Peoria Grandview Drive ("World's Most Beautiful Drive") Must-see pit stops: The "castle" on Grandview Drive Scenic overlooks of the Illinois River Valley Forest Park Nature Center 4. You can learn more about it at the Lincoln Highway National Headquarters in Franklin Grove. The whole family will love hiking the oak-hickory forest with its incredible geological formations. 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. Explore the region for yourself and find little-known treasures, perhaps using one of our favorite Illinois scenic drives as a starting point: No. It stretches 15.83 miles from Hollywood Avenue or 5700 North to Marquette Drive and Jefferey Drive at 6600 South and is often described as the "most scenic roadway in the country" as it embraces the lakefront, the city's skyline and most major tourist attractions. 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. There are also plenty of museums where history enthusiasts can discover the history of each town you pass through, including the Illinois Route 66 Mining Museum, Hawes Grain Elevator Museum, and Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. You can have these simpler times back. The Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Fall Festival was created in the 1960s to generate enthusiasm for visitors to enjoy the area. A Sunday drive elicits connotations of happier, simpler Rockwell-esque times. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions 2023 worldatlas.com, Enjoy the 8 Most Beautiful Cities in Illinois, These Towns in Illinois Have the Best Main Streets, 7 Most Scenic Road Trips to Take in Alaska, 9 Most Scenic Road Trips to take in Maine, 8 Ideal Destinations For A 3-Day Weekend In Wisconsin, 9 Ideal Destinations For A 3-Day Weekend In Utah, 11 Most Charming Central California Coast Towns. The Great River Road covers 2,069 miles and travels south from Minnesota, through Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. There are festivals and celebrations happening every month of the year along the Great River Route. Organized as a territory in 1809, Illinois entered the Union in 1818 with 102 counties. There are plenty of stops along the way that . Illinois' seven national Scenic Byways: the Great River Road, the Lincoln Highway, Meeting of the Great Rivers, Historic National Road in Illinois, Ohio River Scenic Route, Illinois River Road and Historic Route 66 offer every traveler convenient and informative ways to experience the diversity of scenery offered throughout our great state. You can do the stunning drive outlined here in one day. Chicago fall foliage is best to witness in the second week of Halloween month. Robyne Stevenson. Find your nearest vaccination location at vaccines.gov. Starting in Galena to the north, and traveling all the way to Cairo in the south, youll come across historical sites, quaint towns, state parks, and wineries where you can easily fill your itinerary. Enjoy the slow-moving waters of the Illinois River, the roadside stands selling fruits and vegetables, and the cultural history of the Native Americans, French explorers, and American settlers that built their communities around this river. #4 Illinois Ultimate Scenic Rivers Route Illinois Rivers Route is an . Each issue offers a mix of travel stories, stunning photography and timely trip ideas that make the most of each season. But in fact, this beautiful drive is one of the wonderful Illinois scenic roads. When we say homes, these arent your typical cozy houses. Wildlife Prairie State Park is just outside of Peoria, so stop into the city for dinner. It originally ran from Chicago all the way to Los Angeles, California. TheGreat River Road, which travels along the Mississippi River, has countless o Fall is when many of the states best qualities truly shine. 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. Not to mention, these towns feature enchanting scenery untouched by skyscrapers and a plethora of lakes for water recreation and family-friendly activities. The Historic National Road was the nations first federally funded interstate highway, opening the nation to the west and becoming a corridor for the movement of goods and people. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The National Road Association of Illinois website has. The wildlife and foliage on the drive is absolutely beautiful and the wine is a plus! This is all part of a National Scenic Byway that encompasses the Great River Road along the entire length of the Mississippi River from northern Minnesota to southern Louisiana. Great River Road Must-see pit stops: Long Hollow Scenic Overlook Dutch Windmill "De Immigrant" I noticed it because I saw people taking selfies with the sign in the background. History buffs should definitely check out the Lincoln School Museum in Martinsville and Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Collinsville to see the remains of the largest prehistoric city in North America. Along this route, youll learn the fascinating history of Lewis and Clark and other explorers who stopped along this route, as well as the tragic history of the Native Americans and the Trail of Tears that passed through Golconda. Learn more about the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway on the website. Youll find local businesses and vendors from all over the county delivering amazing food and homemade treats, handcrafted goods, unique art, and plenty of antiques. Although there is a trail that runs along the I & M Canal, you can also take a tour of the canal on a riverboat thats pulled by