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.
Dixon Family YMCACommunity health and recreation center serving all ages with fitness classes, personal training, aquatics and swim lessons, youth sports, childcare, camps and community events. The main facility includes an indoor pool, gym and wellness spaces. Check the official schedules and membership pages for current hours, programs and access details.
Dixon Park DistrictDixon Park District manages parks, trails, recreation programs and facilities throughout the community, including historic Lowell Park, Park 4 Paws, a nature center, sports facilities and reservable shelters and event spaces. The district offers program registration, rentals, seasonal activities and community events; use the official website for current schedules and reservations.
Dixon Water Wonderland Splash PadHot days. Cold water. Tired, happy kids. This family-friendly park was new in 2019. It offers 23 different water features, beautiful landscaping with a fountain, picnic tables with solar-powered chargers, and a paved and striped parking lot. Hours: Seasonally, 9 am - 8 pm daily. FREE
Docks on the RockMarina on Rock River near Arduini Boat Launch, Rock Falls. Boat slips, fuel, food, boat repairs, storage, jet ski storage, winterizing, tours, convenience store, dock building. Seasonal: closed Oct 15–Apr 15.
Don Hamer Recreation PathPaved multi-use path connecting the Byron Forest Preserve area with the Byron community. The route is used for walking, running, and bicycling, and leashed dogs are allowed along the Don Hamer Recreation Path.
Douglas ParkTwo-acre neighborhood park in Sterling's Douglas Park Subdivision, established on land donated in 1955. Amenities include basketball courts, playground equipment and open play areas.
Drives Athletic ParkCommunity athletic park in Fulton with a pavilion, ball fields, soccer field, playground and bandshell. Drives Park supports local youth athletics and also hosts public community events, including outdoor music, seasonal festivals and family activities.
E.C. Smith ParkDixon neighborhood park at 455 West 7th Street with the Kiddie Koral playground, a sledding hill, three tennis courts and space for picnics and outdoor play. The park was donated to the Dixon Park District by Dixon Public Schools and remains a family recreation site.
Eberley ParkSet on 25 wooded acres, Eberley Park features a 1.5-mile soft-surface walking and running course. The shaded route is popular with walkers and joggers and offers a peaceful place to enjoy Sterling's natural landscape.
Elkhorn Creek Biodiversity PreserveThree miles southwest of Forreston, this daylight-hours preserve protects prairie, oak savanna, forest, sedge meadow, wetland, brook and creek habitats. More than 400 species have been documented, including over 150 bird and 170 plant species. Visitors may hike, watch birds, photograph nature and relax; dogs, horses, bikes and off-road vehicles are not allowed.
Emerald Hill Golf CourseEmerald Hill Golf Course has been a staple of the Sterling golf scene since 1923 and is currently operated by the Sterling Park District, combining tradition with quality facilities for golfers of all skill levels. The 18-hole regulation course challenges players with a thoughtful layout that includes well-maintained fairways, water hazards, and sand traps, while lush bentgrass greens and practice areas provide opportunities to sharpen every aspect of your game. In addition to the course itself, Emerald Hill features a driving range, three practice greens, and a chipping area — perfect for warmups or focused practice sessions. The welcoming clubhouse offers a pro shop stocked with gear, friendly staff to help with tee times and cart rentals, and the Clubhouse Grill, where golfers can enjoy snacks, beverages, or a full meal after a round. It’s a great stop for locals and visitors alike who want a relaxed but rewarding round of golf in Northwest Illinois.
Fairgrounds ParkFairgrounds Park in Oregon, IL, is a neighborhood park with a large shelter, workout area, playground, backstop, gazebo, bike and walking trail, and basketball court. The bike trail goes through mature oaks and a small prairie. Former site of the Ogle County Fair.
Fairways Golf CourseFairways Golf Course has been a beloved fixture of the Rochelle golf community since opening in 1929, offering a unique par-66, 18-hole layout designed by noted architect Perry Maxwell, ASGCA. The course’s mature trees and well-maintained fairways create an environment that’s both inviting for beginners and satisfying for more experienced players. Players can expect a round of golf that combines natural beauty with a thoughtful course design, where strategy and shot placement are rewarded. After your round, the clubhouse provides a relaxed space to unwind, catch up with friends, and enjoy refreshments in a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re teeing up for family fun, working on your game, or hosting a group outing, Fairways Golf Course delivers an enjoyable golf experience in the heart of Rochelle.
Fat Jack Memorial Skate ParkFat Jack Memorial Skate Park is a professional public skate park in Savanna open to skateboarders and other skaters. The outdoor facility is open daily from dawn to dusk, and helmets are mandatory.
Fin and FeatherFin and Feather is a rustic campground on the banks of the Mississippi River backwaters. It is located where the river meets Spring Lake, a wildlife and fish refuge. Known for fishing, camping and beautiful sunsets, Fin and Feather is a nature lovers perfect place. Direct access to the Great River Bike Trail. Seasonal and drop in camping options (reservation required before arrival). Boat rentals and fire wood are available for purchase.
Flagg-Rochelle Community Park DistrictThe Flagg-Rochelle Community Park District provides parks, recreation facilities, athletics, fitness, aquatics, classes, and community events throughout Rochelle and Flagg Township. Its system includes 16 parks, The REC Center, Spring Lake Marina, Skare Park, and other indoor and outdoor facilities.
Four Sisters Bike PathFour Sisters Bike Path is a paved, mostly flat multi-use trail forming a horseshoe around northern Rochelle. The route follows portions of the Kyte River and connects Atwood, Flannigan, and Tilton parks, schools, neighborhoods, and open farmland. It is used for bicycling, walking, running, inline skating, and wheelchair access.
Franklin Creek State Natural Area992-acre nature preserve and park with hiking (4.5 miles of trails), equestrian area, snowmobile and cross-country skiing trails, fishing, hunting, picnic shelters, and the Franklin Creek Grist Mill. Features upland and ravine forests, permanent streams, large springs, and scenic gorges. Habitat for unique plants and wildlife. Managed with local and state cooperation. Trail maps available online.
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.
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.
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.
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.
