Lowell Park was established in 1907, and has stood through all these years as a place whereby people could relax and enjoy recreation to its fullest. It is where Ronald Reagan took a summer job as a lifeguard and is reported to have saved 77 people from the river during his tenure. Take in the beauty that 200 acres of picturesque scenery that nature has provided in this magnificent park. Lowell Park is complete with a nature center where people of all ages can learn more about the nature of the area. Picnicking, hiking, cycling and cross country skiing make the park a complete recreation picture.

Hours: Sunrise to Sunset - (roads may be closed during winter conditions.) Free Admission

2114 Lowell Park Road, Dixon. (815) 284-3306

Plum Creek Gardens

The Dixon Area Garden Club is in the development stage of the Plum Creek Gardens located on Palmyra Road west of Dixon.  In adjacent to a 2.5 acre tract owned by the club, the club manages an adjacent 14 acre tract of land for the Dixon Park District that eventually will comprise a 16.5 acre gardens displaying a variety of  flowers, plants, and trees maintained by members of the club.  Currently featured are a Children's Garden, a Foot-easy Garden and a Day Lily Garden.

Hours: Mon - Sat. 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - April 1st to September 30th. Free admission

626 Palmyra Road, Dixon. (815) 284-2741

Lee County Historical Society

Whether you're looking for information on local or county history, researching those lost relatives, or need assistance with other material, the volunteers at the Stella Grobe Research Center will help you obtain that information for which you are seeking. Newspaper microfilm dating back to 1851, census records, cemetery records, plat maps, history books, and databases with over 1,000,000 entries will aid you in your research.

Hours: Sat. 9 a.m. to noon (other times by appointment)

113 Madison Avenue, Dixon. (815) 284-1134

John Deere Historic Site

This is where John Deere developed the steel plow in 1837. Visit his restored pioneer home, an archaeological site of his blacksmith shop, a reconstructed working blacksmith shop, gift shop and visitors center. Learn about the first self-cleaning plow.

Hours: Apr. 1 - Nov. 30, daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Admission)

8334 S. Clinton, Grand Detour. (815) 652-4551

H. I. Lincoln Building

This historical and classic stone building of the 1850s was one of the original meeting places for the Lincoln Highway. The structure has served as a general store, newspaper, and post office. The large upstairs meeting hall was the community center for 75 years. The structure has been restored and is used by the Lincoln Highway Association.