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.
Byron Civil War Soldiers MonumentIllinois’ oldest Civil War monument (built 1866), honoring local soldiers. At intersection of two streets in Byron. Listed on National Register of Historic Places. Inscribes names of local Civil War veterans.
Byron DragwayFor sixty years, Byron Dragway has created lasting memories for race fans and racers alike. This family-owned NHRA championship quarter-mile dragstrip offers affordable family fun in a clean, safe environment. Located about 1.5 hours from Chicago, we're known for unique events including the World Power Wheel Standing Championships, Glory Days Vintage Drag Race, and the U.S. Bracket Nationals. Open weekends April through November, featuring both 1/4-mile and 1/8-mile timing classes. The track is comparatively wide due to its history of running cars four abreast in the 1960s. A passionately managed facility that's clean, family-friendly, and inviting - truly 'The Playground of Power!'
Byron Forest Preserve Cross Country SkiingCross-country ski rentals and trails at Jarrett Prairie Nature Preserve, Byron. Rentals $5/hr during Jarrett Prairie Center hours. Guided outings available; sledding hill and hot chocolate also offered.
Byron Museum of History & Lucius Read HouseMuseum and historic home preserving Byron’s history. Features exhibits on farming, Byron’s railroad era, A.G. Spalding, the Underground Railroad, and more. Lucius Read House was a stop for runaway slaves. Open Feb–Dec, Wed–Sat, 10am–3pm. Free admission. Tours and meeting space available.
Carroll County Barn Quilt TrailBarn quilt trail promoting agri-tourism. View photos/info on Facebook. Albums for each Carroll County town.
Carroll County CourthouseNorthernmost and oldest section built in 1843 in Mount Carroll. The 1858 courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Civil War monument and cannons on the lawn.
Carroll County Soldiers and Sailors Monument and AnnexDedicated in 1891 to honor 1,284 Carroll County Civil War soldiers. Features a 50-foot monument with sculptures by Lorado Taft, two cannons, and a pyramid of cannonballs. Lists battles and includes engraved symbols of army groups.
Center Hill Orchard & ApiarySeasonal orchard and apiary in Center Hill near Mount Carroll, producing fresh-picked cherries, peaches, pears, apples, berries and natural honey. Fruit is picked to order at peak ripeness, and availability varies by season. Contact the orchard before visiting.
Chana SchoolTwo-room schoolhouse on National Register of Historic Places. Built 1883, expanded 1893, moved and restored in 2003 to Oregon Park East. Unique for its size, ornate design, three front doors, bell tower, and restored interior. Open for tours.
Chaplin Creek VillageChaplin Creek Village in Franklin Grove, Illinois, is a historic village setting that brings the area’s past to life through preserved buildings, open green space, and community gatherings. Serving as the primary event site for the Franklin Grove Area Historical Society, the village provides an immersive backdrop for seasonal festivals, living history programs, educational activities, and special events throughout the year. Visitors can stroll the grounds, explore historic structures, and experience hands-on opportunities that highlight rural life and local heritage. With its welcoming small-town atmosphere and flexible outdoor spaces, Chaplin Creek Village is a popular destination for families, school groups, and history lovers alike. Whether attending a special event or simply enjoying the historic setting, Chaplin Creek Village offers a memorable glimpse into Franklin Grove’s roots.
Charlotte Arvelle GlassWorking glass studio, open by appointment, wholesale to the trade only.
Cin’s Treasures Ceramics & Art StudioPaint-your-own ceramic and canvas art studio inside Conover Square Mall in Oregon. Choose from a wide selection of ceramic pieces and canvas projects, with guidance available for all experience levels. Walk-ins, private parties, and group events are offered; check current hours before visiting.
Coliseum Museum of Art, Antiques and Americana (CMAAA)The Coliseum Museum of Art, Antiques & Americana—known locally as CMAAA—is a dynamic arts and cultural venue located in the historic Coliseum building in downtown Oregon, Illinois. This unique nonprofit museum blends the past and present by featuring rotating fine art exhibitions, curated antique displays, and Americana collections that tell the stories of our region. CMAAA also hosts live performances, educational programs, and special events year-round, making it a cornerstone for community engagement and creative expression in Northwest Illinois. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for an inspiring place to explore, CMAAA offers something for everyone.
College Street CreationsHandmade home decor, custom orders, DIY workshops, crafting parties. Pinterest projects by request. Follow on Facebook.
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.
Creston Lincoln Highway Interpretive Mural & GazeboOutdoor Lincoln Highway interpretive site in downtown Creston featuring a mural and gazebo devoted to the route's Illinois drinking fountains. The panels explain how Illinois became the only state along the Lincoln Highway to install these traveler fountains. The site is free to view outdoors; pair it with Creston's other Lincoln Highway markers.
Dale Gardner Veterans Memorial BridgeBridge connecting Savanna, IL & Sabula, IA. Honoring astronaut/veteran Dale Gardner & all veterans. Dedicated 2018. FB for images.
Davis Junction Farmers Market1st & 3rd Wednesdays, June–Sept, 4–8pm. At Pavilion, Davis Junction Community Park. FB for lineup updates.
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.
Dietrich RanchFamily farm (since 1947) using outdoor, pasture-based, rotational, grass-fed livestock production. No hormones or antibiotics; sustainable and transparent. Visitors welcome by appointment.
Dixon Lincoln Highway Interpretive GazeboRiverfront Lincoln Highway gazebo with interpretive panels about the Dixon Arch, the 1919 Transcontinental Motor Convoy and the highway’s broader history. Built in 2009 through the Illinois Interpretive Gazebo Project with National Scenic Byway funding and City of Dixon support, it marks Illinois’ nationally designated Lincoln Highway corridor.
Dixon Lincoln Highway Interpretive MuralOne of Lee County’s three Illinois Lincoln Highway interpretive murals, this downtown Dixon artwork depicts the 1919 Transcontinental Motor Convoy that included future President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The scene recalls the convoy’s arrival at the courthouse and community lunch, connecting Dixon to the highway’s influence on American travel.
Dixon Veterans Memorial ArchLighted historic memorial arch on Galena Avenue, Dixon, since 1919. Honors veterans of war and is a Dixon landmark.
Dixon’s Railroad Street ArchesThree locally quarried Galena-limestone railroad arches carry Dixon’s shared-use trail above First, Second and Third streets. Built for the Illinois Central Railroad in the 1850s, the arches are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and were rehabilitated in 1999. Today walkers and cyclists can cross the historic structures en route to downtown and the Rock River.
