If you’re looking for a fun getaway where you can enjoy both the outdoors and delve into your love of history, this weekend getaway is perfect for you. There are so many things to do in Northern Illinois, this getaway is focused on the Dixon area.
Introduction
This area has history with not one, but TWO former Presidents! Abraham Lincoln passed through and spoke, but Ronald Reagan grew up here. You can expect to learn more about both Presidents during your stay.
There are some great natural features in the area including a bison herd, the Rock River, and Hennepin canal. Don’t forget to take a picture in front of the Dixon arch! For more things to do in Northern Illinois, check out this post on Oregon.
Recommended Trip Length: 2-3 days
Distance from Chicago: 2 Hours 15 Minutes
Travel “Flavors”: Outdoors and History
Itinerary Suggestions
Parks and Monuments
There are so many monuments within the parks that it would be difficult to separate these two categories.
Franklin Grove
Nachusa Grasslands, Franklin Grove – The Nature Conservancy protects these 3,500 acres of prairie and are working to return it to it’s native state. Most people visit to look for the bison herd, but there is so much more to see. Stop in at the visitor center for exhibits regarding the native wildlife and the history of the land.
Franklin Creek Grist Mill and State Natural Area – The natural area is a beautiful setting with bluffs and a creek running through. The diverse habitat is home to many typed of animals. The Grist Mill still functions and houses the Visitor Center. From April – October, you can take tours of the Mill and see it in action
Dixon
Presidents Park, Dixon – This riverfront park is home to the Lincoln Monument State Memorial and Old Settlers cabin.
Heritage Crossing, Dixon – Heritage Crossing is a riverfront renewal project to create a gathering place. It is home to a life sized Ronald Reagan statue, walking paths along the river and a 4 slip boat dock. Rock Falls is also developing a similar riverfront area called the RB&W Park.
Veteran’s Memorial Park, Dixon – This FREE park commemorates the bravery of the men and women in all branches of the military. There are military vehicles on display and monuments to honor our service men and women.
Lowell Park and Ruth Edwards Nature Center, Dixon- Lowell Park is on the National Register of Historic Places because Ronald Reagan worked as a lifeguard at the park. It is a large park with trails and Nature Center. Make sure you stop by and visit the resident Great Horned Owl at the Nautre Center.
Rock Falls
Centennial Park, Rock Falls – This park is adjacent to the Hennepin Canal. This unique park offers paddleboat in the shape of swans, pirate ship, and dragons. Talk about a photo op! It is also the home of a little red school house, a replica of what school houses would have looked like in the early 20th century. It is available for tours by appointment only.
Hennepin Canal Parkway State Trail, Rock Falls – The canal is 104.5 miles of trails and waterways, spanning 5 counties. along a historic canal. It was constructed between 1892 and 1907 and was open to commercial boat traffic until 1951. Some section of the aquaducts can still be seen today. Today, it is a recreation paradise for hikers, bikers and boaters. One branch of the Hennepin canal starts in Rock Falls. You can even rent bikes through the Koloni Bike Share program.
Sterling
Sinnissippi Park and Sinnissippi Mounds Historic Site, Sterling- Sinnissippi Park is a large park with trails and disc golf. It is also the site of the Hopewillian Indian Mounds,
Sterling Rock Falls Historical Society – The society owns and operates 3 significant historic buildings.
- The Lincoln Manahan Home was where the Manahan Family lived. Lincoln visited the home in 1856. You can tour the home on the weekends.
- Dillon Home – This beautiful, Italianate Architecture home was complted in 1858 for Civil War Brigadier General, Edward Needles Kirk. However, after he died from a war injury, it eventually made it’s way into the Dillon family. Unlike many home museums, this one still has the actual furnishings and belongings of it’s occupants.
- Carriage House – The Carriage House was part of the Dillon estate and is now used for the museum exhibits.
Arts
The Dixon Historic Theater – This Italian Renaissance style building was completed in 1922. Since the previous building burned down in 1920, the new building was entirely constructed of fireproof materials. Check to see what shows are playing while you’re in town.
The Next Picture Show = A community art gallery.
Spooky Fun
Haunted Haven, Rock Falls – If you’re visiting in October and you like spooky fun, you won’t want to miss the 8,000 square feet of spooky fun at Haunted Haven.
Historic Sites and History Museums
Wahl Global Headquarters Museum, Sterling – The Wahl Clipper Corporation’s global headquarters is in Sterling. They have a musuem to showcase their history, but it’s very difficult to find any information. I suggest calling ahead.
John Deere Historic Site – this site is about 13 miles south of Oregon. You can watch live blacksmith demonstrations and tour the original Deere family home. And it’s all FREE!
Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home – See the boyhood home of Ronald Reagan in nearby Dixon, IL. You will get to see the home, barn, and gardens, including the family’s Model T.
Northwest Territory Historic Center, Dixon – This great history center is housed in the old South Central School, one of the schools attended by Ronald Reagan. They have really fascinating exhibits on the history of the area, including the Native Americans that lived there, the Black Hawk war, Lincoln history room, and veterans history room.
Loveland Community House and Museum – The Loveland Community House was created due to the generous donations from the Loveland family. It was dedicated in 1940. The museum houses exhibits on the history of the area.
Family Fun
Plum Hollow Family Center – If the kids get bored, bring them here for bowling, sand volleyball, laser tag and indoor mini golf.
Camping
Crystal Lake RV Park, Rock Falls – If you’re a camper, consider staying at the Crystal Lake RV Park. The kids will love the swimming beach with inflatables and the Go Kart track.
Travel Accessory
I’m a huge fan of the product and gift lists you see floating around the internet because I usually find some new-to-me product for myself, a friend or family member. I’d like to offer you the same inspiration by highlighting a travel accessory in each post.
This section contains an affiliate link. If you use this link to buy something I may earn a commission.
I don’t know about you, but I am always struggling to remember where I put the hotel key card. Especially when you’re looking for it in the dark. This lighted purse organizer can help with both issues.
Final Thoughts
Those are just the highlights that stood out to me. For more information, check out the Discover Dixon or Visit Rock Falls websites. If you use my trip suggestions or if you’ve visited any of these locations in the past, please provide your reviews in the comments. Did I miss something? Please add other itinerary suggestions in the comments, especially if they are off the beaten path. Happy vacationing!