Northwest Illinois Directory
Places to Go in Carroll County
Every supper club, trailhead, main-street shop, and stay across all four counties: searchable in one place.
Spring Lake CampgroundEstablished in 1943, Spring Lake Campground in Savanna, Illinois, offers a vintage, rustic camping experience with an authentic old-school charm. As a gateway to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Refuge, the campground provides a natural sanctuary for wildlife and campers alike. Surrounded by nature’s best amenities: towering trees, campfires, stunning sunsets, and starry skies! This peaceful retreat offers direct access to the Great River Bike Trail for outdoor enthusiasts. Spring Lake Campground is also directly across from the Savanna Airport, for an unique opportunity to access to fly in camping! We have both seasonal sites and drop in camping sites with 30 amp power and water sites and a dump station on site. We also have primitive sites that are out on the peninsula, providing a unique exclusive tent camping experience (no big RV's or generators allowed). Escape the hustle, unplug from your phone and reconnect with nature at Spring Lake Campground. Book your stay today and embrace the simplicity of timeless camping!
Straddle Creek GardensAt Straddle Creek Gardens they strive to provide the best fresh produce, garlic, and vegetable starter plants to your family and friends in surrounding communities. Their goal is to promote farm to table and interact as well as educate. If you are a first-time customer or a returning customer from last year, they thoroughly hope you enjoy the quality-fresh products they have worked so hard to bring to your table. Sunflower Maze too! Check out our mid-July Sunflower Maze! It’s a fun adventure for the entire family! Follow their Facebook page for days and hours of operation.
Sunshine RestaurantWe offer the best in small town cooking with dine in or take out. Open 7 days a week from 6:30 am - 2 pm.- SureStay 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.
Tailored BrewsLocally-owned coffee house in Savanna, IL, offering bakery items, coffees, smoothies, breakfast items, and more.- The Blue FarmhouseQuiet country home updated for comfort but with 1920s character. Four bedrooms, two bathrooms, full kitchen, dining, living room, pantry, and laundry. Large yard, parking for trailers. Two miles from Livengood’s Wedding Barn, 10 miles from the Mississippi River, 7 miles from Timberlake Playhouse.
The Copper CowLocal family restaurant, drinks/dinner, “U” shaped bar. Large barn venue for events, smaller private space for meetings/showers. Sun 11am–1am, Wed–Thu 4pm–11pm, Fri–Sat 11am–2am.
The Crooked RoofLanark’s newest restaurant: pizzas, specialty burgers, sandwiches, live music every weekend. See Facebook for updates.- The Dragonfly AirbnbThe Dragonfly is a historic, 19th-century gem that’s been newly renovated & offers a two-bedroom, one-bath main floor unit that offers contemporary comfort within. Located close to downtown and the Mississippi River. Amenities include a 3-season room, fully equipped kitchen, garage, WiFi, washer/dryer, smart TV with classic Nintendo, and more.
The 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.- The Fika BoutiqueWe are a brick-and-mortar and online boutique that features fashions at an affordable price. Each piece is selected to be fashionable yet unique. We offer clothing, accessories, shoes, bath and body products, and gifts. Check us out in historic downtown Mt Carroll!
The Novel BloomUnique shop in Savanna blending flowers, books, and coffee. Cozy space for bouquets, books, and artisanal coffee. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, community feel, and local flower farm.- The SanctuaryThe Sanctuary is an inclusive events venue specializing in intimate acoustic concerts and personalized ceremonies. Also presents art exhibitions.
The Special TouchFull-service Lanark florist and gift shop creating arrangements for everyday occasions, weddings, and sympathy needs, with pottery, candles, and other distinctive gifts.
The Thomson HangoutThe Thomson Hangout offers a warm hometown feel, ice cold drinks, delicious food, & smiling faces so you are sure to have a great time! Follow us on Facebook for weekly specials and more!
Thom's InnThomson pub and café serving beer, wine, spirits, espresso drinks, soups, burgers, quesadillas, and baked goods, with a beer garden and periodic live music, jams, and karaoke.
Thomson 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.
Thomson 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.
Timber 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.
Timber Lake ResortEstablished in 1955, Timber Lake Resort is a 159-acre resort and campground in historic Mount Carroll. Offers 120 campsites (including RV sites with hookups), deluxe log cabins, lakeside rustic camping, pool, group pavilion, recreation center, general store, lakeside deck, two lakes, biking/hiking trails. Timber Lake Playhouse, Illinois’ oldest summer stock theater, is next door.
Tina’s Ice Cream and Riverview AntiquesAntique/collectibles shop with consignment vendors plus Tina’s Ice Cream Shoppe: sandwiches, hot dogs, hard ice cream. See Facebook for hours/specials.
Tiny Home-Cozy Cabin on the Mississippi RiverSome more features of the cabin are its large deck, and large windows that overlook the River. With an open floor plan the cabin is cozy with its full bed and sofa bed, its one bathroom, and a kitchen that has a fridge and stove, and microwave. The kitchen is stocked with necessary dishes and utensils. This cabin also has an outdoor fire pit, picnic tables, charcoal grill, and chairs with a view of the Mississippi River. Nearby there is a bar and restaurant, walking, and bike paths. The neighboring town of Savanna has several historical attractions as well. Owners of property have lived in the area for over 15 years and are able to provide more information if requested. Cabin can be rented at different prices for longer stays.
Guest access
You have access to the grill and the fire pit, which are north of the cabin.
Other things to note
This is a shared property with another Airbnb. Which both have access to the dock when it is in the water..
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.- Trailside InnEnjoy panoramic country views from any of 12 comfortable rooms. All rooms include TV, A/C, refrigerator, microwave, hairdryer, and gourmet coffee/cappuccino. Jacuzzi/fireplace rooms available. Onsite General Store, Gift Loft, and mini golf. Located two miles west of Rt 72 and Rt 73 on Zier Road.
