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.
The Loft on MainMorrison venue for locally made art: glass, jewelry, wood, paintings, photos, more. Art lessons, programs. Thu 10–2, Fri–Sat 10–4. FB for exhibits/classes.
The PrecinctFriendly atmosphere with homemade soups, pasta, burgers, and deli sandwiches. Dine-in or carry out.
The Shoppes at Grandon PlazaDiscover the Shoppes at Grandon Plaza Nestled in downtown Sterling at 310 2nd Avenue, the Shoppes at Grandon Plaza is a charming open-air market of boutique chalets and pop-up spaces offering handcrafted goods, local art, and small-batch creations. Supported by Sterling Main Street, this incubator brings together rotating merchants—from botanical beauty brands and greeting-card artisans to elegant home décor and jewelry designers. Whether you’re strolling through summer evening markets or browsing thoughtful gifts made with Midwest spirit, the Shoppes are about more than just shopping—they’re about connection, creativity, and community. A must-visit for curious travelers looking for authentic local flair.
The Sterling Theater1924 vaudeville theater rebuilt 1944, Art Moderne style. Recently renovated. Brew-and-view with 2 screens, beer/wine, pizza, appetizers, cabaret seating. See website for showtimes.
The TailorThe Tailor is a beautifully restored 1892 loft in downtown Morrison's national historic district. The 800-square-foot studio sleeps up to four guests and blends Victorian character—original Douglas fir floors, 10-foot ceilings, pocket doors, and a clawfoot tub—with a full kitchen, washer and dryer, queen bed, sofa bed, dedicated workspace, Roku TV, Wi-Fi, self check-in, and one parking space. The second-floor loft is above an art gallery and requires climbing 21 stairs.
The Toy StoreIndependent Sterling toy shop offering games, puzzles, educational toys, creative playthings, and gifts for children and playful adults.
Thomas ParkSterling Park District's 12.25-acre neighborhood park with six pickleball courts, basketball, a playground, dog park, picnic areas, open play space, seasonal restroom, and reservable shelter.
Timber Lane Christmas Tree FarmOpens the Friday after Thanksgiving through December 23. Cut your own or choose pre-cut Christmas trees (starting at $9/foot for cut-your-own, $10/foot for pre-cut). Also offers greenery, wreaths, porch decor, and a country store with ornaments and home decor.
Touch of Thai II Rock Falls and The BarCode BarTouch of Thai 2 Restaurant & The BarCode Bar Touch of Thai 2 Restaurant & The BarCode Bar is a unique dining and entertainment destination in Rock Falls, Illinois—bringing together authentic Thai cuisine, fresh sushi, and exciting new seafood boil options in one vibrant location. At Touch of Thai 2, guests can enjoy bold, flavorful Thai dishes made with fresh ingredients, alongside a wide selection of handcrafted sushi rolls. Now featuring Seafood Boil, perfect for sharing for a fun and unforgettable dining experience. We also offer a popular Lunch Special, providing great value with delicious meals—ideal for a quick break, business lunch, or casual dine-in. Guests can choose from dine-in, carryout, online ordering, and catering, making it easy to enjoy your favorite dishes anytime. Connected to the restaurant, The BarCode Bar offers a lively atmosphere with a full bar, signature cocktails, gaming machines, and entertainment, creating the perfect place to relax, socialize, and enjoy the night. Together, Touch of Thai 2 and The BarCode Bar deliver the perfect combination of great food, great drinks, and great vibes—all in one place.
- Tri-Township Heritage MuseumAlbany museum preserving photographs, documents, books, artifacts, and memorabilia from Albany, Garden Plain, and Newton townships, with special exhibits and a Memorial Day open house. Seasonal hours are Friday through Sunday, 1–4 p.m., from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Triple Play Bowling & BanquetTriple Play Bowling Alley in Fulton, Illinois, is a popular destination for bowling enthusiasts and families. The alley offers a fun and inviting atmosphere with both casual and competitive bowling lanes. It's also known for its family-friendly environment and is a great spot for hosting birthday parties or group events.
Twin City Farmers MarketIndoor market open year-round, outdoor May–October. Saturdays 8am–noon. 20+ year-round vendors and more seasonal. Local meats, produce, herbs, honey, baked goods, crafts, and more. SNAP EBT accepted; Link Match. Outdoor market allows leashed pets, indoor service animals only.
Uniquely Made Gifts Boutique, 123 Tee's Screen Printing, Dancer's Hut, Tanning & MoreDowntown Morrison shop combining custom screen printing and apparel, dancewear, gymnastics wear, gifts, tanning and boutique shopping. The business operates at 123 W Main Street under its current Uniquely Made Gifts Boutique, 123 Tee's and Dancer's Hut identity; contact the shop or Facebook page for current hours and custom-order details.
