Carroll County Directory
Varied Outdoor Activities in Carroll County
The places to visit in Carroll County, searchable in one place.
Highlighted placements
Featured
Ayers Sand Prairie State Nature PreserveTucked just south of Savanna, Ayers Sand Prairie Nature Preserve offers a rare glimpse into one of Illinois’ most unique landscapes. This 100+ acre preserve protects a high-quality dry sand prairie ecosystem shaped by ancient glacial activity, where rolling sand dunes and open prairie create a striking, wide-open setting.
Visitors will find a surprisingly diverse mix of plant life, including native grasses like little bluestem and June grass, along with seasonal wildflowers such as puccoon and sand primrose that bring bursts of color throughout the year. Wildlife is equally impressive, with grassland birds, small mammals, and reptiles all adapted to this dry, sandy environment.
Designated as one of Illinois’ early nature preserves in 1974, the site remains largely undeveloped, offering a quiet, back-to-basics outdoor experience ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and photography. With minimal signage and a simple roadside access point, Ayers Sand Prairie feels like a true hidden landscape—perfect for visitors looking to explore something a little off the beaten path.
DIRECTIONS: From Savanna at the junction Hwys. 52 & 84, take Hwy. 84 south 2.7 miles to Airport Road, then turn and go east 0.5 mile. The nature preserve is north of the road. GPS Coordinates: 41.9956 -90.1070
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.
Hollow Crest FarmHollow Crest Farm is an active horse-training, boarding, lesson, and sales facility near Milledgeville. The farm specializes in Arabian and Half-Arabian horses while welcoming riders, owners, breeds, and disciplines of all kinds. Contact the farm directly to arrange lessons, training, boarding, or a visit.
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.
Schell ParkSchell Park in Milledgeville offers a serene and picturesque setting for walkers and runners to explore. With its sprawling 14.7 acres, the park offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful, scenic setting for outdoor activities. The park's well-maintained trails and lush greenery create a rejuvenating ambiance, inviting visitors to take refreshing walks and invigorating runs amid nature's beauty.
Visitors to Schell Park can enjoy a variety of activities, including walking, running, and hiking along the winding trails that showcase Milledgeville's natural landscapes. The city's typical temperate climate makes it conducive to outdoor activities year-round, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy the park's offerings in different seasons. Whether it's a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, the park's diverse terrain caters to individuals of all fitness levels, ensuring an enriching experience for everyone.
Experience the tranquility and rejuvenation Schell Park offers by planning a visit today. Whether you're a dedicated walker, a passionate runner, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of nature, this park provides an inviting space for all to enjoy. For more information on the park's walking routes and activity options, be sure to download Pacer Pedometer, your go-to resource for discovering the best parks and routes in Milledgeville and beyond.
Shannon Lions ParkCommunity park with a baseball field, shelter, playground equipment, and space for annual community celebrations and fireworks.
Shannon Village ParkVillage park with lighted tennis and basketball courts, gazebo, picnic tables, shelter house, fireplace, playground, and a historic Civil War cannon.
Sixth Street ParkSavanna neighborhood park with a large playground, basketball court, and picnic facilities.
Spring Lake - Upper Mississippi Refuge National Wildlife and Fish RefugeImmediately following World War I, the area know as Spring Lake was diked and ditched for farming. In 1938 and 1939, the land was purchased by the Corps of Engineers for the creation of the lock and dam systems. Through seepage and springs located within the perimeter levee, a 3,000 acre lake had developed by 1946. The perimeter levee was breached in two places in the flood of 1965. The west breach was repaired in 1991 and the south side remains open. In 1995, a $3.3 million rehabilitation program project was started which included improving the levee system and cross dike, developing a 100-acre semi-mash in Lower Spring Lake, and subdividing the Upper Lake into three separate management cells for waterfowl.
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.
