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Itineraries & Trails
Driving trails and day-by-day itineraries across Carroll, Lee, Ogle & Whiteside counties.
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Itineraries
2 DaysItineraryFeaturedA Weekend in SavannaCarroll CountyA cabin above the Mississippi, an old movie house, coffee and books on Main Street, bluff trails, wildlife backwaters, and a choose-your-own lunch crawl, all within a few miles of Savanna.CouplesFriendsOutdoors
2 DaysItineraryFeaturedFly with CSC: Sky, Prairie & Rock River CountryOgle County · Lee CountyMake a tandem skydive the headline, then come back to earth with airport lunch, Rock River overlooks, restored prairie, Italian food, craft beer, and a pine-country cabin.FriendsOutdoorsCouples
2 DaysItineraryA Dixon Evening and the PrairieLee CountyAn evening in Dixon, a night by the Rock River, and Reagan’s boyhood home and the Nachusa bison the next day. Dates to be confirmed.HistoryOutdoorsCouples
WeekendItineraryA Family Weekend Outdoors in Ogle CountyOgle CountyTwo days of white pine forest, Rock River bluffs and open prairie, with a roller rink from 1948, a fifty-foot statue on a clifftop and a free natural history museum. Almost everything on this weekend is free, and the paid parts are cheap.FamiliesOutdoorsBudget-Friendly
Few HoursItineraryEnjoy the Perfect Fall Adventure on the Great River TrailCarroll CountySpend the day exploring the Mississippi River by bike! The Great River Trail travels over 60 miles from Savanna, IL to Rock Island, IL (one of the Quad Cities) and features stunning views along the way. The first 5 miles of the trail are paved and have very limited street crossings, making it a great activity for the entire family. Rent an e-bike from cSavanna Adventures at the start of the trail and head 5-10 miles along the trail for beautiful views, peaceful sounds, and wildlife sightings.FamiliesOutdoors
Full DayItineraryExplore Mississippi Palisades State ParkCarroll CountyWhat's better than a day enjoying the beauty of a state park, surrounded by gorgeous trees, multiple short trails, and amazing views of the Mighty Mississippi? Mississippi Palisades State Park in Savanna is situated among the bluffs of northwestern Illinois and offers something for everyone. It's also a great spot to watch the sunset.CouplesOutdoors
Full DayItineraryFall Color Full-Day DriveCarroll County · Ogle CountyOne long October day from the Mississippi bluffs to the Rock River, taking in four state parks, an orchard and a dinner table facing the Black Hawk statue. Roughly 120 miles west to east, timed so the last overlook lands at golden hour.OutdoorsCouples
2 DaysItineraryPrairies, Palisades & Small-Town BitesLee County · Carroll County · Whiteside CountyCross the region from restored tallgrass prairie to Mississippi River bluffs, using Dixon, Savanna, and Fulton’s independent kitchens as the thread between two very different landscapes.OutdoorsFood LoversFriends
Full DayItinerarySavanna Trail Ride & RefugeCarroll CountyThis NW Illinois day pairs easy, feel-good movement with wildlife-rich scenery and small-town wandering. Start with a downtown reset in Savanna, then cruise a paved stretch of the Great River Trail toward the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge, perfect for slow miles, lookout stops, and big skies. Wrap up with relaxed resort time that keeps you close to the trail and the river energy.FriendsOutdoors
Full DayItinerarySavanna, IL: Escape to NatureCarroll CountySavanna, IL, is the ultimate destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking the perfect blend of adventure, dining, and entertainment. The guide is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in nature, enjoy meals in scenic settings, and top off their day with a unique concert experience. The whole day will be spent outside!CouplesOutdoors
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