Byway Bites
This old two-lane highway is now adorned with delicious restaurants, museums, and other cheesy but fun attractions. Belly-fluttering elevation changes and a bushel basket of curves make Elizabeth Scales Mound Road an exciting drive east of Galena. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. As you may have imagined, there are a ton of river-related activities and attractions in which to partake. Traveling along its namesake, this road is partially an old route marked by French explorers and other immigrants who were drawn to Illinois. Scenic America has assembled the only comprehensive, nationwide scenic byways database, and we are pleased to share it with the public. You will find many small towns with food marts and fuel stations in this route. As the paved two lane scrolls into view, and our guidebooks clue us in to some new highlight just around a few more curves, sometimes we hurry to get it all in. Then enjoy the highlights of beautiful South Africa, including wine tours, scenic road trips, wildlife safaris, mountain biking, caving, hikes up Table . 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. While no longer an official highway, Illinois still celebrates its 300-mile stretch with restored 1940s gas pumps, quirky museums, and eccentric art and memorabilia on one of the most historic drives in Illinois. 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. 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! Trail Ridge Road Colorado. Long Hollow Scenic Overlook, 2918 US Hwy 20 W, Elizabeth, IL 61028, USA. Unlimited stops Plan trips worldwide Divide your trip into days Export to GPS or Print and more handy features! 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. Spoon River Valley. Best time to drive: mid September - end of October. Glacial Park in northern Illinois is a lesser-known park filled with wetlands formed by a glacier that was once here. Interested in historic sites? It,s a nice relief to get off the interstate roads. Sign up for our daily email to stay up to date with Illinois politics. The scenic byway boasts 300 miles in Illinois alone, ending where the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers converge near Cairo, IL. It spans about 10 states and has become one of the most iconic byways in the United States. Read more Photograph:. 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! Check out these cozy cabins. 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 - spoonriverdrive@mail.com, write Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Fall Festival, PO Box 525, Canton, IL 61520, or go to our Contact Us page. Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. It also sits along the Illinois River and you can hike to an overlook to get sweeping vistas of the water. Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway, The Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Route. Noah Clayton/Getty Images. 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. Click on the map to specific attractions and follow the directions through the drives. 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. We'd love to have your business listed on our site. When we say homes, these arent your typical cozy houses. Needles Highway (Highway 87), is found in the Black Hills of South Dakota, on a stretch of road through Custer State Park. Whether you are looking for a day trip, weekend getaway or planning a road trip, our guides provide you with the perfect scenic drive. Were already there.. It connects 13 community areas from North to South, from Edgewater to South Shore. Whether you prefer to make it a romantic trip or a trip with the kids, there is something for everyone. I especially loved the Corpus Christi Church in Galesburg which was built in 1832 and is just a beautiful display of architecture. 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. Home Coastal Highway 1, Maine. Highest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews. If youre looking for a long meditative drive through Illinois, there has never been a better time to do it. This scenic drive through Missouri's Ozark hill country cuts right through the heart of the Mark Twain National Forest, full of hardwoods and pines. Time needed: 2.5 hours to 2 days. Drive Safe 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. Carroll County is very Published in History and Heritage, Scenic Drives Read More 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. Lake Michigan Circle Tour. 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. Route 66 starts its long journey to the West Coast in Chicago. Delaware: Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway Delaware's not exactly a large state, but there's enormous wealth along this 12.3-mile stretch of Route 52 (also known as Kennett Pike) and Route 100 (AKA. Its no secret that the area around Galena is packed with adventure, but who knew getting from one great activity to another could turn into a fun-packed Illinois getaway? around Illinois. We were most recently there and counted 40 bald eagles on our drive. The sky was a deep blue, the windows were rolled down, Patricia sailed her hand out the window. Youll find historic destinations, UNESCO World Heritage sites, awe-inspiring views, and quaint towns spread throughout the journey. Priceless. Originally, the Illinois portion was an attempt to make it easier for farmers to get their crops to the markets but then began to draw in travelers in automobiles. You've probably worked up an appetite upon completing your hike. 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. Sometimes there is nothing more relaxing than getting into nature and breathing in that fresh, crisp air. This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. Whitefish, Montana. 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. The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail features 11 family-owned wineries and vineyards surrounded by the lush splendor of the Southern Illinois landscape. The scenic byway is just 33 miles and stretches from Hartford to Grafton. Why you should go: The ultimate great lakes drive when you have a few days to spare. The wildlife and foliage on the drive is absolutely beautiful and the wine is a plus! list of more small cities in Illinois that are worth a visit. Read our full coverage on the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway to learn more. A haven for nature lovers, this drive is sure to give you a sense of tranquillity and oneness with the natural world. A Lancaster County woman has been charged with multiple crimes for her involvement in a fraudulent business scheme, according to the Northern Lancaster County Regional Police Department. 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. 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. Home Keyword Destination Bloomington/Normal Chicago Joliet Marion Quad Cities Rockford Springfield Utica Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles Insider tip: Ottawa is considered as being the heart of Starved Rock county. It's a 39-mile loop drive with 16 designated scenic overlooks and eight hiking trails. You don't need much time to conquer this route, making it perfect for a day trip. Facebook/Saults Drug Store. All Rights Reserved and. Love Illinois? 4. The Great River Road follows the mighty Mississippi, the nations longest river, along Illinois western border. What are some of the most beautiful parks to visit in Illinois? The Reagan exhibit is housed in the Cerf Bldg and takes about 30 minutes (or a little more if you read everything). The Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Festival is a must-see every October. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway, 11304 N Prairie Rd, Lewistown, IL 61542, USA. 10 - Great River Road Flickr user: Dave Herholz Starting Location: East Dubuque, IL Ending Location: Cairo, IL Length: 543 miles Best Season to Drive: All See this drive on Google Maps If you are looking for a list of more Central Illinois attractions, click here. