Family Fun

Outdoor Attractions

Explore the wilderness of the Mississippi River Valley together at Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center! This 55,000-acre refuge offers plenty of places to hike, bike, picnic and observe native flora and fauna, including ornate box turtles, bald eagles, and sandhill cranes. Lace up your hiking boots or portage to the center’s boat launches for fantastic canoeing and fishing opportunities.

Up for some friendly competition with the kids? Trailside Mini-Golf [LINK TO: Trailside Mini-Golf directory page] in Mt. Carroll features 18 holes set on a gentle slope with flowing streams and cascading waterfalls, providing a fun challenge for all ages and skill levels. Check out the view of the rolling landscape from atop the course! Treating the family to a quick nine or a full 18 on a full-sized course? Check out the beautiful golf courses around.

A Historical Expedition

Enjoy a spooky, spine-tingling adventure at Raven’s Grin Inn Haunted House. Explore an authentic haunted house built in 1870 during one-hour tours — no chainsaws or gore, but plenty of chills! Hide-and-seek parties and special occasion tours are also available.

Ever wondered how much work goes into feeding and fueling America? The Carroll County Farm Bureau [LINK TO: https://carrollcfb.org/] offers tours of working farms across Carroll County and the Midwest. To check availability or to register for a tour, call 815-244-3001.

Silver-Screen Sensation

Whether your family is eager to see the latest superhero epic or just want to giggle your way through a charming animated feature, moviegoers of all ages can find their favorite flicks showing in Carroll County! Enjoy the latest Hollywood blockbusters at Savanna Times Theater, a comfortable twin-screen theater that shows the latest releases every week.

Fun for All

Rack up some good times at Mt. Carroll Bowling Center, featuring eight lanes of bowling with automatic scoring. But the fun doesn’t end with strikes and spares — the center also features a 3,000-square-foot laser tag facility accommodating up to 20 players and arcade games. Mt. Carroll Bowling Center also features a delicious menu of food options, including the Chicken George — a chicken tenderloin fried in pancake batter and served with jelly dipping sauce — and their famous homemade stuffed crust pizza! Afterward, Enjoy the latest Hollywood blockbusters at Savanna Times Theater, a comfortable twin-screen theater that shows the latest silver-screen releases every week.

Grab a Bite

Feeding the family can be challenging when you’re traveling with picky eaters. Thankfully, the diners, eateries, and restaurants around Carroll County can suit all palates with an incredible menu of flavors. Grab a slice of happiness at Dusty’s Pizza Plus — featuring a signature sweet dough crust — or pair your pie with Southwestern flavors at Manny’s Pizza. Savor a burger straight off the grill and pair it with a sweet frozen treat at Bear’s Drive Inn in Thomson. Find your favorite Mandarin, Hunan, Szechuan, and Cantonese flavors at New China Restaurant. Grab a booth at classic American diners like Sunshine Restaurant, Brothers Inn Family Restaurant, and Mt. Carroll Café. Finally, top your meal off with a delectably sweet dessert from Tina’s Ice Cream Shoppe.

Catch Some Z’s

Your crew is probably worn out from a full day of exploring Carroll County. Thankfully, a variety of family-friendly lodging options provide plenty of places to comfortably rest before another day of adventures. Located in the woods just 5 miles from Mt. Carroll, the secluded Timber Lake Resort & Campground features 120 RV sites with water, sewer, and electricity hookups, plus deluxe cabins and rustic lakeside camping — rest in luxurious environs or underneath a twinkling night sky! Seven Eagles Campground & Resort also features numerous fully equipped RV sites along with log cabins and a lodge/motel. Enjoy all your modern amenities in a rustic setting at Hickory Hideaway with comfortable cabins and cottages on 10 acres of wooded land neary Lake Carroll. Prefer a more familiar stay? SureStay Hotel by Best Western features king and queen suites under a familiar roof, ensuring plenty of space — and privacy — for your whole family.