Overview
Dixon is called "The Petunia City" but is probably best known as the boyhood home of former US President Ronald Reagan.
3 sights · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Dixon
Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home
The Reagan family's home from 1920-1923, this white house has a gift shop and memorial garden for the late president.
Lowell Park
Northwest Territory Historic Center
This museum is located in the school building where Reagan attended 7th and 8th grades.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 86°F; winter lows dip to about 15°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and May. (climate data from nearby Quad Cities)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- RFD Chicago Rockford International Airport, Chicago/Rockford — 31 mi away. Directions
- MLI Quad City International Airport, Moline — 60 mi away. Directions
- ORD Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Chicago — 82 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home, Northwest Territory Historic Center
- Afternoon Lowell Park
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
See
Sleep
Stay Quality Inn Dixon
Located halfway between Chicago and the Quad Cities near the intersection of I-88 and IL Route 26, and sits along three major tourism trails, which includes The Ronald Reagan Trail, The Historic Lincoln Highway and the Northwest Passage Heritage Corridor.
Nearby
Sterling-Rock Falls
City / town · 1 listings · 11 mi away
Lowden State Park
Park · 15 mi away
Rochelle
City / town · 6 listings · 22 mi away
Freeport
City / town · 32 mi away
Mount Carroll
City / town · 32 mi away
Cherry
City / town · 4 listings · 32 mi away
Rockford
City / town · 19 listings · 36 mi away
Clinton
City / town · 8 listings · 37 mi away
My experience
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