Victorian Grace Antiques & AccentsAntique shop in a Victorian Prophetstown home, filled with furniture, collectibles, floral accents, seasonal décor, and other one-of-a-kind finds. Call or check its social page for current hours.
- Visit Rock FallsRock Falls is a robust town located in the middle of the Sauk Valley Region in Northwest Illinois. We are located along Interstate 88, just 2 hours west of Chicago, and only an hour either way from Rockford or the Quad Cities. We are a small town with big visions for the future. Already we have cleaned up abandoned manufacturing properties along the Rock River, which have been turned into public green spaces, as well as giving an opportunity for business development in our downtown area. Recreation is important to our community, of which we have many parks to enjoy, trails to hike or bike, waterways including the Rock River and the Hennepin Canal to boat, kayak or fish. The Rock Falls Birding Trail is a haven for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. Thanks to our abundant waterways and lush habitats, you can see majestic Bald Eagles and the elegant American White Pelicans among other birds of prey. Take in some art at the RB&W District. This is a public art sculpture exhibition and features sculptures that compliment our outdoor public space along the banks of the Rock River. A lot of local events and concerts are held at the RB&W District. Rock Falls is home to some of the best local restaurants which brings people back time and time again. We also have a large variety of cuisine such as Thai, Indian, and Puerto Rican. Come and see what truly makes Rock Falls a beautiful place to visit and live. Again, welcome to Rock Falls. We hope you enjoy our community, people and places.
Wallingford ParkRock Falls park and longtime home of local Little League, with three baseball diamonds, a playground, restrooms, concession facilities, the Scanlan picnic shelter, and a half-court basketball court.
Waterworks ParkMorrison's 12.4-acre south-side park with a baseball diamond, playground, picnic shelter, open green space, two tennis courts, a quarter-mile walking path, and a volunteer-maintained winter skating rink.
- Westwood Fitness & Sports CenterSauk Valley's largest fitness and sports facility, with more than 40,000 square feet of fitness equipment, indoor basketball and volleyball courts, turf fields, a 200-meter track, batting cage, tennis, pickleball, racquetball, wellness services, Kids Gym, and a smoothie shop. Memberships, drop-ins, and rentals are available.
Whiskey Barrel SaloonRock Falls saloon and sports bar serving burgers, wings, tacos, nachos, wraps, and other comfort food alongside beer and cocktails, televisions, billiards, video gaming, a patio, and recurring weekend entertainment.
- Whiteside County Central Agricultural SocietyWhiteside County Central Agricultural Society was formed on May 28, 1872, in Morrison, Illinois. Its purpose is to promote all the industrial pursuits of the county, especially the agricultural, horticultural, floricultural, and mechanical interests, and also the fine arts and domestic manufactures. This group is the Carroll County Fair organizers.
- Whiteside County FairAnnual Morrison county fair held each August, with livestock and agricultural exhibits, competitions, carnival rides, grandstand entertainment, food, vendors, and family activities. Check the official site for current dates, admission, and schedules.
- Whiteside County Fairgrounds
Whoop Your AxeSterling entertainment venue with five axe-throwing lanes, a golf simulator, classic and modern arcade games, a tavern and concessions area, a private gaming room, and party or full-facility rentals. Walk-ins and advance bookings are available.
Wierenga’s Heritage CanyonTucked into a wooded hillside near the Mississippi River, Wierenga’s Heritage Canyon offers a one-of-a-kind blend of nature, history, and quiet exploration. This 12-acre site began as a limestone quarry before being thoughtfully transformed into a recreated 1800s village—where winding trails lead visitors from one historic structure to the next. Founded in 1967 by Harold and Thelma Wierenga, the canyon was built with a mission to preserve Midwestern heritage while respecting the natural landscape. Today, guests can stroll along self-guided paths that connect a collection of authentically styled buildings, including a one-room schoolhouse, church, blacksmith shop, doctor’s office, log cabins, and more—each offering a glimpse into daily life from another era. The experience is part outdoor adventure, part living history. Rustic bridges, shaded trails, and interpretive stops create a relaxed pace, making it easy to explore at your own speed. During select events throughout the year, the site comes to life even more with demonstrations, costumed interpreters, and seasonal festivals that highlight traditional crafts and pioneer skills. Open seasonally from spring through fall, Heritage Canyon welcomes visitors for free (donations appreciated) and offers a peaceful, educational outing for all ages. Whether you’re wandering through the trees, stepping inside historic buildings, or simply enjoying the quiet beauty of the canyon, it’s a place where the past feels surprisingly close—and easy to connect with.
