The NW Illinois Directory
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Every supper club, trailhead, main-street shop, and stay across all four counties — searchable in one place.
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Amboy 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.
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.
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.
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.