What are the opening hours?

Wednesday 10am - 12pm 1pm - 3pm Thursday 10am - 12pm 1pm - 3pm

The Dillon Home Museum

Name: The Dillon Home Museum
Address: 1005 East Third Street, Sterling, IL, 61081, US
Telephone: +18156226202
Price range: $

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The Dillon Home Museum

The Dillon Home Museum was once home to P.W. Dillon and family, of Northwestern Steel & Wire Company in Sterling, Illinois. Dillon, in 1882. P.W. Dillon herself.

Originally built for local attorney and Civil War General, Edward Needles Kirk, the 1858 Victorian Italianate
mansion was later purchased by Northwestern Steel and Wire founder, Washington M. The grand estate would remained in the Dillon family for nearly a century as Washington’s son and business successor, P.W. Dillon, purchased his childhood home in 1920, where he raised a family with his wife

, Crete. was the last resident of the home when he passed away in 1980. That same year, the family gifted the estate to the Sterling Park District to preserve and share local history. Elegantly decorated and virtually untouched by time, the home retains the entire collection of furnishings, all carefully selected selected and thoughtfully arranged by Mrs. The museum also contains a display Northwestern Steel and Wire memorabilia, from the mill’s 122 years of operation. GUIDED TOUR SCHEDULE:

Every Wednesday, Thursday & Friday: 10:00AM, 11:00AM, 1:00PM, 2:00PM
(Or by appointment only from 3:00-5:00PM)

2nd Weekend of Each Month (Saturday & Sunday):
10:00AM, 11:00AM, 1:00PM, 2:00PM
(Or by appointment only from 3:00-5:00PM)

GUIDED TOUR PRICING:

General Admission: $7.00
Seniors (60+): $6.00
5 & under: Free

The grounds are also available for wedding rental. Unlike any other venue in our region, the spacious grounds and towering two-story enclosed porch will be the perfect setting for your special day!

03/11/2026

Planning a visit? Check out our newly updated tour dates and times and come explore The Dillon Home!

02/25/2026

Just a reminder: We will be closed for tours on February 26 & 27 and March 4. Please call 815-622-6202 to schedule a tour during our open hours. Thank you for understanding!

02/11/2026

We will be closed for tours on February 26 & 27 and March 4. Please call 815-622-6202 to schedule a tour during our open hours.

02/06/2026

Did you know Paul W. Dillon was a lifelong dog lover? His Doberman Pinschers, Hilda and Toby Joe, were a familiar sight on the property and are featured in the very first Dillon Home booklet from 1980. 🐾

Today, we honor that legacy as we celebrate Penny’s incredible achievement—winning Best in Show at the 2026 Westminster Dog Show. A proud moment for Doberman fans and a special nod to the history of the Paul W. Dillon Home.

🐕🏆

01/23/2026

Dillon Home Museum will be closed Friday, Jan. 23rd

12/22/2025

Celebrate the season with a visit to the Dillon Home! 🎄✨ Christmas tours are available Monday–Friday with multiple times throughout the day. Please note: we are closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.

12/17/2025

Celebrate the season with a visit to the Dillon Home! 🎄✨ Christmas tours are available Monday–Friday. Please note: we are closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.

12/02/2025

It's almost time for the 42nd Annual Christmas Walk at the Dillon Home!!

Address

1005 East Third Street
Sterling, IL
61081

Opening Hours

Wednesday	10am - 12pm
	1pm - 3pm
Thursday	10am - 12pm
	1pm - 3pm

Telephone

+18156226202

Website

https://www.sterlingparks.org/location/dillon-home-museum/

Alerts

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Our Story

The Dillon Home is a work of Italianate Architecture, built in 1858 for Civil War Brigadier General, Edward Needles Kirk. The Kirks had plans to raise a large family in the home, but when Edward died from a wound sustained at the Battle of Stone’s River, his wife Eliza returned to Pennsylvania. The home went through few changes, but several owners, before Washington Dillon purchased it in 1882.

Filled with treasures and virtually un-touched by time, the home is a place you must visit to learn the local history. Home to P.W. Dillon, President of Northwestern Steel and Wire, the homes’ grandeur is a remarkable sight, as his wife, Crete, was an avid traveler, and collector of eclectic pieces and period furniture. Unique from most historic home museums, The Dillon Home retains all of the original furnishings and belongings, as the estate was conveyed to the Sterling Park District after PW.’s passing in 1980.

The home is also available for weddings and other events. Unlike any other venue in our region, the manicured, spacious grounds, fountain, and towering two-story enclosed porch will be the perfect setting for any special occasion.

For more information, contact Erin Thompson, Dillon Home Curator, at [email protected]