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. 93 reviews. Gary Ennis/Getty Images/iStockphoto. In addition to wine, the drive is filled with trails, creeks and lakes, small cabins, and sprawling orchards. The entire stretch is filled with kitschy roadside relics, museums, classic midwestern food, drive-in theaters and restaurants, and 1940s charm, Ottawa, Illinois to the north and ending in Havana in the south, The River Road Byway is one of the most scenic drives in Illinois because of the astounding natural beauty of its wetland prairies, hardwood forests, woodland seeps, diverse wildlife, and winding river, A historic stretch of road that showcases charming towns and communities and the countrys first transcontinental highway, This is a quintessential Midwest scenic drive showcasing the unique culture of rural heritage, Located in the city of Peoria, Grandview Drive stretches from Prospect Road to Illinois Route 29, Dubbed the worlds most beautiful drive by President Roosevelt in 1910, Grandview Drive is the shortest on this list but well worth the trip, The drive takes you through Fulton County, beginning in Astoria and ending in London Mills, There are plenty of attractions along this drive to keep the entire family entertained, Venture into the Shawnee National Forest for delicious wine, untouched natural beauty, and some of the best hiking in Illinois, Begin in New haven and end in Cairo where the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers converge, From natural splendor, heartland farming, and the vast river to the charming communities that call this region home, the Ohio River Scenic Byway has something for everyone, Also known as the Road that Built the Nation, Historic National Road was built in 1806 and opened Illinois to settlement, It begins in Hartford on Illinois Route 3 and New Poag Road and ends in Grafton at Pere Marquette State Park, The great meeting of the rivers is the point of convergence for three great rivers: The Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois rivers. Take the weekend and even consider camping out under a blanket of stars. Click on the map to specific attractions and follow the directions through the drives. Encounter these quirky relics, from a giant Muffler Man to a towering bottle of catsup. 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. This gorgeous road spans three states: Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. Glacial Park in northern Illinois is a lesser-known park filled with wetlands formed by a glacier that was once here. Central Illinois attractions, click here. One reason is that most of this portion of the Great River Road lies within the "Driftless Area" a unique geologic formation from the last glaciers to cover Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Northern Illinois. Route 66 starts its long journey to the West Coast in Chicago. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Whether you're cruising the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River or winding through charming towns in the countryside, there are over 57,000 square miles of Illinois roads to explore. By the editors of MidwestLiving.com Start in Murphysboro, south to Anna, and back up north to Carbondale. There is just nothing like the breathtaking views of Americas surging central artery of a river from the wooded bluffs and banks above it, and sometimes rolling right along just above the waterline. Here is a list of more fun stuff to do in Illinois. It was meant to be a peaceful and fun activity for the whole family. In fact, eight of the 126 America's Byways are right here in our state. The Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Festival is a must-see every October. 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. As summer comes to a close and the leaves morph from a vibrant green to even more vibrant oranges, reds and yellows, there's no better way to appreciate the shifting seasons than by taking a drive through Illinois. 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. One of the major features of LSD is the Outer Drive Bridge, also known as Link Bridge, which carries LSD traffic over the Chicago River. After I came out of the Adler Planetarium the weather changed but even that got a good photo. Here is a list of scenic drives in Central Illinois. Cutting through Illinois is a 300-mile stretch of the mythical Route 66. Site Map, Copyright 2023 Great Rivers Country. It's known for its cheesy attractions, quirky restaurants, and unique museums. Why you should go: The ultimate great lakes drive when you have a few days to spare. The Reagan exhibit is housed in the Cerf Bldg and takes about 30 minutes (or a little more if you read everything). Belly-fluttering elevation changes and a bushel basket of curves make Elizabeth Scales Mound Road an exciting drive east of Galena. Traveling along its namesake, this road is partially an old route marked by French explorers and other immigrants who were drawn to Illinois. Youll have the best seat in the house. Here are 15 of the best scenic drives in Illinois for you to take on your next road trip. Continue to Mobile Site Whitefish, Montana. FourSquare/Alex N. Start off your scenic drive with a visit to this old-fashioned soda fountain, tucked in Saults Drug Store in Fulton. At least one scenic byway runs through each of the IDOT regions. Route 66, otherwise known as Main Street of America or Mother Road is one of the original and most famous highways in the United States and one of the most scenic byways in Illinois. On your way, be sure to check out an original brick road (no, its not yellow!) 