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FeaturedAmboy Depot MuseumThe Amboy Depot Museum is located in a former depot and division headquarters of the Illinois Central Railroad located in Amboy, Illinois. The building is an architecturally unique two-story building built of brick and cut Joliet limestone and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has been completely restored both inside and out, and includes the original brick tarmac surrounding the depot and the grounds of the former rail-yard, now preserved as a city park. Also reconstructed were the distinctive chimney caps on the building's eight chimneys, fully restoring the building to its original exterior configuration. Within the museum are artifacts of both the history of Amboy and the Illinois Central Railroad. The museum complex also contains a freight house with additional artifacts, a fully restored one-room country schoolhouse, a retired steam engine and a caboose. So, come in to see what's to be seen at one of the best small-town depot museums to be found anywhere!
FeaturedRonald Reagan Boyhood Home & Visitors CenterTour the restored home where Ronald Reagan lived from 1920–1923. Public tours April–December, Thu–Sat 10am–3pm. Last tour at 3pm. Group tours and special events available by appointment.
Amboy City Park Wood CarvingsMore than 30 tree trunk wood carvings, including three U.S. Presidents from Illinois (Reagan, Lincoln, Grant) and scenes of Amboy life. More carvings planned.
Amboy Farmer’s MarketLocated at the corner of Main Street and East Avenue in the Amboy Depot Museum parking lot, the Amboy Farmers Market brings the community together with fresh, locally-sourced products. Visit us to find locally grown produce, homemade baked goods, handcrafted items, farm-fresh eggs, and quality poultry—all raised, grown, or produced by local vendors. The market provides a vibrant gathering place for residents and visitors to support local agriculture and artisans while enjoying the charm of historic downtown Amboy.
Brave Arts Creative StudioBrave Arts Creative Studio is a welcoming, community-focused art space offering creative experiences for children, families, and adults. As Dixon’s first dedicated creative arts studio, Brave Arts blends open, drop-in artmaking with guided classes, workshops, and seasonal events designed to inspire all ages and skill levels. The studio encourages hands-on exploration through a variety of mediums, making it an approachable place for beginners while still engaging for more experienced creatives. In addition to in-studio programming, Brave Arts also offers DIY art kits that allow participants to continue creating at home. With an emphasis on creativity, confidence, and connection, Brave Arts Creative Studio provides a supportive environment where imagination is encouraged and artistic expression is accessible to everyone.
Bybee Christmas Tree FarmSeasonal choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm offering Fraser fir and white pine, wreaths, saws, tree bagging and baling, plus free hot coffee and cocoa. Open on limited dates after Thanksgiving; confirm the current season schedule before visiting.
Chaplin Creek VillageChaplin Creek Village in Franklin Grove, Illinois, is a historic village setting that brings the area’s past to life through preserved buildings, open green space, and community gatherings. Serving as the primary event site for the Franklin Grove Area Historical Society, the village provides an immersive backdrop for seasonal festivals, living history programs, educational activities, and special events throughout the year. Visitors can stroll the grounds, explore historic structures, and experience hands-on opportunities that highlight rural life and local heritage. With its welcoming small-town atmosphere and flexible outdoor spaces, Chaplin Creek Village is a popular destination for families, school groups, and history lovers alike. Whether attending a special event or simply enjoying the historic setting, Chaplin Creek Village offers a memorable glimpse into Franklin Grove’s roots.
Dixon Lincoln Highway Interpretive GazeboRiverfront Lincoln Highway gazebo with interpretive panels about the Dixon Arch, the 1919 Transcontinental Motor Convoy and the highway’s broader history. Built in 2009 through the Illinois Interpretive Gazebo Project with National Scenic Byway funding and City of Dixon support, it marks Illinois’ nationally designated Lincoln Highway corridor.
Dixon Lincoln Highway Interpretive MuralOne of Lee County’s three Illinois Lincoln Highway interpretive murals, this downtown Dixon artwork depicts the 1919 Transcontinental Motor Convoy that included future President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The scene recalls the convoy’s arrival at the courthouse and community lunch, connecting Dixon to the highway’s influence on American travel.
Dixon Veterans Memorial ArchLighted historic memorial arch on Galena Avenue, Dixon, since 1919. Honors veterans of war and is a Dixon landmark.
