Attractions

Located on Illinois Route 2 West, the park honors veterans from each of the branches of the military. The walkways are made of legacy stones which serve as a rembrance of the men and women who have served in the service of their country. ~ IL Route 2 and Palmyra Road, Dixon.

The Dixon Historic Center is a History Research and Learning Center in the former South Central School where Ronald Reagan attended grade school. The structure has been restored through donations and private funding and is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institute. Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (open all year) Free admission ~ 205 W. Fifth Street, Dixon. (815) 288-5508

Located on the north side of the Rock River between the bridges, the Old Settlers' Log Cabin was built in 1894, as a lasting memorial to the early pioneers of the area. The cabin is completly furnished. ~ Lincoln Statue Drive, Dixon. (815) 284-1134 for information.

Located in the heart of downtown Dixon, this structure was built in 1854. The building has been restored and is now a fine arts center. You're invited to explore the arts center to see current shows, exhibiting artists, workshops, classes and special events. A place where art is created, shown, studied and celebrated. Exhibits which change frequently give many of the area artists a place to display their work. and many of the pieces are for sale. ~ Hours: Tue. - Sat. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appoinment. Free admission. 113 W. First Street, Dixon. (815) 285-4924

Lowell Park was established in 1907, and has stood through all these years as a place whereby people could relax and enjoy recreation to its fullest. It is where Ronald Reagan took a summer job as a lifeguard and is reported to have saved 77 people from the river during his tenure. Take in the beauty that 200 acres of picturesque scenery that nature has provided in this magnificent park. Lowell Park is complete with a nature center where people of all ages can learn more about the nature of the area. Picnicking, hiking, cycling and cross country skiing make the park a complete recreation picture. ~ Hours: Sunrise to Sunset - (roads may be closed during winter conditions.) Free Admission 2114 Lowell Park Road, Dixon. (815) 284-3306

One of only 20 remaining drive-in theaters in Illinois. Major events include celebrity guest appearances, concerts, Flea Markets, an authentic 50's diner serving classic fare, and much more. Check their website for a full listing of upcoming movies and events. 91 Palmyra Road, Dixon. (847) 647-3124 

This is where John Deere developed the steel plow in 1837. Visit his restored pioneer home, an archaeological site of his blacksmith shop, a reconstructed working blacksmith shop, gift shop and visitors center. Learn about the first self-cleaning plow. Hours: Apr. 1 - Nov. 30, daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Admission) 8334 S. Clinton, Grand Detour. (815) 652-4551 

This historical and classic stone building of the 1850s was one of the original meeting places for the Lincoln Highway. The structure has served as a general store, newspaper, and post office. The large upstairs meeting hall was the community center for 75 years. The structure has been restored and is used by the Lincoln Highway Association. Hours: Also open by appointment. Groups welcome. Elm Street, Franklin Grove.(815) 456-3030 

A 19th century Midwestern village currently being restored. Visitors may tour a saltbox house, blacksmith shop, country school, etc. Demonstrations and bluegrass jam sessions during the Summer Harvest Festival, 1st weekend in August, and Pioneer Day, 3rd Sunday in September. Hours: Also open by appointment. Groups welcome. 1/2 mile S. on Whitney Road, Franklin Grove. (815) 734-3030  

The Franklin Creek Grist Mill, a replica of an 1847 grist mill, is the only authentically water-powered grist mill in Illinois, complete with a large water wheel. Souvenirs, handicapped accessible. Open for tours and events throughout the year. The mill is located in the beautiful Franklin Creek Natural area. ~ 1872 Twist Road, Franklin Grove 61031. (815) 456-2878 or 456-2718

Some 4,000 acres of native Illinois prairie. Sandstone buttes, oak savannas, wetlands, original species of plants and animals sustain a dynamic functioning ecosystem at the Nachusa Grasslands Preserve. In October 2014, a herd of 30 Bison were added to the Grasslands Preserve. They roam across 1,500 acres of land. During May to September of 2015, 16 calves were born at the Preserve. ~ Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset. 2055 Lowden Road, Franklin Grove. (815) 456- 2340

Built in 1873, this old Illinois Central Railroad Depot was the division headquarters for the railroad. It now houses railroad and local artifacts. A steam locomotive is an outside exhibit. ~ Hours: May - Sept., Sat. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m to 4 p.m. 50 N. East Avenue, Amboy. (815) 857- 3814 

An old-time soda fountain featuring shakes and malts made from homemade syrups, a variety of "penny candy," old- time fixtures, and complete with wooden floors, brings back memories of the past. ~ Hours: Memorial Day-Labor Day, Mon. - Fri. 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 202 E. Main Street, Amboy. (815) 857-2323

From Civil War to Desert Storm, this military museum has uniforms, helmets, swords, medals, patches and souvenirs from the past conflicts. ~ Hours: Open year round, by chance or appointment. 3178 S. Daysville Road, Oregon. (815) 732- 2091 

A real working ranch with crops, animals and horses. Summer dude ranch for kids, outdoor education center and weekend retreat for groups, makes this a year round facility. Public riding available. ~ Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., call for reservations. 3581 Pines Road, Oregon. (815) 732- 7923

The building once housed a piano factory and has been turned into rows of shops with services all under one roof. Enjoy the view of the Rock River. South Wing buys and sells antiques, estates and collectibles. ~ Hours: Vary, call ahead. ~ Conover Square. (815) 732-2926, ~ South Wing Antiques, Third & Franklin Streets, Oregon. (815) 732-4522 

The world's second largest monolith is located on this property. The park offers camping, fishing, boat ramp, canoe access, hiking, picnicking and cross-country skiing. ~ Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset. Lowden State Park, River Road, Oregon. (815) 732-6828

This authentic paddlewheel boat is 102 feet of elegance and charm. Music, cocktails, dancing and fine dining. ~ Hours: Apr. - Oct. 31, daily, reservations required. 1469 Route 2 N., Oregon. (815) 732-6761 or (800) 468-4222

The oldest brick home in Polo, open as a visitor information center and an interesting historic site. The structure was built in 1854 and restored by the Polo Historical Society. ~ Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment. 201 N. Franklin Avenue, Polo. (815) 946-2108

This is an ideal spot for train-watching. Over 80 trains pass by each day. A raised platform for viewers and railroad history exhibits. ~ Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset. 124 N. 9th Street, Rochelle. (815) 562- 4189

Closed in 1951, the entire canal is now a parkway, and a 17 mile path was installed along the feeder canal from Rock Falls to Sheffield with biking, hiking, snowmobiling, horseback riding, canoeing. Enjoy fishing and historical sites. Nims and Centennial Parks located along the canal with all types of natural beauty. ~ Rock Falls 

The Dillon Home was built in 1857, and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Italian Renaissance-style house filled with antique furnishings, rugs and local history. ~ Hours: Tue., Thur., Sat. 10 a.m. to noon & 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sun. 1 to 5 p.m. 1005 E. Third Street, Sterling. (815) 622- 6202 

Drive along and view the only site in Illinois which was awarded the old-fashioned Burma Shave-like signs, in national contest sposored by Reminisce Magazine. ~ 1/2 mile South of Sublette on U.S. Route 52

Hear stories of Ronald Reagan and Admiral Reeves, view displays of H. Y. & T. Railroad, Hennepin Canal Feeder, schools, churches, farm museum and turn of the century implements and tools. ~ 119 S. Main Street, Tampico