AttractionsNamed for Charles Carroll, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, the city's history dates back to 1836 when the first land claim was filed. A major portion of the downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A map is available at Johnston Realty on Market Street that outlines a walking tour of the historical buildings and sites. An important resource in studying the area is historical contributions is The Campbell Center for Historic Preservation Studies, located on the campus of the former Shimer College, off Ill. 78 as you enter town from the south. The Owen P. Miles Museum, 107 Broadway, was built in 1873 and contains many period settings and rotating exhibits. A Civil War monument on the Carroll County Courthouse lawn features an annex of additional names and is listed in "Ripley's Believe it or Not." Miles Museum is open year-round Monday through Saturday and noon-3 p.m. Sunday. Call it a fun house, a haunted house or a theatrical production, The Raven's Grin Inn, 411 N. Carroll St., is a bizarre collection of artwork and experiences. Nightly tours, averaging an hour, are available and are adjusted for different age levels. A few miles south of Mount Carroll, off Ill. 78, is Timber Lake Playhouse, the state's oldest professional summer stock theater. Dramas, musicals and children's productions are staged in the 400-seat, air-conditioned theater. Eight miles east of Mount Carroll on U.S. 52 and just north on Ill. 73 is Lanark. The Lanark Museum has items from the town's unique past. There are also a number of farms in the area available for tours. For information, call 815/493-2307, Ext. 12. History* History
buffs will enjoy beautifully detailed 19th-century homes, a Georgian Revival
college campus, vintage downtown pressed storefronts, an 1858 courthouse and
sky-reaching Civil War monument with a Lorado Taft sculpture, and museum all in
a rich National Register Historic District. Brochures for a self-guided tour of
the historic district are available at the Visitor Information Center and local
businesses. A country schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, two log cabins and a
granary compose the Carroll County Historical Society's Oakville complex, four
miles southeast of Mount Carroll, off Illinois 78 or 88 near Timber Lake
Playhouse. Open by appointment with Carroll County Historical Society, 107 W.
Broadway, Mount Carroll, Ill. 61053 (815/244-3474). Owen P. Miles Museum, 107
Broadway, is open year-round Monday through Saturday and noon-3 p.m. Sunday. * Raven's Grin Inn, 411 N. Carroll
St. A real haunted house built in 1870, open year-round featuring original and
bizarre art work, videos, mazes and slides. Tours average one hour and area
adjustable for all age groups. Call for reservations and more details on murder
mysteries for groups. 815/244-4746. Fishing* At Timber Lake, trout, walleye, northern pike, catfish, perch, bass and bluegills are available for the fisherman for a small fee. |
Parks* Point Rock
Park, South Mill Street, along the Waukerusa River, has picnic facilities,
playground equipment, rest rooms, one-mile walking trail, volleyball, baseball. * Carolyn Mark Home, 222 E. Lincoln,
has marked nature trail. For information, call 815/244-3862. Camping* Timber Lake
Resort, between Mount Carroll and Chadwick, one mile south of Illinois 88. A
family camping resort, 50-acre woodland campground, offers overnight and
seasonal camping, Summer weekend activities, playground, volleyball and
basketball courts, swimming, boat rentals, supplies. 815/244-8744. |
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