Parks and Recreation

Dixon has more parks per capita than any other town in Illinois. Many of our parks are located along the scenic Rock River including the Dixon Park District's magnificent 240-acre Lowell Park where President Ronald Reagan worked summers as a lifeguard in his youth. The Dixon Park District owns and maintains many other park and recreational facilities throughout the community and operates year 'round recreational and educational programs. The district also operates an extensive nature center.  Visit the Dixon Park District website at www.dixonparks.com.

The immediate area is home to seven State Parks and natural areas as well. White Pines Forest State Park, Morrison Rockwood State Park, Lowden State Park, Castle Rock State Park, Franklin Creek State Natural Area and Equestrian Park, Green River State Wildlife Area and, Nachusa Grasslands are all within a short drive.

Recreation is important to area residents. We work hard and we like to play hard as well. There are many opportunities to do this including golf courses; bike trails; fishing; racquetball; volleyball; weight training; basketball; or just take a quiet walk in the woods.

The Dixon Family YMCA established in 1872 is second to none. The "Y" serves over 4,000 individuals and includes complete weight and fitness rooms overlooking Galena Avenue, indoor pool and gym, classes and programming for all ages.

The Dixon Petunia Festival is one of the State of Illinois' oldest (48 years) and largest community festivals running over the week of the Fourth of July each year. Petunia Fest annually draws people from throughout the Midwest for parades, carnival, entertainment, festival garden and loads of family fun. (www.petuniafestival.org)  Numerous other community festivals are popular diversions throughout the year and nearly every local community has at least one.