The NW Illinois Directory
Explore All Places
Every supper club, trailhead, main-street shop, and stay across all four counties — searchable in one place.
Explore 821 places across Northwest Illinois.
Maria’s PizzaMaria’s Pizza is a family-owned Dixon pizzeria making its own sauce and dough with fresh ingredients. The menu centers on classic and specialty pizzas, with sandwiches, pasta, chicken wings, chicken strips, Italian beef, lasagna, appetizers, and party-size options rounding out the selection. Order online for pickup or delivery, and check the website for current specials and hours.
Market Street PizzaLocated in the heart of downtown Mount Carroll, Market Street Pizza serves handcrafted pizzas, fresh salads, sandwiches, and a selection of beer and wine in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Owned by the same team behind the neighboring Molly’s Kitchen & Bar, the restaurant brings a creative approach to pizza, featuring both classic favorites and inventive specialty pies made with quality ingredients. Guests can pair their meal with appetizers, fresh salads, or wine or beer, while enjoying an easygoing atmosphere that makes Market Street Pizza a favorite stop for families, couples, and travelers exploring Carroll County. Whether dining in or picking up takeout, visitors will find plenty of delicious reasons to return.
Marquette ParkOne-acre park on the banks of the Mississippi River with restrooms, boat launches, fishing, canoe access, picnic tables, and parking. Great river views.
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.
Martin’s Landing/Sinnissippi Dam WalkwayScenic walkway connects Sterling & Rock Falls, links to Hennepin Canal Parkway & Grand Illinois Trail. Benches, gazebo, fishing, trail access.
Mary’s DinerLocated in Dixon’s Dement Town neighborhood, Mary’s Diner offers breakfast and lunch. Known for home-cooked meals, generous portions, friendly service, and affordable prices. Follow on Facebook for daily specials.
Maxson’s Riverside Restaurant & Pride of Oregon RiverboatMaxson’s Riverside Restaurant pairs Rock River dining with the Pride of Oregon, a 102-foot paddlewheel boat offering seasonal luncheon and dinner cruises. The glass-enclosed restaurant looks across the river toward the Black Hawk statue and serves its celebrated homemade orange rolls, appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, steaks, seafood, beer, and wine. The accessible complex also hosts weddings, receptions, reunions, business meetings, and group functions.
- Maxwell House Antiques
Meadows ParkMeadows Park is a 567-acre Dixon Park District recreation area stretching from Washington Avenue toward the Rock River. Its trails support hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and seasonal nature exploration, while the park also serves local soccer programs. Families can visit Wooden Wonderland playground and the adjacent accessible Water Wonderland splash pad with 23 water features, picnic space, pavilion, restrooms, and paved parking.
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.
Mendota Hills Campground130-acre campground with fishing, boating, hayrack rides, swimming beach, hiking, camp store, church services, and campfires. Rental campers, golf cart rentals, RV sites (seasonal, monthly, weekly, overnight), and tent camping. Themed weekends and frog jumping contest every Sunday.
Midway Drive-In TheaterLandmark drive-in theater between Dixon and Sterling featuring double features of first-run and classic films, community events, and a vintage diner. State-of-the-art digital projection and sound. One of only 20 remaining drive-in theaters in Illinois. Open seasonally from April to September and hosts special events in October. Parking for 500 cars, giant 90-foot screen, and FM stereo sound on 91.3 FM. Home to Illinois' oldest standing drive-in screen. Full-service Midway Diner with a classic 1950s vibe. No outside food allowed, but a food permit can be purchased.
Mill Wheel TavernDowntown Milledgeville. Home of Mill Wheel Chicken, best pork tenderloin. Full bar, breakfast/lunch/dinner. FB for updates.
Miller's Hollow PierMiller’s Hollow Piers sits in the Pool 13 backwaters of the Mississippi River in Carroll County, Illinois, just north of Savanna and adjacent to Mississippi Palisades State Park. This small, low‑key site provides access to calm backwaters near Buffalo Lake, making it a convenient spot for anglers and paddlers looking for a quieter alternative to busy boat launches. The area is known for good fishing opportunities along this stretch of the Mississippi, with common targets including bass, catfish, panfish, and seasonal river species. Visitors also come simply to enjoy the river scenery, watch wildlife moving through the refuge corridor, and use the site as a quick pull‑off while exploring the Palisades bluffs and nearby river towns
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.