Dixon’s Railroad Street ArchesThree locally quarried Galena-limestone railroad arches carry Dixon’s shared-use trail above First, Second and Third streets. Built for the Illinois Central Railroad in the 1850s, the arches are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and were rehabilitated in 1999. Today walkers and cyclists can cross the historic structures en route to downtown and the Rock River.
First 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.
Franklin Creek Grist Mill & Interpretive CenterReconstructed four-story 1847 grist mill in Franklin Creek State Natural Area. Features a working waterwheel, milling equipment, native tree panels, fossils, and interpretive trail. Wheelchair accessible, open seasonally April 1–Oct 31. Suggested donation $5.
Franklin Grove Area Historical SocietyThe Franklin Grove Area Historical Society in Franklin Grove, Illinois, preserves and shares the rich heritage of this small but storied community. Through engaging exhibits, local artifacts, and carefully maintained collections, the society offers visitors a closer look at the people, places, and events that helped shape the region. History enthusiasts and curious travelers alike can explore displays that highlight early settlement, community life, and notable local figures. The organization also supports educational programming and special events throughout the year, making it a meaningful stop for anyone interested in Northwest Illinois history. Whether you’re researching family roots or simply enjoy stepping back in time, the Franklin Grove Area Historical Society provides an informative and welcoming experience.
Franklin Grove Lincoln Highway Interpretive MuralPays homage to Henry C. Ostermann, first Lincoln Highway Association Field Secretary. Mural shows Ostermann selling the first Lincoln Hwy pin at Franklin Grove’s H.I. Lincoln Building (now Association HQ).
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.
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.
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.
Mills & Petrie Memorial Library & GymnasiumMills & Petrie Memorial Library & Gymnasium serves Ashton and surrounding communities with books, audiobooks, public computers, Wi-Fi, digital resources, interlibrary loan, children's programs, clubs, and community activities. The historic community building also offers an affordable gymnasium, Legion Room, entry hall, commercial kitchen, and meeting rooms for birthdays, reunions, weddings, business meetings, and other gatherings. Contact the facility for rental availability.
Mormon CemeteryCemetery of the Church of Latter Day Saints containing the grave of one of Brigham Young’s wives.
Mormons in Amboy Historical MarkerThis downtown Amboy historical marker identifies the site of Goldman’s Hall, where Joseph Smith III was ordained president-prophet of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on April 6, 1860. The event formalized the church’s reorganization, now known as Community of Christ. The marker also recalls Amboy’s early Mormon congregation and was erected in 1974 by the Lee County and Illinois State Historical Societies.
My Play VillageInteractive children’s play center/party venue, Dixon Plaza. Mini village for creative/dramatic play. Ages 1–10. Open play, parties, themed events. $9/child, adults free (limit 2/adult per child). FB for updates.
Northwest Territory Historic CenterHistory research and learning center in Ronald Reagan’s boyhood school, Dixon, IL, affiliated with Smithsonian. Features exhibits on Native Americans, Reagan, Rock River Assembly, Chautauqua, farming, WWII, and more. Art gallery, theater, auditorium, and museum store. Open Mon–Fri, 9am–4pm.
Old Lee County CourthouseCompleted in 1901, the Old Lee County Courthouse is a Classical Revival landmark in downtown Dixon and a contributing property in the historic district. The domed cut-stone building stands on the site of Lee County’s earlier courthouse and continues to house county administrative offices and the County Board meeting room. A marker on the lawn recalls Abraham Lincoln’s campaign speech at the site.
Old Settlers Cabin, Lincoln Statue and Fort Dixon SitePresident’s Park brings together Dixon’s Old Settlers Cabin, Abraham Lincoln Statue, and former Fort Dixon site along the Rock River. Leonard Crunelle’s 1930 bronze depicts the 23-year-old Lincoln as a Black Hawk War militia captain, the only known statue showing him in military uniform. The 1894 cabin preserves local pioneer history and opens for special tours and events. The grounds and riverwalk are open for self-guided visits.
Old Settlers Log CabinBuilt in 1894 as a tribute to early settlers. Relocated to former Fort Dixon site. Also features a statue of Abraham Lincoln in military uniform. Managed by Lee County Historical Society, open weekends and during the Dixon Petunia Festival.