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.
Timber Creek Golf CourseEstablished 1915. Gently rolling fairways, sand traps, and bentgrass greens. 18 holes with cart $25, 9 holes with cart $15, twilight special after 6pm $15. 250-yard driving range, two large practice greens. Memberships and range passes available. Bogey’s Bar & Grill open daily during the season.
U.S.A.C.E. Big SloughDay use facility with a two-lane boat ramp, bank fishing, picnic sites, and access to the Mississippi River. $5 daily fee for boat ramp, annual passes available. Located four miles north and one mile west of Thomson, IL.
Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish RefugeThe Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge – Savanna District in Thomson offers visitors access to one of the largest river wildlife refuges in the country. Stretching 261 river miles from Minnesota to Illinois and protecting more than 240,000 acres of wetlands, floodplain forests, backwaters, and river habitat, the refuge provides endless opportunities to experience the Mississippi River landscape. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, hiking, biking, birdwatching, photography, boating, and seasonal wildlife viewing year-round. Located within the Savanna District, visitors can also experience popular Golf Cart Wildlife and Birding Tours and explore the Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center, which is open year-round and features educational exhibits and opportunities to learn more about the river ecosystem. The refuge is part of the Mississippi Flyway and offers incredible opportunities to observe migrating birds, bald eagles, and native wildlife in every season.
Vaile Park & Splash PadDixon neighborhood park with a seasonal children's splash pad, basketball court, playground, picnic pavilion with tables and electricity, and open space for family recreation.
Wallingford ParkRock Falls park and longtime home of local Little League, with three baseball diamonds, a playground, restrooms, concession facilities, the Scanlan picnic shelter, and a half-court basketball court.
Waterworks ParkMorrison's 12.4-acre south-side park with a baseball diamond, playground, picnic shelter, open green space, two tennis courts, a quarter-mile walking path, and a volunteer-maintained winter skating rink.
Weld Memorial ParkOgle County's only county-owned park, with wooded hiking trails, recreation areas, two picnic shelters, parking, restrooms, Black Walnut Creek, and remnants of a 19th-century mill site.
White Pelican OutfittersFor a laid-back day on the water—or a full-on river adventure—White Pelican in Oregon, Illinois is your go-to outfitter for all things paddling. This locally owned business offers canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and tube rentals along the scenic Rock River, making it easy to explore one of the region’s most beautiful natural corridors. From first-timers to seasoned river-goers, White Pelican welcomes all experience levels with a variety of self-guided trips designed to match your pace. Choose a short, relaxing float or plan a longer excursion with plenty of time to take in forested shorelines, rocky bluffs, and quiet island stops along the way. Conveniently located near downtown Oregon (with a launch point behind Conover Square), the outfitter makes getting on the water simple. Equipment, safety gear, and helpful guidance are all included—so all you really need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a cooler for the ride). Whether you're planning a family outing, a group float, or just a peaceful paddle with nature, White Pelican delivers a fun, flexible way to experience the Rock River from a whole new perspective.
FeaturedWhite Pines Forest State Park385-acre park: hiking, fishing, camping, picnicking. Forest, creeks, cliffs, wildflowers, historic fords. 103 campsites, group sites, cabins/lodge, restaurant. Seasonal hunting, skiing. White Pines Forest State Park in Mt. Morris, Illinois, is one of the state’s most beloved natural getaways, known for its towering pine trees, scenic creeks, limestone bluffs, and peaceful wooded trails. Located in Ogle County, the park offers hiking paths for a variety of skill levels, including routes that wind through shaded forests, across footbridges, and past historic stone features. Seasonal beauty makes the park popular year-round, from spring wildflowers and summer greenery to colorful fall foliage and quiet winter landscapes. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas, fishing access, wildlife watching, and easy opportunities to reconnect with nature just a short drive from Rockford and the greater Northwest Illinois region. The historic White Pines Lodge, located within the park, adds to the destination’s rustic charm with dining and overnight accommodations nearby. Whether exploring the trails, photographing the scenery, or simply slowing down for an afternoon outdoors, White Pines Forest State Park offers a relaxing escape in the heart of Northern Illinois.
White Pines Ranch200-acre ranch with woods, pastures, horse trails, and animals. Modern air-conditioned dorms, large dining hall, game room, and souvenir shop. Activities include horseback riding, swimming, hiking, horse studies, scavenger hunts, fossil hunts, outdoor games, hayrides, line dancing, and winter sports. Not affiliated with White Pines Lodge.
Wiggly Field Dog ParkOregon Park District's one-acre fenced off-leash dog park, with separate open-running and agility areas plus water fountains for people and dogs. Annual registration, proof of vaccination, a dog tag, and a proximity key fob are required.
