Along the route are twenty-one stops that are meant to create emotional archeology so that visitors can learn about and connect to the communities, histories, people, and customs of each individual town along the route. If you have time and love hiking we would advise you to spend one or more days in this amazing state park. Spoon River Valley. The Scenic Byways program is a cooperative effort between local communities and WisDOT to identify and promote state and local highway corridors with scenic and/or historical attributes that provide travelers an enjoyable visual, educational and recreational experience. Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. Beginning in the town of Cumberland in Maryland, this road ends in the wonderful Illinois town of Vandalia. We take your privacy seriously and will never sell your data to anyone. A spectacular train trestle bridge crosses the Illinois River near Allen Park and the Old Town business district. Visit the largest state park in Illinois and one untouched by glaciers that once blanketed much of the state. Beginning in Hartford, take Illinois Route 3 northwest to The Great River Road and cruise past the idyllic waterfront villages of Wood River, East Alton, Alton, Elsah, Chautauqua, and Graftonall. To satisfy your hunger, you'll need to drive for about 40 minutes to reach Cliff Droppers, a popular family-run burger restaurant in the area. Here is an overview of more great things to do in Northern Illinois. However, many of the houses are incredible some even look like a castle on a hilltop. 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. Saults Drug Store - Fulton. 4. Galena in the north and Cairo to the south. Midwest Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. One of the most scenic stretches of highway in the entire USA. The wildlife and foliage on the drive is absolutely beautiful and the wine is a plus! Bring your fishing rod or your canoe and commune with nature. Use our Sound Off tool. Considered the most beautiful state park, Starved Rock State Park is home to a surreal landscape of rock formations, canyons, forests, and waterfalls. This remarkable historic drive offers numerous panoramic views of the Illinois River Valley. McHenry County is a picturesque landscape of expansive vistas, fertile farmlands, ancient oak groves, historic homes, and winding waterways. Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway, The Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Route. Go-Illinois.net, part of The Go Travel Sites family, is among the largest websites covering travel and vacationing in Illinois. In this travel magazine we share our best tips and adventures. Carroll County is very Published in History and Heritage, Scenic Drives Read More the Shawnee Hills Wine trail? If you are a Republican fan, a fan of Reagan's or just love history, this is a wonderful tribute to a great man. In the midst of vast Illinois farmland, weekend travelers discover a topographic Kitsch, awe inspiring, quirky, colorful, beautiful and unforgettable. -- John Steinbeck in "The Grapes of Wrath".Route 66 means different things to different people, but freedom is a common theme. But the Galena end of the highway yields to no other area in its River Road attractions. This area spans three different states: Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. 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. Photo: Shutterstock. 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. Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. The smooth blacktop curves gracefully through countryside gradually getting nearer the Mississippi River. 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. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. If youre unfamiliar with this period in history, we suggest you do a little digging to have the full immersive experience. Glacial Park in northern Illinois is a lesser-known park filled with wetlands formed by a glacier that was once here. 1999 Wisconsin Act 9 directed the Wisconsin Department of Transportation . Click here to view all the guides avialable for Illinois. Sage Scott. The cave's history is full of tales of pirates ambushing travelers along the river in the 18th and 19th centuries. Illinois Tourist Information Centers The Illinois River Road Scenic Byway preserves the natural river country along the banks of the Illinois River, allowing modern visitors to travel the same route as the early French explorers: les Voyageurs. The downtown area here is meticulously preserved in its historical state, and there are plentiful things to doGrant Park, the Ulysses Grant Home, a three-state view from Horseshoe Mound, and the Blaum Brothers Distillery. The Great River Road is one of the most scenic road trips in the midwest. All 26 of Colorado's scenic and historic byways (11 of which are also designated America's Byways), and countless other scenic drives that crisscross the highest and lowest altitudes of Colorado, welcome