Carroll County Directory
Places to Go in Thomson
The places to visit in Carroll County, searchable in one place.
Argo Acres Farm Stand & OrchardFarm stand 6 miles east of Thomson. Sells seasonal fruits and vegetables (asparagus, rhubarb, strawberries, beans, corn, tomatoes, apples, pumpkins, squash, gourds, Indian corn, popcorn, raspberries). Open daily July–November. Find at Lyons Farmers Market in Clinton, IA.
Arnold’s Bikes & TrikesBike shop near the Great River Trail specializing in recumbent trikes, comfort bikes and adaptive cycling. Offers new and used bikes, rentals, repairs, accessories and electric-motor installations.
Bear’s Drive InnGreat food & ice cream. Open seasonally.
Season opens Early April (mark your calendars—11 a.m. sharp!)
Seasonal Hours:
Open daily, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
They’re located in Thomson—the Melon Capital of the World—so your road‑trip bliss includes diners’ favorite drive‑in classics alongside legendary ice cream and fresh‑cut melon.
Why stop in?
🍦 Made‑to‑order ice cream & frozen custard
🍔 Classic drive‑in fare—burgers, hot dogs, loaded fries
Heads up: They’re only open through late summer (typically the end of September, weather‑dependent), so don’t wait—sweet season doesn’t last forever!
Dusty’s Pizza PlusDowntown Thomson, near Great River Bike Trail and Thomson Causeway. Great pizza with homemade crust and all the extras!
Fin and FeatherFin and Feather is a rustic campground on the banks of the Mississippi River backwaters. It is located where the river meets Spring Lake, a wildlife and fish refuge. Known for fishing, camping and beautiful sunsets, Fin and Feather is a nature lovers perfect place. Direct access to the Great River Bike Trail. Seasonal and drop in camping options (reservation required before arrival). Boat rentals and fire wood are available for purchase.
Ingersoll Wetlands Learning CenterEnvironmental education and conservation center in the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. Exhibits, trails, bookstore. Open Mon–Fri 8am–4pm; Sat (May–Sept) 9am–4pm.- Mississippi River Lodge4BR, 3 bath lodge on the Mississippi between Savanna & Thomson. Fireplace, deck, grill, fully equipped kitchen, dock, boat launch, fishing, water sports. Great family vacation spot.
Mr Z’s Sports Bar & RestaurantBreakfast, lunch, dinner, full bar. Sun–Thu 6am–9pm, Fri–Sat 6am–10pm.
My Go To PlaceOffers food, fun, and a full bar. See Facebook for updates. Hours: Mon-Thu 2-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-1pm, Sun noon-10pm.
Riverview Lodge Bar & GrillThe Riverview Lodge is located between Savanna and Thomson on Riverview Rd and features great food and friendly service. It is not far from the Mississippi River and there is camping nearby.
SandTrap Bar & GrillThe SandTrap Bar & Grill has a 34-foot bar featuring a wide variety of beers and liquors, along with a full menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This casual restaurant is part of Sandburr Run Golf & Resort in Thomson, IL. Located in the SureStay by Best Western Hotel, which has 48 recently renovated rooms. The Sandburr Run Golf Course offers a 9-hole course open at least 10 months a year. Perfect for golfers, bikers, bicyclists, or travelers.
Sandburr Run Golf & ResortSandburr Run Golf & Resort offers a competitive 9-hole golf course open at least 10 months of the year, making it a premier golfing getaway in Thomson, Illinois. Guests can stay at the newly renovated SureStay by Best Western Thomson, located on site. Enjoy cocktails and dinner at the SandTrap Bar & Grill inside the hotel, and take advantage of easy access to the Great River Bike Trail—ideal for golfers, bikers, bicyclists, and travelers.- SureStay Hotel by Best Western48 rooms, pet-friendly, remodeled, free breakfast/parking, outdoor outlets for boats/RVs, 9-hole golf, Sandtrap Bar & Grill, free shuttle, continental breakfast, mobility accessible rooms.
The Thomson HangoutThe Thomson Hangout offers a warm hometown feel, ice cold drinks, delicious food, & smiling faces so you are sure to have a great time! Follow us on Facebook for weekly specials and more!
Thom's InnThomson pub and café serving beer, wine, spirits, espresso drinks, soups, burgers, quesadillas, and baked goods, with a beer garden and periodic live music, jams, and karaoke.
Thomson Causeway Recreation Area131 campsites, 50 amp service, playgrounds, boat ramp, picnic shelters, horseshoe pits, Hidden Slough Trail, access to Great River Bike Trail. Camping May 1–4th Sunday Oct; limited winter access.
Thomson Depot MuseumHistoric railroad depot, open Memorial Day-Labor Day (Sat/Sun 1-4pm). Tours, music, food, and new displays. Built in late 1800s, restored and moved to current site in 1986. Annex added in 1989. Free admission, donations accepted.
U.S.A.C.E. Big SloughDay use facility with a two-lane boat ramp, bank fishing, picnic sites, and access to the Mississippi River. $5 daily fee for boat ramp, annual passes available. Located four miles north and one mile west of Thomson, IL.
Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish RefugeThe Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge – Savanna District in Thomson offers visitors access to one of the largest river wildlife refuges in the country. Stretching 261 river miles from Minnesota to Illinois and protecting more than 240,000 acres of wetlands, floodplain forests, backwaters, and river habitat, the refuge provides endless opportunities to experience the Mississippi River landscape.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, hiking, biking, birdwatching, photography, boating, and seasonal wildlife viewing year-round. Located within the Savanna District, visitors can also experience popular Golf Cart Wildlife and Birding Tours and explore the Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center, which is open year-round and features educational exhibits and opportunities to learn more about the river ecosystem. The refuge is part of the Mississippi Flyway and offers incredible opportunities to observe migrating birds, bald eagles, and native wildlife in every season.
