Read our full coverage on the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway to learn more. If your fall plans include a shopping weekend in Galena, make time for a fresh-air escape to the state parks and recreation areas outside town: Mississippi Palisades for river views, White Pines Forest for thick groves, Lowden Memorial for The Eternal Indian (aka Black Hawk) statue and Lake Le-Aqua-Na for trail rides. Follow the Mother Road to discover a myriad of quirky roadside attractions, or hit one of the scenic highways crisscrossing the state. The national byway preserves the nature along the river, providing amazing views of serene Illinois woodlands and wetland as well as prairies and lakes, which makes it perfect for nature lovers. Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. Enjoy all that Southern Illinois has to offer. Notable sites along the route are Burnham Park, Chicago Yacht Club, Drake Hotel, Du Sable Park, Grant Park, Jackson Park, Lake Point Tower, Lincoln Park, Montrose Beach, Adler Planetarium, Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Museum of Science and Industry, Promontory Point, Navy Pier, Soldier Field, North Avenue Beach, Oak Street Beach, Belmont Harbor and Temple Sholom. around Illinois. Site Map, Copyright 2023 Great Rivers Country. If a particular destination isnt on the agenda, there arent many options better than Blackjack Road, which winds southward out of Galena down to Savanna. 1 Here are 9 of the best scenic drives you'll find in Northern California: 2 1) Golden Gate National Recreation area scenic drive: 3 2) Hendy Woods scenic drive (Route 128): 4 3) Vineyard scenic drive to Fort Bragg (Route 128): 5 4) Russian Gulch scenic drive: 6 5) Fort Bragg scenic drive (also route 1): Downtown Chicago on E. Jackson Boulevard and end at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in Granite City. Share your experiences and photos with us! You've probably worked up an appetite upon completing your hike. This remarkable historic drive offers numerous panoramic views of the Illinois River Valley. We have been enjoying visiting several of the Presidential libraries, museums, historic homes, etc. A haven for nature lovers, this drive is sure to give you a sense of tranquillity and oneness with the natural world. It's very well done overall. Beautiful winding river through farm country thats peaceful and quiet. Request additional information, schedule a showing, save to your property organizer. Scenic drives in Illinois: 12 amazing scenic routes you must explore. Learn more about Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail on the webpage. The short stretch of the Lake Michigan Circle Tourthrough Illinois travels along Route 137 and then joins Lakeshore Drive (US-41) right at the Lake Michigan coastline through the suburbs of Chicago. On your way, be sure to check out an original brick road (no, its not yellow!) Day spas in Illinois that are worh visiting. Your multi-country journey begins in Zimbabwe at Victoria Fallsthe largest waterfall in the worldfollowed by camping in Botswana's Chobe National Park. Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway, 11304 N Prairie Rd, Lewistown, IL 61542, USA. Get inspired by top travel stories, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. It has run every year since 1968, attracting tourists from all over to drive through 17 little towns and appreciate the local history and culture while being surrounded by fall colors. Youll see where Lincolns political career began, take pictures with giant bottles of catsup, and experience historical wonders such as the Cahokia Mounds, the largest prehistoric site north of Mexico where Mississippi natives were living 1,000 years ago. 9 years ago. Visit the largest state park in Illinois and one untouched by glaciers that once blanketed much of the state. This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. Encounter these quirky relics, from a giant Muffler Man to a towering bottle of catsup. If you are looking for interesting cities in northern Illinois, click here. 59 helpful votes. Take the weekend and even consider camping out under a blanket of stars. Things To Do Find a scenic drive or plan a road trip with myscenicdrives.com Find a Scenic Drive Road Trip Planner Plan, edit, save, and share your custom day trips, weekend getaways, and cross-country adventures. Lovely small communities and towns in farm country with something new around every bend. There are festivals and celebrations happening every month of the year along the Great River Route. From there take US 30 west to the Mississippi River. Use our Sound Off tool. A must-see for everyone. If you're not one to hit the black diamond slopes out in Colorado, Trail Ridge Road is your best way to see the Rocky Mountains. Picnic at a scenic overlook for lunch. The cave's history is full of tales of pirates ambushing travelers along the river in the 18th and 19th centuries. This drive will take you through the Spoon River Valley, full of bluffs, rolling hills, and beautiful scenery. We'd love to have your business listed on our site. Hop in the car and enjoy the best scenic drives in Illinois, from bluffs along the Mississippi River to winding roads through a national forest and the famous Route 66. Learn more about the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway on the website. Check it out: If you love road trips, check out these seven places in Illinois boonies that are so worth the drive. The scenic byway boasts 300 miles in Illinois alone, ending where the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers converge near Cairo, IL. You will find many small towns with food marts and fuel stations in this route. Scenic Drives Carroll County Carroll County Barn Quilt Trail Various locations Carroll County, IL Barn quilts enhance the beauty of the countryside and are enjoyed by those who pass by. Love Illinois? With about 300 miles of highway in Illinois alone, you could make a whole day of sight seeing. Following the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles and spanning 10 states, this amazing road starts in Minnesota and extends