Great River Road

This scenic drive follows the flow of the mighty Mississippi River as it curves along the western edge of Illinois and meanders for more than 550 miles, traveling through charming small towns and offering beautiful river and woodland views along the way.

CITY: Fulton

The Nest at Palisades Cabins

The Nest at Palisades Cabins offer secluded luxury cabins designed to provide charm, quiet luxury and romance. We’re located on a wooded acreage high above the Mississippi River minutes from Savanna, the Palisades State Park and an easy 20 minute drive to Galena.

CITY: Savanna

Mississippi Palisades State Park

Untouched by glaciers that left their mark elsewhere in the state, this park is rich with rock formations carved by erosion. The park features pileated woodpeckers, migratory waterfowl and other wildlife species.

CITY: Savanna

Long's Garden

Tour the walk-through gardens and browse the nursery selling 170 different ornamental grasses, trees and shrubs.

CITY: Fulton

Mt. Carroll Garden Walk

Stroll the brick streets and enjoy unique historic architecture while viewing beautiful flower, perennial and water gardens. Garden vendors and a farmer's market will be stationed in the Courthouse Square.

CITY: Mount Carroll

Mississippi River Lodge

Our Mississippi River Lodge is located right on the banks on the Mighty Mississippi River between Savanna and Thomson Illinois and offers awe-inspiring views from every angle. We offer 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, living room with fireplace & big screen TV, deck with grill, a fully stocked kitchen and much more! If you are a river lover, this is the place for you. Fishing, water skiing, tubing, or cruising up the river, it's all here for your enjoyment. Since we are located on Big Slough, off of the main channel of the river, you can have fun without having to deal with a lot of river traffic. Access to the main channel is easy if you want to cruise the river. Only five miles up the river is Lower Sabula Lake which offers a great new sand beach. There is a public boat launch only a quarter mile from the house and a dock is provided to moor your boat at the house. If you do not have a boat, you can fish off the dock or the bank.

CITY: Thomson

Sherwood Forest

During Christmas, Sherwood Forest is adorned with decorations and twinkling lights. Any time of year view a variety of animals, including turkeys, rabbits, peacocks, llamas, and miniature goats and deer.

CITY: Prophetstown

Rock River Miniatures

This miniature horse farm is located in Whiteside County.

CITY: Rock Falls

Huff's Miniature Horses

Observe a small herd of miniature horses, and even groom the patient ones. Be sure to call and make a reservation.

CITY: Mount Carroll

Scenic Bluff Ranch

Situated in the majestic hills of Savanna on more than 350 acres with access to over 24 miles of trails, Scenic Bluff Ranch is a fun and friendly haven, with a caring atmosphere, which makes riding horses a pleasure. Established in 1997 and designed with horse and rider in mind, we cater to all disciplines and breeds and we have plenty to offer everyone; from the inexperienced to the seasoned rider. Ride our trails with your horse or rent our facility for your event.

CITY: Savanna

Indian Mounds State Historic Site

One of the largest prehistoric Hopewell Mounds group in Illinois - interpretive brochures on site.

CITY: Albany

Oppold Marina

Offers boat access to the Rock River, with a 50-ft. renovated boat launch. During the summer season, offers boat gas, concessions, paddleboat/rowboat/canoe rentals as well as 2 large shelters for family reunions and parties,

CITY: Sterling

Robert F. Apple - Fishing Guide

Fishing guide - muskies, walleyes; all equipment furnished.

CITY: Chadwick

Lakewood Resort and Gardens

Sportsman's paradise. Permanent wooded seasonal sites, tent camping. Acres of remote backpacking. Guided deer hunting (archery only), turkey hunt.

CITY: Savanna

Cross Creek Golf Course

This nine-hole golf course features a pro shop, bar, snack bar and putting green.

CITY: Morrison

Mount Carroll Bowling Center

Join us for bowling -- stay for the fun! Full-service bowling center plus cosmic bowling, leagues and restaurant with daily specials. We can also host birthday parties.

CITY: Mount Carroll

Paone's Blackhawk Lanes

This bowling alley features 20 lanes, a pro shop and a lounge.

CITY: Sterling

Great River Bike Trail

The bike trail in Fulton is one small section of the Great River Trail, which spans from Rock Island to Savanna (60 mi.).

