Between Rockford And Davenport Is Illinois' Charming Midwest City With River Views, Shops, And Tasty Eats

With all of Chicago's world-class offerings — from museums and shopping to cuisine and architecture — it's easy to think it's the only city in Illinois worth visiting. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Plenty of underrated places in Illinois might not bustle Chicago-style, but their distinctive charms absolutely beckon for an excursion. One delightful small city that's worth a weekend or day trip from Chicago is Dixon, a pretty riverside enclave in northwest Illinois with water views, shopping, and tasty eats.

Nestled between Rockford and Davenport on the banks of the Rock River, Dixon is best known as President Ronald Reagan's hometown. Visitors can tour the childhood home where America's 40th president lived from 1920 to 1923, as well as check out the Reagan Bathhouse in Lowell Park where the future president whiled away his summers working as a lifeguard. In fact, historic attractions abound in Dixon, including the Dixon Memorial Arch, built in 1919 to welcome home local troops from World War I, and a 1930 statue of Abraham Lincoln erected to commemorate his service in the Black Hawk War. 

Dixon bills itself as the "Petunia Capital of Illinois" and hosts a vibrant annual riverfront petunia festival which includes concerts, parades, amusement rides, and fireworks. Downtown Dixon is lined with historic gems like The Dixon, a 1922 movie theater built in the Italian Renaissance style that serves today as a contemporary film and concert venue. Downtown is also where retail therapy and delicious eats converge on streets cozied up to the sparkling Rock River, the town's showpiece, which visitors can view from bridges, parks, and public plazas around town.

Dixon's crowning jewel is the majestic Rock River, a meandering, 325-mile natural treasure that runs south from Brandon, Wisconsin to the Quad Cities on the Mississippi River, including Iowa's affordable retirement destination Davenport and Illinois' walkable, riverfront city Moline. Perched proudly along the 155-mile stretch of the river that passes through northwestern Illinois, Dixon is brimming with scenic spots to drink in dramatic river views. 

The Dixon Riverfront and Heritage Crossing Site is a prime spot for picturesque Rock River views. "Come here on a sunny day. Great view of the river," enthuses a traveler on TripAdvisor. This waterside plaza, situated on the former site of a 19th-century ferry crossing, is anchored by a bronze statue of Ronald Reagan and also boasts an amphitheater that hosts public events. Bring a picnic to enjoy beneath the shady trees on the plaza's tables and benches. There's also a covered pavilion that's perfect for river gazing at sunset. From here, visitors can follow a scenic footpath lined with foliage, which wanders along a section of the former Illinois Central Railroad Line. 

Dixon's pretty parks are prime spots for capturing spectacular river views. Sprawling Lowell Park, a haven for boating, hiking, and fishing, is perched right on the riverbank where lovely views are practically guaranteed. You'll also catch glimpses of the river from the Lowell Park Trail, which loops through the park and past a section of the water. On the northern side of the river lies Page Park, the recent recipient of a scenic pedestrian and biking bridge built on historic railroad piers named Petunia Crossing. Bring a camera to take stunning snaps of the Rock from the bridge's gazebo and view points hovering above the river.

Shopping in downtown Dixon yields a mix of clothing boutiques, home decor stores, and antique shops, many of which are on, or clustered around, Rock River. Pop into J. Boutique to pick up trendy fashions and decor like clothing, jewelry, ceramics, and art prints. Rustic Roots sells a curated but plentiful selection of home decor — think planters, vases, textiles, baskets, and artificial plant accents. They also offer cabinet painting services that can come in handy if you're considering a move to Dixon, which is an affordable, top retirement pick.

On First Street, parallel to the river, Waterfront Gifts & Antiques specializes in all things antique and vintage, with a heavy emphasis on vinyl records and CDs. If you've got a sweet tooth, stock up on their assortment of fudge, chocolates, and sweet and savory popcorn which they keep on hand from local makers, Twin City Confectionary. To treat yourself or a loved one to an uber-fancy souvenir, Venier Jewelers, also on First Street, has been sourcing exquisite diamonds and fine jewelry in Dixon since 1945.

After you've worked up an appetite shopping, the family-owned Basil Tree Ristorante, serves Italian classics like lasagna, pasta, and risotto alongside Black Angus steaks and seafood. Pick up eats for a riverside picnic at Arthur's Garden Deli, which whips up fresh comfort food like deli sandwiches, subs, pasta, potato salad, hearty chili, and soups. Fill up on all-American breakfast classics at River City Ale House & Eatery. It's the spot for skillets, omelets, and biscuits and gravy, as well as affordable kids' breakfast plates under $6. Dixon is roughly a two-hour drive from Chicago, where you shouldn't miss these under-the-radar gems.