Explore Dixon

 

Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home

This house was the Reagans’ first home when they moved to Dixon. The home has been restored to its 1920 condition and is the core of a small complex including a visitors’ center, gift shop, and park with a statue of the former president. Your tour includes the four room Presidential timeline exhibit and a viewing of his biographical video in the presentation gallery at the Visitors Center, followed by a tour of the Reagan home next door. The gift shop in the Visitor’s Center offers books, DVDs, shirts, caps and many gift items.

Open daily April 1 thru November 1, 2011.

Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.(Closed Easter Sunday.)

Group tours can be scheduled by appointment.

All revenue is used for maintenence and preservation of the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home.

 

 

Dixon Riverfront Plaza

This open air plaza, featuring a bronze statue of Ronald Reagan, sits upon the historic site of a 1830′s ferry crossing. Located between Galena Ave. and Peoria Ave., the riverfront area includes period lighting , trees, benches, outdoor tables with seats, and restrooms. The Pavilion offers a comfortable covered seating area, while the amphitheater seating is excellent for performance or speaking. Other areas of the riverfront inclue the West and East Promenades, the Fountain Rotunda and the River Canopy.

  • During the summer months enjoy free entertainment from noon to 1:00 p.m. on Fridays.
  • For reservation and rental information see the website or call 815-973-0931.
  • www.dixonriverfront.net
 

 

Lincoln Statue

A statue of 23-year-old Abraham Lincoln as a volunteer soldier serving in the Black Hawk Indian War of 1832. It is located in Dixon on Lincoln Statue Drive between the Abraham Lincoln Bridge & the Veterans’ Memorial Bridge.

  • Lincoln Statue Drive, Dixon, IL 61021
  • Google Map
 

 

Nachusa House Hotel

At one time the Nachusa House Hotel was considered the oldest continually operating hotel in Illinois, and one of the five oldest in the country. The hotel opened on December 10, 1853. It had the first bathtub in Illinois and even had one before the White House. It was named “Nachusa House” for John Dixon’s Indian name, Nachusa, which means “head-hair-white.” In the early days, the hotel served travelers on the Galena Trail.

Five U.S. Presidents have stayed here: Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft and Ronald Reagan. A few of the hundreds of other famous people who stayed here include: Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederacy Stephen A. Douglas, William Jennings Bryan, opera star Mme. Schumann-Heink, and evangelist Bill Sunday.

Renovation to re-purpose this historic landmark into apartments began in late 1997 and was completed in the spring of 1999.

 

 

The Next Picture Show

A fine arts community center featuring exhibits by local, regional and national artists. Shows run from four to six weeks, depending on the theme of the show. Main floor – featured artists. Lower level gallery – student artwork displays. Call the gallery or check the website for current and upcoming shows.

 

 

Historic Dixon Theatre

The year 1922 saw the opening of the new Dixon Theatre, which was thought to be one of the midwests most beautiful “show houses.” Visitors may now again enjoy the results of the extensive restoration, done through the efforts of volunteers and with community support. This historic site has become a showcase for the performing arts and is also available for rental.

 

 

Old Settlers Memorial Cabin

The Old Settlers Cabin was built in 1894 as a memorial to the early settlers of the Rock River Valley. Landowners of the region each provided an initialed log to erect the cabin. The cabin was moved to its’ present site in the Lincoln Statue Park in 1969. Call for information.

  • Lincoln Statue Drive, Dixon, IL 61021
  • Phone: 815-284-1134
  • Google Map
 

 

Midway Drive In Theatre

The Midway Drive-In opened in 1950 and has been in continuous operation ever since, making it one of the two oldest operating Drive-Ins in Illinois. The classic retro “spaceship” ticket booth, the playground in front of the screen, the newly decorated full service concession stand, and the GIANT 90 foot wide screen make a trip to the Midway like entering a time machine to the 1950’s. The parking lot can hold up to 500 cars and the Midway itself is available for rentals.

