Savanna, Illinois is the perfect getaway spot you didn’t know about

The secret is starting to get out: for a quick getaway, Savanna, Illinois hits the sweet spot for small town nightlife and outdoor adventure. Named number one (and number four in 2020) in USA Today’s 2021 “Best small towns for adventure,” Savanna has long been a Mecca for motorcyclists, but increasingly Savanna is drawing non-biker visitors – couples, friends, and families -- from the likes of Des Moines, Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago, looking to get outside and let loose.

Situated on the Mississippi River, 30 minutes south of Galena, Savanna sits on the southeastern tip of the Driftless Region – a portion of the Upper Midwest bypassed by the glaciers during the last ice age, resulting in a landscape unlike the flat terrain characterizing the area surrounding the region. “Savanna... is a hidden jewel… This is a part of the Prairie State that no one but a local would recognize as Illinois,” writes Ted Cox in the Chicago Reader.

Savanna is also drawing visitors for its lively music scene, not only in the town’s plethora of bars but, commonly, featured bands will be seen playing right on the sidewalk of Main Street. Savanna, once dominated by the railroad and military industries, is undergoing a rebirth as a tourist destination.

What to do. For outdoor adventure, Savanna is most known for Mississippi Palisades State Park which Samantha Yadron described in Chicago Magazine as a less congested Starved Rock. “The craggy rock formations and dramatic views will make you wonder if you're really still in Illinois,” she wrote. For a different type of state park experience, cross the Mississippi into Iowa where Maquoketa Caves State Park provides even novice cave explorers the ability to safely wander the park’s numerous caves. Want to get out on the water? cSavanna outfitters offers kayak rentals and tubing adventures. If you love the theater arts, be sure to check out the Timber Lake Playhouse featuring mainstage performances, children’s theater, lawn concerts, and haunted October happenings. Wine lovers will enjoy the handful of area wineries, including Fergedaboudit Vineyard & Winery and Massbach Ridge Winery. Other memorable activities include going on a paranormal investigation in downtown Savanna with 2 a.m. Paranormal, touring Savanna’s Havencrest Castle, a 63-room opulently furnished mansion (tours only available in October and May), and axe throwing at Rocket Axe Throwing.

Where to eat. For breakfast or lunch, check out Kountry Kettle, located on the outskirts of town. From the outside, you’ll think Kountry Kettle is just another small town, mediocre diner, but step inside and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the diner’s modernity and quality. Another good lunch or dinner option, located right in Savanna’s downtown is Hawg Dogs, a large bar and live music venue with a fairly expansive menu of burgers, pizza, salads, sandwiches, and more that will not disappoint. If you are looking for something nicer, across the street from Hawg Dogs is Circa 1888, an urban farmhouse kitchen offering a seasonal, ever-changing menu with most offerings available gluten free. Do not forget to grab dessert at Shivers Ice Cream Shoppe, a local favorite featuring 32 flavors (take that Baskin Robbins and your measly 31 flavors!). For dining options outside of Savanna, check out Molly’s Kitchen and Tap, Flatted Fifth Blues & BBQ at Potter’s Mill, or the Log Cabin.

Where to drink. The Iron Horse Social Club, Hawg Dogs sister bar, is worth stopping by even if you don’t stay for the drinks and live music as the bar doubles as a motorcycle museum and has an onsite wedding chapel. Poopy’s Pub n’ Grub is the undisputed largest biker bar in Illinois and is a destination in of itself, attracting large crowds with its live music lineup and events. Want to drink like a local? Pop-in the Filling Station (208 Chicago Ave.), Savanna’ super small, super cheap dive bar. Other watering holes include Hess’ Whiskey River, Baggers, and TnTs Roundhouse Saloon.

If cannabis is more your thing, particularly if you are visiting Savanna from a neighboring state that still criminalizes the weed, you’re in luck as there is a recreational dispensary about 20 minutes south of Savanna and one 40 minutes north.

Where to shop. Fans of the History Channel’s American Pickers will be pleasantly surprised to find the antique shop Frank Fritz Finds (324 Main St.), owned by the show’s former star, Frank Fritz. Stop in to see Frank’s latest antiques and oddities. Sassy Stems Floral & Gift Boutique is more than just a flower shop, it also doubles as a super cute boutique selling jewelry, purses, décor, fragrances, and more; be sure to stop in for your Savanna memento. While meandering the other unique shops on Savanna’s Main Street, be sure to head into the Lightworkers Union, a retail and holistic service storefront, and ask for your personalized tarot card reading.

Where to stay. The Ecology Inn is located right on Savanna’s downtown Main Street and features four private rooms with shared living space; book just one room or all four for maximum space and privacy. The two bedroom Dragonfly, located less than a block from Main Street, offers contemporary, chic comfort within a nineteenth century gem; the Dragonfly’s galley-style 3-season room is the perfect space to relax with a book and glass of wine or to play cards with friends. Or for an unforgettable experience, book a night for up to four people to sleep in the Lilly Pad houseboat parked along the Mighty Mississippi in Sabula, Iowa; just minutes away from Savanna, Sabula is Iowa's only only island-city.

If you are interested in purchasing (or selling) real estate in Savanna or anywhere else in the world, connect today to be matched, for free, using a highly personalized approach, with a highly qualified real estate professional.