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.
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
Angelo’s II Pizzeria - SterlingFamily-friendly: pizza, salad bar, hot sandwiches. Dine-in/takeout. Lounge with TVs. Hours may vary—call to verify.
Angelo’s III Pizzeria - DixonPizza, pasta, and more! Family recipes for 50+ years. Locations also in Sterling & Rock Falls. Hours subject to change, call to verify.
Angelo’s Pizzeria - DeliveryAngelo’s Sterling delivery location serves pizza, pasta, Italian dishes and signature sandwiches. Delivery and takeout are available daily, with late-night hours on Friday and Saturday.
Angelo’s Pizzeria - Rock FallsPizza, pasta, and more. Family recipes for over 50 years. Also in Sterling & Dixon.
Argo Acres Farm Stand & OrchardFarm stand 6 miles east of Thomson. Sells seasonal fruits and vegetables (asparagus, rhubarb, strawberries, beans, corn, tomatoes, apples, pumpkins, squash, gourds, Indian corn, popcorn, raspberries). Open daily July–November. Find at Lyons Farmers Market in Clinton, IA.
Arnold’s Bikes & TrikesBike shop near the Great River Trail specializing in recumbent trikes, comfort bikes and adaptive cycling. Offers new and used bikes, rentals, repairs, accessories and electric-motor installations.
Arthur’s Garden Deli - DixonEstablished in 1977 and voted “best place for lunch” in 2005 by local diners. Deli sandwiches, soups, stuffed potatoes, salad bar, frozen yogurt, and catering.
Arthur’s Garden Deli - Rock FallsEstablished 1977. Deli sandwiches, soups, stuffed potatoes, salad bar, frozen yogurt, catering. Voted “best place for lunch.”
Arthur’s Garden Deli - SterlingEstablished in 1977 and voted “best place for lunch” in 2005. Deli sandwiches, soups, stuffed potatoes, salad bar, frozen yogurt, and catering.
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.
Atwood ParkShaded Rochelle park with a bandshell, walking path and bike-path access. Hosts community concerts, movies, fireworks and the Lincoln Highway Heritage Festival.
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.
Autumn on ParadeAnnual fall festival held the first full weekend in October in downtown Oregon. Features more than 180 market vendors, a food court, car and tractor shows, a family Fun Zone, the Olde English Faire and Harvest Time Parade.
Ayers Sand Prairie State Nature PreserveTucked just south of Savanna, Ayers Sand Prairie Nature Preserve offers a rare glimpse into one of Illinois’ most unique landscapes. This 100+ acre preserve protects a high-quality dry sand prairie ecosystem shaped by ancient glacial activity, where rolling sand dunes and open prairie create a striking, wide-open setting. Visitors will find a surprisingly diverse mix of plant life, including native grasses like little bluestem and June grass, along with seasonal wildflowers such as puccoon and sand primrose that bring bursts of color throughout the year. Wildlife is equally impressive, with grassland birds, small mammals, and reptiles all adapted to this dry, sandy environment. Designated as one of Illinois’ early nature preserves in 1974, the site remains largely undeveloped, offering a quiet, back-to-basics outdoor experience ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and photography. With minimal signage and a simple roadside access point, Ayers Sand Prairie feels like a true hidden landscape—perfect for visitors looking to explore something a little off the beaten path. DIRECTIONS: From Savanna at the junction Hwys. 52 & 84, take Hwy. 84 south 2.7 miles to Airport Road, then turn and go east 0.5 mile. The nature preserve is north of the road. GPS Coordinates: 41.9956 -90.1070
A’s KitchenTraditional breakfast, lunch, and dinners at this newly remodeled restaurant. Located at the former Red Apple Restaurant in Rock Falls, IL.
B.B.Y. Chicken and Carry OutKnown for delicious fried chicken, fried walleye, cod, and more. Dine-in, outdoor seating, carry-out, and local delivery. Open daily 4-9 p.m., closed Mondays.
Baileyville Christmas TreesTwo weekends only: opens Nov 29. Fri–Sun 8am–5pm. Choose and cut Scotch/White Pines, Firs, Blue Spruce. Boughs, garlands, barn quilts, gift shop. Tree shaking/baling. FB & website for updates.
Baker Street - DixonHouse-roasted coffees, baked goods, soups, and sandwiches. Decadent cakes and pastries. Follow on Facebook for daily specials.
Bald Hill Preserve380 acres, rare gravel hill prairie, breeding habitat for rare grassland birds. 192-ft elevation change, Illinois 2018 Big Tree Champion. Byron Forest Preserve manages.
Ballou ParkDixon Park District neighborhood park with lighted ball diamonds, a basketball court, a playground, and the Kiwanis picnic shelter with tables, a grill, and electricity. The shelter and ball fields are available for reservations.
Barnhart’s Stone Corner Farm MarketUSDA-certified organic farm: veggies, herbs, sorghum, molasses, honey, candles, beef, popcorn, and soap. Features unique stone collection laid by pioneers/Civil War vets.
Bartini’sFull service bar specializing in martinis and wine. Mon–Sat 4–10pm. Unique atmosphere, outdoor deck with music/lighting. No food, but order from nearby restaurants. Menus on hand. Booking available for parties.
Basil Tree RistoranteFamily owned and operated since 2009, Basil Tree Ristorante offers a unique blend of old-world Italian charm and modern touch in a cozy 1850s building. With more than 30 years of combined chef experience, the widely praised Italian cuisine includes vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. The restaurant features a full bar with signature cocktails and a diverse wine list, ideal for intimate dinners or large celebrations. Private dining and catering are available, with a beautiful banquet room for up to 50 guests. Free off-street parking is available.
