MISSISSIPPI
PALISADES
STATE PARK
Untouched by glaciers that have altered other areas of the state, this park boasts stunning rock formations shaped by erosion. Mississippi Palisades State Park, situated in Savanna along the majestic, wooded bluffs of the Mississippi River, is home to pileated woodpeckers, migratory waterfowl, and various upland wildlife.
Visitors can enjoy over 15 miles of hiking trails and five breathtaking scenic overlooks. Notably, this is the only state park that still permits rock climbing, and it features an impressive 241 campsites.
Savanna
Museum & Cultural Center
Run by passionate volunteers, it showcases Savanna's history with current exhibits featuring:
-
Civil War Soldiers: A remarkable display by retired teacher Mr. Gene Wright, featuring over 120 mannequins that tell the stories of brave soldiers.
-
Wayne King Room: Celebrating Savanna native Wayne King, known as "The Waltz King," a renowned musician and bandleader.
-
Model Railroad: An HO scale operating model railroad reflecting Savanna's railroading in the 1950s—a must-see!
-
Helen Scott Hay: Honoring Helen, a pioneer in nursing and one of the most decorated nurses in American history.
Open Saturdays & Sundays, Noon - 4:00 PM. Handicap accessible.
406 Main Street, Savanna, Illinois
Savanna Times Theater
Did you know that Savanna has a historic movie theater? Savanna Times Theater has been part of our Historic Downtown since 𝟭𝟵𝟰𝟯. Ditch the Netflix for a night and Immerse yourself into the feel of seeing a film in what truly is the original environment.
𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐬: The beloved Manny's Pizza is right across the street (the perfect family or date night)
This twin theater plays current release movies each week for children and adults.
The best part? 𝐀𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 $6! Support our small local theater.
222 W Main Street
Poopy’s is 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐚𝐫. Their jam packed full of live music and events all year long draws a crowd from all corners of the map. And guess what? You don't need a Harley or a leather jacket to visit. They welcome 𝐀𝐋𝐋 visitors, no matter how many wheels you arrive on.
You can listen to live music, get a drink at the bikini pool bar (yes, they have girls in bikinis serving you drinks), order a burger the size of your face, bikini bike wash, get your bike worked on at Poppy's Bike Garage, get fresh ink or a piercing at Mystic Images Tattoo, take your jeep off-roading out back, shop for fun merch, attend a jeep or car show, and 𝑠𝑜 𝑚𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒.
Just go see it, you'll understand.
1030 Viaduct Road, Savanna, IL
Iron Horse
Social Club
314 Main Street
camping
Spring Lake Campground
Established in 1943, this charming vintage campground sits on a Wildlife Refuge. They offer various campsite options, a camp store, bike and kayak rentals, a boat launch, and access to the Great River Bike Trail, along with excellent fishing on the Mississippi River. Pets are welcome, and guests can rent a double tandem bike.
Seven Eagles Campground
The perfect "outdoorsy" stay close to town, this campground + motel is the ultimate "glamping" adventure with on-site laundry or heated bath houses for winter dry camping. Seasonally, they have an in-ground pool and fully stocked fishing pond for all guests.
Mississippi Palisdes State Park
Mississippi Palisades offers 241 Class A and B camping sites, both shaded and open, with electrical hookups at 110 sites. It has showers and flush toilets in three buildings, operational from May 1 to Oct. 31. The State Park features stunning views + trails.
palisades
golf
course
Located 5 miles north of Savanna, originally an apple orchard and melon farm since 1953, now a scenic 9-hole golf course near the Mississippi River.
The course hosts leagues, events, and features a unique “Tortuga Match Playing” event. PGC offers various services including a practice range, clubhouse, club repair, lessons, tournaments, and rentals.
Contact: (815) 273 - 2141
18280 IL Route 84, Savanna, IL
MIGHTY
MISSISSIPPI
RIVER
Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, Savanna has three boat launches to experience every thing the river has to offer.
Spend the day boating, tubing, Kayaking or fishing and the night relaxing with a river view at one of our restaurants, bars or Inns. Visit Marquette park to stroll along the river, sit and watch the River Boats or do a little fishing.
The Mississippi River is one of the world’s largest river systems and is a must see while in Savanna.
HISTORIC
DOWNTOWN
SAVANNA
Founded in 1828, Savanna is one of Illinois’ oldest towns. Now located on the Great River Road National Byway, Savanna’s Historic Downtown has something for everyone. Brows our quaint shops, plan a spa day, have dinner and drinks and one of our bars or restaurants, enjoy some world class live music or just grab a coffee and people watch on main Street. What ever you enjoy, you can find it in Downtown Savanna.
Havencrest Castle
𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐚 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐢𝐬? Alan St. George built a castle and his entire life around his beloved wife of 30-plus years.
There are 𝟔𝟑 𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐬 throughout the six-story home and each is more stunning than the last. The massive home is a 𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 to the owners undying love. Don't miss your chance to see this 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑏𝑙𝑒 home, Alan greets his guests in the ballroom (yes, he actually lives here). Take some time to talk to him, you’ll learn a lot about life and 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞.
Open for weekend tours in October & May.
Website
INGERSOLL
WETLANDS
LEARNING CENTER
The Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center is the office and Learning Center for the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. This family friendly facility is packed with interesting, hands-on exhibits and provides a dramatic view of the world’s most majestic and celebrated river.
7071 Riverview Rd, Thomson IL 61285
Monday - Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
GREAT RIVER
BIKE TRAIL
The Great River Trail offers a stunning experience along over 60 miles of the Mississippi River in northern Illinois. Beginning in Savanna, you'll travel south through charming small towns rich in river culture, ultimately arriving at the industrial hub of the Quad Cities, including Rock Island and Moline. You'll find plenty of chances to explore antique shops, savor catfish dinners, and watch river traffic.
Camping and accommodations are available for those looking to stay overnight.
Savanna
Veterans Memorial
The Savanna Veterans Memorial is a tribute site situated at the northern entrance of Savanna, offering views of the Mississippi River and the newly built Dale Gardner Veterans Memorial Bridge.
This memorial was established to honor and acknowledge the service of our local veterans—past, present, and future. It serves as a solemn space for both residents and visitors to contemplate the sacrifices made by their veteran loved ones and to express our community's appreciation for all who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
2226 Main Ave, Savanna, IL
Savanna
Train Car Museum
The museum offers a glimpse into the town's railroad past, featuring a 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 along the scenic Mississippi River riverfront.
The Savanna Train Car Museum, located at Main Street and Chicago Avenue, is open weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
It houses railroad collectibles thanks to donations from Savanna residents. Car #541 was used from 1950 to 1971 and is one of only 16 remaining Hiawatha cars. It seated 48, was designed for short runs, and featured unique bulkhead seats. The car's logos represent the Hiawatha Trains, which ran through Savanna from December 1940 to April 1956.
The Savanna Train Car Museum, located at the corner of Main Street and Chicago Avenue, is open on weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day.