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.
Dollinger Christmas Tree FarmOpen in November and December for locally grown trees. Cut your own or choose pre-cut. Wreaths, swags, decorations, gift shop, hot cider, and popcorn. Open daily 8am-5pm, Thanksgiving 8am-3pm, last day typically Sunday before Christmas. Family-owned since 1956. Fir, Spruce, and Pine trees of all sizes. Gift shop with locally made gifts and vintage Christmas items. Located 5 miles north of Lanark on Rt. 73, then 1 mile west on Payne Road. Call ahead to confirm hours.
Duis Recreation CenterSterling Park District recreation center with indoor aquatics, a 25-yard pool and diving well, lap swim, open swim, water walking and a gymnastics facility. The renovated center includes locker rooms, a multipurpose room, elevator access and viewing areas, and has served the community since 1970.
Eagles Nest Gallery at Oregon Public LibraryArt gallery on 2nd floor of Oregon Public Library. Works from Eagle’s Nest Art Colony. Permanent collection, NRHP site, programs for all ages.
Eclipse Square Memorial ParkEclipse Square Veterans Memorial Park honors veterans, law enforcement officers, firefighters and EMTs in downtown Prophetstown. Named for the Eclipse lawnmower once manufactured in the community, the park includes commemorative monuments, green space and a picnic pavilion.
Ellison Daylilies by Michelle RogersGarden in Oregon, IL, specializing in field-grown, hybridized daylilies. Open for tours and bloom sales during July bloom season (10 am–3 pm).
Fairhaven Fruit FarmFamily apple orchard with 600 trees, 30 varieties. Honey, donuts, cider. Open late August–Oct, Wed–Sat 10–5, Sun 11–5. Four miles east of Thomson.
First Carson Pirie Scott Store PlaqueThis historic plaque marks the Amboy storefront where Samuel Carson and John T. Pirie established the dry-goods business in 1854 that became Carson Pirie Scott & Co. The marker is mounted at the original brick building, now home to the Long Branch Saloon.
Flagg-Rochelle Public LibraryActive public library in a 1912 Prairie-style Carnegie building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Forreston Veteran’s MemorialThe Forreston Veterans Memorial honors local service members from the Civil War through the present. Located near Walnut and Cherry streets, the memorial includes monuments and engraved names recognizing Forreston-area residents who served and those who died in military conflicts.
Frances Wood Shimer Arboretum14-acre arboretum in Mt Carroll, on former Shimer College campus. 200+ trees, 60+ species, including Illinois’ largest American chestnut.
Frank Fritz FindsLocated in Hawg Dog Bar & Grill, downtown Savanna. Antiques and collectibles from Frank Fritz (American Pickers).
Franklin Creek Grist Mill & Interpretive CenterReconstructed four-story 1847 grist mill in Franklin Creek State Natural Area. Features a working waterwheel, milling equipment, native tree panels, fossils, and interpretive trail. Wheelchair accessible, open seasonally April 1–Oct 31. Suggested donation $5.
Franklin Grove Area Historical SocietyThe Franklin Grove Area Historical Society in Franklin Grove, Illinois, preserves and shares the rich heritage of this small but storied community. Through engaging exhibits, local artifacts, and carefully maintained collections, the society offers visitors a closer look at the people, places, and events that helped shape the region. History enthusiasts and curious travelers alike can explore displays that highlight early settlement, community life, and notable local figures. The organization also supports educational programming and special events throughout the year, making it a meaningful stop for anyone interested in Northwest Illinois history. Whether you’re researching family roots or simply enjoy stepping back in time, the Franklin Grove Area Historical Society provides an informative and welcoming experience.
Franklin Grove Lincoln Highway Interpretive MuralPays homage to Henry C. Ostermann, first Lincoln Highway Association Field Secretary. Mural shows Ostermann selling the first Lincoln Hwy pin at Franklin Grove’s H.I. Lincoln Building (now Association HQ).