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. 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. For the stout of heart, theres a narrow rope suspension bridge to cross and zip line adventures. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. In the midst of vast Illinois farmland, weekend travelers discover a topographic Kitsch, awe inspiring, quirky, colorful, beautiful and unforgettable. 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. "and they come into 66 from the tributary side roads, from the wagon tracks and the rutted country roads, 66 is the mother road, the road of flight." Delve into history and view Native American mounds found along the riverbanks. The route offers loads of recreational activities such as biking, hiking, camping, and picnicking as well as activities like fishing, horseback riding, and boating. If you are interested in participating in or advertising with the Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Fall Festival, please contact the Area Representative for that community, call 309-647-8980, email - [email protected], write Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Fall Festival, PO Box 525, Canton, IL 61520, or go to our Contact Us page. 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. International Visitors Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway, The Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Route. Read our full coverage on the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway to learn more. We've mapped out the drives and included several must-see scenic pit stops along the routes. A typical Sunday drive might leave you finding a new general store to stock up on sweets and other treats. Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine. With 105 miles of gorgeous scenery and natural beauty, Skyline Dive makes a fantastic day trip from Washington DC. Design and Development by J Rudny, LLC. -- John Steinbeck in "The Grapes of Wrath".Route 66 means different things to different people, but freedom is a common theme. These 2,500 miles (4,000 km) were the primary route for those who migrated west in the early-mid 1900s and are filled with history. Highest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews. A haven for nature lovers, this drive is sure to give you a sense of tranquillity and oneness with the natural world. Get more stories delivered right to your email. As you may have imagined, there are a ton of river-related activities and attractions in which to partake. 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. 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!). Scenic Drives in Illinois. Saults Drug Store - Fulton. Learn more about the Long Hollow Scenic Overlook on the webpage. The M-119, aka the Tunnel of Trees, is one of Michigan's most popular scenic drives. If you want to take a trip back in time, then pack up the car and head down the historic Lincoln Highway. However, many of the houses are incredible some even look like a castle on a hilltop. Long Hollow Scenic Overlook, 2918 US Hwy 20 W, Elizabeth, IL 61028, USA. Plan Your Visit Looking where to stay while exploring the Shawnee Hills Wine trail? Beginning with America's First Mile in Fort Kent, Maine, U.S. Route 1 stretches the length of the eastern United States for more than 2,400 miles from Maine to Key West. 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 . Copyright 1997 - 2023 The Go Travel Sites. BYWAY BITES A spectacular train trestle bridge crosses the Illinois River near Allen Park and the Old Town business district. around Illinois. more. Your multi-country journey begins in Zimbabwe at Victoria Fallsthe largest waterfall in the worldfollowed by camping in Botswana's Chobe National Park. Noah Clayton/Getty Images. 1. Bird watchers add to their Life Lists at every casual stop along this natural migratory flyway, and the sharp-eyed will spot the telltale white heads of bald eagles soaring above the tree line. The best part? Explore the regions of Illinois with getaways perfect for exploring the fall col Find unexpected ways to enjoy Illinois in this biannual magazine that explores every corner of the state. Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. Tunnel of Trees or M-119. This drive will take you through the Spoon River Valley, full of bluffs, rolling hills, and beautiful scenery. Heavenly diningOn the way back to Galena, stop for a steak or seafood dinner in Elizabeth at The Holy Mackerel in a renovated white clapboard church. These are prestigious, towering estates that have looked over Grandview since it was built over 100 years ago. Run by Veterans, youll board a historic fireboat for one of the most memorable tours in the state. Picnic at a scenic overlook for lunch. 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. Best time to drive: mid September - end of October. 