Dixon, County seat in Lee County, Illinois
Dixon is a city in Lee County in northern Illinois, positioned along the Rock River. The town covers roughly 7 miles (11 kilometers) and includes residential streets, a downtown area, and government offices.
John Dixon set up a ferry crossing on the Rock River in 1828, which encouraged settlement in the area. The community grew and was later formally recognized as a city and seat of local government.
The Northwest Territory Historic Center, housed in Ronald Reagan's boyhood school, contains exhibits about local history and the 40th president's early years.
The park district manages green spaces, trails, and sports fields open to visitors. Downtown sits near the river and is easy to walk around.
The city holds two state titles: Petunia Capital of Illinois since 1999 and Catfish Capital of Illinois since 2009. These honors celebrate the local tradition of flower gardening and river fishing.
Location: Lee County
Inception: 1828
Website: https://discoverdixon.org
GPS coordinates: 41.84610,-89.48500
Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:13
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Illinois Central Stone Arch Railroad Bridges
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William H. Van Epps House
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Christopher Brookner House
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Dixon Downtown Historic District
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Nachusa House
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9.7 kmLincoln Highway Interpretive Mural
15.4 kmCouncil Ring
15.2 kmEdgewood Golf Club (Closed)
10.8 kmThe Dixon: Historic Theatre
407 mThe Next Picture Show
312 mSVCC Art Gallery
9.8 kmEagle
478 mWings of Peace and Freedom
434 mEmerald Hill Golf Course
12.1 kmBerlin Wall replica
432 mScenic viewpoint
453 mThe Overlook
4.9 kmWaterfall
843 mWaterfall
12.2 kmWaterfall
12.4 kmF-105D Thunderchief
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