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.
Sledgehammer’sBiker-friendly Oregon bar and grill serving appetizers and sandwiches, with drinks, outdoor gathering space, and live entertainment.
- Slip & Slurry PotteryWorking pottery studio and sales gallery in Conover Square, Suite 107, where visitors may see artist Reed Bakken create, glaze, and fire functional stoneware and porcelain pieces.
- Sloppy Gene’s CafeOld-school downtown Sterling diner serving breakfast and lunch, including omelets, loose-meat Gene Rite sandwiches, soups, fries, and daily comfort-food favorites.
SomkitSomkit brings bold, modern Asian flavors to downtown Dixon with a menu inspired by Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine, along with a selection of freshly prepared sushi. Known for its thoughtfully crafted dishes, Somkit offers a mix of familiar favorites and creative specialties made with fresh ingredients and vibrant spices. The atmosphere is stylish yet welcoming, making it a great choice for everything from casual lunches to relaxed date nights. With attentive service and a menu that encourages sharing—or savoring solo—Somkit has become a standout dining destination in Lee County.
Sophie’s Cafe - SterlingSophie’s Cafe is the perfect spot for a quick bite! Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner dine-in or takeout and offering specialty coffees, baked goods, soups, and sandwiches - all made fresh and in-house. Like and follow us on Facebook for the latest specials and updates!
Splash Canyon Spray ParkFamily spray park at Oregon Park West designed as safe water play for children age 12 and under, with an adjacent picnic shelter and green park setting.
Split Decisions Upscale ResaleSecond-floor Conover Square resale marketplace with multiple vendors offering antiques, jewelry, home goods, furniture, repurposed pieces, and gifts.
Spring Lake - Upper Mississippi Refuge National Wildlife and Fish RefugeImmediately following World War I, the area know as Spring Lake was diked and ditched for farming. In 1938 and 1939, the land was purchased by the Corps of Engineers for the creation of the lock and dam systems. Through seepage and springs located within the perimeter levee, a 3,000 acre lake had developed by 1946. The perimeter levee was breached in two places in the flood of 1965. The west breach was repaired in 1991 and the south side remains open. In 1995, a $3.3 million rehabilitation program project was started which included improving the levee system and cross dike, developing a 100-acre semi-mash in Lower Spring Lake, and subdividing the Upper Lake into three separate management cells for waterfowl.
Spring Lake CampgroundEstablished in 1943, Spring Lake Campground in Savanna, Illinois, offers a vintage, rustic camping experience with an authentic old-school charm. As a gateway to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Refuge, the campground provides a natural sanctuary for wildlife and campers alike. Surrounded by nature’s best amenities: towering trees, campfires, stunning sunsets, and starry skies! This peaceful retreat offers direct access to the Great River Bike Trail for outdoor enthusiasts. Spring Lake Campground is also directly across from the Savanna Airport, for an unique opportunity to access to fly in camping! We have both seasonal sites and drop in camping sites with 30 amp power and water sites and a dump station on site. We also have primitive sites that are out on the peninsula, providing a unique exclusive tent camping experience (no big RV's or generators allowed). Escape the hustle, unplug from your phone and reconnect with nature at Spring Lake Campground. Book your stay today and embrace the simplicity of timeless camping!
- Spring Lake Pool & SplashpadSeasonal outdoor aquatic facility with a water slide, diving boards, splashpad, children's wading pool, open swim area, daily admission, group visits, and private rentals.
- Spring Valley Family RestaurantLong-running Oregon family restaurant serving American breakfast, lunch, dinner, and broaster chicken with dine-in, carryout, and drive-through service.
Spring Valley FarmSecond-generation family farm raising livestock and producing eggs, milk, honey, grains, herbs, soap, and seasonal produce, with scheduled classes, internships, and group farm tours.
Steam Anchor Coffee & CafeBreakfast, lunch, dinner, pastries, coffee, warm atmosphere. See Facebook.
Stephen and Deirdre Nardi Equine Prairie PreserveByron Forest Preserve District prairie and oak savanna preserve with 10 miles of scenic trails for hiking, walking, jogging and nature exploration. It is the district's only preserve that permits horseback riding; riders must bring their own horses.
Sterling Lincoln Highway Interpretive MuralLincoln Highway mural at 424 Locust Street composed as five vintage radio-program advertisements; part of Sterling's downtown mural collection and its self-guided public-art tour.
