Dixon Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the Illinois region, Dixon is a charming city that offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and small-town charm. With its picturesque location on the Rock River, Dixon is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

For those seeking outdoor adventure, Dixon has a wealth of options to offer. The Rock River provides ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The Lowell Park, located on the riverfront, is a popular spot for picnicking, hiking, and bird-watching, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

History enthusiasts will delight in the rich heritage of Dixon. The Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home and Visitor Center is a must-visit attraction, offering a glimpse into the life of the 40th President of the United States during his formative years. Visitors can explore the preserved home and learn about Reagan's time in Dixon, which shaped his values and political career.

Dixon is also known for its vibrant arts scene. The Next Picture Show is a renowned gallery showcasing local and regional artwork, providing a platform for talented artists to exhibit their creations. The Dixon Historic Center, housed in a beautifully restored building, offers visitors a glimpse into the city's past through its exhibits and artifacts.

Food lovers will find a variety of dining options in Dixon. From cozy cafes serving homemade comfort food to upscale restaurants offering gourmet cuisine, there is something to satisfy every palate. The local farmers' market is a great place to indulge in fresh, locally sourced produce and artisanal products.

Alternative names: Population: 15.3 thous.Area: 7.83 mi²Elevation: 659 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 41°50'36"N, 89°29'6"W

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IllinoisUnited States

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Dixon Top Attractions

Dixon Attractions - What to See and Explore

Dixon offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home, John Deere House and Shop, Lowell Park, The Next Picture Show. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Historical place • Museum • History museum
Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home
The Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home is the house located at 816 S. Hennepin Ave. Dixon, Illinois, in which the 40th President of the United States Ronald Reagan lived as a youth beginning in 1920. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. The home is open to visitors from April to October.
Museum • History museum
John Deere House and Shop
The John Deere House and Shop is located in the unincorporated village of Grand Detour, Illinois, near the Lee County city of Dixon. The site is known as the location where the first steel plow was invented by John Deere in 1837.
Park
Lowell Park
Lowell Park is a municipal park located along the Rock River in northern Dixon, Illinois. The city acquired the land for the park in 1906, when Carlotta Lowell donated the land to commemorate her parents' lives.

41°50'37"N • 89°29'1"W
The Next Picture Show
Museum • Art gallery
41°50'28"N • 89°29'18"W
Loveland Community House & Museum
Specialty museum • Museum • Performing arts
Bridge
Illinois Central Stone Arch Railroad Bridges
The Illinois Central Stone Arch Railroad Bridges are a trio of limestone railroad bridges in the city of Dixon, Illinois, United States.
Greek Revival architecture
Christopher Brookner House
The Christopher Brookner House is a historic house located at 222 North Dixon Avenue in Dixon, Illinois. Original owner Christopher Brookner, a carpenter and early Dixon resident, built the house in 1861 or 1862.
Interesting neighbourhood
Dixon Downtown Historic District
The Dixon Downtown Historic District is a historic district which encompasses 154 properties in downtown Dixon, Illinois. The district includes the city's commercial core, which includes buildings dating back to the 1850s.
41°50'31"N • 89°28'52"W
William H. Van Epps House
The William H. Van Epps House is a historic house in Dixon, Illinois. It is an example of Italianate architecture. and was constructed around 1855. The Van Epps House was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

Day trips

Dixon – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Dixon, it's worth seeing attractions such as: BMO Harris Bank Center (Rockford), Rochelle Railroad Park (Rochelle), Rockford Speedway (Loves Park).

36 milesNE
Arenas and stadiums, Sport venue, Sport
BMO Harris Bank Center, Rockford
The BMO Harris Bank Center is a multi-purpose arena located in downtown Rockford, Illinois. It is currently home to the AHL's Rockford IceHogs hockey team.
22 milesE
Park
Rochelle Railroad Park, Rochelle
The Rochelle Railroad Park is a city park located in Rochelle, Illinois where railfans can safely view and photograph trains.
43 milesNE
Racetrack, Sport venue, Sport
Rockford Speedway, Loves Park
Rockford Speedway is a 1/4 mile short track high banked asphalt oval located in Loves Park, Illinois on Illinois Route 173. Rockford Speedway, Chicagoland Speedway, and World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway are the only racetracks running under NASCAR sanctions in Illinois.
36 milesW
Arenas and stadiums, Baseball, Sport venue
Ashford University Field, Clinton
NelsonCorp Field is a stadium in Clinton, Iowa. It is primarily used for baseball, and is operated by and is the home field of the Clinton LumberKings collegiate summer baseball team of the Prospect League.
36 milesNE
Museum, History museum, Performing arts
Burpee Museum of Natural History, Rockford
The Burpee Museum of Natural History is located along the Rock River in downtown Rockford, Illinois, United States, at 737 North Main Street.