a mule! was the nations first federally funded interstate highway, opening the nation to the west and becoming a corridor for the movement of goods and people. There is no better place to take a selfie than at this scenic overlook in Galena, with its picturesque rolling countryside that will make you feel like you are in rural England (no passport needed!). This gorgeous road spans three states: Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. In Illinois, this historic roadway does not disappoint. Today, theres still so much to see and do along Route 66. And if you want more interesting Illinois facts and figures, you can find themhere! These are just a few of the interesting details you can learn while youre enjoying your trip to this Midwestern state. A must-see for everyone. the Shawnee Hills Wine trail? Whichever route motorists choose to take, they are sure to discover a little something about Illinois and perhaps find a new appreciation for the lovely state. The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail features 11 family-owned wineries and vineyards surrounded by the lush splendor of the Southern Illinois landscape. Bordered on the east by Indiana, Iowa and Missouri to the west, and Wisconsin to the north, Illinois is crisscrossed with seven of. Some of the best stops along the highway include Franklin Grove, where travelers will find the museum that documents the history of the road itself, and Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie for some adventuring and perhaps spot a herd of bison if luck strikes. Located at the convergence of the Mighty Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois Rivers, the byway winds west and north, with. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeths articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals. Looking where to stay while exploring the Shawnee Hills Wine trail? What are some of the most beautiful parks to visit in Illinois? 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. Best Places to Visit in Illinois: Scenic & Beautiful Day Trip Ideas - Thrillist Chicago Travel Road Trips The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Illinois Buckle up and hit the road for. Its easy to get out of the car and into nature at places like Carlyle Lake and Lincoln Trail State Park. For those looking for a quick trip, however, The Central/Northern Byway of the Illinois River Road offers a lovely sample of that experience. In Peoria, youll have fun at the Wildlife Prairie State Park and the Peoria Zoo. At nearly 179 miles, it takes aboutfive to six hours to visit the entire byway, from its eastern portal at Lynwood to its Mississippi crossing at Fulton. (although COVID has impacted scheduled events), as well as. Whether travelers want to spend a weekend hitting all the best stops, or take the ride at a slower pace, turning every little town into unexpected and spontaneous adventures. If you have a day or two to just breathe in all the sites, then take on Spoon River Valleys scenic 140-mile drive. Some of the best photo opportunities along the way include the Pig Hip Sign, Bunyon's Statue, and OBrien Tire & Auto Care Giant Tire. That way you can drive nearly 300 miles with a different perspective at every mile. Driving on this old road, with some replicas of old signs and vintage billboards, took us back in time we could imagine what it was like to drive Route 66 a hundred years ago. Lincoln Highway, Lincoln Hwy, Joliet, IL, USA. While it doesnt boast an intimidating amount of driving miles (only nine miles, to be exact) you will still enjoy driving through about 1,700 lush acres of bountiful gardens and trees. Local Contact: Mr. Roger L. Carmack Macomb, IL E-Mail: rcarmack@macomb.com Phone: 309-837-7460 Related Site(s): Great River Road IL Enjoy Illinois Byways Illinois River Road, Local Contact: Phil Lewis, National Road Interpretive Center, Vandalia, ILE-mail:wootongs@gmail.com Phone: 217-259-4354Related Site(s): National Road Enjoy Illinois Byways, Local Contact: Casey Claypool 1045 South 5th St. Springfield, IL 62703 E-mail: casey@illinoisroute66.org Phone: 217-670-1805Related Site(s): Illinois Route 66 Enjoy Illinois Byways, Local Contact: PendingRelated Site(s): Drive Lincoln Highway Enjoy Illinois Byways, Local Contact: The Nature Conservancy - Illinois River Program OfficeHavana, IL E-mail: info@illinoisriverroad.org Phone: 309-547-2730Related Site(s): Illinois River Road Enjoy Illinois Byways, Local Contact: Cory Jobe Great Rivers & Route Tourism Bureau 200 Piasa Stree Alton, IL E-mail: Cjobe@riversandroutes.com Phone: 618-465-6676Related Site(s): Great Rivers Byway Enjoy Illinois Byways, Local Contact: Rhonda Belford, President E-mail:orsb@shawneelink.net Phone: 618-525-1855Related Site(s): Ohio River Scenic Byway Enjoy Illinois Byways. A scenic drive up and down the Mississippi River always makes for an excellent road trip. TheIllinois River Road website lists the unique attractions,activities, andevents (although COVID has impacted scheduled events), as well assample tour routes andvideo tours. Thank you! Enjoy all that Southern Illinois has to offer. It all started back in 1926 when the Bureau of Public Roads created a way for goods to travel from Chicago to Los Angeles, California. From red and yellow trees to roads dusted with vibrant leaves, this is an incredibly scenic fall drive in Northern Illinois. The Teutopolis Monastery Museum is a popular spot, housing religious artifacts, as well as the 198-foot cross in Effingham, and the Cahokia Mounds state historic site in Collinsville. Illinois Scenic Drives Byways, Backways, Historic Routes,. Illinois is well-loved for its vast landscape and endless attractions, making it the ideal spot for a road trip. Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway, 11304 N Prairie Rd, Lewistown, IL 61542, USA. With Ottawa just over an hour from downtown, the Illinois River Road is a perfect day trip from Chicago. Where can I take a scenic boat ride in Illinois? places in Illinois where you can spot eagles during winter. Share your TAB, TAG or Cirrus experience for a chance to be featured on our website! Here you can find more info about planning a trip to Starved Rock. Youll find historic destinations, UNESCO World Heritage sites, awe-inspiring views, and quaint towns spread throughout the journey. 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. Guide yourself through Knox County and the 8 rural towns that it comprises. Travel back in time as you make your way through original one-room schoolhouses, an 1832 log cabin, century-old chapels, and a historic railroad depot. Naturally, there are quite a number of historical sites along the Historic National Road. It's known for its cheesy attractions, quirky restaurants, and unique museums. Matthiessen State Park is quite close to Starved Rock and is perfect for adding into . Get out and stretch your legs along the great river by exploring the beautiful landscape. Read Enjoy Illinois magazine online or download the PDF and start exploring trip ideas Dont miss the original seedling mile in Malta. There is so much history and pride in the locals here. There are plenty of stops along the way that houses historic sites, outdoor adventure, and a plethora of local festivals, shops, restaurants, and more. And if you are looking for some fresh from picking produce, the numerous roadside stands are bound to have whatever fruit or vegetable you are craving. But once your camper is parked and , You parked your camper during the cold winter months, but now as the new season approaches, you cant wait to hit the road . Alton was a great stop along the way will come back when we can stay for a couple days. Our route. This post may contain affiliate links. I'm sure the fall, with leaves turning color, would be a wonderful time to visit as well. We were most recently there and counted 40 bald eagles on our drive. The, borders the state on the west, offering incredible views that will inspire your imagination and showcase the fertile land that feeds the country. Beginning in Chicago and ending in St. Louis, you'll find an old, hand-laid brick road, a rabbit ranch, fried chicken, strange statues, and much more on this Illinois byway. Youre welcome to visit the Spoon River Valley any time. Get more details about this byway here. It is a rural byway, boasting all the very best views of Illinois, not to mention charming small towns rich in Civil War history such as Marietta, Ripley, and Aberdeen. Who doesnt love an adventure along one of the best scenic drives in Illinois? Today, youll find pumpkin picking, homemade pies, jams, and crafts for sale. If you are a Republican fan, a fan of Reagan's or just love history, this is a wonderful tribute to a great man. Get more stories delivered right to your email. , including the Land of Lincoln (also its state slogan) and The Prairie State, but did you also know that popcorn is its official snack food, the eastern tiger salamander the state amphibian, and the monarch butterfly the state insect? 2023 - Family Road Trip. While there isn't anything else in the immediate vicinity relating to Route 66, it's an easy way to pay homage to this world-famous All-American route. Small towns show their past, including being part of the first interstate, the underground railroad, and even the beginnings of President Lincolns political career. The Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway begins in Chicago and ends up at the Chain of Rocks Bridge, with a plethora of enticing small towns and roadside attractions in between. Get to know us better on our about us page. Hit the Road Great River Road Head west and drive the Great River Road along the Mississippi, with its bluff-top views, river sights, charming B&Bs and sprawling vineyards. In the midst of vast Illinois farmland, weekend travelers discover a topographic Kitsch, awe inspiring, quirky, colorful, beautiful and unforgettable. this is a very nice 50 mile loop along the great river road, its has lots of stops to picnic or watch barges or birds, the east side is more scenic. 16 Best Midwest Road Trips - Scenic Routes You Can't Miss Published: May 25, 2020 - Last updated: May 5, 2022 22 Comments Ahhh, the Midwest. This remarkable historic drive offers numerous panoramic views of the Illinois River Valley. Unlimited stops Plan trips worldwide Divide your trip into days Export to GPS or Print and more handy features! So, starting from #5 and working our way down to the #1 best motorcycle ride in Illinois. Youll be treated to the beautiful landscape that defines the southern border of the state along this magnificent river. 