Location: Dixon
Top Things to do in Dixon
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What to do and see in Dixon, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Dixon is a city and the county seat of Lee County, Illinois, United States. The population was 15,733 as of the 2010 census, down from 15,941 in 2000. The city is named after founder John Dixon, who operated a rope ferry service across Rock River, which runs through the city. The Illinois General Assembly designated Dixon as "Petunia Capital of Illinois" in 1999 and "The Catfish Capital of Illinois" in 2009.
Restaurants in Dixon
1. Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By Randy K - Des Moines, Iowa
Wife was visiting from Europe and had found memories of how President Reagan stood against Communism as she grew up in a Communist country.
The house was well maintained and restored. Really a tribute to President Reagan. Interesting was his story of hiding pennies under a tile in front of the fireplace downstairs.
Must see for American History. President Reagan attended the dedication while he was president.
2. Lowell Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By Tim M - Sterling, Illinois
A couple drive throughs this week but wild flowers not out yet. Main road down to riverfront has been resurfaced. Some cleanup near the shoulders.
3. Northwest Territory Historic Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By cbo1870 - Madison Heights, Michigan
Self guided tour revealing the history going back to the Sauk tribe. There is a lot of history on display here and they did and an excellent job of presenting it. The museum showcases their hometown love and affection of Ronald Reagan. They also have lots of displays and information on the Army Fort Dixon and the trials and tribulations between white man and the indeginous people of the area. Definitely worth a stop and spend at leats two hours checking it out.
4. Veterans Memorial Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By Linda W - Urbana, Illinois, United States
Were in town for a graduation and saw the flags from a distance and decided to check it out. Awesome park filled with planes, a tank, helicopter and plaques explaining Dixon's role in WWI, WWII, Korea and Viet Nam. Nicely done.
5. The Next Picture Show
Overall Ratings
5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By JudyD00 - Dixon, Illinois
The lighting and display walls for art are superb. The warmth of orginal wooden floors and brick walls makes the space very pleasant. The director and limited volunteer staff are intelligent and helpful. Frequent exhibitions and classes and occasional musical performances make this a total art experience for locals and visitors.
6. Dixon's Railroad Street Arches
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By Dave3441 - Rockford, Illinois
The Illinois Central Stone Arch Railroad Bridges are a trio of limestone railroad bridges in the city of Dixon, Illinois, The bridges were constructed between 1852 and 1855 as the Illinois Central Railroad laid its first rail lines across the state of Illinois. The bridges remained in use by the railroad until 1985, and the three bridges were added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
7. Loveland Community House
Overall Ratings
5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By SmallTownsWin - Bennington, Vermont
This gorgeous building , which should change its name to draw more people, has some wonderful exhibits. Within Loveland there is a very interesting museum; interesting because there are so many authentic artifacts,and many of them you can touch . Second, the Loveland has a nice art gallery ( which should certainly be advertised) just a few blocks from Dixon's larger "Northwest Territory Museum."
8. Old Settlers Memorial Cabin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By Dave3441 - Rockford, Illinois
Located on the north side of the Rock River in Presidents Park along a nice river walking path, immediately off of Illinois Route 2 in downtown Dixon. This is the only statue ever made which depicts Abraham Lincoln as a young soldier. The statue was done by Leonard Crunelle and shows Lincoln as a 23 year old volunteer in the Black Hawk War of 1832. Dedicated in 1930, the statue sits on ground which was named Fort Dixon during the war.
While currently known as Dixon, Illinois, the town was named Dixon's Ferry at the time of the construction of the fort. On May 22, 1832, Fort Dixon was officially named as a base by General Henry Atkinson.
Because the site was centrally located between Fort Dearborn, Fort Armstrong, and Fort Clark, General Atkinson established Fort Dixon as his command post. Additionally, the Illinois militia used the ferry to transport troops and supplies across the river.
Many notable soldiers served at Fort Dixon, including Abraham Lincoln, Jefferson Davis, Winfield Scott, and Zachary Taylor. Lincoln, Davis and Taylor were at the Fort at the exact same time during the Blackhawk War.
9. Veterans' Memorial Arch
Overall Ratings
4 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Dave3441 - Rockford, Illinois
Since 1919, this lighted historic memorial arch on Galena Avenue in Dixon has honored the veterans of war. The arch has become a true Dixon landmark as it greets travelers and visitors who pass beneath it. A replica of the arch is included in President Reagan's Presidential Museum in California.
10. Dixon Welcome Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Dave3441 - Rockford, Illinois
Open seven days a week (some variation in hours), the welcome center is located in downtown Dixon, near the Rock River. About three minutes directly north off of Interstate 88 / Dixon exit.
A wide variety of brochures for local attractions. The Welcome Center has FREE wi-fi access available. The location is home to the Lincoln Highway Interpretive Center and has a gift shop which features items associated with the local area.
Friendly staff. Worth the time to stop when visiting Dixon.
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