Carroll County, Illinois
Carroll County hugs the Mississippi River in northwest Illinois, with Mount Carroll serving as the county seat. Known for its charming Victorian architecture, Mount Carroll adds historic character to the area, while rolling hills and limestone bluffs shape the surrounding landscape.
The county is known for its scenic beauty, with the former Savanna Army Depot now serving as a nature preserve. Agriculture remains important, with farmers raising corn, soybeans, and cattle, while tourism continues to grow as more visitors explore the area.
The Great River Bike Trail attracts cyclists looking to enjoy the scenic countryside. Mississippi Palisades State Park offers spectacular river views, while nearby Apple River Canyon to the north is a popular destination for hiking and outdoor recreation.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Carroll County |
| County Seat | Mount Carroll |
| Etymology | Named after Charles Carroll of Carrollton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Mount Carroll, Savanna, Lanark, Milledgeville, Chadwick, Shannon, Thomson, and various other unincorporated communities. |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 52, Illinois Route 64, Illinois Route 78, Illinois Route 84 |
| FIPS Code | 17-015 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 466 square miles (land: 444 sq mi, water: 22 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Stephenson County (Northeast), Ogle County (East), Whiteside County (South), Clinton County, Iowa (Southwest), Jackson County, Iowa (West), Jo Daviess County (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| State | Illinois |
| Coordinates | 42.0679° N, 89.9827° W |
| Major Landmarks | Mississippi Palisades State Park, Raven’s Grin Inn, Savanna-Sabula Bridge, Timber Lake Playhouse |
| Population | Approximately 13,000 |