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. Youll experience towering bluffs, rolling hills, river communities, farmlands and sweeping views. In this travel magazine we share our best tips and adventures. If youre lucky, youll see some of the several stern-wheeler paddleboats plying the river down below, just like in old times. 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. With about 300 miles of highway in Illinois alone, you could make a whole day of sight seeing. We loved how much we learned at so many of the historical stops. Simply a refreshing, beautiful drive no matter the time of the year. This expansive route spans the entire length of the state, hugging the Mississippi River to the West as it winds past limestone bluffs and rushing waters. Carroll County is very Published in History and Heritage, Scenic Drives Read More Searching for 55+ Communities on Retirenet.com is simple and easy. 4. Fabulous views and thrilling curves with the rivers right beside you. If you are a Republican fan, a fan of Reagan's or just love history, this is a wonderful tribute to a great man. We take your privacy seriously and will never sell your data to anyone. Then enjoy the highlights of beautiful South Africa, including wine tours, scenic road trips, wildlife safaris, mountain biking, caving, hikes up Table . The northern end begins near Elkhart Lake in northern Sheboygan County and the southern end begins at Whitewater Lake in southeastern Walworth County. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. IMN Heaven Ranch is located within Majors Ranch, comprised of numerous large acreage parcels with varied terrain. Travel the entire length of the state on a 300-mile Great Highway 65 Road Trip.U.S. Along the way you might just discover that there's more to the road than the river. Best Rated Motorcycle Roads & Rides Please be patient. the Shawnee Hills Wine trail? If you have time and love hiking we would advise you to spend one or more days in this amazing state park. This is the Badlands Loop scenic drive through the Badlands National Park in South Dakota. list of more small cities in Illinois that are worth a visit. You pass by famous landmarks such as Navy Pier, Soldier Field, Lincoln Park Zoo and Calumet Park. Thats easy; everywhere you go turns into a classic Illinois road trip. We've mapped out the drives and included several must-see scenic pit stops along the routes. Illinois Scenic Drives Byways, Backways, Historic Routes,. Pick up a fall driving tour brochure in Freeport, and eat ice cream at Union Dairy, next to the site of a Lincoln-Douglas debate. Get complete property information, maps, street view, schools, walk score and more. Go-Illinois.net, part of The Go Travel Sites family, is among the largest websites covering travel and vacationing in Illinois. Youll find the little town of Elizabeth along US Highway 20, where this road branches north and connects about 12 miles away with Stagecoach Trail. 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. Learn more about Illinois Lincoln Highway on the website. 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. 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. Read Enjoy Illinois magazine online or download the PDF and start exploring trip ideas Keyword Destination Bloomington/Normal Chicago Joliet Marion Quad Cities Rockford Springfield Utica Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles It parallels the 18-mile Chicago Lakefront Trail, a multi-use path that runs through city parks and is popular with joggers and cyclists. 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. If theres one problem we have on any of these Galena-area road trips, its remembering that there is no hurry. Here is a list of more small cities in Illinois that are worth a visit. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. From red and yellow trees to roads dusted with vibrant leaves, this is an incredibly scenic fall drive in Northern Illinois. This gorgeous road spans three states: Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. While Shenandoah National Park is a bit further west, no list of scenic drives in Virginia would be complete without Skyline Drive. The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail features 11 family-owned wineries and vineyards surrounded by the lush splendor of the Southern Illinois landscape. There are also many festivals as well as flea markets and farmers markets that take place along this remote road. Get to know us better on our about us page. 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. As you explore the trail, you'll come across several highlights. Navigate the charming small towns of Knox County on this self-guided car tour. If you're looking to escape the bustle of the city, pack up the car and set out on one of these scenic drives in Illinois. Read more about these and other Southern Illinois State Parks here. turn left onto Route 30 and stay on the road as it becomes Illinois 83, then . Download a PDF map of the favorite Fall Color Drives. Day spas in Illinois that are worh visiting. Read this post in which we share the best things to do in Grafton. It connects 13 community areas from North to South, from Edgewater to South Shore. New Mexico is home to 25 magnificent scenic byways, totaling over 2,900 miles across a diverse landscape. The river looked very beautiful, and the leaves were changing colors. Learn more about Historic National Road Scenic Byway on the website. Lincoln Highway, Lincoln Hwy, Joliet, IL, USA. Return to Main Site. 