Sites to Visit
Red Listing - Official Reagan SiteDixon Historic Center
5th St. & Hennepin Ave. (Reagan Way), Dixon, IL 61021 - 815-288-5508, fax 815-288-5749
History Research and Learning Center housed in President Ronald Reagan's boyhood South Central School. Beautifully restored and proudly affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution. Will be open to the public during "Reagan Trail Days", August 17-18, 2007.
Email: info@dixonhistoriccenter.org
Website: www.dixonhistoriccenter.org
Dixon Public Library
221 S. Hennepin Ave. (Reagan Way), Dixon, IL
The Reagan family moved to Dixon Dec. 6, 1920 when Ronald was 9 yrs. old. Three weeks later Ronald and brother Neil had library cards. Ronald's card no. was 3695. A letter to "friends of the library" in 1995 he wrote " a library has a single overriding purpose, to connect us with the people and places, ideas and experiences that enrich our lives and deepen our humanity."
Dixon Welcome Center
106 W. River Street, Dixon, IL 61021
New Location! Overlooking the beautiful Rock River at the corner of Galena Ave. and River Street. Grand opening January 7, 2008. Street address: 106 W. River St., Dixon. Phone: 815 284 DIXON (3496)
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First Christian Church
123 S. Hennepin Ave. (Reagan Way), Dixon, IL 61021 - 815-288-1222
Reagan's Brother Neil was baptized a catholic, but Ronald and his mother attended the First Christian Church where Nelle taught Sunday school. The 150 year old church hosts a Reagan exhibit.
Loveland Museum
513 W. 2nd St., Dixon, IL 61021 - 815-288-2741
This museum of Dixon’s history contains a great exhibit on Ronald Reagan. Hours Wednesday 1 to 4, Fri.Sat. 9 to 12 except 1st Sat. of Mo. 9 to 3 and by appointment.FREE.
Lowell Park
2114 Lowell Park Rd., Dixon, IL 61021 - 815-288-5209
History indicates that Ronald saved 77 lives while lifeguarding at Lowell Park on the Rock River. The Park is open for picnics, hiking, biking, fishing, and boating and is the site of free pontoon rides during Dixon's annual "Reagan Trail Days" celebration. The Movie "Lowell Park", from the historic novel of the same name, will be filmed on location in Dixon and Lowell Park during 2009. Empire Group Film Co., California is the producer.
Reagan Way
Dixon, IL
Hennepin Ave, also known as "Reagan Way", is the location of many of the Reagan Sites in Dixon, including the Boyhood Home, Dixon Historic Center, Dixon Public Library and First Christian Church. Reagan Way starts at the Boyhood Home and terminates at the Rock River.
Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home
816 S. Hennepin Ave. (Reagan Way), Dixon, IL 61021 - 815-288-5176
The Boyhood Home is restored to its 1920 condition and decorated with furniture typical of the period. Family activity extended beyond the house to the barn where “Dutch” and his brother “Moon” raised rabbits. Visitors can tour the home along with an interpretive visitors center next door. Open April 1 through October, Mon.thru Sat.,10 to 4, Sun., 1 to 4.(weekends only in March). closed Nov thru Feb. Please make advance reservations for group tours. Admission: $5 for adults, Children 12 and under are free with family.
Website: http://www.ronaldreaganhome.com
Tangibles
302 West First Street, 302 West First Street, Dixon, IL 61021 - 888-285-4438
Historic Building - store features fine women's clothing and accessories. Gifts, Gift Baskets and Gourmet Food also available.
Historic Markers and Monuments
Red Listing - Official Reagan SiteWings of Peace and Freedom Park
N. East Corner of Galena Ave. and 2nd St., Dixon, IL 61021
Nick Tanev, an imigrant to America from Bulgaria, presented the City of Dixon with the "Wings of Peace and Freedom" sculpture as an expression of Mr. Tanev's gratitude to President Reagan for his part in ending the Cold War, and to the city for producing such a strong and courageous leader.
Trail Events in Dixon
Reagan Trail Days
Throughout Dixon, Dixon, IL 61021 - 815-284-3496
This celebration features the Reagan Heritage Dinner Dance at Timber Creek Golf Club, where Reagan caddied during his teen years, and honors Dixon High School graduates who have gone on to fulfill their lives in meaningful ways. Honorees for 2008 were Dr. Al Hardersen, Dirk Schilling and Katie Boyd. Free pontoon rides on the beautiful Rock River at Lowell Park where Reagan saved 77 lives during his school years, free trolley rides to all the Reagan sites including the Boyhood Home, Dixon Historic Center, Dixon Public Library (Reagan's card no. 3695), First Christian Church and Reagan Room and the Loveland Building and Reagan Museum. Jelly Belly contests, Reagan Trail horse parade on "Reagan Way" and many other events take place during the celebration. A concert by the U.S.Navy Jazz Band Ensemble was held at the historic Dixon Theatre as the finale to 2008 events. A new event featured the "Reagan Heritage Bicycle Run" on a portion of the famous "Ronald Reagan Trail". For information contact "Green River Adventure Sports, 815 288 1079. "Reagan Trail Days" 2009 takes place August 14,15,16. ph 815 284 3496 for more information.
Where to Stay
Best Western Reagan Hotel
443 IL Rt 2, Dixon, IL 61021 - 815-284-1890 or 800-528-1234
Full service hotel in rural setting. 90 guest rooms, luxury suites with Jacuzzi. Heated outdoor pool, hot tub and year round exercise room. Burgundy Room Restaurant & Lounge. Pets welcome.
Comfort Inn
136 Plaza Drive, Dixon, IL 61021 - 815-284-0500
48 rooms, suites offering whirlpool tubs and fireplaces; complimentary deluxe continental breakfast. Two indoor pools with whirlpool and water play features. Fitness room with multi-station exercise machine.
Crawford House Inn
204 E. 3rd St., Dixon, IL 61021 - 815-288-3351
Italianate-style mansion bed & breakfast. Three rooms with two shared baths, Jacuzzi, fireplace, TV and VCR. Full breakfast included.
Dixon Super 8 Motel
1800 S. Galena Ave., Dixon, IL 61021 - 815-284-1800 or 800-800-8000
41 rooms, hot tub suites, exercise facility with whirlpool and sauna. Free deluxe continental breakfast.
Quality Inn & Suites
154 Plaza Drive, Dixon, IL 61021 - 815-288-2001 or 800-424-6423
Golf themed hotel featuring two indoor pools with whirlpool and water play feature. 52 rooms, some suites with fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. Free full hot breakfast served daily. Fitness room with multi-station exercise machine.