 

 

Lee County Historical Society

The Research Center holds an abundance of information relating to the history of Lee County. Its collection includes complete burial records for Lee County cemeteries, census records from 1820-1920, Dixon Telegraph microfilm from 1851 – present, and much more. Tue. & Thu., 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Sat., 9a.m- noon. Dec. 1 – Mar. 30 Sat. hours only. Other hours by appointment.

 

 

Dixon Historic Center

Built in 1908 as Dixon’s South Central School. Ronald Reagan attended this school from 1921 – 1923. His sixth grade class room has been restored. The top floor is a research center. A museum store and art gallery are on the first floor. Open Mon. – Fri. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

  • 205 W. 5th St., Dixon, IL 61021
  • Phone: 815-288-5508
  • Email: billj@grics.net
 

 

Lee County Genealogical Society

(Family Tree Center)

The Society was founded in 1994 and is dedicated to the purpose of promoting awareness of family history and helping people in their genealogical research. Open to the public. Call for information. Tue., Wed., Fri., & Sat. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thu., 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., or by appointment.

 

 

Loveland Community House and Museum

Historical exhibits including Civil War artifacts, old farm tools, Pioneer Kitchen and Bedroom, personal items of John Dixon (the founder of Dixon), and an extensive Ronald Reagan exhibit. No admission charge. Donations welcome. Open: Wed. 1p.m. – 4p.m., Fri. and Sat. 9a.m. – noon. First Sat. of each month 9a.m. – 3p.m. or hours by appointment.

  • 513 W. 2nd St., Dixon, IL 61021
  • Phone: 815-284-2741
  • Google Map
 

 

Lowell Park

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this park boasts a 40 acre Illinois Nature Preserve and has all the amenities for picnicking and outdoor activities. Local lore credits Lowell Park teenage lifeguard Ronald Reagan with saving 77 people. Located three miles north of Dixon.

 

 

Old Lee County Courthouse & Lincoln Speech Marker

The Lee County Courthouse sits on land donated by the founder of Dixon. Construction on the present one was completed in 1901. Look for the large stone lawn marker commemorating Abraham Lincoln’s political speech on July 17, 1856.

  • Galena Ave. & 2nd St., Dixon, IL 61021
  • Google Map
 

 

Plum Creek Gardens

The Dixon Area Garden Club in cooperation with the Dixon Park District are creating a new horticultural area just outside of town for plant and gardening enthusiasts. Phase 1 will include a formal garden, children’s garden and a unique “foot-friendly” garden. Future plans include walking trails, an arboretum, and a visitor center with a library.

 

 

Telegraph Museum

The Dixon Telegraph Museum showcases the newspaper and its role in the history of Dixon. The display area has an old fashioned 1850′s printing press, historic newspapers and photographs showcasing the Telegraph and Dixon’s past. A tribute to President Ronald Reagan includes photos from his pre-Washington days and his days in Dixon Illinois. Free self guided tours are available Mon. – Fri. 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Call for more information.

  • 113 S. Peoria Ave., Dixon, IL 61021
  • Phone: 815-284-2224
  • Email: ebushman@saukvalley.com
  • Google Map
 

 

Veterans Memorial Park

Veterans Memorial Park is dedicated to all Veterans of Military Service. The park contains a Howitzer, Anchor, M-60 Tank, Cobra Helicopter, 9/11 Memorial and Legacy Stone Walkway containing names of local area veterans.

 

 

Victory Memorial Arch

Since 1919, this memorial has served to honor veterans of our nation’s wars; first as a temporary structure, then as a permanent Dixon landmark. It has been repaired, rebuilt and even relocated 145 feet south where it continues to greet travelers on Galena Avenue just south of IL Rte. 2 (2nd Street).

  • Between 2nd & 3rd Streets on Galena Ave., Dixon, IL 61021
  • Google Map
 

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