Carroll County
Savanna
Savanna’s brick main street runs downhill toward the Mississippi, with Mississippi Palisades State Park’s limestone bluffs rising just north of town. The old Savanna Army Depot is now the Lost Mound Unit of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge, and river-town antique shops and diners still anchor downtown.
Fuel the day
Eat & Drink
- SavannaCirca 1888Urban farmhouse kitchen in downtown Savanna, overlooking the Mississippi River. Homemade food with a modern twist. Casual indoor/outdoor dining. Family-friendly, relaxing, beautiful views. FB/website for hours.
- SavannaNew China RestaurantMandarin, Hunan, Szechuan & Cantonese Chinese cuisine. Dine in or carry out, open 7 days a week.
- SavannaIron Horse Social ClubUnique biker-friendly bar with vintage racing/motorcycle museum, grill, wedding chapel, live music most weekends, gift shop, and clothing. Follow on Facebook for events.
Out and about
Things to Do
- SavannaHavencrest 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.
- SavannaMississippi 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.
- SavannaSavanna Train Car MuseumMuseum preserving railroad artifacts and memorabilia from the Savanna area. Mission is to interpret rail history and those who worked in it. Visitor info kiosk located adjacent.
Home base
Stay
- SavannaMississippi Outlook1BR/1BA ranch, hillside, off-street parking, garage, deck, porch. Near Savanna Main St, Palisades State Park, Great River Trail. Full kitchen, motorcycle garage, furnished.
- SavannaSavanna Inn & SuitesConveniently located at Hwy 64 and Hwy 84, midway between Dubuque and the Quad Cities, and minutes from the Mississippi. Features single, king, double, and queen rooms, Jacuzzi suites with fireplace, business suites, indoor pool and hot tub, breakfast, electrical outlets for boats/trailers. All suites have microwaves, refrigerators, coffee makers. Fitness room, conference, and meeting spaces available. Pet friendly.
- SavannaSavanna VistaModern 2-story Cape Cod home. 3BR, 3BA, LR, DR, kitchen. Overlooks Savanna, walk to downtown, parks, trails, restaurants. Near Palisades State Park and Great River bike trail.