to the Gulf of Mexico. Step back in time to the golden age of train travel and settle in for a peaceful ride to discover some of Illinois most charming towns and hidden treasures. See our web stories that accompany this post. The road has its northern source near Galena before tracking the Mississippi River all the way to Cairo, at the far south end of the state. Midwest Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. Why you should go: The ultimate great lakes drive when you have a few days to spare. Our integrated delivery model allows our clinicians to offer state-of-the-art, top tier quality care throughout eastern Wisconsin and northern and central Illinois. Ive traveled much of the U.S. and Ill rank this drive as one of the more scenic Ive ever taken. The America's Byways Program is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, and was established to help recognize, preserve and enhance selected roads throughout the states. Guide yourself through Knox County and the 8 rural towns that it comprises. 4. From Peoria's Grandview Drive-deemed the "world's most beautiful drive" by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1910-to Illinois' seven nationally designated Scenic Byways, there are plenty of routes you can take to appreciate the state's autumn landscapes. One of Chicago's most attractive attractions. Whether you are a professed history buff, a lover of nature, or a boatman you will enjoy all that these sweeping 96 miles of the Illinois and Michigan canals have to offer. Use our easy Lodging Search to find exactly the type of accommodation you are looking for at the right price. Check out these 10 Tiny Towns In Illinois That Are Always Worth A Visit. There are spots where the trail breaks clear of the woods and opens on views of miles of undulating Illinois landscape, some under cultivation, some nearly pristine and natural. Best time to drive: mid September - end of October. The Scenic Ridge Route offers 19 miles of smooth road surface and lots of sweeping corners. This incredible route is the iconic American road trip. You'll also pass by some of the state's most beautiful rivers, including the Spoon River and the Illinois River, and the river starts . Routes will begin to appear on map approximately 10 seconds after the map loads at a rate of one route per second. flanked by a lavish residential area in the west and fantastic panoramic views of the. Walk the quiet, lush grounds and take in the countless varieties of trees, including red oak, sycamore, black walnut, Norway spruce, Ohio buckeye and many, many more. Scenic drives follow rivers and creeks through woods and past parks, playgrounds and numerous roadside attractions. Searching for 55+ Communities on Retirenet.com is simple and easy. Thats easy; everywhere you go turns into a classic Illinois road trip. But the Galena end of the highway yields to no other area in its River Road attractions. There are also loads of other historical tidbits along the route ranging from Civil War heroes, river pirates, and more. An incredible hike in southern Illinois. Return to Main Site. Looking where to stay while exploring the Shawnee Hills Wine trail? This is truly one of the most remarkable Illinois byways to drive. Many use it to visit antique shops, farmers markets, and other attractions, but you can also drive the whole thing and see the best parts of Southern Illinois. While this region of southern Illinois definitely can feel off the grid, there is no shortage of restaurants offering tasty meals after a day of driving, hiking, or wine tasting. Here, the Illinois forest crowds in close to the roadside, and low speeds and open windows will treat you to birdsong and the buzz, drone and plaintive croaks of a myriad of insects and hopping residents of the woods vernal pools. A spectacular train trestle bridge crosses the Illinois River near Allen Park and the Old Town business district. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Learn more about The Morton Arboretum on the website. Along the way youll pass Hanover (site of Whistling Wings, a mallard duck hatchery), Blackhawk and Marcus, not to mention Hanover Bluff Nature Preserve and Palisades State Park. This is an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites without extra cost to you. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532, USA. Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National ForestCave in Rock State ParkSuperman Statue in Metropolis, Old Chain of Rocks BridgeOriginal Brick RoadHenry's Rabbit Ranch, 3. From Peoria's Grandview Drive-deemed the "world's most beautiful drive" by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1910-to Illinois' seven nationally designated Scenic Byways, there are plenty of routes you can take to appreciate the state's autumn landscapes. You may even find a new greasy spoon with all the comfort foods you could imagine. If you want to take a unique boat tour along the Illinois River and Lake Michigan, check out Chicago Fireboat Tours. For example, there are the Fulton Dutch Days in May, the Cahokia Native American Holiday Market in Collinsville during the month of November, and the Eagle Ice Festival in Alton in January. Advocate Aurora Healths combined strength and stability drives us forward. Illinois Great River Road: Follow the river But no road trip in the region would be complete without a journey down the Illinois Great River Road, one of the most scenic drives in Illinois. Nature, agriculture Get your kitsch on the Illinois stretch of Route 66. Click on the map to specific attractions and follow the directions through the drives. