Visit Carroll County IL

Visit Carroll County IL Find yourself in the middle of a journey through history, nature, and local delights. Come, visit Carroll County and discover our special place in the pines!

Nestled among the rolling hills and lush forests of beautiful northwest Illinois, Carroll County is a world away from your demanding workweek. The county encompasses four hundred sixty-six square miles of friendly smiles, genuine outdoor adventure, and charming villages that punctuate a landscape nourished by the mighty Mississippi River. Scenic byways, rich history, and outstanding special events

make Carroll County the preferred destination for many visitors each year. Our local historic villages boast outstanding shops offering antiques or artisan works, a professional summer stock theatre, roadside stands featuring vine-fresh melons, homegrown produce, and delectable morel mushrooms. Visitors revel in a schedule of special events throughout the year, ranging from Mount Carroll’s Mayfest, Milledgeville’s June Days, and Savanna’s Haunted Forest Festival to Lanark’s Old Settler’s Days and Chadwick’s Hometown Christmas. Whether you desire a family outing, a great escape, or a romantic getaway, Carroll County offers unique opportunities that are certain to fulfill those needs. Carroll County oozes history, mystery, and natural beauty. Mile after magnificent mile, the rolling plains, towering woodlands, charming small towns, wonderful attractions, and expansive vistas will have you returning to visit season after season. If the great outdoors are calling your name, then Carroll County has you covered. Here you’ll discover a region overflowing with recreational outdoor activities. Carroll County is filled with opportunities for wildlife viewing, camping, hiking, biking, boating, hunting, fishing, shopping, antiquing, and exploring our nation’s rich history, or just sitting under an old shade tree to devour a good book. From local parks and wildlife reserves to exceptional golf courses, from miles of beautiful boating to great fishing on the “Mighty Mississippi”, you’ll find it here in Carroll County. From catfish and muskie to trout, local streams, rivers, and lakes provide anglers with the perfect opportunity for their next big fish story. The real beauty of Carroll County is found in simple natural wonders. Such pleasures give pause from the hectic pace of modern life. The elegance of a falling autumn leaf, the majesty of a foraging deer, or the alluring warmth of a crackling fire are irresistible invitations that draw visitors to this special place. History lovers find a new home in Carroll County. Here a treasure trove of museums, monuments, and historical sites capture the imagination. Explore the stone arch bridge where Abraham Lincoln camped as a private during the Black Hawk War or discover the tragic tale of an historic steamboat, “The Sultana”. Retail therapy enthusiasts applaud the various shopping opportunities that abound in Carroll County. Local shops offer everything from eclectic hand-crafted gifts and quaint artisan works to antique treasures and coveted collectibles. In Carroll County, you’ll always be greeted by friendly shopkeepers who still understand the art of authentic small-town hospitality. Whether you’re seeking a day trip or a week-long adventure, discover excellent restaurants and diverse lodging choices that range from primitive campsites or rustic cabins to pampering B&Bs, comfortable country inns, and award-winning hotels. With gentle rolling hills and lush countryside, Carroll County is a great escape from the concrete and asphalt of a big city. All this and more is waiting for you a trifling 90 minutes from the Greater Chicagoland Metropolitan Area. Come for a visit and experience a weekend getaway the way it used to be!

🎶 Great concert happening this weekend! 🎤
08/15/2024

🎶 Great concert happening this weekend! 🎤

💫Let’s take a moment to celebrate the beauty of rural life, where rolling fields meet endless skies and the stars shine ...
08/15/2024

💫Let’s take a moment to celebrate the beauty of rural life, where rolling fields meet endless skies and the stars shine brighter than ever. ✨ There's nothing like the serenity of our peaceful county, especially under a blanket of twinkling stars.

📍 𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 - 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐤, 𝐈𝐋🏌️‍♂️ Experience 18 holes of rolling greens, wooded views, and the perfect challe...
08/13/2024

📍 𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 - 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐤, 𝐈𝐋

🏌️‍♂️ Experience 18 holes of rolling greens, wooded views, and the perfect challenge for golfers of all levels. Whether you're aiming for that hole-in-one or just soaking up the sun, Lake Carroll is one of the go-to golfing destinations here in Carroll County! ⛳️

Make sure to stop by Candlelight at Lake Carroll for some food and drinks! 🍺 🍔

𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒏 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒖𝒔 - www.visitcarrollcountyil.com

🎡𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤 here in Carroll County!Schedule and information here: https://carrollcountyfair.info
08/06/2024

🎡𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤 here in Carroll County!

Schedule and information here: https://carrollcountyfair.info

🗺️ Searching for your next downtown experience? We think you should visit our small and charming town of Mt.Carroll. Wor...
08/01/2024

🗺️ Searching for your next downtown experience?
We think you should visit our small and charming town of Mt.Carroll. World Atlas even thinks so too! ✨

Illinois' small towns in 2024 feature charming downtowns with history, culture, and community spirit, offering unique and impressive experiences.

