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.
Dunk's Bar & GrillWelcome to Dunk’s Bar & Grill, Dixon’s newest hangout for good food, cold drinks, and a laid-back local vibe. Opened in Summer 2025 in the former Corner Spot location, Dunk’s is quickly becoming a go-to spot for lunch, dinner, and evening fun. Catch live music, cheer on your favorite teams on the big screens, and enjoy a casual atmosphere any day of the week. Whether you’re stopping in after work or making it your weekend destination, Dunk’s is serving up great times—no frills, just friendly. Hours: Sunday–Thursday: 11 AM – 9 PM Friday–Saturday: 11 AM – 11 PM The kitchen is open daily until 9 PM; extended kitchen hours for wings may be available on weekends.
Dusty’s Pizza PlusDowntown Thomson, near Great River Bike Trail and Thomson Causeway. Great pizza with homemade crust and all the extras!
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.
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.
Earth Reclaimers Upscale ResaleUpscale resale shop with something for everyone, located in Suite 5 on the first floor of historic Conover Square Mall in Oregon. Browse an ever-changing selection of secondhand finds, antiques, collectibles and household treasures while exploring one of the city's most distinctive indoor shopping destinations.
East Haven Guest HouseQuaint Victorian home two blocks from the Mississippi River and close to downtown. Five minutes from Palisades State Park, the Great River Bike Trail, marina, and kayak/tubing adventures. 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, living room, dining room, full kitchen, sun porch, patio, and outdoor seating.
East of Yellowstone Lodge43-acre lodge near Lost Nation, Ogle County, about 100 miles west of Chicago. 10,000 sq ft lodge sleeps 41 guests, with six bedrooms and a bunkhouse for 12. Two game rooms, four lounges, seven bathrooms, large kitchen, formal dining, and a massive deck. Next to Lost Nation Golf Club, firepits, rustic cabins, camping, and trails. Reception hall and event spaces available. Over 4 miles of nature trails, year-round creek, and abundant wildlife.
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.
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.
El JacalitoA family-owned Sterling restaurant serving authentic Mexican recipes in a spacious downtown setting. The extensive menu includes tacos, birria, burritos, enchiladas, tamales, fajitas, seafood and Mexican breakfast favorites, with a full bar, carryout, catering and semi-private event rooms.
El Sol Mexican RestaurantA family restaurant serving traditional Mexican cuisine in downtown Rochelle. Enjoy freshly made pico and chips, tacos, burritos and other affordable favorites for dine-in, carryout or delivery, with vegetarian choices and a popular local lunch following.
El TapatioMexican favorites: tortas, appetizers, salads, fajitas, vegetarian dishes, combos. Cocktails, beer, wine, margaritas.
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.
Ellie’s Gaming CafeA 21-and-older gaming cafe in Sterling offering Illinois video gaming in a relaxed lounge setting, along with coffee, tea, beer, wine, refreshments and free Wi-Fi. Open daily with late-night hours and rotating promotions for eligible players.
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).
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.
Envy BoutiqueEnvy Boutique is a Prophetstown women’s clothing and accessories shop offering on-trend styles in sizes small through 3XL. Shop tops, dresses, graphic tees, shoes, handbags, accessories, and seasonal collections in-store or online, with orders shipped from northwest Illinois.
Erie Campground, Inc.Erie Campground is a public campground at 9480 Erie Road beside the Rock River and Glenn Miller Marina. Current tourism sources list electric and water service, a playground, restrooms, a dump station, pavilion, and river- or lakefront camping. Call ahead for availability and current rates.
Executive InnLocated in Thomson, a quaint northwest Illinois village, half a mile from the Mississippi River. Great for fishing, hunting, biking, or hiking. Free Wi-Fi, parking, and pet friendly. Family restaurant within walking distance. Close to Mississippi River, Palisades State Park, and the Great River Bike Trail. Easy access to DuPont in Clinton, IA, the US Penitentiary in Thomson, and Wild Rose Casino in Clinton, IA.
- Explore SavannaExplore Savanna is a dedicated community organization committed to promoting the businesses, lodging, attractions, and experiences of Savanna, Illinois. Nestled between the Mississippi River and the Driftless Area’s rolling bluffs, this historic river town harnesses its rich legacy and natural beauty to welcome visitors from near and far. Through its website and outreach efforts, Explore Savanna highlights lodging options, downtown shopping, dining spots, outdoor adventures (including the trails at Mississippi Palisades State Park), and a calendar of local events—all designed to support the town’s vibrant economy and sense of place. The organization’s friendly, inclusive spirit makes Savanna a memorable destination for travelers seeking charm, nature, and small-town character.
Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites DixonFairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Dixon is a contemporary hotel in Dixon, Illinois, conveniently located near I-88 and close to the city’s top attractions, dining, and historic sites. Ideal for both leisure and business travelers, the hotel provides a comfortable home base for exploring downtown Dixon, the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home, and the Rock River corridor. Guest rooms and suites are designed for relaxation and productivity, featuring plush bedding, flat-screen TVs, free high-speed Wi-Fi, mini-refrigerators, and coffee makers. Each stay includes a complimentary hot breakfast, and guests can take advantage of on-site amenities such as an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, free parking, and an on-site restaurant. Whether visiting Northwest Illinois for a weekend getaway, a family trip, or business travel, Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Dixon delivers reliable comfort, friendly service, and a convenient location in the heart of Lee County.
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.
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.
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.
