Named the #1 “Best Small Town for Adventure” TWO years in a row by USA Today, Savanna beckons with character and history. Whether you’re high above the Mississippi, or right down in the water you’ll find big adventure in the small town of Savanna, Illinois.
Welcome to Savanna, Illinois
Savanna, Illinois is a vibrant little river town nestled between the Mississippi River and the Bluffs of the Driftless area in Northwest Illinois. Settled in 1828 by explorers from Galena, Savanna is one of the oldest towns in Illinois. Savanna began as a Steamboat stop for runs between Galena and St. Louis. We quickly grew as a logging and shipping port and eventually a Railroad hub. You can still watch the barges being loaded on our River Front as they are sent down the River.
Today, Savanna attracts visitors from all over the Midwest, United States and the World. Named #1 two years in a row in the USA Today’s 2021 & 2022 “Best small town for adventure”, Savanna is ready for you to explore. If massive cliffs, stunning views, and the peacefulness of nature are your thing, it is hard to beat the 15 miles of trails at the Mississippi Palisades State Park. Take a walk along the Mississippi River in Marquette park, Kayak one of our many rivers or lakes, bike the Great River Bike Trail or take a drive through the rolling hills of the Driftless Area. Don’t want to bring your own equipment? Savanna has you covered offering Kayak rentals, bike rentals and tubing adventures.
Savanna is rich in history and natural resources, but our best asset by far is our people. We are a welcoming, friendly and diverse community. No matter your background, we guarantee you will be welcome in Savanna. So, plan your next weekend getaway and come see us.
Lodging
Stay in Style
Whether under the stars or beneath 400-thread count sheets. Yup, we’ve upped our game since you were last here. If you’ve never been to see us, you’re right on time. Check in at a house overlooking the Mississippi River, a full service hotel, a pet friendly bnb, or bring your favorite camper and enjoy the views. We offer some of the best lodging in Illinois Travel.
Historic Downtown
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. Browse our quaint shops, plan a spa day, have dinner and drinks at 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 it is that you enjoy, you can find it in Downtown Savanna.
Outdoor Adventures
Mississippi Palisades State Park
Untouched by glaciers that left their mark elsewhere in the state, this park is rich with rock formations carved by erosion. The Mississippi Palisades State Park is located in Savanna along the lofty, wooded palisades of the Mississippi River, the park’s inhabitants include pileated woodpeckers, migratory waterfowl and other upland wildlife. Enjoy hiking more then 15 miles of trails and five breathtaking scenic overlooks. This is the only State Park the Still allows rock climbing. Mississippi Palisades State Park has an impressive 241 campsites.
Savanna Adventure Rentals
Savanna offers tubing and kayaking adventures. Leave your car at the destination and allow “Amber” the Adventure Bus to drop you into the River for a 2 – 5 hour adventure. No matter what experience level you are, we know you will enjoy what cSavanna has to offer.
Plan your adventure: https://www.csavanna.club
Great River Bike Trail
The Great River Trail is a breathtaking journey along more than 60 miles of the Mississippi River in northern Illinois. Starting in Savanna, you’ll head south through several small towns with traditions still steeped in river culture before reaching the industrial center of the Quad Cities, which includes Rock Island and Moline. Many opportunities exist for browsing antiques, enjoying catfish dinners, and viewing river traffic. Camping and lodging are available for overnight trips.
Savanna Museum and Cultural Center
On the first floor you will find exciting and constantly changing events and exhibits. Permanent displays, exhibits & collections are housed on the second and third floors.
They currently feature a Civil War Soldier Exhibit, Wayne King Room, Model Railroad room an an exhibit honoring Helen Scott Hay, one of the most decorated and honored nurses in history.
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. Browse our quaint shops, plan a spa day, have dinner and drinks at 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
A combination of fantasy and reality, the St. Georges were a couple deeply in love with each other since their early teens. Their devotion manifested itself in a passionately creative outpouring of work and lifestyle that at times seem to blur fantasy and reality. Over their 31 years together, Alan and Adrianne St. George expanded the original 22 rooms to 63.
Each room of this 63-room mansion is opulently furnished and decorated with an artist’s eye.
Havencrest is only open for May & October tours. You can learn more about the open dates and the history on their website. Advance tickets are encouraged and you can purchase them through their website.
Learn More about Havencrest: https://www.havencrestcastle.com/
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
From June through August, the Center is open Saturdays from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Wineries
Sit on the deck with a glass of wine and enjoy the view at one of our nearby wineries. Choose to visit one winery or make it a girls weekend and spend a few days staying in Savanna and visiting each one.
Camping
Whether you’re pulling your camper for the weekend, driving your RV across the states or just looking to unplug and sleep under the stars, Savanna offers plenty of camping opportunites for all explorers.
Savanna Veterans Memorial
The Savanna Veterans Memorial is a commemorative site located at the north entrance to Savanna overlooking the Mississippi River and the newly constructed Dale Gardner Veterans Memorial Bridge. It was created to honor and recognize the service of our community’s veterans; past, present, and future. The Memorial provides a reverential venue for residents and visitors alike to reflect upon the sacrifices made by their veteran family members and to demonstrate our community’s recognition of the contributions made by all who have served in the armed forces of the United States.
Golfing
Savanna and the surrounding area offer various golfing options. Tee off at one of our beautiful golf courses.