Carroll County Directory
Attractions in Mount Carroll
The places to visit in Carroll County, searchable in one place.
Carroll County CourthouseNorthernmost and oldest section built in 1843 in Mount Carroll. The 1858 courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Civil War monument and cannons on the lawn.
Carroll County Soldiers and Sailors Monument and AnnexDedicated in 1891 to honor 1,284 Carroll County Civil War soldiers. Features a 50-foot monument with sculptures by Lorado Taft, two cannons, and a pyramid of cannonballs. Lists battles and includes engraved symbols of army groups.
Center Hill Orchard & ApiarySeasonal orchard and apiary in Center Hill near Mount Carroll, producing fresh-picked cherries, peaches, pears, apples, berries and natural honey. Fruit is picked to order at peak ripeness, and availability varies by season. Contact the orchard before visiting.
Charlotte Arvelle GlassWorking glass studio, open by appointment, wholesale to the trade only.
College Street CreationsHandmade home decor, custom orders, DIY workshops, crafting parties. Pinterest projects by request. Follow on Facebook.
Frances Wood Shimer Arboretum14-acre arboretum in Mt Carroll, on former Shimer College campus. 200+ trees, 60+ species, including Illinois’ largest American chestnut.
MCMotoParkMCMotoPark is a bike-only motocross facility just north of Mount Carroll, hosting District 17 and AMA events along with scheduled open-practice days. The groomed, watered track is supported by full restrooms, shaded spectator seating, a Snack Shack, camping, a lit basketball court, a fenced children’s playground, and the park’s Slip N’ Fly pond and amphitheater. Practice availability changes with weather, so riders should check Facebook or call before hauling.
Mount Carroll Community Swimming PoolOutdoor pool open to the public. Lessons for all ages. Open June through August.
Mount Carroll Farmers Market
Mount Carroll National Register Historic DistrictHistoric District with over 30 sites to view. Self-guided tour brochure available at local businesses.
Mount Carroll Point Rock Park25-acre city park along the Waukarusha River with picnic areas, Frisbee golf, hiking, fishing, restrooms, shelter houses, handicap-accessible playground equipment, and walking trails (including one to historic Oak Hill Cemetery).
Temporarily closedMt Carroll Bowling CenterRegular & cosmic bowling, arcade, gambling, full bar & grill, stuffed crust pizzas. Great for parties/events. Like on Facebook for updates.
Mt. Carroll Farmers MarketFarmers market on the courthouse square, Saturdays 8am–noon, May–October. Locally grown specialty crops and products from bakers, crafters, and artisans. Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.
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.
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.
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.
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.
