Places to Eat and Stay

Check with the location before making a visit for current hours and information.

Restaurants

• Alfano’s Pizza: 801 S. 4th St, Oregon, IL
• Arthur's Garden Deli: 1133 N Galena Ave, Dixon, IL
• Baker Street Café: (Coffee roaster & bakery) 111 W 1st St, Dixon, IL
• Basil Tree Ristorante: (Italian) 123 E 1 st St, Dixon. Open 7 days.
• Cork and Tap: (Tap & Wine) 305 W Washington St, Oregon, IL. Closed M & T.
  • Located next to Hazel's Café (farm-to-table)
• Dos Amigos: (Mexican) 198-100 N. Hastings Ave., Oregon, IL
• Huddle Café: (American) 802 Main St, Ashton, IL
• La Vigna: (Italian) 2190 Daysville Rd, Oregon, IL Closed M, T.
• Lincoln Way Cafe: 137 N. Elm St, Franklin Grove. Breakfast & lunch. Cash only.
• Ogle County Brewery: (Brewpub) 400 W Washington Oregon, IL
• Palmyra Pub & Eatery: (Barbecue) 628 Palmyra Rd, Dixon, IL. Open 7 days.
• Rooney's: (Bar & Grill) 119 N Elm St, Franklin Grove, IL
• Somkit: (Thai) 214 W. 1st Street, Dixon, IL. Closed Monday.
• Salamandra: (Mexican) 105 W. 1St St. Dixon, IL. Closed Monday, Tuesday.

Food and Lodging (a small sampling of local options)

• Lincoln Way Stay: 409 N. State St., Franklin Grove. A splendidly reimagined 1912 house offering many amenities for its guests.​

Camping & Cabins
Nachusa Grasslands does not offer any public camping. Try some of these local parks:

• Castle Rock State Park: 1365 W. Castle Rd., Oregon. Castle Rock, the central feature of this 2000–acre park, is a high bluff above the Rock River. Among the many activities for visitors are picnicking, fishing and boating, hiking, and primitive camping accessible only by canoe or boat.​
• Franklin Creek Cabin: Franklin Grove, IL. A modern 3 story, 3 bedroom, 3 bath cabin in the heart of Franklin Creek State Natural Area. Hiking, trail running, birding, hunting, fishing, mushrooms, XC skiing, photography & equestrian activities.
• Green River State Wildlife Area: 375 Game Rd, Harmon. 6 miles northwest of Ohio, IL, this 2,565 acre restoration area features basic camping, hunting, a 10 mile equestrian trail, and hiking.
• Lowden State Park: 1411 N. River Road, Oregon. Comprising 273 acres along the Rock River, this state park features picnicking, camping, and almost 4 miles of hiking trails.  Cabins available.
• Mill Creek Cabin: Franklin Grove, IL 2 bedroom, 2 bath cottage with easy access to hiking, fishing, cross country skiing and more.
• Mill Spring Cottage: 1484 Old Mill Road, Franklin Grove, IL
• Pineview Campground: 1273 Sleepy Hollow Rd, Amboy, IL. A family owned private campground.
• White Pines Forest State Park: 6712 West Pines Rd., Mt. Morris. Hiking, fishing, camping and picnicking are some of the activities offered in this 385 acre state park.  Cabins available.

Motels

• Holiday Inn Express: 1240 Dement Rd, Rochelle. Conference Center. Amenities include an indoor pool and 24 hour fitness center.
• Paddle Wheel Inn: 1457 IL Rt 2 N., Oregon. A family owned hotel offering short and extended stays.
• Quality Inn and Suites: 136 Plaza Dr., Dixon. Meeting Center, indoor pool and whirlpool/hot tub, free hot breakfast, pet friendly.

See Blackhawk Waterways and Lee County Tourism Council for additional locations, information, and directions.

UPDATED 2/2025