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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Albany Mounds State Historic SiteAlbany Indian Mounds State Historic Site in Albany, Illinois consists of 205 acres of tree covered hills, valleys and surrounding prairie which is ideal for a walk, bike ride or just sitting and observing the wildlife from deer to eagles that call the park home. The Indian Mounds is now an Illinois State Historic Site. Laying neglected for hundreds of years it is now a natural park open for the public. The Albany Indian Mounds Foundation sees the site as an interpretive center for the history of the Hopewellian culture of more than 2000 years ago. Located at the south end of the village, there is a parking lot at the entrance, at the southwest end of Cherry Street. Nearby is a covered picnic shelter with tables and electricity outlets, water fountain, rest rooms and interpretive signs. The parking lot is also the north entrance of the asphalt-covered Great River Recreation Trail. Here the trail runs for nearly a mile to the south to Bunker Hill and Meredosia roads. Across Meredosia Road to the south is another 15 acres that once was a village site owned by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. The Natives who lived here as early as 500 BC were part of the Hopewell culture, so named because their existence was first learned of on the Hopewell farm in Ohio, where similar mounds had been built. It is not known what the people called themselves or what language they spoke. It is believed that their culture declined sometime around 350 A.D. The site was well-suited to the Hopewell culture, which was not an Indian tribe but rather a term referring to the period in American Indian prehistory marked by trade, communication, and the sharing of ideas throughout a huge area of the continent. They preferred to build their villages at the base of bluffs along the floodplains of major rivers, such as the Mississippi, that offered transportation. At Albany, with the adjacent Meredosia Slough, which served as flood drainage for the Mississippi and Rock rivers, there was an abundant source of food and water. The waters, forests, and prairie provided food and fuel for the Hopewell. Open dawn until dusk. The site also includes a parking lot, picnic shelter, walking trails, and interpretive signs along a bike trail. The Friends of the Albany Indian Mounds Foundation is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the site. Accessibility Information The following are available for the visitor to the site: The parking lot is blacktop. There are no spaces marked accessible. There are no sidewalks or ramps. There are no buildings or an office at this site. There are no water fountains at this site, but there is a pit toilet, which isn't marked accessible. The site has a one-mile blacktop bike trail.
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.
Aurelio’s Bake ShopFamily-owned bakery and coffee house specializing in custom cakes for weddings, quinceañeras, birthdays, and other celebrations, plus cookies, cupcakes, doughnuts, pastries, tres leches desserts, and coffee. Dine-in and drive-thru service are available at the Locust Street location.
Blackhawk LanesFamily-friendly bowling center offering open and cosmic bowling, leagues, birthday parties, arcade games, pool, darts, video gaming, a restaurant and bar, and a pro shop.
Booth ParkCommunity park in Tampico with a picnic shelter and tables, playground, lighted tennis courts, a small baseball area, and public restrooms.
- Brent's Firehouse Coffee - MorrisonBrent's Firehouse Coffee serves the Morrison community from a convenient walk-in and drive-through shop on West Lincoln Way. The menu centers on hot, iced, and blended coffee drinks, seasonal flavors, and quick café selections for mornings and afternoon pick-me-ups. The Morrison location is part of the growing Brent's Firehouse Coffee family. Check the active Facebook page or online ordering menu for current drinks, food choices, hours, and specials.
Bugsy’s Arcade and GamingBugsy's Arcade and Gaming is a popular entertainment spot, known for its fun and diverse range of activities. While it's not a widely recognized brand, if you're looking for arcades and gaming centers, you might find such places that offer a variety of classic and modern arcade games, redemption games, and other entertainment options.
China HouseDowntown Morrison Chinese restaurant offering dine-in and takeout favorites, including fried rice, wontons, crab rangoon, and classic Chinese-American entrées.
Color Me Happy LLCA downtown Sterling DIY art studio offering canvas painting, wood workshops, ceramics, candle making, spin art, private parties, and creative activities for children and adults.
Duis Recreation CenterSterling Park District recreation center with indoor aquatics, a 25-yard pool and diving well, lap swim, open swim, water walking and a gymnastics facility. The renovated center includes locker rooms, a multipurpose room, elevator access and viewing areas, and has served the community since 1970.
El JacalitoA family-owned Sterling restaurant serving authentic Mexican recipes in a spacious downtown setting. The extensive menu includes tacos, birria, burritos, enchiladas, tamales, fajitas, seafood and Mexican breakfast favorites, with a full bar, carryout, catering and semi-private event rooms.
Erie Campground, Inc.Erie Campground is a public campground at 9480 Erie Road beside the Rock River and Glenn Miller Marina. Current tourism sources list electric and water service, a playground, restrooms, a dump station, pavilion, and river- or lakefront camping. Call ahead for availability and current rates.
FatboysFatboys is a longtime Morrison bar and grill known for large, fresh burgers, including the signature Fatboy Burger, plus patty melts, sandwiches, fries, and rotating lunch and dinner specials. The relaxed, friendly downtown spot serves affordable American bar food and a selection of beer.
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.
Froggy’s Bar & GrillFroggy's Bar & Grill is a casual Rock Falls neighborhood spot serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The American bar-and-grill menu is known for burgers, sandwiches, fries, daily food and drink specials, and all-you-can-eat options. Guests can also enjoy gaming machines, darts, lottery, free pool, and occasional live entertainment.
Gartner ParkGartner Park is Sterling Park District's baseball complex, developed in 1961 and improved over the years with press boxes, lighting, and field upgrades. The park offers eight regulation baseball diamonds, available by reservation through the district's administrative office, plus a playground area.
Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream - MorrisonHappy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream in downtown Morrison is a locally owned, family-friendly restaurant serving signature pizzas, including its famous Taco Pizza, along with pasta, salads, sandwiches, appetizers, and ice cream. The restaurant offers dine-in, carryout, delivery, online ordering, weekday lunch specials, family-night specials, catering, and party space for groups.
Harry Kidd FieldHarry Kidd Field is a Sterling Park District football facility and the home field for Sterling Jr. Tackle's fifth- through eighth-grade program. Acquired through an Open Space Land and Water Conservation Fund grant in 1976, the site provides a dedicated community football field at West Seventh Street and Woodburn Avenue.
Harvest Bakery & MoreHarvest Bakery & More is a family bakery and full-service restaurant in a beautifully restored 100-year-old building on Erie's town triangle. Stop in Tuesday through Saturday for breakfast, lunch, dinner, fresh baked goods, custom cakes and cookies, homemade meals to go, and seasonal specials. The welcoming venue also offers catering, boxed lunches, bridal packages, business services, and rental space for private gatherings.
Hearts Desire D.I.Y. StudioHearts Desire D.I.Y. Studio is a Prophetstown creative workshop and craft shop where visitors can make projects, take classes, and browse supplies such as Iron Orchid Designs transfers, stamps, and moulds. The studio participates in current downtown events with demonstrations and make-and-take activities. Regular access and project offerings vary, so check current community event announcements or call ahead.
Historic Lyndon BridgeCompleted in 1894, the Historic Lyndon Bridge is a pedestrian-only Parker Pratt through-truss bridge listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Walk across for quiet Rock River views and photo opportunities, then pause at the nearby park’s shelter, swing, bench, and grill.
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.
Hoover ParkHoover Park is a Sterling Park District green space with a playground, picnic area, open play fields, cross-country skiing opportunities, and access to the paved S.M.A.R.T. trail system. From the park, walkers, runners, and cyclists can follow the 2.25-mile Sinnissippi–Hoover route toward Redfield Park, Martin’s Landing, and the Dillon Home Museum.