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine. Not only is the drive peaceful and beautiful, but there are also fantastic spots to park, set up a blanket, and have a picnic on a bluff overlooking the river, enjoying the tranquility of the surrounding foliage. Take the weekend and even consider camping out under a blanket of stars. Needles Highway (Highway 87), is found in the Black Hills of South Dakota, on a stretch of road through Custer State Park. 1. It's a 39-mile loop drive with 16 designated scenic overlooks and eight hiking trails. If you have a day or two to just breathe in all the sites, then take on Spoon River Valleys scenic 140-mile drive. Ron "Don't Say Gay" DeSantis of . The northern end of the 115-mile route begins at Sheboygan County's Elkhart Lake. To request a listing, please fill out the form below and press "Submit.". Youll have the best seat in the house. Popular stops along the road include the Paramount Theatre built in 1931, Rochelle Railroad Park with locomotives from the 1920s, and the unique communities that span the rolling prairies and riverfront towns on this scenic route in Illinois. Sign up for our daily email to stay up to date with Illinois politics. It runs beside the scenic Fox River in Northern Illinois alongside historic railroad lines, crossing six bridges, and passing through nature preserves and charming towns. Byway Bites If you love a good, old fashioned drive through beautiful rural Illinois and have a spot thats your favorite we certainly want to hear about it in the comments. In this travel magazine we share our best tips and adventures. The Tunnel of Trees spans 20 miles, beginning . There is a piece of the Berlin wall outside the building as well. Home #4 Illinois Ultimate Scenic Rivers Route Illinois Rivers Route is an illustrious 140-mile road that stretches along the Illinois River. 3. Be sure to check out London Mills and Spoon River Dam along the Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive, one of the most beautiful drives in Illinois. Nearby is the 1,200-feet high Charles Mound, the highest point in the state. Thank you! Roadside land is often the first and most visible land to be converted to residential or commercial uses. Thank you! The River Road National Scenic Byway showcases Illinois natural wonders and theyre truly breathtaking. The endpoint is in Cairo, an abandoned town that is packed with history. About Advocate Aurora Health. Home Saults Drug Store Inc, 505 Court St, Fulton, MO 65251, USA. Trail, Bird Watching, with many great shops in became a one-way street in 1955, Right here at Adams St. became the new starting point for Route 66 one. Visit state parks and recreation areas near Galena on our scenic loop drive. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Travel the entire length of the state on a 300-mile Great Highway 65 Road Trip.U.S. Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. Along the way you might just discover that theres more to the road than the river. 93 reviews. Scenic America has assembled the only comprehensive, nationwide scenic byways database, and we are pleased to share it with the public. Plan Your Trip We had the best afternoon exploring and even came home with some beautiful handicrafts. Color Key: top-5 ranked routes in the state #1#2#3#4#5 Routes ranked below the top-5 are drawn in gray Newest Motorcycle Roads & Rides in Illinois The Great River Road follows the mighty Mississippi, the nations longest river, along Illinois western border. Some of the most popular stops along the way include the restored 1891 opera house, the Spoon River Dam, and the London Mills Docks along the Illinois River where visitors can enjoy a picnic or spend time fishing. . Read more about these and other Southern Illinois State Parks here. Many use it to visit antique shops, farmers markets, and other attractions, but you can also drive the whole thing and see the best parts of Southern Illinois. This scenic byway travels along the Ohio River through the southern area of Illinois, near Golconda, Metropolis and Cairo. You can read our complete privacy policy here. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. My wife and I drove through and the beauty is amazing. Along the way, you'll pass many historic places including an old railroad depot, a log cabin from 1832, and a couple one-room schoolhouses. Experience what the American Dream really felt like while driving along legendary Route 66. The scenic byway is just 33 miles and stretches from Hartford to Grafton. Its no secret that the small towns of the Prairie State are charming, to say the least, and provide the perfect escape from daily life. The road is quite smooth and the traffic volume is very low. Highest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews. Youll find historic destinations, UNESCO World Heritage sites, awe-inspiring views, and quaint towns spread throughout the journey. Known as the Tunnel of Trees, M-119 is one of the most idyllic settings in the state. I especially loved the Corpus Christi Church in Galesburg which was built in 1832 and is just a beautiful display of architecture. You can send yourself an email as well. It was the widest and longest bascule bridge in the world when it was constructed in 1937, a year after LSD was completed by architect Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe. Its a road trip into the past, with plenty of kitsch and nostalgia to go around. If you are looking for a list of more Central Illinois attractions, click here. The Ohio River has a rich history and river culture. Scenic drives to consider in Illinois are listed below. Check out these, If you want to take a unique boat tour along the Illinois River and Lake Michigan, check out, Visit These 12 Incredible Charming Small Towns In Illinois, One For Each Month Of The Year, This Walkable Stretch Of Shops And Restaurants In Small-Town Illinois Is The Perfect Day Trip Destination, Few People Know One Of The Nicest Restaurants In America Is Hiding In Small-Town Illinois, The Illinois Resort Where You Can Go Ice Skating, Make Homemade Smores, And More This Winter, The 10 Best Backroads In Illinois For A Long Scenic Drive, 7 Paved Trails In Illinois That Make Hiking The Great Outdoors Easier, Theres A Mule-Pulled Canal Ride In Illinois That Is The Most Unique Thing Youll Ever Do, Take This Road To Nowhere In Illinois To Get Away From It All. Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews full coverage on the webpage showing, save to your property organizer first. To drive scenic routes you must explore quirky roadside attractions, or hit of... 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