Dix Township - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

This is a charming place rich with history. Established in 1859, the first settlers sought refuge from the bustle of city life among the peaceful bluffs and rivers. While the town has grown over time, it still retains much of its original 19th century flavor. Today, Paxton is a thriving community of more than 5,000 people that is surrounded by parks, farms, and rolling hillsides. Visitors from all around come to experience the annual pumpkin festivals and taste homemade pies from a local bakery.

Lake Iroquois, is a peaceful, serene man-made lake first opened to the public in 1958. Created when a dam was built across Bluff Creek it is surrounded by lush vegetation and several recreational facilities including campgrounds and picnic areas. Its crystal clear waters offer opportunities for fishing, swimming, canoeing and kayaking. Bird watching can also be enjoyed here as over 100 bird species have been spotted here.

Rantoul, is a vibrant town in the midwest. Founded over 150 years ago, this rural town has become far from forgotten—it is a thriving community with many services and local attractions. Rantoul offers its citizens top-level educational facilities, plentiful retail outlets and restaurants, and access to beautiful parks and recreational opportunities. It also boasts a flourishing arts scene with plenty of galleries, theater productions and live music venues.

Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve with over 230 acres of beautiful natural land, this preserve has something for everyone. From wildlife watching to fishing and picnicking to trails that are suitable for cross-country skiing in the winter and biking, hiking or birding throughout the year, there are endless activities. The lake itself adds an extra layer of beauty to the preserve: visitors can canoe or kayak around its banks for a perfect day out!

Moraine View State Recreation Area is a popular attraction for outdoor-lovers seeking some true adventure! With almost 2000 acres of rolling terrain, visitors to Moraine View can enjoy activities ranging from fishing and camping to hiking and boating. Those looking to take in the full experience of the recreation area can rent one of the lodges or cottages, which are surrounded by tranquil lake views and a relaxing atmosphere.

The William M. Staerkel Planetarium is a remarkable place to discover the beauty of the night sky. Its 39-foot domed ceiling houses a state-of-the-art digital projection system that displays breathtaking visuals from above and beyond. Visitors have the opportunity to attend live shows and lectures hosted by knowledgeable staff who can guide them through the universe's most fascinating facts, stories, and phenomena.