Mt. Carroll is located in northwest Illinois in Carroll County (of which it is the county seat). It is only minutes from the Mississippi River and Mississippi Palisades State Park to the west. The population estimate for 2000 was about 1,800.
The town has been nicknamed the "New England of the Midwest". One local attraction is Raven's Grin Inn--a haunted house that has been turned into a theater hosting murder mystery parties.
Over 30 sites in Mt. Carroll have been registered as "Historic" and the district has one of the finer collections of 19th-century metal facades.
Recreational opportunities include outings to Oakville Country Club which is open to the public.