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. Illinois Tourist Information Centers Routes will begin to appear on map approximately 10 seconds after the map loads at a rate of one route per second. 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. 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. . 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. Getting around Chicago and Illinois is easy with our guide to ways to travel around the state. Plan Your Visit 3. Wind through this 140-mile backroad, and you'll find more than 20 amazing Illinois attractions that everyone must visit. 10 Tiny Towns In Illinois That Are Always Worth A Visit. This drive is stunning with the valley on one side and the river on the other. The Tunnel of Trees spans 20 miles, beginning . Scenic America has assembled the only comprehensive, nationwide scenic byways database, and we are pleased to share it with the public. If youre looking to escape the bustle of the city, pack up the car and set out on one of these scenic drives in Illinois. Each two-page document includes information about that state's scenic byways program, in addition to a listing and map of all state and national scenic byways within its borders. Experience what the American Dream really felt like while driving along legendary Route 66. These are the 14 most scenic drives in the United States, from sea to shining sea. 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. 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! An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. 1. Another perk to hiking Sheep Lake Trail is that dogs are allowed off-leash in certain areas along the path. Trail Ridge Road Colorado. Each of these wineries has its own styles, techniques, and grape varieties that create wonderfully delicious and unique flavors. The Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Festival. 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. 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. Scenic Drives in Illinois 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. Youll learn the history of the canal as you enjoy the scenery along the way. You'll have your camera out almost all the time for this one. To request a listing, please fill out the form below and press "Submit.". Make sure to check out the event calendar to see what kind of special activities are happening along this beautiful drive in Illinois. Of course, you can still use the full version of Go-Illinois on your mobile device just as you can on your desktop. 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. Beautiful views! Best enjoyed on a summer evening or when the leaves are changing colors in the fall. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Public Transportation Systems in Illinois, Things to do near Shawnee National Forest, Jamaica Dunn's River Falls Party Cruise with Snorkeling, Guided Walking Tour: The historical City Center of Bolzano, 2 days in Georgian Mountains, Kazbegi and Juta, Sea Scope Semi Submarine Sea Trip 2 Hours With Transfer - Sharm El Sheikh, Sunset Sail Cruise with 5 Course Seated Dinner. 1999 Wisconsin Act 9 directed the Wisconsin Department of Transportation . The southern end is at Whitewater Lake in southeastern Walworth County. Get the Guide Roadside Attractions Classic Cars Scenic Drives Travel Illinois Stories from the Road Outdoors Unlock the Secrets of Starved Rock Each of these routes is so much more than a simple drive through Illinois. 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. An incredible hike in southern Illinois. The scenic byway boasts 300 miles in Illinois alone, ending where the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers converge near Cairo, IL. Lake Shore Drive's origins date to 1882 when hotel magnate Potter Palmer built his "castle" at 1350 North Lake Shore Drive and coerced the city to build the street adjacent to his lakefront property to enhance its value. Related read: 10 Amazing Small Towns in Wisconsin for a Charming Escape. Check out five more scenic drives in Illinois at Reboot Illinois, including routes that take travelers through Starved Rock State Park and the Cohokia Mounds. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. There was a moment in time where Sundays meant that you piled the kids into the car and took a long relaxing drive. Pack a delicious picnic and enjoy a relaxing day at this peaceful spot before hopping back in the car and taking in the rest of the beautiful landscape laid out before you. 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. The Knox County communities have been proudly showcasing their farming communities and their rich history since 1976. Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. Places To Stay Along this beautiful drive in Illinois that are worth a visit historical stops piled the kids into the car took... Out the drives and included several must-see scenic pit stops along the path and Heritage, scenic drives in would. Traveling along its namesake, this drive is stunning with the natural world on scenic. 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