Nestled among the rolling hills and lush forests of beautiful northwest Illinois, Carroll County is a world away from your demanding workweek. The county encompasses four hundred sixty-six square miles of friendly smiles, genuine outdoor adventure, and charming villages that punctuate a landscape nourished by the mighty Mississippi River. Scenic byways, rich history, and outstanding special events
make Carroll County the preferred destination for many visitors each year. Our local historic villages boast outstanding shops offering antiques or artisan works, a professional summer stock theatre, roadside stands featuring vine-fresh melons, homegrown produce, and delectable morel mushrooms. Visitors revel in a schedule of special events throughout the year, ranging from Mount Carroll’s Mayfest, Milledgeville’s June Days, and Savanna’s Haunted Forest Festival to Lanark’s Old Settler’s Days and Chadwick’s Hometown Christmas. Whether you desire a family outing, a great escape, or a romantic getaway, Carroll County offers unique opportunities that are certain to fulfill those needs. Carroll County oozes history, mystery, and natural beauty. Mile after magnificent mile, the rolling plains, towering woodlands, charming small towns, wonderful attractions, and expansive vistas will have you returning to visit season after season. If the great outdoors are calling your name, then Carroll County has you covered. Here you’ll discover a region overflowing with recreational outdoor activities. Carroll County is filled with opportunities for wildlife viewing, camping, hiking, biking, boating, hunting, fishing, shopping, antiquing, and exploring our nation’s rich history, or just sitting under an old shade tree to devour a good book. From local parks and wildlife reserves to exceptional golf courses, from miles of beautiful boating to great fishing on the “Mighty Mississippi”, you’ll find it here in Carroll County. From catfish and muskie to trout, local streams, rivers, and lakes provide anglers with the perfect opportunity for their next big fish story. The real beauty of Carroll County is found in simple natural wonders. Such pleasures give pause from the hectic pace of modern life. The elegance of a falling autumn leaf, the majesty of a foraging deer, or the alluring warmth of a crackling fire are irresistible invitations that draw visitors to this special place. History lovers find a new home in Carroll County. Here a treasure trove of museums, monuments, and historical sites capture the imagination. Explore the stone arch bridge where Abraham Lincoln camped as a private during the Black Hawk War or discover the tragic tale of an historic steamboat, “The Sultana”. Retail therapy enthusiasts applaud the various shopping opportunities that abound in Carroll County. Local shops offer everything from eclectic hand-crafted gifts and quaint artisan works to antique treasures and coveted collectibles. In Carroll County, you’ll always be greeted by friendly shopkeepers who still understand the art of authentic small-town hospitality. Whether you’re seeking a day trip or a week-long adventure, discover excellent restaurants and diverse lodging choices that range from primitive campsites or rustic cabins to pampering B&Bs, comfortable country inns, and award-winning hotels. With gentle rolling hills and lush countryside, Carroll County is a great escape from the concrete and asphalt of a big city. All this and more is waiting for you a trifling 90 minutes from the Greater Chicagoland Metropolitan Area. Come for a visit and experience a weekend getaway the way it used to be!
