Carthage, IL

Travel Guide

A brick house with a small attached shed, a snow-covered yard, and a clear blue sky.
A large white building with a clock tower and red domes, surrounded by snow and trees.
A white clock tower with a red dome and a golden statue on top.
Hotel Prairie Winds Carthage Keokuk Hwy 136

Hotel Prairie Winds Carthage Keokuk Hwy 136

2 out of 5
1764 E us highway 136 Carthage IL
Fully refundable
$68 nightly
The price is $72 total per night from Oct 20 to Oct 21
$72 total
Oct 20 - Oct 21
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this motel in Carthage. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attraction ...
7/10 Good! (92 reviews)
"No covers on outlets noisy poor parking and no hot breakfasts just cereal"

Reviewed on Oct 3, 2026

Hotel Prairie Winds Carthage Keokuk Hwy 136
Cobblestone Inn & Suites - Fort Madison

Cobblestone Inn & Suites - Fort Madison

2.5 out of 5
4901 Avenue O Fort Madison IA
$114 nightly
The price is $128 total per night from Oct 14 to Oct 15
$128 total
Oct 14 - Oct 15
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Fort Madison. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (734 reviews)
"Very clean and comfortable stay."

Reviewed on Oct 5, 2026

Cobblestone Inn & Suites - Fort Madison
Quality Inn & Suites Fort Madison near Hwy 61

Quality Inn & Suites Fort Madison near Hwy 61

2.5 out of 5
6169 Reve Ct Fort Madison IA
$87 nightly
The price is $98 total per night from Nov 1 to Nov 2
$98 total
Nov 1 - Nov 2
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Fort Madison. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (657 reviews)
"Eleven needs vacuuming and smells."

Reviewed on Oct 1, 2026

Quality Inn & Suites Fort Madison near Hwy 61
See all 140 properties in Carthage
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Family Home in Carthage

Family Home in Carthage

Carthage IL
Stay at this vacation home in Carthage. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attraction Carthage Jail is located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (20 reviews)
"The house was so clean and organized. The space fit our family of 6, and my mom very well. Everyone had they're own bed and space to go relax at the end of the day. Beds were comfortable and well made. The kitchen had plenty of dishes and cookware. The location was great. Right by local coffee shops ..."

Reviewed on Sep 7, 2026

Family Home in Carthage
House with 2 separate living areas

House with 2 separate living areas

Carthage IL
Stay at this vacation home in Carthage. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attraction Carthage Jail is located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
"Very homey and clean. We appreciated the kitchen arrangements and exceptional bedding!"

Reviewed on Oct 21, 2025

House with 2 separate living areas
Nauvoo Vacation Villas & Condos

Nauvoo Vacation Villas & Condos

3 out of 5
2372 N County Road 900 Nauvoo IL
Book a stay at this business-friendly condo in Nauvoo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (454 reviews)
"Great place, very clean and comfortable"

Reviewed on Oct 2, 2026

Nauvoo Vacation Villas & Condos
See all properties in Carthage
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Carthage attractions

Carthage Jail

9.2/10 (72 reviews)
You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Carthage Jail in Carthage.
See properties

Frequently asked questions

Is Carthage worth visiting?
Carthage is worth visiting for its significant historical landmark, Carthage Jail, offering travelers a unique glimpse into the area's past. Beyond its history, the destination provides diverse dining experiences, including popular North American and Italian cuisine.
When is the best time to visit Carthage?
The best time to visit Carthage is from May through September, when the weather is generally warm and pleasant for exploring. For fewer crowds and better value, consider traveling during the quieter months of November through February, which offer cooler temperatures and a different perspective on the destination.
What is Carthage known for?
Carthage is known for the historic Carthage Jail, a landmark that draws travelers to this city in the United States. Travelers can delve into its past and discover a variety of North American food culture, offering diverse culinary experiences.
What is a good itinerary length for Carthage?
A good itinerary length for Carthage is one day to explore Carthage Jail. For a slightly longer trip, two days would allow you to revisit the jail and enjoy the local dining options, which include North American, Italian, and Latin American cuisine, at a relaxed pace.
What are the top things to do in and around Carthage?
In Carthage, travelers can visit the Carthage Jail, a historic landmark and point of interest.
What cuisines can you find in Carthage?
In Carthage, travelers can find Italian cuisine, with classic dishes like pasta, pizza, lasagna, and tiramisu. You can also enjoy North American Southern Soul Food, offering comfort dishes, and Asian Chinese options like stir-fries and noodles.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Carthage?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Carthage by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Carthage with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Carthage trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Carthage?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Carthage can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Carthage trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Carthage trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Carthage trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Carthage trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Carthage?
If it's your first trip to Carthage, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Carthage hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Carthage hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Carthage

An aerial view of a town with a large white building, surrounded by fields and a river.

Nauvoo

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