Perfect September Day Trips in Carroll County
September is the perfect month to explore Carroll County’s blend of small-town charm and natural beauty. As the air cools and the leaves begin to change, our communities invite you to create unforgettable day trips filled with history, flavors, and outdoor adventures. Here are three itineraries designed to help you capture the best of fall.
Day Trip 1: Savanna & Thomson — River Views and Historic Charm
- Morning: Start at Mississippi Palisades State Park for an invigorating hike. From the bluffs, you’ll see the Mississippi River sparkle against a backdrop of early autumn colors.
- Midday: Stroll downtown Savanna for lunch. Grab a sandwich or coffee, and enjoy the hum of motorcycles and river town energy.
- Afternoon: Bike or walk a stretch of the Great River Trail toward Thomson. Listen for the calls of migrating birds in the wetlands, and pause to snap photos of the scenery.
- Evening: Pack a picnic and settle along the river’s edge for a sunset that will leave you in awe.
Day Trip 2: Mount Carroll — Market Finds and Festival Fun
- Morning: Wander through the Mount Carroll Farmers Market. Let your senses lead—smell fresh breads, taste crisp apples, and browse handcrafted goods.
- Midday: Explore historic downtown. The red-brick streets and Victorian buildings create a picturesque backdrop for shopping and dining.
- Afternoon: Visit Point Rock Park for hiking, disc golf, or simply a quiet stroll under a canopy of trees.
- Evening: Cap the day at PercyFest (Sept 13). Enjoy live music, food truck flavors, and the excitement of community basketball games.
Day Trip 3: Lanark, Shannon, Milledgeville & Lake Carroll — Small-Town Serenity
- Morning: Begin with a hearty breakfast in Lanark, where diners serve pancakes and coffee that taste like home.
- Midday: Drive through Shannon and Milledgeville, where historic churches, schools, and quiet streets offer a glimpse of local heritage. Pack a picnic with local bakery finds and eat beneath a maple tree turning red and gold.
- Afternoon: Head to Lake Carroll. Rent a kayak or pontoon, breathe in the crisp air, and watch the reflection of fall foliage ripple across the water.
- Evening: Stay for the Lake Carroll Harvest Festival, where hayrides, pumpkin patches, and live music bring the community together.
Each corner of Carroll County has its own way of celebrating September. Whether you’re chasing history in Mount Carroll, river views in Savanna, or a quiet escape in Shannon, you’ll find that our communities welcome you with open arms and autumn beauty at every turn. Pack your sense of adventure—and all five senses—and make your next day trip one to remember.