The NW Illinois Directory
Explore All 821 Places
Every supper club, trailhead, main-street shop, and stay across all four counties — searchable in one place.
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FeaturedHavencrest CastleTour Carroll County's grandest mansion, a 5 story, 63 room hilltop home with an eternal love story. Open for self-guided & VIP tours weekends in May and October, Self-guided 10am–4pm. (Close at 5). Dozens of themed rooms, 1000s antiques, art, & fantasy. VIP TOURS are guided by owner/artist Alan St. George limited to 10 people at 4PM sharp.
FeaturedTimber 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.
2 a.m. ParanormalParanormal tours on 3rd floor, 309½ Main St, Savanna. Fri/Sat: 1.5-hr tour (5–6:30pm), 3-hr tour (7–10pm). $15–25. Appointments on request. FB for booking.
Argo 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.
Carroll County Barn Quilt TrailBarn quilt trail promoting agri-tourism. View photos/info on Facebook. Albums for each Carroll County town.
Carroll 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.
Carroll County Soldiers and Sailors Monument and AnnexDedicated in 1891 to honor 1,284 Carroll County Civil War soldiers. Features a 50-foot monument with sculptures by Lorado Taft, two cannons, and a pyramid of cannonballs. Lists battles and includes engraved symbols of army groups.
Center Hill Orchard & ApiarySeasonal orchard and apiary in Center Hill near Mount Carroll, producing fresh-picked cherries, peaches, pears, apples, berries and natural honey. Fruit is picked to order at peak ripeness, and availability varies by season. Contact the orchard before visiting.
Charlotte Arvelle GlassWorking glass studio, open by appointment, wholesale to the trade only.
College Street CreationsHandmade home decor, custom orders, DIY workshops, crafting parties. Pinterest projects by request. Follow on Facebook.
Dale Gardner Veterans Memorial BridgeBridge connecting Savanna, IL & Sabula, IA. Honoring astronaut/veteran Dale Gardner & all veterans. Dedicated 2018. FB for images.
Dollinger Christmas Tree FarmOpen in November and December for locally grown trees. Cut your own or choose pre-cut. Wreaths, swags, decorations, gift shop, hot cider, and popcorn. Open daily 8am-5pm, Thanksgiving 8am-3pm, last day typically Sunday before Christmas. Family-owned since 1956. Fir, Spruce, and Pine trees of all sizes. Gift shop with locally made gifts and vintage Christmas items. Located 5 miles north of Lanark on Rt. 73, then 1 mile west on Payne Road. Call ahead to confirm hours.
Fairhaven Fruit FarmFamily apple orchard with 600 trees, 30 varieties. Honey, donuts, cider. Open late August–Oct, Wed–Sat 10–5, Sun 11–5. Four miles east of Thomson.
Frances Wood Shimer Arboretum14-acre arboretum in Mt Carroll, on former Shimer College campus. 200+ trees, 60+ species, including Illinois’ largest American chestnut.
Frank Fritz FindsLocated in Hawg Dog Bar & Grill, downtown Savanna. Antiques and collectibles from Frank Fritz (American Pickers).
Ingersoll Wetlands Learning CenterEnvironmental education and conservation center in the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. Exhibits, trails, bookstore. Open Mon–Fri 8am–4pm; Sat (May–Sept) 9am–4pm.
Lanark Farmers MarketTuesdays 3–6pm, May–Oct at Broad & Locust St, Lanark. Local produce, specialty items, family-friendly activities. Follow on social media for updates.
Livengood’s Pumpkin PatchOpen during the fall season offering pumpkins, gourds and fall mums. Follow us on FB for hours and days we’re open.
MCMotoParkMCMotoPark is a bike-only motocross facility just north of Mount Carroll, hosting District 17 and AMA events along with scheduled open-practice days. The groomed, watered track is supported by full restrooms, shaded spectator seating, a Snack Shack, camping, a lit basketball court, a fenced children’s playground, and the park’s Slip N’ Fly pond and amphitheater. Practice availability changes with weather, so riders should check Facebook or call before hauling.
Monument ParkSmall, accessible area in Savanna commemorating the Aaron Pierce family, first white settlers of Savanna. Monument marks the site of their original teepee. Visible from the road and wheelchair accessible.
Mount Carroll Community Swimming PoolOutdoor pool open to the public. Lessons for all ages. Open June through August.
Mount Carroll Farmers Market
Mount Carroll National Register Historic DistrictHistoric District with over 30 sites to view. Self-guided tour brochure available at local businesses.
Mount Carroll Point Rock Park25-acre city park along the Waukarusha River with picnic areas, Frisbee golf, hiking, fishing, restrooms, shelter houses, handicap-accessible playground equipment, and walking trails (including one to historic Oak Hill Cemetery).
Mt Carroll Bowling CenterRegular & cosmic bowling, arcade, gambling, full bar & grill, stuffed crust pizzas. Great for parties/events. Like on Facebook for updates.
Mt. Carroll Farmers MarketFarmers market on the courthouse square, Saturdays 8am–noon, May–October. Locally grown specialty crops and products from bakers, crafters, and artisans. Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.