Carroll County was organized in 1839, and was named for Charles Carroll, a wealthy landowner and politician from Maryland. He was one of the men who signed the Declaration Of Independence, and incidentally, was the last of the signers to die. The honor of naming the county was bestowed upon Isaac Chambers, the first settler in the county. Since Charles Carroll was one of the political heroes of the day, and since many settlers were from Maryland, Mr. Chambers decided to name the county after him.

Visit the Carroll County website.

The Native American pathfinders along the rock palisades of the Mississippi River did as present-day hikers do - in coursing the bluffs, they took the paths of least resistance. The trails at the Mississippi Palisades, especially the park’s southern routes, puts you in touch with the past. Walk them and you’ll trace the footsteps of all those who came before you, some of whom came this way nearly a thousand years ago.

Located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Apple rivers in northwestern Illinois, the 2,500-acre Mississippi Palisades State Park is rich in American Indian history.

Visit the Mississippi Palisades State Park website.

A Getaway Like it Used to Be. The Blackhawk Waterways region encompasses four northwest Illinois counties of Carroll, Lee, Ogle and Whiteside. 2700 square miles of unique experiences that await your personal discovery. Quaint cabins & B&Bs, significant Illinois history & heritage, outstanding outdoor recreation, 125 miles of pristine rivers for fishing & boating, charming shopping & antique treasures. All within 3 hours of Chicago.

Visit the Blackhawk Waterways website.

The Mississippi River is 2,552 miles long. Pool 13 runs 34.2 miles from Bellevue Iowa to Fulton Illinois Carroll County Illinois borders the major portion of Pool 13. If you like fishing, the Mississippi River in the Carroll County area is for you !!! A variety of fish inhabit the river including Walleye, Sauger, Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Bluegill, and several species of Catfish. Located in downtown Savanna on the Mississippi River, this area offers four launch ramps, annual campsites, dry dock spaces with unlimited launching privileges, wet slips and winter storage. Facility also has concession building, clean restrooms and showers, gas, pump-out, bait and more.

Visit and learn more about the Mississippi River.