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.
Explore 821 places across Northwest Illinois.
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).
Franklin Street PubFranklin Street Pub is a friendly, laid-back Oregon bar serving lunch and favorite finger foods with an extensive draft beer selection. Guests can enjoy Friday karaoke, live music, gaming machines, sporting events on large-screen TVs, and a casual come-as-you-are atmosphere.
Free Spirit VintageFree Spirit Vintage is a collectibles and vintage boutique inside Conover Square's East Hall, overlooking the Rock River. Shop antiques, art, home décor, vintage kitchen and outdoor pieces, and gifts from local artisans, with vendors regularly refreshing their booths and merchandise.
French Creek ParkMorrison’s newest 16-acre park with soccer fields, walking path, playground, community garden, and picnic area. Used for fall youth soccer program.
Fresco On FirstDowntown Dixon. Healthy, fresh menu, local coffee/tea/smoothies. Dine-in/carry-out. 2nd floor 4000 sq ft event space (rentable/catered), basement gym (First Street Fight Club). Call 815-677-5192.
Fresh Finds BoutiqueFresh Finds Boutique is a locally owned downtown Dixon women's fashion shop offering contemporary clothing, shoes, and accessories across a wide range of styles, sizes, and budgets. Shoppers can browse brands including Birkenstock, Judy Blue, and Vervet, with clothing sizes extending through 24.
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.
Frog Pond, Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish RefugeFrog Pond in Carroll County, Illinois is a small public fishing and recreation area just south of Savanna along Illinois Route 84, associated with the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge. It’s commonly used for bank fishing and short family outings rather than full‑service camping or large‑boat access.
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.
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 MarinaLocated on the Mississippi River in Fulton, this municipal, year-round, full-service marina offers boat launches, camping, fishing, concessions, restrooms, gas dock, potable water, pump-out services, two public ramps, and ample parking. Picnic tables available. Bait and tackle nearby.
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.
Fuzions Bar & GrillFuzions Bar & Grill is a casual downtown Rochelle nightlife spot with beer, cocktails, handcrafted martinis, tacos, and bar games. The venue hosts dancing, live music, comedy, talent showcases, local artists, and other weekend entertainment in a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
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.
Glenn Miller Marina (Erie Boat Launch)Glenn Miller Marina, also known as the Erie Boat Launch, is a public Rock River access point for motorboats, kayaks, and canoes. The site is known for catfishing and has a large parking area with room for boat trailers beside the Erie Campground.
Golden Key Gifts & Candle Co.Golden Key Gifts & Candle Co. is a family-owned Sterling shop offering gifts, home décor, Hallmark items, Isabel Bloom, TY, Willow Tree Angels, and more. The shop also makes its own hand-poured scented candles in more than 100 fragrances, with gift cards, free gift packaging, online ordering, and local pickup available.
Grace Johnston ParkGrace Johnston Park is a year-round Dixon neighborhood park with a playground, basketball hoop, and ball field. The Dixon Park District lists the park at 1110 Highland Avenue and keeps it open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Grandpa’s CabinRestored 1837 log cabin near Mississippi River. Sleeps 4, WiFi, coffee/tea, fridge, microwave, fireplace, firepit, trails. No kitchen or TV. Quiet, historic lodging.
FeaturedGreat River TrailThe Great River Trail offers one of the most scenic ways to explore the Mississippi River in Northwest Illinois, with a paved, multi-use path that welcomes cyclists, walkers, and casual explorers alike. In Whiteside County, the trail passes through Fulton, Illinois, running directly behind the community’s iconic Dutch windmill along the riverfront. This stretch of the trail offers wide-open views of the Mississippi River, making it a popular stop for visitors seeking a relaxed ride or a peaceful walk. The smooth, paved surface makes it accessible for all skill levels, whether you’re out for a short stroll or planning a longer biking adventure. The Great River Trail is part of a larger regional route that follows the Mississippi River through multiple communities, connecting scenic landscapes, river towns, and recreational opportunities along the way. In Fulton, it’s easy to hop on the trail, take in the surroundings, and experience a different perspective of the river at your own pace.
FeaturedGreen River Oaks Camping ResortGreen River Oaks Camping Resort in Amboy offers a relaxed camping experience surrounded by the quiet countryside of Lee County. Open seasonally beginning in May, the resort provides a welcoming destination for RV travelers, tent campers, and visitors looking for a peaceful outdoor getaway. Guests can choose from spacious RV sites, tent camping areas, and comfortable cabin rentals. The property’s tree-lined setting creates a calm atmosphere for enjoying campfires, outdoor games, and time with family and friends. Whether visitors stay for a weekend or an extended trip, the campground provides a comfortable base for enjoying Northwest Illinois. Green River Oaks also features amenities designed to make camping easy and enjoyable. Visitors can take advantage of recreational areas, a swimming pool, and open green spaces throughout the resort. The nearby Green River adds to the area’s outdoor appeal, with opportunities for fishing, paddling, and exploring the surrounding landscape. Located just outside Amboy, the campground offers a convenient starting point for discovering Lee County’s small towns, scenic countryside, and outdoor recreation areas. With a mix of natural surroundings and family-friendly amenities, Green River Oaks Camping Resort is a popular seasonal destination for campers visiting Northwest Illinois.
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.
