area, making the park a convenient stop for cyclists and Mississippi River visitors.
AmericInn Hotel & Suites FultonCozy 51-room hotel, one mile from the Mississippi River and downtown Fulton. Spacious rooms and suites, complimentary hot breakfast, heated indoor pool, and whirlpool spa.
Andresen Nature CenterThe Andresen Nature Center in Fulton, Illinois, is a small educational center focused on local wildlife, plants, and environmental stewardship. Located near the Mississippi River and next to Heritage Canyon, the center features displays that highlight the region's natural history, including mounted animals, insect and plant exhibits, and information about the local watershed. The center hosts school field trips, educational programs, and community events that encourage visitors of all ages to learn about nature and conservation. Guided tours and special programs are often available by appointment, making it a welcoming stop for families, students, and anyone interested in learning more about the natural world in Northwest Illinois
Brunch HouseBreakfast & lunch daily 7am–3pm. Near Mississippi River, Great River Bike Trail, Great River Road.
Cattail Park & PavilionLocated north of Fulton along Cattail Road. Great for fishing, paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking, or watching wildlife. Features charcoal grill, playground, picnic shelter, and pavilion with kitchen, event tables/chairs, and restrooms (only accessible during rentals). Paved parking. Open during daylight hours. No alcohol. Restrooms only available during pavilion rentals.
Cattail Slough Recreation AreaA day-use recreation area on the Mississippi River backwaters south of Fulton off Illinois Route 84. Features a boat ramp with courtesy dock, bank fishing, and vault restrooms. A $5 daily fee applies to boat-ramp access; annual passes are available. Check the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recreation-area status before visiting.
Country OrchidsFamily-owned Fulton florist creating fresh, silk and dried arrangements, plants, dish gardens, gift baskets, greeting cards and candles. The shop specializes in weddings, sympathy flowers and custom designs, with local and same-day delivery available for eligible orders.
De Immigrant Dutch WindmillFulton’s Dutch heritage is honored with De Immigrant, an authentic working windmill manufactured in the Netherlands and assembled by Dutch craftsmen in Fulton. Standing nearly 100 feet tall, the windmill is fully operational and can grind a variety of flours, including buckwheat, corn, rye, and wheat, which are sold in the gift shop. The windmill is partially handicap accessible, with free entrance (donations appreciated). Open limited hours July–October; closed November–Memorial Day except for scheduled group tours.
Drives Athletic ParkCommunity athletic park in Fulton with a pavilion, ball fields, soccer field, playground and bandshell. Drives Park supports local youth athletics and also hosts public community events, including outdoor music, seasonal festivals and family activities.
Friendship ParkFulton neighborhood park at 24th Avenue and 6th Street with a playground, covered picnic pavilion, grill and picnic tables. The family-friendly park opened in 2015 and was renamed Friendship Park.
Friendship ParkLocated at 9th Street and 10th Avenue. Amenities include pavilion, picnic tables, grills, playground, restrooms, sand volleyball, and basketball courts.
Fulton Lincoln Highway Interpretive GazeboILHC gazebo with panels about Fulton’s Dutch heritage, Lincoln Hwy businesses, and Lyons-Fulton Bridge—the official Mississippi crossing. Funded by FHWA and Illinois DOT.
Fulton Lincoln Highway Interpretive MuralDepicts Fulton as the “gateway to the west.” Mural shows Fulton-Lyons Bridge, toll crossing, and scenic views. Part of 40 murals on Illinois Lincoln Highway corridor.
Fulton MarinaLocated on the Mississippi River in Fulton, this municipal, year-round, full-service marina offers boat launches, camping, fishing, concessions, restrooms, gas dock, potable water, pump-out services, two public ramps, and ample parking. Picnic tables available. Bait and tackle nearby.
