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
Bear’s Drive InnGreat food & ice cream. Open seasonally. Season opens Early April (mark your calendars—11 a.m. sharp!) Seasonal Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m.–8 p.m. They’re located in Thomson—the Melon Capital of the World—so your road‑trip bliss includes diners’ favorite drive‑in classics alongside legendary ice cream and fresh‑cut melon. Why stop in? 🍦 Made‑to‑order ice cream & frozen custard 🍔 Classic drive‑in fare—burgers, hot dogs, loaded fries Heads up: They’re only open through late summer (typically the end of September, weather‑dependent), so don’t wait—sweet season doesn’t last forever!
Dusty’s Pizza PlusDowntown Thomson, near Great River Bike Trail and Thomson Causeway. Great pizza with homemade crust and all the extras!
Mr Z’s Sports Bar & RestaurantBreakfast, lunch, dinner, full bar. Sun–Thu 6am–9pm, Fri–Sat 6am–10pm.
Out and about
Things to Do
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.
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.
Fin 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.
Executive InnLocated in Thomson, a quaint northwest Illinois village, half a mile from the Mississippi River. Great for fishing, hunting, biking, or hiking. Free Wi-Fi, parking, and pet friendly. Family restaurant within walking distance. Close to Mississippi River, Palisades State Park, and the Great River Bike Trail. Easy access to DuPont in Clinton, IA, the US Penitentiary in Thomson, and Wild Rose Casino in Clinton, IA.
Sandburr 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.
- 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.
