Carroll County
Thomson
Thomson calls itself the Melon Capital of the World, and it earns the title every Labor Day weekend at Melon Days, when free watermelon and a parade take over Main Street. The Thomson Depot Museum and the Great River Road along the Mississippi round out a small river town with an outsized personality.
Fuel the day
Eat & Drink
- ThomsonRiverview 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.
- ThomsonMr Z’s Sports Bar & RestaurantBreakfast, lunch, dinner, full bar. Sun–Thu 6am–9pm, Fri–Sat 6am–10pm.
- ThomsonBear’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!
Out and about
Things to Do
- ThomsonUpper 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.
- ThomsonArgo 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.
- ThomsonThomson 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.
Home base
Stay
- ThomsonSandburr 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.
- ThomsonThomson 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.
- ThomsonSureStay 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.