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.
Battleground Memorial Park - Stillman’s RunSite of the first battle of the Blackhawk War, 1832. Abraham Lincoln helped bury 10 soldiers here as a militia captain. Only war fought on Illinois soil. See Wikipedia link for more history.
Bear’s Drive InnGreat food & ice cream. Open seasonally. Season opens Early April (mark your calendars—11 a.m. sharp!) Seasonal Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m.–8 p.m. They’re located in Thomson—the Melon Capital of the World—so your road‑trip bliss includes diners’ favorite drive‑in classics alongside legendary ice cream and fresh‑cut melon. Why stop in? 🍦 Made‑to‑order ice cream & frozen custard 🍔 Classic drive‑in fare—burgers, hot dogs, loaded fries Heads up: They’re only open through late summer (typically the end of September, weather‑dependent), so don’t wait—sweet season doesn’t last forever!
Beaver Den Tavern & GrillPaw Paw, IL. Small-town classics: burgers, fish & chips, beer. Family-friendly, large patio, separate bar/dining sides. Tue–Fri 11am–2pm & 5–8pm, Sat–Sun 11am–8pm.
Behrz BloomzFull-service florist and gift shop offering custom fresh and silk floral arrangements for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, funerals, hospital deliveries, and other occasions. Delivery is available throughout Sterling and nearby communities.
Benson’s on Lake CarltonLocated in the heart of Morrison-Rockwood State Park on the beautiful 77-acre Lake Carlton. Home to fishing, hiking, and camping. We offer a great menu of food & drinks served in our restaurant or on our screened-in deck. Our bait shop offers worms, leeches, minnows, and fishing tackle. Watercraft rentals include kayak, pedal boats, and motorboat rentals. Hours: Open 11 am - 7 pm Tuesday through Sunday, Closed Mondays.
Benson’s on the MississippiWe specialize in Hickory Smoked Meats, Fish and other traditional Midwest and Southern-inspired dishes, in a relaxed family-friendly environment that showcases a beautiful view of the Mississippi River and we’re only a short walk to the boat launch! We offer delicious food and drinks in a relaxing place where “everyone knows your name”. Check out our menu at https://bensonsonthemississippi.com/menu
BerryView OrchardU-pick orchard for aronia berries, apples, pears, peaches, vegetables. Peaceful, natural setting. Owners Jeff & Julie offer U-pick on weekends Aug–Oct, Sat–Sun 8am–4pm. FB for updates.
Beryl’s Country CeramicsCeramics studio offering greenware, paints, brushes, custom firing, gifts by order, and classes. Closed Fridays, Sundays, and holidays.
- Betty’s Bell-HouseVacation rental in downtown Savanna, 1 block from Great River Bike Trail. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps up to 12. Full kitchen, laundry, hardwood floors. Near parks and historic Galena.
Big Bend State Fish & Wildlife Area1,188 acres west of Prophetstown. Open for hunting, hiking, limited fishing.
Billy Barnhart MuseumFree, year-round museum in historic Conover Square featuring vintage toys, collectibles, sleighs, farm equipment, and local relics. Located on the second floor; donations are welcome.
Billy’s Den2BR apartment near downtown Savanna. Enclosed patio, fenced yard, firepit, grill, dog-friendly, sleeps 6. Full kitchen, laundry, parking, motorcycle nook. Airbnb link for booking.
Birdland Skate ParkConcrete public skate park with a bowl, quarter pipe, ramps, banks, and rails for a range of skill levels. Open from dawn to dusk in Polo.
Bitler MarinaFamily-owned on the Mississippi River in Albany. Sells G3 boats, Yamaha outboards, parts, accessories, certified service. “5 Star Service” doesn’t end at the sale.
Black Hawk Antiques & Fiber ArtsOregon shop featuring antiques and handmade fiber arts created by Illinois artists. Open Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with additional hours available by appointment. Beginner fiber-art classes may also be available.
Black Hawk Statue“The Eternal Indian,” aka Black Hawk, is a 48-ft tall concrete monolithic statue by Lorado Taft (1911), in Lowden State Park. Weighs 536,770 lbs, was poured in place, and is a tribute to all Native Americans who lived along the Rock River.
Blackhawk LanesFamily-friendly bowling center offering open and cosmic bowling, leagues, birthday parties, arcade games, pool, darts, video gaming, a restaurant and bar, and a pro shop.
Blackhawk Model Railroad ClubAll-ages model railroad attraction featuring a large HO-scale layout and other train scales on the second floor of Conover Square. Open Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday 1-4 p.m. Admission is free; donations are welcome, and groups may visit by appointment.
Blackhawk MotelClose to the Mississippi River; ideal for hunting, boating, fishing, bird watching. Handicap accessible, queen/double beds, Direct TV. 4 miles north of Mississippi Palisades State Park.
Blackhawk Steak PitBlackhawk Steak Pit is a long-standing Oregon favorite known for hearty steaks, generous portions, and a welcoming, no-frills atmosphere. Specializing in grilled steaks and classic supper-club fare, this locally loved restaurant delivers a comfortable dining experience that’s perfect for a relaxed yet special night out. The warm interior and attentive service make it an easy choice for couples looking for a cozy, satisfying dinner without pretension. Located in Oregon, Blackhawk Steak Pit remains a reliable go-to for steak lovers in Ogle County.
Blackhawk’s Trail LodgeFamily-owned six-room lodge overlooking the Rock River near Byron, with clean, cozy guest rooms and a large porch for relaxing by the water. Open year-round. Non-smoking; guests must be age 10 or older.
Blooms-a-latteDowntown Prophetstown floral and gift shop in a restored building. Full-service barista with Door County coffee and specialty drinks. Find on Facebook.
BluRiver Canopy2BR/1BA apt, queen beds, kitchen/living area, sectional pullout, luxury shower, smart TV, deck, bonfire, motorcycle parking. Near downtown Savanna. Rent whole house with BluRiver Nest for 6–10. Airbnb link.
BluRiver NestVacation rental, Savanna. 1BR, 1BA main level apt, full kitchen, near River/Bike Trail/nightlife. Whole house option for 6–10, private motorcycle parking. Airbnb listing and photos online.
