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.
Grace Johnston ParkGrace Johnston Park is a year-round Dixon neighborhood park with a playground, basketball hoop, and ball field. The Dixon Park District lists the park at 1110 Highland Avenue and keeps it open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Green River State Wildlife AreaGreen River State Wildlife Area protects 2,565 acres of wetland, native prairie, open fields, and timber about six miles northwest of Ohio, Illinois. Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the wildlife restoration area offers hiking, birding, horseback trail riding, camping, hunting, wildlife watching, parking, restrooms, and a dump station.
Gremel Wildlife Sanctuary395-acre Illinois Audubon Society sanctuary (former Green Wing Lab, Lee Co). Expanding habitat near Amboy Marsh. Public access after parking area completion.
H.I. Lincoln BuildingBuilt in 1860 by Henry I. Lincoln, a distant relative of Abraham Lincoln, this restored limestone landmark houses the Lincoln Highway Association's national headquarters and Interpretive Center. Explore exhibits on America's first coast-to-coast highway, browse local art and merchandise, and pick up regional visitor information. Open weekends seasonally through October and at other times by advance appointment; call before visiting.
Huddle CafeHuddle Cafe is a relaxed, family-friendly Ashton restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with homemade pizza, burgers, gyros, beer, and wine. Dine in or order carryout for a small-town cafe experience with a broad menu and welcoming atmosphere.
Inspired Home Decor & GiftsInspired Home Decor & Gifts is an independent Amboy shop filled with home accents, office decor, gifts, kitchenware, candles, teas, and seasonal finds. Browse curated items at the shop's current location on North Jefferson Avenue, and check Facebook or Instagram for current hours, new arrivals, and seasonal displays.
John Dixon ParkJohn Dixon Park is Dixon's oldest neighborhood park and a community gathering place on North Galena Avenue. Children can explore multiple play areas, including Dixon's first inclusive playground with accessible ramps, a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round, slides, and rubber surfacing. The reservable Lions Shelter has picnic tables, a grill, water fountain, and electricity; the park also hosts seasonal events such as Music at the Square and farmers markets.
- King Family Homestead4BR, 2BA brick bungalow on 80 wooded acres. Sleeps 8. Park-like yards, porch, hardwoods. Close to parks, golf, river, downtown Dixon, restaurants.
La FiestaLa Fiesta is a welcoming Sublette restaurant serving authentic Mexican dishes alongside American favorites. Guests return for generous portions, fresh ingredients, steak fajitas, shrimp tacos, enchiladas, a Sunday breakfast buffet, and friendly service. The restaurant accommodates families and large groups and offers takeout and an accessible dining room.
Las PalmasLas Palmas is a friendly Dixon restaurant serving authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex favorites in a warm, relaxed setting. The menu offers tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, combination plates, and other familiar favorites, along with a broad selection of drinks for an easy lunch or dinner out.
Lee County Historical & Genealogical SocietyResearch center with extensive historical and genealogical information for Lee County, including burial records, census records, and over 1.2 million microfilm records from local newspapers. Wheelchair accessible. See website for hours.
Lil’ Smoked Bar & GrillDixon BBQ spot. Smoked meats, sides, homemade sauces. Drive-up window, full bar, vibrant atmosphere.
Lincoln Way CafeHomemade Polish, Hungarian, and American food. Daily specials, homemade cakes, great dinners, and good atmosphere!
Little Ruth’s BoutiqueLittle Ruth’s Boutique is a small Sublette shop specializing in affordable handmade children’s clothing. Owner-maker Nadia Pardon creates cozy, functional pieces including bell bottoms, bummies, bows, rompers, leggings, joggers, T-shirt dresses, and printed shirts and onesies. Shop in the Village Mall or arrange a visit and custom order by text; online-order pickup is also available locally.
Lo's LoungeThis is a classic local sports bar and neighborhood hangout in downtown Dixon at 81 S. Galena Avenue. Known for its welcoming, laid-back vibe, Lo’s Lounge is the place to catch the big game on TV, grab drink specials like $3 Busch Light cans, and unwind after a long day with friends. The lounge offers billiards, dart boards, a jukebox, and occasional special events, such as karaoke and themed parties, that keep the social calendar lively. With friendly service and a casual atmosphere, it’s a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike looking to relax, sip a cold one, and enjoy good company in the heart of Dixon. Open 7 days a week.
Local Cup & CakeLocal Cup & Cake is a cozy Sublette coffee shop and bakery serving hot and iced drinks, cakes, buttercream cupcakes, muffins, pies, breakfast cups, and other homemade treats. The small neighborhood shop welcomes quick stops and coffee meetups, and it is especially known for custom cakes, cupcakes, and seasonal pie orders. Check Facebook or call before a special trip because public hours can vary.
Long 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.
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.
