Carroll County Directory
Family Fun in Carroll County
The places to visit in Carroll County, searchable in one place.
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FeaturedHavencrest CastleTour Carroll County's grandest mansion, a 5 story, 63 room hilltop home with an eternal love story. Open for self-guided & VIP tours weekends in May and October, Self-guided 10am–4pm. (Close at 5). Dozens of themed rooms, 1000s antiques, art, & fantasy. VIP TOURS are guided by owner/artist Alan St. George limited to 10 people at 4PM sharp.
FeaturedMississippi Palisades State ParkMississippi Palisades State Park, located just north of Savanna along the Mississippi River, offers more than 2,500 acres of rugged beauty and outdoor adventure. Towering limestone bluffs, wooded ravines, and scenic overlooks provide some of the most breathtaking views in Illinois, making the park a favorite destination for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers. The park's dramatic landscape is part of the Driftless Area and is rich in Native American history and natural features.
Visitors can explore miles of trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging routes that wind through rock formations, forests, and river overlooks. Popular viewpoints such as Lookout Point, Ozzie's Point, and Louis' Point offer spectacular views of the Mississippi River valley. The park also features accessible trails and overlooks, making scenic experiences available to a wide range of visitors.
Outdoor recreation opportunities abound throughout the year. Campers can choose from more than 240 campsites, including sites with electrical hookups and modern amenities. Rock climbers come to tackle the park's cliffs and formations, while birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts may spot bald eagles, migratory birds, deer, and other native species. Fishing, boating, geocaching, cross-country skiing, and seasonal nature exploration add even more ways to enjoy the landscape.
Whether spending an afternoon taking in the river views or enjoying a weekend under the stars, Mississippi Palisades State Park provides a memorable escape into one of northwest Illinois' most striking natural settings.
2 a.m. ParanormalParanormal tours on 3rd floor, 309½ Main St, Savanna. Fri/Sat: 1.5-hr tour (5–6:30pm), 3-hr tour (7–10pm). $15–25. Appointments on request. FB for booking.
Davis Community CenterDavis Community Center is a community-focused venue in Mount Carroll serving Carroll County through recreation, wellness, and flexible gathering space. The center is described as a hub for healthier lifestyles and stronger community connections, with facilities that support sports, fitness, meetings, celebrations, and other local events. Outside project information indicates the facility includes a regulation-size gym, fitness areas, a walking track, concessions, and multipurpose rental spaces, making it useful for both everyday programming and special events.
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.
Livengood’s Pumpkin PatchOpen during the fall season offering pumpkins, gourds and fall mums. Follow us on FB for hours and days we’re open.
Temporarily closedMt Carroll Bowling CenterRegular & cosmic bowling, arcade, gambling, full bar & grill, stuffed crust pizzas. Great for parties/events. Like on Facebook for updates.
Oakville ComplexFeatures an 1888 schoolhouse, two log cabins, blacksmith shop, and granary. Open by appointment.
P&C Little Rascals FarmA traveling, educational petting zoo that brings the farm to communities with fun fact signs about each animal. Offers annual Open Farm Day (May), and scheduled farm tours for families/groups. Tours include walking paths, petting and feeding animals, and learning about them. Cost: $5/person, kids 3 and under free. Working farm—contact for visits.
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.
Rolling Hills Progress Center OrchardsOver 400 apple trees. All proceeds support services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Vocational opportunities in orchard management. Open seasonally, Mon–Fri 8–4.
Savanna Times TheaterSavanna Times Theater is a historic, much-loved movie theater in downtown Savanna, Illinois. Built in 1941, it proudly holds the distinction of being Carroll County’s last standing and operating movie theater, continuing a decades-long tradition of bringing the big screen to the local community.
Today, the Savanna Times Theater shows new-release films Thursday through Sunday, making it an easy and affordable entertainment option for weekend outings, date nights, and family fun. Guests can enjoy classic movie concessions and ticket prices designed to stay budget-friendly — proving that a great night at the movies doesn’t have to break the bank.
With its vintage roots, convenient downtown location, and ongoing commitment to accessible entertainment, the Savanna Times Theater remains a treasured cultural staple and a nostalgic stop for both residents and visitors alike.
Seven Eagles Resort and CampgroundSeven Eagles Resort & Campground sits on the rolling hills just outside Savanna, Illinois, offering sweeping views of the Mississippi River Valley. The resort combines traditional campground experiences with comfortable cabin accommodations, making it a flexible option for both weekend campers and travelers looking for a relaxing getaway.
Visitors can choose from RV sites, tent camping, or fully furnished cabins. Many sites overlook the surrounding countryside, offering guests a quiet setting to enjoy sunsets, campfires, and wide-open views of the bluff country. Cabins provide a convenient alternative for those who want the feel of a camping trip with the added comfort of indoor lodging.
The resort also offers a variety of amenities designed for longer stays and family visits. Guests can enjoy a swimming pool, fishing ponds, recreation areas, and open spaces for outdoor games. The property’s hilltop setting makes it a peaceful place to unwind while still being close to the attractions of Savanna and the Mississippi River corridor.
Seven Eagles Resort is also located near several well-known outdoor destinations, including scenic river overlooks and hiking opportunities at nearby parks along the Mississippi River bluffs. Its location makes it a convenient base for exploring the Savanna area while enjoying a laid-back camping atmosphere.
Whether visitors arrive with an RV, a tent, or plans for a cabin stay, Seven Eagles Resort & Campground offers a welcoming place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Northwest Illinois.
Trailside Enterprises Inc.Trailside Enterprises is a full-service destination in the scenic Lake Carroll area, featuring the Trailside Inn - a comfortable 12-room motel with modern amenities. Our property includes a well-stocked General Store and Gift Loft, a fun 18-hole Mini Golf course, a convenient Gas Station, an on-site Restaurant, and a Wine & Spirit shop. All guest rooms are equipped with TV, A/C, refrigerator, microwave, hair dryers, and complimentary gourmet coffee, tea, and cappuccino. Select rooms feature Jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces. Guests can enjoy beautiful panoramic country views, a picnic area with grills, and a screened deck. High-speed internet is available throughout the property. Located just two miles west of the intersection of Route 72 and Route 73 on Zier Road, we offer a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and countryside charm.
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.
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.