Fulton Lincoln Highway Interpretive GazeboILHC gazebo with panels about Fulton’s Dutch heritage, Lincoln Hwy businesses, and Lyons-Fulton Bridge—the official Mississippi crossing. Funded by FHWA and Illinois DOT.
Fulton Lincoln Highway Interpretive MuralDepicts Fulton as the “gateway to the west.” Mural shows Fulton-Lyons Bridge, toll crossing, and scenic views. Part of 40 murals on Illinois Lincoln Highway corridor.
Fulton Windmill Cultural CenterThe collection was designed by Henk and June Hielema of DeMotte, Indiana. The Hielema’s traveled extensively, photographed mills, and returned home to build models of them. The mills are from ten European countries: Belgium, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, and the Netherlands. Informative interpretive materials complement the windmill collection, providing unique information on windmill products, countries of origin, windmill specifications, and the cultural impact of windmills. The Windmill Cultural Center contains a charming gift shop where visitors can purchase fresh stone-ground flour, Delft pottery, and souvenirs of Fulton, the Windmill Cultural Center, and the de Immigrant windmill. The Education Area is located at the east end of the Windmill Cultural Center. This room helps visitors learn more about mills. Groups will be able to enjoy video presentations of the windmill countries and read books about mills. The Education Area also features children's activities, including coloring, puzzles, and toys that promote scientific concepts. Entrance to the Windmill Cultural Center is free, but donations are appreciated. OPERATIONAL HOURS May–October: May: Saturday 10 AM–5 PM, Sunday 1 PM–5 PM. June – August: Monday–Saturday 10 AM–5 PM, Sunday 1 PM–5 PM. September: Monday–Friday 10 AM–3 PM, Saturday 10 AM–5 PM, Sunday 1 PM–5 PM. October: Saturday 10 AM–5 PM, Sunday 1 PM–5 PM. Closed: November through April.
Fulton’s Ronald Reagan Trail LinkPart of the Ronald Reagan Trail. Reagan’s parents were born/married in Fulton; relatives buried locally. See www.ronaldreagantrail.net for more.
H.I. Lincoln BuildingBuilt in 1860 by Henry I. Lincoln, a distant relative of Abraham Lincoln, this restored limestone landmark houses the Lincoln Highway Association's national headquarters and Interpretive Center. Explore exhibits on America's first coast-to-coast highway, browse local art and merchandise, and pick up regional visitor information. Open weekends seasonally through October and at other times by advance appointment; call before visiting.
Happily HandmadeHappily Handmade 815 is a vibrant maker’s boutique in downtown Oregon, Illinois, featuring a curated collection of locally made goods and art. Visitors will find a diverse selection of items, including handmade jewelry, home décor, custom gifts, candles, and small-batch skincare products—all created by more than 40 regional artisans. Whether you’re shopping for a unique souvenir, celebrating a special occasion, or simply supporting local creatives, this warm and welcoming shop is worth the stop. Seasonal workshops, pop-up events, and regular new arrivals keep things fresh and fun every time you visit.
Hearts Desire D.I.Y. StudioHearts Desire D.I.Y. Studio is a Prophetstown creative workshop and craft shop where visitors can make projects, take classes, and browse supplies such as Iron Orchid Designs transfers, stamps, and moulds. The studio participates in current downtown events with demonstrations and make-and-take activities. Regular access and project offerings vary, so check current community event announcements or call ahead.
Henry C. Adams Memorial LibraryBuilt in memory of Henry Adams, founder of Eclipse Lawn Mower in Prophetstown.
Henry School1878 one room country school on the Galena Trail, used until 1957. Now restored by Polo Historical Society, with displays on Blackhawk War, local history, and hemp mill. Open by appointment or for special events. Please check our Facebook page or email us at polohistoricalsocietyinfo@gmail.com
Heritage Farm MuseumByron Forest Preserve District. Five restored farm buildings showing early country life. Open daily Apr 1–Oct 31, 8am–8pm. Free self-guided tours, some guided tours (fee).