CITY: Fulton

Hanover Bluff Natural Area

Hanover Bluff Natural Area provides great nature viewing opportunities within the forest and grassland areas as well as at the only public lake in Jo Daviess County. Sixteen-acre public lake. Largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish. No boating. Sign in/out at visitor parking. 350 acres for public hunting.

CITY: Hanover

Big Bend State Fish and Wildlife Area

1,188 acres of natural beauty. Fishing on Rock River and hunting.

CITY: Prophetstown

Hanover Bluff Nature Preserve

This nature reserve is the perfect place to bring the family. Hike 450 natural acres, home of nine Illinois endangered or threatened plants and animals. Hanover Bluff Nature Preserve is The Prairie State's 150th nature preserve.

CITY: Hanover

Iris and Jack Witkowsky State Wildlife Area

A part of the Apple River Canyon State Park Complex, the Iris and Jack Witkowsky State Wildlife Area is 1,100 acres for public hunting and nature viewing. Beginning of a transcontinental bluebird trail segment. Sign in/out at lots #1 or #4.

CITY: Hanover

Morrison-Rockwood State Park

Timbered, 1150-acre state park with 77-acre lake stocked with a variety of fish. Class A, 92-site campground with shower building and all sites with electricity. Separate equestrian campground.

CITY: Morrison

Fin and Feather Campground

Campground for camping, hunting, and fishing. Located on backwaters of Mississippi River with boat rental, canoe rental, motor rentals, bait shop, concessions and canoe access

CITY: Thomson

Emerald Hill Golf and Learning Center

This golf complex features an 18-hole course.

CITY: Sterling

Wapello Land & Water Reserve

Experience Native American mounds, prairie and the Apple River. Hike beginner trails. Pets welcome. Fishing allowed.

CITY: Hanover

Storybrook Country Club

One of the most challenging 18 holes in Jo Daviess County. The front 9 features water on every hole, while the back 9 offers some of the most beautiful holes in the area.

CITY: Hanover

Jim Ardvini Boat Launch Park

Boat ramps into Lake Sinnissippi area of Rock River. Picnic tables, scenic river view, adjacent to Hennepin Canal State Park.

CITY: Rock Falls

Prophetstown Park District Pool & Recreational Center

Indoor/outdoor pool with aerobic classes and open swims. Rec Center has volleyball and basketball courts.

CITY: Prophetstown

Blue Goose Run

Blue Goose Run is the perfect farm setting for an outdoor wedding, family or class reunion, corporate or business meetings, and baby or bridal showers. Visit the Machine Shed Gift Shop and Corn Crib Restaurant.

CITY: Sterling

Prophet Hills Country Club

Built in 1966, this semi-private, 18-hole golf course is situated on extremely hilly terrain, and features a putting green and chipping area.

CITY: Prophetstown

Rall Woods State Natural Area

280 acres for public hunting, hiking, nature viewing. Area has native hilltop prairies and views of the Mississippi River.

CITY: Hanover

Eagle Point Horseback Riding Farm & Eagle Point Paintball Games

Horseback riding for young and old. Trails follow Elkhorn Creek. Great for the more experienced rider. Paintball field is on island off Elkhorn Creek.

CITY: Milledgeville

Prophetstown State Recreation Area

Boat ramp, shower facilities, picnic grounds and RV dump station. Playground equipment.

CITY: Prophetstown

Ruffit Park

Located west of Sterling & Rock Falls on Rt. 30 & 2.

CITY: Sterling

Leisure Lake Campground

68 full hookup sites, of which 32 are pull-thru. All are 20 & 30 amp. Hookup (50 amp available), pay phones, full laundry.

CITY: Rock Falls

Rock River Valley Skydivers, Inc.

Student training. Tandem & sport/fun jumping. Demonstration jumping for events. USPA group member drop zone. Two Cessna C182 jump planes, visitors welcomed. Located at the Whiteside County Airport.

CITY: Rock Falls

Spring Valley Farm

Spring Valley Farm is home to Jersey cows, alpacas, sheep, Belgian horses, chickens and goats. Farm tours and hayrack rides by appointment only.

CITY: Fulton