Move over summer, September has arrived – bringing the crisp cool air, sweaters and bonfires, apple cider donuts, pumpkin fests, and cozy cabin stays!

The first official day of fall will be September 23, 2023. For those of us in the Central time zone, the fall season will officially begin at 1:50 a.m.  The days will get shorter and shorter from the end of summer until the winter solstice. We know this is sad but think of all the cozy nights sipping hot tea or chocolate in front of the fireplace, snowshoeing through the trails, overlooking the frozen Mississippi River, ice skating, skiing/snowboarding down the nearby slopes. It doesn’t get better than this!

Before you can really make all of your Autumn dreams come true, you must know the road trip that leads you there!

Begin your drive strolling through the country hills and farmlands. Giving our county some of the most beautiful scenery and sunsets. Checking into Hickory Hideaway Cabins just outside of Shannon near Lake Carroll.

 

Mississippi Palisades State Park

The Mississippi Palisades State Park sits alongside The Great River Road right in the heart of the driftless region. Trailing The Mighty Mississippi River; a 2500-acre area, untouched by the glaciers, offers hiking trails, outlook points, rock climbing, camping, and much more. Savanna is the perfect destination for travelers looking for an outdoor paradise. (Public Hunting Permitted)

 

Springlake Campground 

Tucked away off the beaten path in Carroll County, providing the gateway to a Federal natural wildlife preserve, lies Spring Lake Campground. Spring Lake Campground is a vintage campground established in 1943 that is on the banks of Spring Lake, a backwater lake of the Mississippi River. They offer a tiny house and an RV for lodging. 

 

Ingersol Wetlands

Just a few miles North of Thomson, Illinois, you will find an overlook to the Mississippi River, showing off Sloan Marsh in all it’s beauty. This refuge and viewing area brings you back to a time before concrete and skyscrapers. The first thing you might notice is a panoramic scene of wildflowers, lily pads and wildlife everywhere. The view from the overlook seems to disappear into the horizon, with the Iowa bluffs more than five miles in the distance, and the Mighty Mississippi River in the forefront. This 36 acre site is magnificently set in some of the Midwest’s finest untouched wetlands. From the overlook, you can look through the high-powered binoculars, stationed along the edge of Sloan Marsh.

 

The Great River Bike Trail

Beginning at the Savanna Marina and trailing south 67 miles this scenic trail rises over Savanna’s historic railroad yards, spans the Plum River, and meanders along Spring Lake Wildlife Refuge.

 

The Mississippi River

Millers Hollow to The Savanna Marina is the most spectacular trek in the fall. Seeing the stunning fall foliage alongside the Bluffs from The Mississippi River gives an exploration and views like nowhere else. Don’t have your own kayak or canoe no worries because cSavanna offers rentals and transportation – cSavanna – Do More!! 

 

Point Rock Park

Point Rock Park gets its name from the large rock located at the entrance of the park. Once known as “‘ “.  This 25-acre city park is fully shaded and provides a great place for a picnic, frisbee golf, hiking, fishing, and lots of playground equipment (handicap accessible). The park boasts a variety of stunning hiking trails! Riding alongside the park you will hear the sounds and see the views of the small rapid river known as the Wakarusa River. One of the hiking trails leads you to Oakville Cemetary

Ravins Grin Inn

Ready for a night of thrill? Ravins Grin Inn is the place to visit. This 1 1/2-hour tour explores you through the endless labyrinth of rooms, tunnels, stairways, and slides, with lots of fun and scary gadgets along the way. Open by reservation only.

French Bluffs

A great place to catch some clean country air, get a vigorous walk in, or just catch up on some local history, is The French Bluff natural area. With its high bluffs, jutting plateaus and rocky shelves, this area is simply beautiful. The terrain is rough, but if you are looking for a less traveled path, this is it. The indigenous forest provides shade on warm days, and cover if you are a bird watcher. There are more than 270 species of birds along this bluff, so make sure to bring your camera. (Public Hunting Permitted)

 

Hickory Hideaway Cabins

Located on 5 private acres as you turn into the driveway you will be greeted by the hickory trees, covering most of the property for a private and shaded getaway on your way to your cabin. A “hidden” idyllic romantic getaway with your partner amidst the stunning scenery and a peaceful atmosphere, these cabins are nestled in the woods and just a short drive away from surrounding towns. Whether you’re the adventurous type of couple who enjoys spending time in the woods near a bonfire or thinking about a more relaxed escape with plenty of luxurious amenities, these cabins are some of the most romantic you’ll find in Northwest Illinois. Hickory Hideaway Cabins

 

Relax at one of our many lodging options. Whether you are looking for a downtown retreat – country setting – cabin life – hotel/motel experience – or camping we have you covered.