Love Illinois? Plan Your Visit Lincoln Highway, Lincoln Hwy, Joliet, IL, USA. A 300-mile stretch of American roadway, steeped in legend and packed full with e Drive some of Illinois oldest and greatest roads for classic Midwestern culture Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. We've driven this route, mainly Alton to Pere Marquette State Park, numerous time, and always enjoy the river scenes, the bluffs, the small towns and in the fall, the foliage. Thank you. Read more Photograph:. Saults Drug Store - Fulton. Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. Read more about these and other Southern Illinois State Parks here. Along your drive, you'll see the convergence of the Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois Rivers, gorgeous limestone river bluffs, glorious trees, and local plants. It begins at the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, at Pere Marquette State Park, and it ends at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri River at Lewis and Clark State Historic Site. Sign up for our daily email to stay up to date with Illinois politics. Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. Make sure to stop to explore at least one of the Minnesota State Parks on the drive. The Great River Road follows the mighty Mississippi, the nations longest river, along Illinois western border. 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. So vistas abound, taking in rolling country, beautifully maintained farms and rural cottages perched on manicured properties. Insider tip: If you enough time we would advise you to spend a weekend in Grafton. As you may have imagined, there are a ton of river-related activities and attractions in which to partake. Get complete property information, maps, street view, schools, walk score and more. Learn more about the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway on the website. Hikers should check out the Pere Marquette Outer loop. Insider's Guide 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. 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. 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. In addition to the stunning natural landscape, this scenic drive is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places along with many of the surrounding homes. Get inspired by top travel stories, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. Mliz 2015 ninja 1000, 1975 gl1000, 1972 ct70, 1991 dr650, 1989 gsxr750 They capture rich history, and unique landscapes, and feature the fascinating but often overlooked communities that cherish and celebrate these scenic routes. A spectacular train trestle bridge crosses the Illinois River near Allen Park and the Old Town business district. This post may contain affiliate links. 581 South Deere Road | Macomb, Illinois 61455 The M-119, aka the Tunnel of Trees, is one of Michigan's most popular scenic drives. This is the Badlands Loop scenic drive through the Badlands National Park in South Dakota. We take your privacy seriously and will never sell your data to anyone. It parallels the 18-mile Chicago Lakefront Trail, a multi-use path that runs through city parks and is popular with joggers and cyclists. Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway, The Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Route. By the editors of MidwestLiving.com Belly-fluttering elevation changes and a bushel basket of curves make Elizabeth Scales Mound Road an exciting drive east of Galena. Subscribe to our Newsletter Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. 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. Galena in the north and Cairo to the south. Algarve Itinerary: the best itinerary for 3-10 days, 19 Illinois breweries that are worth a visit, Globetrotters in heart and soul. Location South Dakota. 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. It has nostalgia, nature, and just a good old road trip feel. 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. Scenic drives in Illinois: 12 amazing scenic routes you must explore. About Advocate Aurora Health. The Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive is a 115-mile ramble through oak, maple and aspen fall color in the 50,000 acres of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. The scenic byway boasts 300 miles in Illinois alone, ending where the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers converge near Cairo, IL. We loved how much we learned at so many of the historical stops. If you are a Republican fan, a fan of Reagan's or just love history, this is a wonderful tribute to a great man. Ive traveled much of the U.S. and Ill rank this drive as one of the more scenic Ive ever taken. See our web stories that accompany this post. Route 66 plays a pretty major part in Americas history. Download a PDF map of the favorite Fall Color Drives. Youll have the best seat in the house. Go-Illinois.net, part of The Go Travel Sites family, is among the largest websites covering travel and vacationing in Illinois. You can send yourself an email as well. 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. The northern end begins near Elkhart Lake in northern Sheboygan County and the southern end begins at Whitewater Lake in southeastern Walworth County. A haven for nature lovers, this drive is sure to give you a sense of tranquillity and oneness with the natural world. You've probably worked up an appetite upon completing your hike. Here are 15 of the best scenic drives in Illinois for you to take on your next road trip. Photos and Property Details for 1209 SCENIC DRIVE, KNOXVILLE, TN 37919. The Great River Road is one of the most scenic road trips in the midwest. The River Road National Scenic Byway showcases Illinois natural wonders and theyre truly breathtaking. BYWAY BITES The river looked very beautiful, and the leaves were changing colors. If you time it right, you can end your day watching the sun go down over the Big Muddy at Savanna. You will also pass several beautiful state parks including Cave-in-Rock and Fort Massac State Park. Copyright 2017, 25 Top Easy-Care Plants for Midwest Gardens. 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. Part of HuffPost News. We've mapped out the drives and included several must-see scenic pit stops along the routes. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. This Illinois motorcycle route gives motorcyclists a great ride along the Trail of Tears State Forest with tree-lined roads that cascade down into panoramic views of the rolling countryside. Eureka College, Reagan's alma mater, is a very small college with not much to see. 