Millview Disc Golf CourseMillview Disc Golf Course offers an inviting 9-hole layout ideal for both beginners discovering disc golf and experienced players seeking a quick, fun round. Set in a scenic park environment in Fulton, this course features a mix of open and tree-lined holes that encourage accuracy and strategy without being overly intimidating. Open year-round to the public, Millview offers a great opportunity for friendly games, casual practice, or a peaceful outdoor break — all accessible without a formal tee time. Whether you’re stopping in with friends, playing with family, or exploring disc golf options in Northwest Illinois, this course delivers an enjoyable, community-oriented experience.
Mississippi Outlook1BR/1BA ranch, hillside, off-street parking, garage, deck, porch. Near Savanna Main St, Palisades State Park, Great River Trail. Full kitchen, motorcycle garage, furnished.
FeaturedMississippi Palisades State ParkMississippi Palisades State Park, located just north of Savanna along the Mississippi River, offers more than 2,500 acres of rugged beauty and outdoor adventure. Towering limestone bluffs, wooded ravines, and scenic overlooks provide some of the most breathtaking views in Illinois, making the park a favorite destination for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers. The park's dramatic landscape is part of the Driftless Area and is rich in Native American history and natural features. Visitors can explore miles of trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging routes that wind through rock formations, forests, and river overlooks. Popular viewpoints such as Lookout Point, Ozzie's Point, and Louis' Point offer spectacular views of the Mississippi River valley. The park also features accessible trails and overlooks, making scenic experiences available to a wide range of visitors. Outdoor recreation opportunities abound throughout the year. Campers can choose from more than 240 campsites, including sites with electrical hookups and modern amenities. Rock climbers come to tackle the park's cliffs and formations, while birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts may spot bald eagles, migratory birds, deer, and other native species. Fishing, boating, geocaching, cross-country skiing, and seasonal nature exploration add even more ways to enjoy the landscape. Whether spending an afternoon taking in the river views or enjoying a weekend under the stars, Mississippi Palisades State Park provides a memorable escape into one of northwest Illinois' most striking natural settings.
Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground2,500-acre park at Mississippi/Apple Rivers confluence. 241 campsites (A/B), 110 w/ electric, showers, toilets, water, dump stations, youth group areas, hiking, rock formations, caves. No campsite reservations.
- Mississippi River Lodge4BR, 3 bath lodge on the Mississippi between Savanna & Thomson. Fireplace, deck, grill, fully equipped kitchen, dock, boat launch, fishing, water sports. Great family vacation spot.
Mix ParkMix Park is a 2.5-acre Oregon Park District site with a playground, pickleball courts, picnic tables, a shelter, and seasonal restrooms. Donated to the City of Oregon in 1920 and renovated in 2001, the award-winning park also features public art, including Lorado Taft's “Boys with Fish” sculpture and Jeff Adams's “Paths of Conviction, Footsteps of Fate.”
Molly’s Kitchen and BarMolly’s Kitchen & Bar is a locally loved restaurant in Mount Carroll offering thoughtfully prepared American cuisine with a creative twist. The menu is rooted in fresh, locally sourced ingredients and features familiar favorites reimagined with seasonal flavors and unique presentations. Alongside its food, Molly’s is known for its standout cocktail program, featuring handcrafted drinks made with fresh herbs, house-made juices, and inventive combinations. The atmosphere is warm, modern, and welcoming—making it an ideal spot for casual dinners, date nights, and special occasions alike. With attentive service and a focus on quality, Molly’s Kitchen & Bar delivers a dining experience that feels both elevated and comfortable.
Monument ParkSmall, accessible area in Savanna commemorating the Aaron Pierce family, first white settlers of Savanna. Monument marks the site of their original teepee. Visible from the road and wheelchair accessible.
FeaturedMoonlight Bay Marina & RestaurantMoonlight Bay Marina & Restaurant is a family-owned waterfront destination on the Rock River, serving the Sterling area since 1963. The relaxed restaurant and bar offers burgers, tacos, tenders, locally sourced dishes, beer, wine, cocktails, outdoor patio seating, live music, and river views. The marina provides a safe harbor and recreational boating access, while the property also welcomes wedding parties and special gatherings. Check the website and social pages for current kitchen hours and events.
