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
- ThomsonSandTrap Bar & GrillThe SandTrap Bar & Grill has a 34-foot bar featuring a wide variety of beers and liquors, along with a full menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This casual restaurant is part of Sandburr Run Golf & Resort in Thomson, IL. Located in the SureStay by Best Western Hotel, which has 48 recently renovated rooms. The Sandburr Run Golf Course offers a 9-hole course open at least 10 months a year. Perfect for golfers, bikers, bicyclists, or travelers.
- ThomsonDusty’s Pizza PlusDowntown Thomson, near Great River Bike Trail and Thomson Causeway. Great pizza with homemade crust and all the extras!
- 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.
Out and about
Things to Do
- ThomsonFin and FeatherFin and Feather is a rustic campground on the banks of the Mississippi River backwaters. It is located where the river meets Spring Lake, a wildlife and fish refuge. Known for fishing, camping and beautiful sunsets, Fin and Feather is a nature lovers perfect place. Direct access to the Great River Bike Trail. Seasonal and drop in camping options (reservation required before arrival). Boat rentals and fire wood are available for purchase.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.