🎡A wonderful event coming to our community! Plan ahead and we’ll see you there! ✨
08/01/2024

🎡A wonderful event coming to our community! Plan ahead and we’ll see you there! ✨

‼️SAVE THE DATE‼️

Thomson Harvest Days-September 13th-15th.
Fun for the whole Family!!

Straddle Creek Gardens sunflower maze will begin 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟔𝐭𝐡! 🌻 📍 Straddle Creek Gardens - 25269 Locust Rd. Lanark, IL
07/23/2024

Straddle Creek Gardens sunflower maze will begin 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟔𝐭𝐡! 🌻

📍 Straddle Creek Gardens - 25269 Locust Rd. Lanark, IL

🎶 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐭! 🎶Join Trailside Inn  on July 28th from 12 PM - 3 PM for an afternoon of amazing tunes with the unbel...
07/23/2024

🎶 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐭! 🎶

Join Trailside Inn on July 28th from 12 PM - 3 PM for an afternoon of amazing tunes with the unbelievably talented songwriter, 𝑨𝒂𝒓𝒐𝒏 𝑵𝒆𝒘𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆! 🎸✨

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗖𝗮𝗻'𝘁 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀:
👉 Free Entry!
👉 Eclectic set list that will have you grooving!
👉 Drink & Food Specials to keep you refreshed!

Mark your calendars and bring your friends for an epic musical experience! 🎤🎵

𝐁𝐎𝐍𝐔𝐒: Trailside Inn also has lodging - https://trailsideinc.com/

📍 Trailside Deck
21-78 Lake Carroll Blvd, Lake Carroll, IL
📞 815-493-8484

Mt. Carroll Cruise Nights is hosting their second car show of the year! Join us in downtown Mt.Carroll on July 20th from...
07/18/2024

Mt. Carroll Cruise Nights is hosting their second car show of the year!

Join us in downtown Mt.Carroll on July 20th from 5-9pm.

✨ 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞! ✨The most beloved tale of all time, 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑾𝒊𝒛𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝑶𝒛, comes to ...
07/17/2024

✨ 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞! ✨

The most beloved tale of all time, 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑾𝒊𝒛𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝑶𝒛, comes to life on stage until July 28th!

👠 🌪️ Experience the magic, the music, and the unforgettable journey of Dorothy and her friends. Bring your family and friends for an evening of pure enchantment!

🎟️ Get your tickets now and step into a world of wonder: www.timberlakeplayhouse.org

📅 Dates: Now until July 28th

📍 Timber Lake Playhouse | Mount Carroll, IL

📸: Timber Lake Playhouse

🎣 𝐇𝐨𝐨𝐤, 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐈𝐭! 🎣Get ready to cast your worries away and reel in some fun at The Savanna Marina's Fishing Tou...
07/17/2024

🎣 𝐇𝐨𝐨𝐤, 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐈𝐭! 🎣

Get ready to cast your worries away and reel in some fun at The Savanna Marina's Fishing Tournaments! Whether you're an experienced angler or a newbie looking to make a big catch, we've got the perfect dates lined up for you. Mark your calendars, gather your gear, and let's make some unforgettable fishing memories together! 🐟🏆

Don't miss out on the chance to win amazing prizes and enjoy a day out on the beautiful Mississippi River! 🐠

📍 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚, 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚, 𝐈𝐋

Tournament information: https://ifishillinois.org/tournament/tourney_lakes.php?waternum=MSR

For Lodging and all other information visit www.visitcarrollcountyil.com

🌿 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗹 𝗪𝗲𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿! 🌿 This incredible facility offers a unique opportunity to ...
07/16/2024

🌿 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗹 𝗪𝗲𝘁𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿! 🌿

This incredible facility offers a unique opportunity to learn about wetlands' rich biodiversity and ecological significance.

𝑾𝒉𝒚 𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒕 𝑰𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒍?

🦆 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴: Spot various bird species, including eagles, herons, and waterfowl. The wetlands are a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

🌱 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝗵𝗶𝗯𝗶𝘁𝘀: Explore interactive exhibits that highlight the importance of wetlands in our ecosystem.

🚶 𝗦𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀: Take a peaceful walk or bike ride along the great river bike trail to enjoy breathtaking views of the wetlands and the Mississippi River.

🦋 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 & 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘀: Join guided tours led by knowledgeable staff and volunteers. Participate in hands-on programs and workshops designed for all ages.

Plan Your Visit:
📅 Open Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 4 PM
📍 Location: Ingersoll Wetlands Education Center, Thomson, IL

Whether you're a nature lover, a curious student, or looking for a family-friendly outing, the Ingersoll Wetlands Education Center offers something for everyone.

Visit their website here: https://stewardsumrr.org/

✨𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲. Carroll County is home to seven unique towns, each with its own story to tell. Visit...
07/14/2024

✨𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲.

Carroll County is home to seven unique towns, each with its own story to tell. Visit the historic landmarks and fascinating pasts of Mount Carroll, Savanna, Lanark, Milledgeville, Chadwick, Thomson, and Shannon.

