Explore
A Taste of What to Do
Golf
Golf nearby at Lake Carroll Golf Course
Wine & Dine
Wine & dine in our local quaint restaurants, wineries & breweries
Explore
Hike, bike, and explore the trails in nearby state parks
Boat & Fish
Boat and fish the Mississippi River
Take Pictures
Photograph Mother Nature at her finest
Road Trip
Take a road trip to Galena
Stargaze
Enjoy the darkest night skies with amazing star shows
Cruise
Cruise the country roads, streets & hills on your motorcycle
Horseback
Enjoy the trails on horseback
Photo Gallery
As with any beautiful photos of nature, pictures never seem to do it justice. Get an idea of what Hickory Hideaway looks like in this gallery and then come check us out in person.
Video Tour
Things to Do
Outdoor Activities
- Horseback Riding
- Bike the Great River Trail
- Stargaze
- Skydiving at Skydive Chicago - Rochelle, IL
- Tennis
- Bird Watching
- Mississippi River Winter Eagle Watch
- Stewards of the Upper Mississippi River Refuge
- Many others in the area
- Take Aim at Sporting Clays
- Motorcycle Road Trips/Groups
- Golfing
- Lake Carroll (Closest)
- Park Hills Golf Course
- Black Hawk Run Golf Club
- Woodbine Bend Championship Golf Course
- Eagle Ridge
- Miniature Golf
- State Parks - Hiking, Fishing, and More!
- Local Parks
- Krape Park - An assortment of fun things at the local Freeport park, including fishing, carousel, trails, and more
- Friends Forever 10-Acre Dog Park
- Hunting & Fishing
- Outdoor Pools and Water Parks
- Lena's SplashLand Family Water Park (about 20 minutes/15 mi away)
- Freeport's Read Park (25 minutes/17 mi away)
- Magic Waters (about an hour away in Rockford)
- There are also beaches at some of the state parks
On the Water
- Fish the Mississippi River, a Stream, or Lake (Note: There is no fishing on the premises)
- Launch a Boat
- Water Ski
- CSavana Kayak/Bike/Tube Rental
Winter Activities
- Snowmobiling in Region 6 of Illinois snowmobile trails (sorry, nowhere in Illinois can you legally rent a snowmobile)
- Alpine Slide
- Downhill Skiing
- Cross Country Skiing
- Raven's Grin Inn Haunted Tour
- Trail-of-Terror
- Refuge Golf Cart Tours - May through October (815) 273-2732 or email info@sumriver.org
- On The Fly, Inc. - Hot Air Ballooning Tours (Galena)
- Site Seeing
- See a Monument Listed in "Ripley's Believe It or Not"
- Plan a Scenic Drive on Roads Less Traveled
- The Driftless Regions’s Exclusive Art Guide
- Visit a Train Museum
- Steam Into a Restored Depot
- Visit the new "Little Cub's Field" replica of Wrigley Field in Freeport, Illinois (17.43 mi) (Video 1, Video 2)
- Take a look at more things to do in Northwest Illinois at VisitNorthwestIllinois.com
- The closest is Candlelight Lake Carroll and is very good
- The highest rated in the area by our customer feedback is Molly's Kitchen & Bar
- Two favorites are Rafter's and Beach's Supper Club
- For fun atmosphere and crazy named food, Poopy's
- If you like motorcycles, you'll enjoy this even more plus you may be interested in the National Motorcycle Museum in Iowa
- Noted for their steaks but not much on atmosphere, Sievert's
- Some of the local's favorites
- Brew & Chew - 201 South Main Street Pearl City, IL 815-443-3222
- Crooked Roof - 109 East Carroll Street, Lanark 815-493-6838
- Shannon Cafe, Shannon, IL (815) 309-2233
- Brother's
- Check out other restaurants in Freeport out on Facebook
- Local beef/pork available at Carroll County Locker to grill your own meat
If you'd rather eat in your own cabin, there are local grocery stores, convenience stores as part of the local gas stations, or a twenty minute ride to Freeport for Cub Foods, Aldi's, Sullivan's or a Super Wal-Mart. We also have caterers that we can recommend.
- Search for Great Buys on Antiques & Crafts
- Shop a Roadside Stand or Farmers' Market
- Special Touch for shopping and floral delivery - 504 West Illinois Rt 64, Lanark, IL 815-493-6366
- Galena
- Treat your dog to some goodies or training
- Board your dog at Four Paws Inn
- Casinos
- Wild Rose (40-50 min. away)
- Diamond Jo (70-80 min. away)
- Fine Arts
- Attend a leading play at our midwest summer stock theater, Timberlake Playhouse
- See a movie at Lindo Classic Cinemas in Freeport (19.26 mi), or at Savanna Times Theater (22.6 mi)
- Rhythm Section Amphitheater
- Treat Yourself to a Day Spa at Down-Home Prices
- Lena Massage
- Massage Indulgence by Design - Lena, IL
- Go Bowling at the Mt. Carroll Bowling
- Wineries
- Beer/Breweries
- Distilleries
- Blaum Bros (Galena)
- Mississippi River Distillery (Quad Cities)
Local Activity Map
Carroll County has activities for all ages, at Lake Carroll and the Mississippi Palisades State Park. All Lake Carroll association amenities are private except for the restaurant/bar and golf course.