Dwight, between Chicago and Peoria, has landmarks and vintage vibes
The Village of Dwight is known for small-town character and vintage vibes. It was developed in the late 19th century around the railroads and grew due to the impact of the original Route 66, which connected regions of the country starting in the 1920s. "Dwight has an active historical society and a rich history," says Kim Frauli, director of the Prairie Creek Public Library. The village has a number of sites on the National Register of Historic Places. Dwight is about halfway between Peoria and Chicago , which are about 80 miles to the southwest and northeast, respectively. The population is roughly 3,800, according to U.S. Census estimates.
Victorians, ranch-style homes, contemporaries and some townhouses
The bulk of Dwight's real estate is single-family homes, the oldest of which include late 1800s farmhouses and Victorians and early 20th century bungalows. Ranch-style and contemporary homes were added later, and there’s been some 2020s construction. Prices typically range from about $110,000 to $360,000. Townhouses and condos are in limited supply. Some homes around Gooseberry Creek may be susceptible to flooding.
Main Street is downtown, other commercial areas are within a mile
Dwight's downtown has independently owned businesses on Main Street and adjacent streets. Flo's on Franklin Antiques & Flowers takes custom orders. Unpossible Mead Inc. is known for its fermented honey beverages and the taproom also serves hard cider and wine. Station 343 has a fire station-themed setting and an extensive menu of American dishes. Aly Anne's Bar & Grill offers daily specials, a back patio and hosts live music and parties.
Less than a mile from downtown, there's Old Route 66 Family Restaurant, Berkot's Super Foods, an Ace hardware store and the Crazy 80's Car Museum. The Dwight Healthcare Center of Morris is also close to downtown.
Railroads, Route 66 history and modern transportation options
Dwight has an 1890s depot designed by architect Henry Ives Cobb and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was operational until 2016, after which a new station was built, which continues to offer service on Amtrak. State Routes 17 and 47 pass through Dwight, and Interstate 55 is accessible within a few miles. Show Bus offers service to Bloomington/Normal once a week.
An original stretch of U.S. Route 66, the historic scenic byway, put Dwight on the map. The village expanded as more businesses opened close to the well-traveled road. The highway was decommissioned in 1977. The Ambler/Becker Texaco Station, also on the historic register, was open from 1933 until 1999; later, it became a Route 66 byway attraction and visitor center.
Other Dwight sites on the National Register of Historic Places
First National Bank of Dwight, designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1905, is also on the National Register of Historic Places. Other Dwight sites on the register include the Pioneer Gothic Church, which dates to 1857, and an 1890s windmill, which supplied water to the Oughton Estate. Oughton, which includes a Victorian mansion, was affiliated with the Keeley Institute, a landmark facility internationally known for the treatment of alcoholism.
Dwight has a combo elementary/middle school and a high school
Dwight Common School serves kindergarten through eighth grade and earns a C grade from Niche. Dwight Township High School, rated B-minus, has extracurricular activities like Scholastic Bowl, Future Farmers of America and Drama Club. "They offer a decent amount of electives for a small school. Youth sports are offered in the community as well," Frauli says.
Parks with pathways, baseball fields and recent upgrades
Renfrew Park, designed in the 1890s by a notable landscape architect, was allotted about a million dollars for improvements. A new playground, fitness area, shelters and tennis and pickleball courts were among the upgrades completed as of 2025. Florence W. Garrett Park has baseball fields and a trail that links to Rotary Park. On the southwest side of town, the area around Dwight Lions Lake has a playground, a paved trail and fishing docks.
Community events, library programming and social organizations
Dwight's Springfest, held in early May at the VFW post on the southwest side of town, features vendors, a craft fair, a car show, live music and a kids' zone. Specialty events at the festival include the Route 66 Corridor Backyard Burger Competition and a soccer goal-kicking contest. Also in May, the Dwight Historical Society hosts a vintage-themed baseball game at Renfrew Park. Dwight Harvest Days, a celebration in late September, is held downtown, with carnival rides, live entertainment and the Basset Waddle and Bash, which features a parade of Basset hounds.
The Prairie Creek Public Library District offers a wide variety of programs for all ages. "We have educational lectures, bingo, activities for kids and teens, crafts and cooking demonstrations," Frauli says. "Dwight also has several active clubs and organizations, such as the Dwight Woman's Club, Rotary Club, Lions Club, Danish Brotherhood and multiple churches."
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Written By
Robin Silberman