Fulton Windmill Cultural CenterThe collection was designed by Henk and June Hielema of DeMotte, Indiana. The Hielema’s traveled extensively, photographed mills, and returned home to build models of them. The mills are from ten European countries: Belgium, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, and the Netherlands. Informative interpretive materials complement the windmill collection, providing unique information on windmill products, countries of origin, windmill specifications, and the cultural impact of windmills. The Windmill Cultural Center contains a charming gift shop where visitors can purchase fresh stone-ground flour, Delft pottery, and souvenirs of Fulton, the Windmill Cultural Center, and the de Immigrant windmill. The Education Area is located at the east end of the Windmill Cultural Center. This room helps visitors learn more about mills. Groups will be able to enjoy video presentations of the windmill countries and read books about mills. The Education Area also features children's activities, including coloring, puzzles, and toys that promote scientific concepts. Entrance to the Windmill Cultural Center is free, but donations are appreciated. OPERATIONAL HOURS May–October: May: Saturday 10 AM–5 PM, Sunday 1 PM–5 PM. June – August: Monday–Saturday 10 AM–5 PM, Sunday 1 PM–5 PM. September: Monday–Friday 10 AM–3 PM, Saturday 10 AM–5 PM, Sunday 1 PM–5 PM. October: Saturday 10 AM–5 PM, Sunday 1 PM–5 PM. Closed: November through April.
Fulton’s Ronald Reagan Trail LinkPart of the Ronald Reagan Trail. Reagan’s parents were born/married in Fulton; relatives buried locally. See www.ronaldreagantrail.net for more.
Hilltop Meadows Hunt ClubHilltop Meadows Hunt Club is a state-licensed hunting preserve near Fulton in the Mississippi River Valley. Its 350 acres of native prairie, food plots, ponds, wooded draws, and hedgerows support guided pheasant, quail, and chukar hunting, with a challenging five-stand sporting-clays course and private lodging available for multi-day visits.
Homemade Hippie BoutiqueHomemade Hippie Boutique is a downtown Fulton shop built around “handmade with purpose.” Browse permanent jewelry, clothing, décor, candles, lotions, soaps, accessories, and gifts from the owner and a rotating group of local makers. Stop in for a custom-fit bracelet, anklet, or necklace, or shop online for handmade finds.
Indian Hills OrchardLocally owned and operated Indian Hills Orchard grows 14 varieties of apples such as Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp and Zestar just to mention a few. This local gem is located just outside of Fulton, Illinois. Stop by, say hello and get some of the best apples around. Like and follow on Facebook for seasonal days and hours of operation.
King Pins Saloon & Dance HallKing Pins Saloon & Dance Hall is an easygoing Fulton bar and gathering place serving burgers and fresh-made bar food, including hot beef, Italian beef, tacos, made-rites, and soup of the day. Established in 2015, it pairs food and drinks with a roomy dance-hall atmosphere and music just outside the city limits.
Krumpets Restaurant & BakeryBreakfast and lunch 6 days a week. Fresh made-to-order breakfasts, pastries, soups, daily specials, sandwiches, salads, hot dishes, pasta entrees, smoothies, espresso bar.
Lock & Dam 13 on the Mississippi RiverMississippi River lock system. Observation deck for boat traffic, scenic outlook, boat launch, picnic area, restrooms. Prime bald eagle watching in winter.
Manny’s TooLocated in the heart of Fulton, Manny's Too is a longtime local favorite known for its unique combination of thin-crust pizza and Tex-Mex classics. Part of the family-owned Manny’s Pizza group—serving Northwest Illinois since 1973—this casual spot delivers bold, satisfying flavors in a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. Guests come for the crispy, thin-crust pizzas loaded with classic and specialty toppings, but many stay loyal for the tacos, enchiladas, and combination plates that give the menu its signature twist. Whether you’re craving a classic pepperoni pizza, a hearty taco platter, or something in between, there’s plenty to choose from—including vegetarian-friendly options. With dine-in, curbside pickup, and a lively, family-friendly setting, Manny’s Too is a go-to gathering place for both locals and visitors. It’s the kind of spot where casual dinners become traditions—perfect for families, groups, or anyone looking to enjoy a relaxed meal with a touch of local flavor. No credit card order under $10
Martin House MuseumThe Martin House Museum is Fulton’s local-history museum and the headquarters of the Fulton Historical Society. The 1855 brick Italianate home, later expanded with Queen Anne and Arts and Crafts details, preserves Fulton memorabilia, genealogy resources, plat books, historic newspapers, and community stories. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the accessible museum is open Sunday afternoons or by appointment, and offers a guide to Fulton’s historic district.
