The NW Illinois Directory
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FeaturedDillon Home MuseumThe 1858 Dillon Home Museum offers a glimpse into Sterling’s past through the beautifully preserved Victorian home of Ambrose and Julia Dillon. Built in the late 19th century, the home reflects the craftsmanship, furnishings, and everyday life of a prominent local family, bringing regional history to life room by room. Visitors explore the home through guided tours led by knowledgeable docents who share stories about the Dillon family, the home’s architecture, and its role in the community. Original details, period décor, and thoughtfully maintained spaces make each tour both informative and engaging. Guided tours are offered every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. Additional tours are available by appointment only from 3–5 p.m. The museum is also open the second weekend of each month, with guided tours on Saturday and Sunday at the same times. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about Sterling’s heritage, the Dillon Home Museum provides a meaningful and memorable stop. Admission General Admission: $7 Seniors (60+): $6
FeaturedRonald Reagan BirthplaceLocated in the small village of Tampico, the Ronald Reagan Birthplace & Museum offers visitors a meaningful look into the early life of the 40th President of the United States. This carefully preserved apartment, situated above a historic storefront, is where Ronald Reagan was born on February 6, 1911. Operated by the Tampico Area Historical Society, the site has been restored to reflect the period when the Reagan family lived there. Inside, guests can explore exhibits featuring photographs, memorabilia, and interpretive displays that highlight Reagan’s childhood, family life, and the values that shaped his future. The museum provides a self-guided experience that’s both educational and approachable, making it a worthwhile stop for history enthusiasts, road-trippers, and anyone interested in presidential history. Its location along the historic Lincoln Highway also makes it an easy addition to a scenic drive through Northwest Illinois. Visitors are encouraged to check seasonal hours before planning their trip. The museum is typically open weekends in March and expands to daily hours (Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sunday, 1–4 p.m.) from April through October, with closures on Easter Sunday and Mother’s Day.
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.
Andresen Nature CenterThe Andresen Nature Center in Fulton, Illinois, is a small educational center focused on local wildlife, plants, and environmental stewardship. Located near the Mississippi River and next to Heritage Canyon, the center features displays that highlight the region's natural history, including mounted animals, insect and plant exhibits, and information about the local watershed. The center hosts school field trips, educational programs, and community events that encourage visitors of all ages to learn about nature and conservation. Guided tours and special programs are often available by appointment, making it a welcoming stop for families, students, and anyone interested in learning more about the natural world in Northwest Illinois
Asa Crook HomeHistoric home built in 1839 by Prophetstown’s first settler, Asa Crook Sr. Served as inn, church, school, and post office. Restored and preserved by the Prophetstown Area Historical Society. Near the Rock River on Asa Crook’s original land.
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.
Bos Brothers Historical Farm
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.
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.
De Immigrant Dutch WindmillFulton’s Dutch heritage is honored with De Immigrant, an authentic working windmill manufactured in the Netherlands and assembled by Dutch craftsmen in Fulton. Standing nearly 100 feet tall, the windmill is fully operational and can grind a variety of flours, including buckwheat, corn, rye, and wheat, which are sold in the gift shop. The windmill is partially handicap accessible, with free entrance (donations appreciated). Open limited hours July–October; closed November–Memorial Day except for scheduled group tours.
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.
Eclipse Square Memorial ParkEclipse Square Veterans Memorial Park honors veterans, law enforcement officers, firefighters and EMTs in downtown Prophetstown. Named for the Eclipse lawnmower once manufactured in the community, the park includes commemorative monuments, green space and a picnic pavilion.
Fulton Lincoln Highway Interpretive GazeboILHC gazebo with panels about Fulton’s Dutch heritage, Lincoln Hwy businesses, and Lyons-Fulton Bridge—the official Mississippi crossing. Funded by FHWA and Illinois DOT.
Fulton Lincoln Highway Interpretive MuralDepicts Fulton as the “gateway to the west.” Mural shows Fulton-Lyons Bridge, toll crossing, and scenic views. Part of 40 murals on Illinois Lincoln Highway corridor.
Fulton Windmill Cultural CenterThe collection was designed by Henk and June Hielema of DeMotte, Indiana. The Hielema’s traveled extensively, photographed mills, and returned home to build models of them. The mills are from ten European countries: Belgium, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, and the Netherlands. Informative interpretive materials complement the windmill collection, providing unique information on windmill products, countries of origin, windmill specifications, and the cultural impact of windmills. The Windmill Cultural Center contains a charming gift shop where visitors can purchase fresh stone-ground flour, Delft pottery, and souvenirs of Fulton, the Windmill Cultural Center, and the de Immigrant windmill. The Education Area is located at the east end of the Windmill Cultural Center. This room helps visitors learn more about mills. Groups will be able to enjoy video presentations of the windmill countries and read books about mills. The Education Area also features children's activities, including coloring, puzzles, and toys that promote scientific concepts. Entrance to the Windmill Cultural Center is free, but donations are appreciated. OPERATIONAL HOURS May–October: May: Saturday 10 AM–5 PM, Sunday 1 PM–5 PM. June – August: Monday–Saturday 10 AM–5 PM, Sunday 1 PM–5 PM. September: Monday–Friday 10 AM–3 PM, Saturday 10 AM–5 PM, Sunday 1 PM–5 PM. October: Saturday 10 AM–5 PM, Sunday 1 PM–5 PM. Closed: November through April.
Fulton’s Ronald Reagan Trail LinkPart of the Ronald Reagan Trail. Reagan’s parents were born/married in Fulton; relatives buried locally. See www.ronaldreagantrail.net for more.
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.
Henry C. Adams Memorial LibraryBuilt in memory of Henry Adams, founder of Eclipse Lawn Mower in Prophetstown.
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.
Indian Hills OrchardLocally owned and operated Indian Hills Orchard grows 14 varieties of apples such as Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp and Zestar just to mention a few. This local gem is located just outside of Fulton, Illinois. Stop by, say hello and get some of the best apples around. Like and follow on Facebook for seasonal days and hours of operation.
Lincoln-Manahan Home MuseumRestored museum in Sterling. Lincoln slept here in 1856. Tours April–fall, weekends. Free, donations welcome. 607 E. Third St., Sterling.
Little Red Schoolhouse MuseumReplica of an early 19th-century one-room schoolhouse. Open Sunday afternoons and by appointment.
Lock & Dam 13 on the Mississippi RiverMississippi River lock system. Observation deck for boat traffic, scenic outlook, boat launch, picnic area, restrooms. Prime bald eagle watching in winter.
Lyndon Area Historical Society MuseumMuseum in a 130-year-old church. Chapel for weddings/concerts (seats 60), kitchen, party space. Permanent & seasonal displays. Near Lyndon Bridge. Find on Facebook.
Martin House MuseumThe Martin House Museum is Fulton’s local-history museum and the headquarters of the Fulton Historical Society. The 1855 brick Italianate home, later expanded with Queen Anne and Arts and Crafts details, preserves Fulton memorabilia, genealogy resources, plat books, historic newspapers, and community stories. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the accessible museum is open Sunday afternoons or by appointment, and offers a guide to Fulton’s historic district.
Mead’s Bike ShopPremier Trek dealer; mountain, hybrid, road, BMX, kids bikes. Accessories, Oakley dealer, rentals, repairs, pick-up/delivery. Local bike club, group rides.