Carroll County was organized in 1839, and was named after Charles Carroll, a wealthy landowner and politician from Maryland. He was one of the men who signed the 𝑫𝒆𝒄𝒍𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝑰𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 and was one of the last signers to die.

Next time you visit make sure to take a drive around the county to find some of these buildings and see what they look like today! 🚙 🗺

𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲:
https://visitcarrollcountyil.com

07/10/2024

We have TWO shows this weekend! Camping is available for all weekend. Come in on Saturday for both shows and you won’t have to leave until Monday morning!

✨ Saturday: Killer Queen
✨ Sunday: The Dead South + The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band

🎟️ Tickets: https://therhythmsectiononline.com/

𝐄𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝! 🌲 Are you craving a perfect camping getaway on a lake? Look no further! Despite the hig...
07/03/2024

𝐄𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝!

🌲 Are you craving a perfect camping getaway on a lake? Look no further! Despite the high waters, Springlake offers an unforgettable kayaking and canoeing adventure. 🚣‍♂️✨

🎣 Whether you're into fishing, floating, or just soaking up the serenity, they’ve got you covered. Rent kayaks and canoes by the hour or for the whole day to make the most of your stay.

🏕️ Pitch a tent or cozy up in their charming tiny home to truly unwind and embrace the great outdoors.

📍 Spring Lake Campground - Savanna, IL

Old Settlers Days Lanark, IL is this weekend! The theme: 𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐡𝐚 🌺 ✨See you all this weekend!
06/25/2024

Old Settlers Days Lanark, IL is this weekend!

The theme: 𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐡𝐚 🌺

✨See you all this weekend!

06/21/2024
🦕Tina’s Putt-A-Saurus 🦖 📍Mt.Carroll, IL
06/18/2024

🦕Tina’s Putt-A-Saurus 🦖

📍Mt.Carroll, IL

👑𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬...we're in!! Join  for drinks and flower picking on June 23rd! During the event, you’ll have the o...
06/13/2024

👑𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬...we're in!!

Join for drinks and flower picking on June 23rd! During the event, you’ll have the opportunity to pick beautiful flowers and craft your very own flower crown. Don’t miss out on this blooming fun experience!💐

Here is the event details:
https://www.facebook.com/events/2148704212156479/

💦The Mt. Carroll Swimming Pool is officially open this season and ready for you to enjoy this summer!!! ☀️
06/12/2024

💦The Mt. Carroll Swimming Pool is officially open this season and ready for you to enjoy this summer!!! ☀️

✨Exciting news!!! We officially have our first billboard up!
06/09/2024

✨Exciting news!!! We officially have our first billboard up!

✨Check out the latest addition at Timber Lake Resort - ‘𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝑩𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔 𝑪𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒏𝒔’! 🌲🏕️ Timber Lake Resort: http://www.timbe...
06/06/2024

✨Check out the latest addition at Timber Lake Resort - ‘𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝑩𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔 𝑪𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒏𝒔’! 🌲

🏕️ Timber Lake Resort: http://www.timberlakeresort.com

📍8216 Black Oak Road | Mt.Carroll, IL

05/28/2024
Vote vote vote! 📍 Molly's - Mt.Carroll, IL
05/24/2024

Vote vote vote!

📍 Molly's - Mt.Carroll, IL

One of our favorite places!! Cheers friends!!📍Molly's - Mt.Carroll, IL
05/22/2024

One of our favorite places!! Cheers friends!!

📍Molly's - Mt.Carroll, IL

✨ 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤✨ from some of the faces behind Visit Carroll County IL.Yesterday we attended a ...
05/21/2024

✨ 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤✨ from some of the faces behind Visit Carroll County IL.

Yesterday we attended a dinner hosted by Visit Galena & NW Illinois Economic Development at the Goldmoor Inn & Dining. In the first photo is also the Deputy Director of the Illinois Office of Tourism, Daniel Thomas.

It was a great event to celebrate our slice of heaven here in NW Illinois!

🎉Celebrate with Stewards of the Upper Mississippi River Refuge for a 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 🎉In 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟎, 𝐈𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐥 𝐖...
05/18/2024

🎉Celebrate with Stewards of the Upper Mississippi River Refuge for a 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 🎉

In 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟎, 𝐈𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐭𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 opened its doors to promote environmental education and the conservation of the Mississippi River and its tributaries. With 36 acres of Wetlands overlooking the most serine views of The River and waterfowl in their natural habitat.
Visitors can walk or bike the Grand Illinois Trail that traverses through the prairie and along Spring Lake. Make sure to make a stop while visiting Carroll County.

📍 𝐈𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐭𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 - 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐬𝐨𝐧, 𝐈𝐋
⏰ 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟖𝐭𝐡 𝟏𝟎𝐚𝐦-𝟐𝐩𝐦

🚂 𝟐𝟖𝟏𝟔 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 passing through Mt.Carroll on May 5th at the Jackson st. crossing. 📸Jim Rose
05/14/2024

🚂 𝟐𝟖𝟏𝟔 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 passing through Mt.Carroll on May 5th at the Jackson st. crossing.

📸Jim Rose

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Mount Carroll, IL
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