Carroll County Directory
Places to Go in Mount Carroll
The places to visit in Carroll County, searchable in one place.
Nuuva Amelia BoutiqueA destination shopping experience. We have new, used, vintage, art, upcycled, and antique items, along with a nice selection of specialty foods and candies, perfect for a charcuterie board or snacking. When done shopping, visit our sister business, Vessel On Market, attached, for a special beverage, a lovely breakfast, lunch, or a decadent dessert.
Oakville ComplexFeatures an 1888 schoolhouse, two log cabins, blacksmith shop, and granary. Open by appointment.
Owen P. Miles MuseumOperated by the Carroll County Historical Society. 1873 Italianate home depicting late 1800s life and Carroll County history. Hours vary.
Raven’s Grin Inn Haunted House1870 home turned haunted house, open by appointment only. Tours take about one hour, open year-round with start times from 6pm-11pm. No chainsaws or gore. Hide & Seek parties and special occasion tours available. Admission: $15 adults, $13 children 9 and under. See website for FAQs.
Rhythm Section AmphitheaterThe Rhythm Section Amphitheater is 2 miles north of Mt. Carroll and part of the MCMotopark Motocross Track. The Amphitheater stage offers optimal sound with the best secluded outdoor scenery. Multiple seating areas and viewing decks allow for more intimate listening experiences. It also offers camping and is kid-and dog-friendly. Beyond the music, this creatively designed, legendary venue adds even more to the concert-going experience. Enjoy the atmosphere at the outdoor venue while listening to top-notch acoustics while taking in the stunning scenery. If you’re looking for a truly memorable concert experience – it’s right here at The Rhythm Section Amphitheater. They hold a full schedule of live music throughout the summer months. Direct link to show schedule: https://www.therhythmsectiononline.com/shows
Shaw’s Express / SubwaySubway restaurant inside Shaw's Express serving made-to-order sandwiches, wraps, salads, breakfast, delivery, mobile ordering, and catering.
The Copper CowLocal family restaurant, drinks/dinner, “U” shaped bar. Large barn venue for events, smaller private space for meetings/showers. Sun 11am–1am, Wed–Thu 4pm–11pm, Fri–Sat 11am–2am.
The Driftless MuseMt Carroll retreat house: 2BR, 2BA, art studio, writing space, chemical-free, water filters. 2 blocks from downtown, 10 min to Mississippi River. Airbnb. FB for updates.- The Fika BoutiqueWe are a brick-and-mortar and online boutique that features fashions at an affordable price. Each piece is selected to be fashionable yet unique. We offer clothing, accessories, shoes, bath and body products, and gifts. Check us out in historic downtown Mt Carroll!
The Inn at Molly’sHistoric 1865 building in downtown Mt Carroll. Two 600 sq ft suites, rural charm, modern amenities. Includes breakfast items, local art, WiFi, in-room phones, TV/DVD. Deckside suite has private deck. Stairs only.
Timber Lake PlayhouseLocated in Mount Carroll, Timber Lake Playhouse is Illinois’ oldest continuously operating professional summer stock theatre, presenting a full season of live performances from April through October.
The playhouse features a dynamic mix of Broadway-style musicals, comedies, classic plays, and new works, all performed by professional artists from across the country. Its scenic, tucked-away campus creates a relaxed and intimate setting where audiences can enjoy high-quality theatre just steps from the stage.
In addition to mainstage productions, Timber Lake Playhouse offers educational workshops and programs for youth and teens, helping inspire the next generation of performers. With a long-standing national reputation for quality, accessible facilities, and free on-site parking, it’s a standout destination for arts and culture in Northwest Illinois.
Timber Lake ResortEstablished in 1955, Timber Lake Resort is a 159-acre resort and campground in historic Mount Carroll. Offers 120 campsites (including RV sites with hookups), deluxe log cabins, lakeside rustic camping, pool, group pavilion, recreation center, general store, lakeside deck, two lakes, biking/hiking trails. Timber Lake Playhouse, Illinois’ oldest summer stock theater, is next door.
Tina’s Ice Cream and Riverview AntiquesAntique/collectibles shop with consignment vendors plus Tina’s Ice Cream Shoppe: sandwiches, hot dogs, hard ice cream. See Facebook for hours/specials.
Vessel on MarketLocated in the heart of historic downtown Mount Carroll, Vessel on Market is a welcoming bistro and coffee shop that’s become a beloved stop for locals and visitors alike. Enter through the Nuuva Amelia Boutique space, and you’ll find a thoughtfully restored interior with original wood floors, tin ceilings, and vintage lighting that set the scene for a relaxed and community-focused experience.
Vessel on Market serves up a full lineup of quality beverages—from freshly brewed coffee, espresso drinks, and specialty teas to refreshing iced concoctions, smoothies, and one-of-a-kind refreshers. Pair your drink with house-made pastries or a satisfying breakfast or lunch, including breakfast burritos, paninis, wraps, salads, and seasonal bowls. Whether you’re grabbing a morning latte, meeting a friend for lunch, or picking up treats on the go, there’s something delicious here for every appetite.
Vessel On Market
Vessel’s mission is to provide not just great food and drinks, but a culinary experience that highlights fresh ingredients and local flavors whenever possible, all while supporting the local community and creative culture of the Driftless Region. With dine-in, carryout, and customizable catering options, it’s the perfect place to relax, refuel, and connect during your visit to Mount Carroll.
West Point Tree FarmOpen Sat & Sun after Thanksgiving, noon–4pm or by appointment. Choose & cut Scotch Pine, White Pine, Fraser Fir, Blue Spruce. Directions: North of Mt. Carroll, see listing for details.
