A cute rail car that has been used as a museum. I wish they had a docent there who was trained in…read morethe history more. You have to just rely on the one page sheet they have and peruse the displays. What is bizarre is the camera set up to show you the railway right behind the car - why? If the windows were open you could see it (but I understand the need to keep sunlight off the displays). The ladies lounge when you walk in is the coolest part of the train.

These folks are clearly doing what they can with limited resources. It was a treat getting to see…read morea preserved rail car. This museum also contains photographs, uniforms, and other memorabilia. The museum is staffed seasonally, weather permitting. We found it open on a Sunday morning in mid-September, but Colleen told us they'd probably be closing for the season a in a couple weeks. This museum was especially great because we were in Carroll County for the weekend to indulge my genealogical hobby. My ancestors on my mom's side came to the Salem Township area of what is now Carroll County in the 1840s from Darmstadt in the Grand Duchy of Hessen (Germany after 1871). My goal was to find resources to help in my research of the lives and times of my ancestors, and of living relatives whom I've never met. (Unlike the TV commercials, genealogical research is a LOT harder than subscribing to Ancestry.com, then downloading movies of your well-dressed, attractive ancestors.) Based on my late mother's comments from many years ago, I believed my grandfather, Charles. W. Schriner, had left the farm and taken work in town with the railroad. I had been able to verify her recollection to the extent that the 1910 and 1920 censuses listed a Charles Schriner with an occupation of Freight Clerk with the railroad. But that's all I had to work with. I still don't know what Grandpa Charles looked like, or how he lived in Carroll County after his wife and daughters left town around the time of WWI. I was hoping against hope to find an old photo at the Train Car Museum identifying Grandpa Charles. And there were quite a few group photos dating from the early 1900s. But while Grandpa Charles may have been in one of these photos, none named him. But I found the next best thing. Lying in a display case was an open Railroad Time Book which included an entry for "Chas Schriner" ("Chas" was a common abbreviation for "Charles," and "Schriner" is how my family spelled it (versus the far more common "Schreiner"). I'd found a first-hand record of Grandpa Charles! Sadly, however, 54-year-old Grandpa Charles wasn't working in September 1922 as a Freight Clerk, much less as something sexy like a Superintendent, Engineer or Fireman. No, Grandpa Charles was working at the age of 54 as a mere Laborer ... and not much at that either. Grandpa Charles apparently only worked one day in the first half of the month ... 8 hours on the 11th of September in 1922 ... and he seems to have been paid only $2.94 for the work. Yikes. What a life. Regardless, this is the way it usually goes in genealogical research ... even at its best. Ancestors found working at anonymous, lackluster jobs is the norm. Few of us actually have relatives who commanded armies, made great fortunes, or moved society. Fewer yet are related very closely to Cleopatra, Napoleon, or George Washington. But then, even my more successful farmer relatives didn't make it into any history books ... even though they came to northwest Illinois when there weren't even towns there yet, and even though the farms they scratched out of the wild prairie were the very foundation of all the wealth eventually generated in Carroll County. Nope. It was the self-promoting bankers, merchants, and politicians who got all the notoriety in the local histories, and whose names are now recorded on historical plaques in front of the grand old houses in places like Mt. Carroll. The ancient names "Schreiner" and "Schriner" are now mainly found inscribed on headstones in the Mt. Carroll, Chadwick, and Lanark cemeteries. Anyhoo ... thanks, Ron, Colleen, and all the other volunteers who devote their time and energy to preserving these little bits of our past. It's a rare devotion, and getting rarer all the time when the almighty buck seems to be all anyone cares much about. You folks are doing important work, and it's very much appreciated!

Little bit of history in Delmar, IA. Local residents have restored the old Milwaukee Railroad…read moreDepot. The depot was a stop on the Orphan Train which traveled through the US from the 1850's to 1920's. Depot is near a little city park and close by an Ice Cream / Deli that has mini golf course. Nice destination for family activity day.