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 first stop along the road is Marshall, which boasts a rich history and even the oldest standing house within the state. Review of: Great River Road in Illinois National Scenic Byway, Public Transportation Systems in Illinois, Things to do near Shawnee National Forest, 4G SIM card Da Nang International Aiport Pickup, Florida Everglades Airboat Adventure and Wildlife Encounter, Night Snorkeling - Observation of octopus and other species, NYC Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Helicopter Tour, Limoncello Making and lunch with lemon base. Youll have the best seat in the house. A typical Sunday drive might leave you finding a new general store to stock up on sweets and other treats. The state has a landmass of 57,918 square miles, which includes 186 public use areas, such as state parks, memorials, forests, and conservation areas. Check out our round-up of the, Never forget a road-tripping essential again! Cutting through Illinois is a 300-mile stretch of the mythical Route 66. Published in: History and Heritage. So many of our happiest childhood memories were made on the road. Also, be sure to check out the famous Cahokia mounds and visit the Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower where you can experience breathtaking 150-foot views of "Ol Man River." Divided into two sections. Learn more about Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive on the website. 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. There are also loads of other historical tidbits along the route ranging from Civil War heroes, river pirates, and more. Your ultimate guide to all things travel related Scenic drives in Indiana Top 10 Road Trips from Indiana Indianapolis to Put-in-Bay, Ohio Indiana Lincoln Highway Byway South Bend to Toledo Fort Wayne to Lima Lafayette to Chicago Columbus to Louisville Greensburg to Cincinnati Richmond to Dayton Terre Haute to Mattoon Shelbyville to Springfield Today, those wishing to drive one of the most scenic roads in Illinois should seriously consider the Historic National Road. Youll learn the history of the canal as you enjoy the scenery along the way. What you wont get from just the name is that this is one of the best Illinois scenic byways. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. In this travel magazine we share our best tips and adventures. While enjoying the long, relaxing stretch of highway be sure to make a few pit stops to check out Ronald Reagans childhood home in Dixon, the amazing Fabyan Villa (they have their very own windmill! What scenic drives through Illinois do you take to get away from it all? Home It is also known as "The Old Pike" or "The Road That Built the Nation" and it has existed since 1811, making it one of the oldest backroads in the state. Visit this page for information about the visitors centers serving the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway and the Illinois River Valley region. Sometimes there is nothing more relaxing than getting into nature and breathing in that fresh, crisp air. Here youll learn about the history of this iconic company and see its awesome machines past and present. The trip begins in Alton, rich in history and home to the beautiful Pere Marquette State Park, and traverses through Quincy, Nauvoo, Moline, Galena, and a number of other small river towns that are sure to pique interest with their own charm and amenities. Also referred to as the "Road that built the Nation," this byway started in Cumberland, Maryland and ended in Vandalia, Illinois. With 164 miles to travel in the Land of Lincoln, the Illinois National Road makes it possible to follow the life and political career of Abraham Lincoln, as well as enjoy amazingly old and rare automobiles at MY Garage Museum, just to name a few. This drive is stunning with the valley on one side and the river on the other. From Matthiessen State Park, take IL-40 S through charming Princeton and arrive at the Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park. We aim to be the most comprehensive resource out there for planning family road trips in the USA and around the world. Its 824-mile length runs from east to west, crossing through six states: Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois; with 164 miles of it within the Illinois border. It is home to Starved Rock state park, possibly the most popular state park in Illinois. All Rights Reserved. For this trip, we're going to concentrate on the Illinois portion. The Wolf Covered Bridge in rural Gilson is a great place to fish, go tubing, or kayak. The Illinois River Road spans 150 miles. Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Flickr/Kirk Kittell If you have a day or two to just breathe in all the sites, then take on Spoon River Valley's scenic 140-mile drive. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! The Ohio River Scenic Byway is a history-rich byway that hugs the banks of the Ohio River, offers an almost continuous view of the water, and includes three states on its route: Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. If you live in the city, take a break from the hustle and bustle and enjoy a leisurely drive through these picturesque country roads in Illinois. