20 Attractions to Explore Near Mississippi Palisades State Park

Mississippi Palisades State Park offers a picturesque view of the Mississippi River and its rocky bluffs. This park is part of the Jo Daviess County Forest Preserve. Outdoor adventurers go here for fishing, boating, camping, hiking and more. The trails are perfect for nature walks or biking, while rocky shores are prime real estate for an afternoon picnic. With approximately five miles of river frontage, waterskiing and canoeing provide visitors with an unforgettable experience.

The Savanna-Sabula Bridge, located in Illinois, is a magnificent engineering feat. The bridge is approximately 2,500 feet long and runs from Savanna to Sabula across the Mississippi River. It took three years of construction to complete the project and opened up a new transportation outlet for travelers and commercial goods. With an impressive strength rating (200 Ton) and great design qualities, the bridge has continued to serve as a safe crossing option since 2010.

Havencrest Castle is a beautiful 19th-century castle built by an Eastern-European immigrant family, it boasts a Romanesque Revival style and remains remarkably intact to this day. The castle features 30 rooms on two floors, four towers that offer stunning views of nearby Shullburg Valley, ornate stonework, grand staircases, and extravagant hand-painted ceilings. It served as the family’s residence between 1898 until 1951 and is now open for tours and special events such as weddings.

The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is a picturesque landscape created from the tributaries of the Mississippi River. From crystal clear rivers and ponds to wooded areas overflowing with diverse wildlife, it's an area teeming with life. Spend the day wandering along tree-lined trails or take a canoe out onto the calming waters and keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles, egrets, pelicans, migrating waterfowl, and other creatures.

The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is truly a sight to behold. Spanning 261 miles of the beautiful Upper Mississippi River, this refuge is one of the largest wildlife refuges in the entire United States. The refuge is home to a variety of fish and wildlife habitats like moisture filled prairies, forests, islands and backwaters. Visitors can explore this wonderland of nature by taking guided boat tours that showcase the best of what the refuge has to offer.

Mount Carroll is a small village located in the beautiful hills of northern Carroll County, Illinois. The village is known for its picturesque 18th century architecture and its bustling Main Street lined with both quaint shops and local restaurants. Mount Carroll has deep agricultural roots, farmers selling produce at Farmer’s Market every Saturday or visiting local wineries. A favorite amongst tourists and locals alike is the county’s Sportsman Park which offers camping, fishing, hunting.

Apple River Fort State Historic Site, is a fascinating piece of local history. Constructed by American settlers in 1832 to repel Indian forces during the Black Hawk War, the fort was designed to lodge over 200 men and contained defensive palisades and bastions. The fort saw its most dramatic moment when a group of redcoats attempted to breach the walls during a surprise attack. Luckily, despite taking heavy casualties on both sides and enduring countless cannon rounds fired by the British.

The Chicago Great Western Railroad Depot is a reminder of the area’s dynamic railway history. Constructed in 1901, this is an example of American Bungalow-style architecture. Despite the many changes that have taken place around it over the years, this depot has been lovingly restored to its original condition by dedicated volunteers and serves as an educational tool for visitors of all ages, giving everyone a glimpse into what life was like for passengers at the turn of the twentieth century.

Bellevue State Park is a state park of Iowa, USA, along the banks of the Mississippi River just south of Bellevue.The park lies in two separate tracts. The Nelson Unit is at the immediate south edge of Bellevue on U.S. Route 52 (The Great River Road), atop a 300-foot (91 m) limestone bluff. The Dyas Unit is 2 miles (3.2 km) farther south on U.S. 52.

Lake Carroll is the perfect spot for a family getaway. With its pristine lake waters, lush forests, and clear skies it's an ideal spot for swimming, fishing and kayaking. With lots of different activities to choose from like horseback riding, paintball, golfing and more, there's something for everyone. The area boasts of plenty of historical sites as well including the 5th Wisconsin Infantry Monument; a tribute to Civil War soldiers from the area who fought bravely at Gettysburg.

Lock and Dam Number 12 is an essential structure in the area. Built in 1929, the lock and dam exists primarily to help control water levels on the Mississippi River downstream, while also providing safe passage for boats. With 16 gated bays that open and close at times determined by river conditions, Lock and Dam 12 provides a stable waterway for vessels traveling along its length. Additionally, its 23-foot lift facilitates navigation of upstream vessels against the natural flow of the river.

Chestnut Mountain is the perfect spot for a day trip or weekend getaway. Located at the highest point in Jo Daviess, Chestnut Mountain offers breathtaking views of rivers, ravines, green mountains and valleys with vast tracts of forestlands. Its untamed beauty makes it an enchanting place to explore year-round. Guests can find adventure in activities such as skiing, snow tubing, golfing and zip-lining; plus there are miles of biking/hiking trails offering a variety of options for outdoor fun.

The Mississippi River Lock Dam Number Thirteen is more than a century old and still plays an important role in keeping the Mississippi River navigable. At this location, water flow is restricted by 12 gates that control the level of the river between the Rock Island Pool and pools farther east. The dam also allows passage for boat traffic when open, limiting erosion from swift currents. An observation area on White Oaks Bend near the dam offers a scenic view of the area.

St. Boniface Church is a former parish church of the Diocese of Davenport. The church was founded in the town of Lyons, which is now the north side of Clinton, Iowa, United States. The church building is now a museum named The Catholic Historical Center at St. Boniface, with exhibits about the history of the Clinton area Catholic community, and an archive of local Catholic church artifacts and records. The church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2012.

De Immigrant is a unique structure that is steeped in history. It was constructed in 1928 by Dutch immigrants Jacob and Hillegonda Maasland who were living on their family farm. The windmill features traditional Dutch-style architecture; its 60ft tall frame and rotating blades are made of galvanized steel and are still functional today. As an iconic landmark in Whiteside County, the windmill stands as a reminder of the area's Dutch roots.

Thunder Bay Falls, is a stunning waterfall that cascades over a rock ledge creating an impressive sight. The scenic vantage point offers visitors amazing views of the adjacent bluffs and forest area. With its crystal clear waters flowing over natural step-like limestone formations and sites like the Indian Bluff effigy mound nearby, Thunder Bay Falls is an inviting oasis situated right alongside Rattlesnake Creek.

Lake Galena is a popular destination for nature lovers and boaters alike. Situated near the banks of the Galena River and surrounded by rolling hills, the lake provides beautiful panoramic views of the countryside. With many sections of public beach and boat launch docks, visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, kayaking, and other water sports while admiring nature’s natural beauty. In addition to all of the fun activities, Lake Galena, also provides access to over 20 miles of trails.

NelsonCorp Field is a stadium in Clinton, Iowa. It is primarily used for baseball, and is operated by and is the home field of the Clinton LumberKings collegiate summer baseball team of the Prospect League. It was built in 1937 and its capacity is roughly 5,500 fans.

The Clinton Area Showboat Theatre is recognized for hosting a variety of theatrical productions, including plays, musicals, and performances featuring local and sometimes professional actors. The theater aims to provide a cultural and artistic outlet for the community.

The Clinton, Iowa Riverfront is a scenic and recreational area along the banks of the Mississippi River. The riverfront area is known for its natural beauty, offering panoramic views of the Mississippi River. Parks, green spaces, and walking paths enhance the scenic experience for residents and visitors.