Could the Sawmill Museum be Clinton's best kept children's activity secret? It's a definite…read morecontender in my book. Very unexpected museum right by the riverfront. I had no idea of Clinton's rich history as a logging mecca. The animatronics of the leaders of the logging industry was a nice touch. Children are free to run around and explore the various exhibits. I thought the replica of the logging cabin where workers lived was particularly impactful. There were maybe 3 bed areas in a tiny cabin and the information posted said something to the effect of up to 50 men lived in that small space. The large water table where you can explore how the logs got shipped down the river was fun for kids. Use the provided smock as the kids will get water on them. Excited for the forthcoming Thomas Dambo exhibit the museum seems to be spearheading.

This could be a wonderful educational place however I'm guessing extremely understaffed. The video…read moredemonstration s were not working. There was not anyone who could answer our questions about the displays which were not self-explanatory. There was a birthday party for young kids going on and they were running all over the museum. I was very disappointed in our visit. I hope things will improve soon

Are you headed into Debuque? Need fishing spots? Need trails to the caves?…read moreThis is a great resource stop. There is all kinds of things going on here. Check out the monthly activities and hands on activities for the kids. We stopped for fishing info and got some great information from the gentleman working there. There is a great outside area for actions to walk around. This is just off the highway and full of good information. The bathrooms are super clean and there is a lot of animals on display in this building. Comes with a little gift shop that carries toys to wine from the local winery right up the hill. A must stop if you are not from around here.

What a wonderful place to visit! For so many reasons. Besides being free. A lot is offered here…read more There are exhibits which tells you about the natural environment in the area. My favorite is an enclosed bee hive with live bees. Awesome! I've been here at night to look at the stars. And I've walked the trail. Going past a pond and the prairie. Then I brought my lunch to eat at the picnic shelter. All very relaxing and therapeutic for me. Great for those with families. Easy to find. Right off Highway 61. I try to come here at least half a dozen times a year.

Clean, spacious, level. Can be pretty buggy, (insects). Electric only but water spigots are…read moreconveniently placed in loops. Pit toilets in loops, running water comfort stations with free showers are available. The dump station is newer and clean. Three lanes, five spots. All cement and easy to wash off when done. The river views are nice. Have been there twice, will go again, but probably in the fall when hopefully the bugs are less invasive.

We were in town mainly for genealogical research on my family which came to Carroll County in 1840…read more (Among other things, historians say my Great-great-great-uncle, David B. Emmert Sr., and his wife, Susan Price Emmert, were instrumental in founding the town of Mount Carroll.) So technically, this is the Carroll County Historical Society, and the Owen P. Miles Museum. Both a historic home and history museum, the museum complex is steeped in Carroll County history. The museum is generally open by appointment only. But during the summer it looks like they're open 9:30am to 1:30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Call ahead to be sure though. Give yourself at least an hour to tour the museum, and to view the very nice exhibits. In our case, Ronnie gave us almost four hours of her undivided attention that added enormously to what I already knew about my family. Compared with the disorganized local history section at the Mt. Carroll Library, the all-volunteer Carroll County Historical Society is a priceless resource, Thanks, Ronnie and Anne!

great place economical…read moregreat family shows good food great prices !,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,.,,,,

My husband stayed here one night they answered the phone even after hours. We were able to reserve…read moreonline which was great! They are pet friendly and have many pull through spots for those like us who are just passing through. They have a lake with fishing as well. Not far from the highway. Highly recommend!

The place is very family oriented and my kids at 4 and 6 years old had a blast. We went on 4th of…read moreJuly weekend and there were plenty of activities, like decorating your bike which followed a bike parade. Other attractions: bingo night, a dance, bring a fish to share eve, huge bonfire, swimming pool with toys and raffles. Staff is super friendly. For the bad: MOSQUITOS!!!! Wow. From morning, till 10pm. On hotter days it's bearable but if it's in the 70's, prepare for the worst. Overall, experience was good, I would recommend the owners to invest in mosquito service.