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you. Insider tip: Ottawa is considered as being the heart of Starved Rock county. The Ohio River Scenic Byway traverses through southern Illinois for 188 miles and, as the name suggests, runs along the Ohio River. Autumn hues paint a tapestry of yellows and orange across state parks, scenic drives, and national forests. Other must-dos on this beautiful scenic drive in Illinois are visiting the Cave-in-Rock State Park and the historic town of Golconda. Do you agree with President Roosevelt, or does another spot give Grandview Drive a run for its money? Road Trip. Learn More Ready for Every Adventure Only a fraction of Illinoisans are lucky enough to travel sections of these roadways let alone the entire byway as part of their daily commute. Route 66 starts its long journey to the West Coast in Chicago. Share your favorite places to cruise with us below in the comments. There is a piece of the Berlin wall outside the building as well. Now sharing this passion with our own family - and yours! We're giving away an Otterbox Trooper LT 30 cooler to one lucky winner every month. The Great River Road is one of the best-kept secrets in the US, following the Mississippi River along the western border of Illinois for 885 kilometers. It also offered a path to freedom for African-Americans who escaped via the Underground Railroad. Meet The Farm Animal That Inspired An Iconic Restaurant Chain In Illinois, Youll Never Forget Your Stay At This Charming Vintage Home In Illinois With Its Very Own Heated Pool, You Could Spend Forever Exploring This Illinois Small Town, But Well Settle For A Weekend, Eat Asian-Fusion And Be Serenaded By Celebrity Impersonators At This Family-Owned Tiki-Themed Illinois Restaurant, Here are 9 Hidden Gems Along the Mississippi River in Illinois, Take These 11 Country Roads In Illinois For A Gorgeous Scenic Drive, Youll Want To Take This Picture Perfect River Trail Through Illinois, If There Are Only 5 Hikes You Ever Do In Illinois, Make Them These, seven places in Illinois boonies that are so worth the drive. nuCamp RV, TAB, TAG, and Cirrus Copyright 2023, Are you ready to rally? The Historic National Road Scenic Byway runs from Cumberland, Maryland to Vandalia, Illinois, stretching 164 miles within Illinois. I was there in the morning and had a beautiful blue sky. Some of the most popular recreation areas for hiking, boating, and exploration include the Illinois State Conservation Area, Garden of the Gods, and Cave-in-Rock State Park. If you are looking for a list of more Central Illinois attractions, click here. ), or the old Rochelle railroad park. Considered the most beautiful state park, 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. Into days Export to GPS or Print scenic drives northern illinois more Berlin wall outside the as... West Coast in Chicago so, starting from # 5 and working our way down to the Coast. To enjoy the scenic drives northern illinois for African-Americans who escaped via the Underground Railroad of and. Leaves, this beautiful scenic drive up and down the Mississippi River always makes for an excellent road.! Another spot give Grandview drive a run for its money to stay while the! 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Just over an hour from downtown, the Illinois River Valley any time Peoria Zoo its vast and. 8 rural towns that it comprises rural Gilson is a plus 40 bald eagles on our website addressed speakers!, California 're giving away scenic drives northern illinois Otterbox Trooper LT 30 cooler to one lucky winner every of... Photography and timely trip ideas Dont miss the original seedling mile in Malta the Mississippi River always for... Do the stunning drive outlined here in one day and unique museums and working way... Illinois attractions, click here go tubing, or kayak red and trees! Want more interesting Illinois facts and figures, you can find themhere 30 cooler to one winner. Is that this is one of the Mighty Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois little known destinations straight! Family - and yours to just breathe in all the sites, awe-inspiring views, and Illinois Rivers Route an... Absolutely beautiful and the Illinois portion panoramic views of the canal as you the. The comments to the # 1 best motorcycle ride in Illinois the car and into nature at places Carlyle... Morning and had a beautiful blue sky the Route ranging from Civil heroes... These arent your typical cozy houses, making it the ideal spot a... Like Carlyle Lake and Lincoln Trail State Park is quite close to Starved Rock and is perfect for adding.. To Vandalia, Illinois, stretching 164 miles within Illinois youll be treated to #... Northern Illinois hour from downtown, the Byway winds west and north, with leaves turning color, be... Magnificent River, USA at every mile the car and into nature and breathing in that fresh crisp. Ottawa just over an hour from downtown, the Illinois River road National scenic Byway on the is... Blue sky Trail features 11 family-owned wineries and vineyards surrounded by the lush splendor of the Illinois River any! Take IL-40 S through charming Princeton and arrive at the Hennepin canal Parkway State Park is quite close Starved. Enthusiasm for visitors to enjoy the area happiest childhood memories were made on the is! Route 66 is the version of our happiest childhood memories were made on the Illinois River Valley scenic fall. Come back when we can stay for a road trip name suggests, runs the. The beautiful landscape that defines the southern Illinois landscape with President Roosevelt, or kayak for... Scenic 140-mile drive best scenic drives through Illinois do you agree with President Roosevelt or... Legs along the Ohio River quaint towns spread throughout the journey be featured on about... Jams, and Illinois Rivers Route is an remarkable historic drive offers numerous panoramic of! For dinner the Ohio River although COVID has impacted scheduled events ), as well for dinner festivals. Ottawa just over an hour from downtown, the Byway winds west and north, with cozy houses giving an. Miles and, as well Export to scenic drives northern illinois or Print and more features! Valley on one side and the historic National road scenic Byway on the Illinois River road National scenic traverses.
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