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 CarrollVessel on MarketLocated in the heart of historic downtown Mount Carroll, Vessel on Market is a welcoming bistro and coffee shop that’s become a beloved stop for locals and visitors alike. Enter through the Nuuva Amelia Boutique space, and you’ll find a thoughtfully restored interior with original wood floors, tin ceilings, and vintage lighting that set the scene for a relaxed and community-focused experience. Vessel on Market serves up a full lineup of quality beverages—from freshly brewed coffee, espresso drinks, and specialty teas to refreshing iced concoctions, smoothies, and one-of-a-kind refreshers. Pair your drink with house-made pastries or a satisfying breakfast or lunch, including breakfast burritos, paninis, wraps, salads, and seasonal bowls. Whether you’re grabbing a morning latte, meeting a friend for lunch, or picking up treats on the go, there’s something delicious here for every appetite. Vessel On Market Vessel’s mission is to provide not just great food and drinks, but a culinary experience that highlights fresh ingredients and local flavors whenever possible, all while supporting the local community and creative culture of the Driftless Region. With dine-in, carryout, and customizable catering options, it’s the perfect place to relax, refuel, and connect during your visit to Mount Carroll.
- Mount CarrollCrazy Cat CoffeeWe are a coffee and beverage trailer offering creative coffee, energy, soda drinks. We also offer smoothies, frappes, açaí bowls.
- Mount CarrollShaw’s Express / SubwaySubway restaurant inside Shaw's Express serving made-to-order sandwiches, wraps, salads, breakfast, delivery, mobile ordering, and catering.
Out and about
Things to Do
- 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.
- Mount CarrollMount Carroll Farmers Market
- Mount CarrollOakville ComplexFeatures an 1888 schoolhouse, two log cabins, blacksmith shop, and granary. Open by appointment.
Home base
Stay
- 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.
- Mount CarrollTimber 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.