Play in Dixon

Timber Creek Golf Course

Offers an 18 hole course with cart rental. Bogey’s Bar and Grill for lunch and dinner. Friday night fine dining and Sunday Brunch banquet facilities to accomodate 225. Open to the public with memberships available.

 

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.

 

Hunting in the Meadows

The Meadows site of the Dixon Park District offers bow hunting in deer and turkey seasons by permit. Permits limited. Call for more information on registration, orientation and proficiency dates.

 

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.

 

Lost Nation Golf Course

Lost Nation offers 18 holes, watered fairways, complete pro shop, Club Car Carts, club rental, restaurant and cocktail lounge. 4 miles east of Route 2 on S. Lost Nation Rd.

 

Emerald Hill Golf & Learning Center

Located one mile east of Sterling on Route 2. We have a fully stocked pro shop, driving range and full service grill. We have 18 holes ranging from 4900 – 6300 yards. Please call for t-times.

 

Biking

Lee County offers many low-traffic, paved roads for relaxed sightseeing, touring or for serious distance workouts.A favorite biking trail in Dixon is the Lowell Parkway which extends from Washington Avenue to Lowell Park covering 3 1/2 miles. At Lowell Park Rd. it connects with the Joe Stengel Trail that covers 11 miles and ends in Polo.

 

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding and equestrian camping are permitted at Franklin Creek State Natural Area and the Green River State Wildlife Area. Day riding is permitted at The Meadows, Dixon Park District. To learn more about horseback riding in Lee County contact Rock River Trail and Horseman Association, 815-732-4507; Green River Saddle Club, 815-857-3479; or call specific sites for their guidelines.

 

Boating

The Rock River is a popular boating waterway for motorboats, pontoon boats, fishing boats & canoes. For information on boat launches in the Dixon area call the Dixon Park District at 815-284-3306.

 

Hiking

Hiking trails can be found throughout Lee County in every park and conservation area. Franklin Creek State Natural Area offers one of the very few that is easily accessible to people of all mobility levels. This 5 ft. wide concrete trail meanders along Franklin Creek with picnic benches and barbecue grills at intervals along the trail. A new extension provides access to the John Husar Memorial Fishing Pier* which is handicap accessible.

Lowell Park offers many scenic hiking trails graded as to difficulty. A favorite among local hikers is the 3 1/2 mile Lowell Parkway that connects with the 11 mile Joe Stengel Trail that continues on to Polo. Lowell Park’s trails are prolific with spring wildflowers or fall color. A great place to cross-country ski in winter.

 

Fishing

Virtually all of the campgrounds and parks in Lee County offer fishing in ponds, lakes, streams or rivers. The Rock River’s reputation for catfish, bass, carp, and walleye is widespread.