motorcycle riders, leisure drivers and all others hungry for a taste of Colorado's history and scenic beauty. A scenic driving guide to Kentucky state. In The News The Reagan exhibit is housed in the Cerf Bldg and takes about 30 minutes (or a little more if you read everything). Check out these 10 scenic drives in Wisconsin that showcase the very best natural attractions in Wisconsin. Love Illinois? Advocate Aurora Healths combined strength and stability drives us forward. As the name suggests, the two-lane road was originally a stagecoach route connecting Galena with Chicago. The best part? Visit the largest state park in Illinois and one untouched by glaciers that once blanketed much of the state. The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail features 11 family-owned wineries and vineyards surrounded by the lush splendor of the Southern Illinois landscape. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Re: Fall Foliage Scenic Drive. So vistas abound, taking in rolling country, beautifully maintained farms and rural cottages perched on manicured properties. The scenic fall drive traverses six Wisconsin counties; from Whitewater Lake in Walworth County to Elkhart Lake in Sheboygan County. We loved how much we learned at so many of the historical stops. If you live in a highly trafficked area, you might forget how meditative it is to drive on the open road. Getting its start in East Dubuque, a US Highway 20 road trip launches you into Illinois Great River Country, rolling along beside the inlets and estuaries of the Mississippi River before arriving in Galena. Make sure to stop to explore at least one of the Minnesota State Parks on the drive. The scenic park offers heavily wooded areas overlooking the river, and is named for the 55-foot wide cavern situated in the bluffs along the river's edge. The scenic byway is just 33 miles and stretches from Hartford to Grafton. 10 Tiny Towns In Illinois That Are Always Worth A Visit. Trail Ridge Road Colorado. It connects 13 community areas from North to South, from Edgewater to South Shore. Of course, you can still use the full version of Go-Illinois on your mobile device just as you can on your desktop. Keep an eye out for the Great River Road logo on signsa green icon of a riverboat pilots wheelto keep you on the designated scenic byway. An incredible hike in southern Illinois. We have been enjoying visiting several of the Presidential libraries, museums, historic homes, etc. Guide yourself through Knox County and the 8 rural towns that it comprises. It parallels the 18-mile Chicago Lakefront Trail, a multi-use path that runs through city parks and is popular with joggers and cyclists. Tunnel of Trees or M-119. Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity. Even the road names bring adventure and fun to mind: Blackjack Road, Stagecoach Trail, Elizabeth Scales Mound Road and of course the main artery itself, the Illinois Great River Road. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. This incredible route is the iconic American road trip. This road really holds some of Americas most fascinating history. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! If you love the idea of a good old-fashioned Sunday drive then youll love getting into the car and heading down Grand View Drive in Peoria. Here you can find a list of more southern Illinois wineries. 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. TheGreat River Road, which travels along the Mississippi River, has countless o Fall is when many of the states best qualities truly shine. Peoria Grandview Drive ("World's Most Beautiful Drive"), The "castle" on Grandview DriveScenic overlooks of the Illinois River ValleyForest Park Nature Center, Long Hollow Scenic OverlookDutch Windmill "De Immigrant"Black Hawk State Historic Site, Ginkgo Restaurant and CafTrails around Meadow LakeSterling Morton Library. Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our site. Saults Drug Store Inc, 505 Court St, Fulton, MO 65251, USA. 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. Check out antique shops, artist studios, and local farmers' markets along the way. On a nice day you can also park the car, put on your hiking boots, and enjoy 16 miles of glorious trails. 1. Spoon River Valley is one of the most beautiful scenic drives in Illinois. If you are looking for more hikes in Northern Illinois, click here. The River Road National Scenic Byway showcases Illinois natural wonders and theyre truly breathtaking. Explore the region for yourself and find little-known treasures, perhaps using one of our favorite Illinois scenic drives as a starting point: No. 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. Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. One of Chicago's most attractive attractions. Sprawling through 33 miles of southwestern Illinois, this gorgeous road travels through the Mississippi flood plain and coincides with a portion of the Great River Road. When you travel through one of the most scenic Illinois byways, you are taking the same route the French explorers once did. Along the way you might just discover that theres more to the road than the river. And the long lines of barges being carefully shepherded up and downstream by powerful tugs are a fascinating sight to see. Get the Guide Roadside Attractions Classic Cars Scenic Drives Travel Illinois Stories from the Road Outdoors Unlock the Secrets of Starved Rock Routes 127, Old Hwy 51, 51DISTANCE: 46 milesTIME: 1 hour. At least one scenic byway runs through each of the IDOT regions. 2023 Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, Eco-Friendly Hotels and GreenGetaways in Illinois, Five Champaign Restaurants Perfect for a Romantic Outing, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Copyright 2017, 25 Top Easy-Care Plants for Midwest Gardens. This post may contain affiliate links. 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. Read our full coverage on Peorias Grand View Drive to learn more. Insider tip: Ottawa is considered as being the heart of Starved Rock county. Site Map, Copyright 2023 Great Rivers Country. The red, yellow, and orange leaves on the trees are straight from a postcard. Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Illinois Area. The Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Festival. Whether you are looking for a day trip, weekend getaway or planning a road trip, our guides provide you with the perfect scenic drive. Get more stories delivered right to your email. I especially loved the Corpus Christi Church in Galesburg which was built in 1832 and is just a beautiful display of architecture. This byway was recently named one of the Seven Wonders of Illinois because of the stunning bluffs, mighty rivers, abundance of historical sites, and quaint villages. Searching for 55+ Communities on Retirenet.com is simple and easy. A must-see for everyone. Keyword Destination Bloomington/Normal Chicago Joliet Marion Quad Cities Rockford Springfield Utica Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles Byway Bites A flowing stream to drop a line for trout or crappie is never far with the Noblett Lake Recreation Area, where two streams and a lake reside, being a prime location for fishing and other water fun. 65 passes by some of Arkansas' most popular attractions. The Scenic Ridge Route offers 19 miles of smooth road surface and lots of sweeping corners. 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. As a state of mostly small towns, Illinois has plenty of scenic roads you can take to get away from it all and have space to look around instead of just staring at the bumper in front of you. About Advocate Aurora Health. Sign up for our daily email to stay up to date with Illinois politics. New Mexico is home to 25 magnificent scenic byways, totaling over 2,900 miles across a diverse landscape. Each issue offers a mix of travel stories, stunning photography and timely trip ideas that make the most of each season. The road is quite smooth and the traffic volume is very low. You may enjoy watching the changing leaves in a local forest preserve. Subscribe to our Newsletter Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. The . The southern end is at Whitewater Lake in southeastern Walworth County. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. This is a winding with a great view. Mliz 2015 ninja 1000, 1975 gl1000, 1972 ct70, 1991 dr650, 1989 gsxr750 Dawn Brandt / Getty Images. Needles Highway (Highway 87), is found in the Black Hills of South Dakota, on a stretch of road through Custer State Park. 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. Also referred to as the Road that built the Nation, this byway started in Cumberland, Maryland and ended in Vandalia, Illinois. A couple drive in an open top car along the Great River Road, Illinois. From red and yellow trees to roads dusted with vibrant leaves, this is an incredibly scenic fall drive in Northern Illinois. Part of HuffPost News. 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. Learn More Hop out of the car and snack at one of the picnic tables, then try a hike. Photos and Property Details for 1209 SCENIC DRIVE, KNOXVILLE, TN 37919. Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive. An amazing way to travel across the state and immerse yourself in the different cultures and communities across Illinois. My wife Patricia and I have made a hobby of exploring the highways and byways around Galena Country, and boy have we made a great find. AMAZING RIVER VIEW, LEAVES TURNING, QUAINT LITTLE TOWN OF Elijah. 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. 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. 59 helpful votes. If you need to flag this entry as abusive, NEXT ARTICLE: Emanuel's proposed property taxes and garbage fees could pump up Chicago's budget by $600 million, 5 fast facts you should know about Illinois taxes, State Rep. 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