Carroll County
Mount Carroll
Mount Carroll is Carroll County’s seat, its brick town square a National Historic District that still looks the part. A few miles out, Timber Lake Playhouse has been staging musicals and comedies every summer since 1961, the oldest continuously operating professional theater in Illinois.
Fuel the day
Eat & Drink
- Mount CarrollMount Carroll CafeOpen for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with daily specials. Friendly service, great food, and lots of hometown charm. Located across from the courthouse square in the historic district.
- Mount CarrollShaw’s Express / SubwaySubway restaurant inside Shaw's Express serving made-to-order sandwiches, wraps, salads, breakfast, delivery, mobile ordering, and catering.
- Mount CarrollCrazy Cat CoffeeWe are a coffee and beverage trailer offering creative coffee, energy, soda drinks. We also offer smoothies, frappes, açaí bowls.
Out and about
Things to Do
- Mount CarrollTimber 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.
- Mount CarrollMount Carroll Community Swimming PoolOutdoor pool open to the public. Lessons for all ages. Open June through August.
- Mount CarrollCarroll 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.
Home base
Stay
- Mount CarrollThe 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.
- Mount CarrollCenter Hill Vacation RentalsCenter Hill Apartments boasts updated, modest 2-bedroom apartments centrally located between Mt. Carroll and Savanna in a country setting with private amenities for up to 20 guests. Lodging and adventure packages are available for a one-stop shop!
- Mount CarrollBridgewater InnThe Bridgewater Inn in Mount Carroll, formerly known as the Glen View Hotel, is a historic gem built in 1886 as a luxury hotel. Now beautifully refurbished, the inn offers suites and rooms equipped with private baths, mini-fridges, microwaves, and free WiFi. Guests can enjoy complimentary parking as well. Mount Carroll is a charming town with much of its downtown listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can explore unique shops, casual and fine dining, and live music most weekends. The town is home to the renowned Ravens Grin Inn Haunted House. Essential amenities are within walking distance, and the Timberlake Playhouse, Illinois's oldest summer stock theatre, is just 5 miles away. The Mississippi River, Mississippi Palisades State Park, and the Great River Bike Trail are all conveniently located just 10 miles from the inn. Please note that pets are not allowed.