- Sterling Main StreetLooking for a great place to eat, unwind, shop, or explore? You’ll find all of that—and more—in Downtown Sterling, where history, creativity, and community come together to create experiences that truly steel your heart. Start your morning with a latte from Air Play Espresso & Bakery, catch a show at the Sterling Theater, browse for treasures at Showplace Antiques, or simply stroll through our historic streets. Every block offers stories—told through our preserved architecture, vibrant murals, and the people who make this place special. There’s something here for everyone. Come explore. Come enjoy. Come be inspired. Originally organized in 1999, Sterling Main Street began as the dream of a small but passionate group of downtown business owners and community leaders. After years of dedication to bringing the Main Street® Program to Sterling, their efforts were rewarded with official Illinois Main Street accreditation in March 2009. Today, that same spirit drives us forward. We are committed to revitalizing, promoting, and celebrating our historic downtown—the heart of our community. Through strong partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and local government, Sterling Main Street is shaping a downtown where heritage meets progress, and where people feel welcomed, inspired, and connected. As a proud member of the Illinois Main Street and Main Street America networks, we follow the nationally recognized Four-Point Approach to downtown revitalization—tailored to the needs and opportunities of Sterling: Design, Organization, Promotion and Economic Vitality. From beautification projects and community events to business support and economic development, we are building a downtown experience that feels vibrant, authentic, and uniquely Sterling. With every project and partnership, we aim to create a place that brings people together—a place that will truly Steel Your Heart.
- Sterling MarketplaceLocated at 111 W. 2nd Street in downtown Sterling, the Sterling Marketplace is a vibrant community hub that welcomes events year-round. From the annual Car Show each May to the outdoor Twin City Farmers Market in summer and fall, the venue is a favorite gathering place for residents and visitors alike. Each October, it hosts Hops on the Rock, Sterling’s original craft beer festival. In addition, the Marketplace is available for private rentals, making it a versatile spot for everything from corporate functions to family celebrations.
- Sterling Murals Self-Guided TourSelf-guided downtown tour of Sterling's large hand-painted historical murals, with an online story map showing locations and background for each work. The mural program is now supported through Sterling Main Street.
Sterling Park DistrictThe Sterling Park District, located in Sterling, Illinois, just 5 miles north of I-88 and halfway between the Quad Cities and DeKalb, offers a wide range of recreational opportunities for all ages. With 14 park sites spanning 525 acres, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as biking along 7 miles of bike paths, boating at Oppold Marina with two boat ramps, or spending time at one of the district’s three fishing ponds. For golf enthusiasts, there's an 18-hole golf course, a driving range, and practice greens. Disc golf is also a highlight, with both a 27-hole and a 9-hole course. Indoor facilities include a state-of-the-art aquatics center, gymnastics center, a 200-meter indoor track, a 60-yard indoor turf field, and multiple fitness areas, including 35,000 square feet of fitness equipment and a HIIT House for boxing and MMA. The district is also home to 4 indoor tennis courts, 12 outdoor tennis courts, 6 indoor pickleball courts, and one indoor wallyball/raquetball court. For basketball and volleyball enthusiasts, there are 4 indoor courts as well as 2 NBA-sized wood courts. The district also offers a variety of family-friendly amenities, including a sledding hill, a party rental facility at the Westwood and Duis Centers, and childcare at the Kids Gym. Other attractions include the Dillon Home Museum, Westwood Wellness, a turf Major League Ball Diamond, and a warehouse for functional fitness. For food and refreshment, visitors can stop by Westwood Smoothie Co. or explore the fitness areas and specialized programs offered year-round. Whether it's fitness, sports, or leisure, the Sterling Park District offers something for everyone.
Sterling-Rock Falls Family YMCACommunity YMCA with strength and cardio facilities, gym, indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, steam room, group exercise, youth sports, swim lessons, child watch, school-age programs, and summer camp.
Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society Carriage House MuseumLocal-history museum tracing Sterling and Rock Falls from prehistoric times through the modern industrial era with permanent and rotating exhibits; summer public hours and separate appointment access are posted by the Historical Society.
- Stone Bridge RunningStone Bridge Running is Dixon's running specialty shop—gear and fits for all levels, from elites to beginners and walkers. We are community-oriented and known for personalized service and top running brands. Our stock includes shoes, apparel, and accessories for running, walking, and general fitness. Come visit for expert advice, a fun atmosphere, and to join a local hub for active living. Follow us on Facebook for the latest events and product arrivals!
StoryWalk® at Oregon Park WestThe StoryWalk® is located in Oregon Park West where reading stations are spaced out on the path and present books to park visitors while enjoying the natural beauty and benefits of Oregon Park West. WHAT IS A STORYWALK®? A StoryWalk® is a book that has been disassembled, laminated and presented page by page to promote reading and exercise on a trail, bike path, or in store windows and as you stroll, you are directed to the next page in the story. The Oregon Public Library StoryWalk® is funded by E.D.Etnyre Company, through the Etnyre Foundation. Many of the books to be shared on the StoryWalk® were generously donated by George and Kathy Bouska, long-time residents and teachers of Oregon. “It has always been about promoting early literacy, physical activity, and family time together in nature. Its success is due to partners, partners, partners that understood from very early on how this idea could be used to bring a fun and educational family activity to their community.” – Anne Ferguson, founder of the StoryWalk®
- Storybook Gardens at The C EstateSeasonal garden-estate wedding and special-event venue with indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception spaces, custom packages, décor, and capacity for large celebrations.