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. Hiking the Robberg Nature Reserve on the Garden Route, The ultimate Seoul itinerary for 3-7 days (2023 edition), EPIC 7 days Korea itinerary for first-timers (2023), 3 Amazing 2 Weeks South Korea Itinerary Suggestions, The Perfect 14-Day Japan Travel Itinerary for First Timers, The River Road National Byway is one of the best scenic fall drives in Illinois but can be enjoyed throughout the year, Self-guided route is available year-round but the county festival is in October. It is most popular during fall events, but you'll find lovely sights any time of year. The history and cultural significance that is now preserved along the route makes the Lincoln Byway one of the best scenic drives in Northern Illinois. AllTrails/Taylor Tuomey. Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway, 11304 N Prairie Rd, Lewistown, IL 61542, USA. The scenic byway boasts 300 miles in Illinois alone, ending where the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers converge near Cairo, IL. Learn more about Illinois Lincoln Highway on the website. Things To Do Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive - Pass through six beautiful Wisconsin counties and 50,000 acres when you explore the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. 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. A must-see for everyone. 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. One of the most scenic stretches of highway in the entire USA. One of Chicago's most attractive attractions. This incredible route is the iconic American road trip. 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. In 1912, the idea of roads as fast transportation did not exist in America. Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity. In the midst of vast Illinois farmland, weekend travelers discover a topographic Kitsch, awe inspiring, quirky, colorful, beautiful and unforgettable. Here is an overview of more great things to do in Northern Illinois. 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! Midwest Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. 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. 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. Beautiful views! It,s a nice relief to get off the interstate roads. The . The wildlife and foliage on the drive is absolutely beautiful and the wine is a plus! All Rights Reserved and. Lake Shore Drive, or Outer Drive, is a multilevel expressway that runs alongside Lake Michigan through the city of Chicago. 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. Last but not least on our list of the best scenic drives in Illinois is the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail. Read this post in which we share the best things to do in Grafton. Another perk to hiking Sheep Lake Trail is that dogs are allowed off-leash in certain areas along the path. If youre lucky, youll see some of the several stern-wheeler paddleboats plying the river down below, just like in old times. TheGreat River Road, which travels along the Mississippi River, has countless o Fall is when many of the states best qualities truly shine. There are also loads of other historical tidbits along the route ranging from Civil War heroes, river pirates, and more. Request additional information, schedule a showing, save to your property organizer. We were most recently there and counted 40 bald eagles on our drive. 3. Besides the history; the lovely scenery; the bountiful fertility of the region giving rise to wineries, farm-to-table dining, fun-packed U-pick orchards, pumpkin, strawberry and sweet corn destinations, half the fun is just in getting there. The scenic fall drive traverses six Wisconsin counties; from Whitewater Lake in Walworth County to Elkhart Lake in Sheboygan County. I think best place to see the Chicago skyline. Scenic Drives in Illinois. If theres one problem we have on any of these Galena-area road trips, its remembering that there is no hurry. 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. Ron "Don't Say Gay" DeSantis of . As the name suggests, the two-lane road was originally a stagecoach route connecting Galena with Chicago. 11: Northern California Scenic Drives: Lake Tahoe Loop (US 50, NV 28 and US 89) Distance: 72 miles. The ranch is situated on the front range minutes from I-25 and Highway 160, which crosses Colorado from east to west. Trail Ridge Road Colorado. Enjoy the beauty, variety and geology of southeast Wisconsin by driving the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. Holly Ann . The 115-mile drive traverses six Wisconsin counties. 2023 Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. 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. 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. Dawn Brandt / Getty Images. In The News 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. Illinois River Road: Route of the Voyageurs, Click here to add your listing to Go-Illinois.net, Complete the form below to email this page to a friend or family member's email. Save. 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. 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. Downtown Chicago on E. Jackson Boulevard and end at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in Granite City. What are some of the best small towns in Illinois? Looking where to stay while exploring the Shawnee Hills Wine trail? And the long lines of barges being carefully shepherded up and downstream by powerful tugs are a fascinating sight to see. Who doesnt love an adventure along one of the best scenic drives in Illinois? Fantastic day or weekend trip. The views over the Illinois River are beautiful and well worth the drive. We always enjoy visiting Galena Cellars, but the Stagecoach Trail also gives access to Apple River Canyon State Park, a wonderland of canyons and rugged rock formations great for hiking. Explore Ulysses S. Grants home, the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, and the home of Popeye. The Ohio River has a rich history and river culture. A circus performer, stuntwoman, professed travel buff and lover of Tom Waits, Stephanie is looking forward to sharing her favorite Chicago haunts with both adventurous locals and curious travelers. Continue to Mobile Site The Lincoln Highway was the first highway in America to be paved all the way across the state in the early 1900s. 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. Parks here you a sense of tranquillity and oneness with the natural.! 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