Carroll County - 6 Attractions You Must Visit

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is the largest refuge in a network of five refuges and many smaller wetlands located along the entire length of the Mississippi River. An awe-inspiring landscape of islands, sloughs and backwaters, it serves as an important habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, herons and more than 260 other species of birds. The refuge also provides excellent habitat for endangered species, such as bald eagles and pallid sturgeons.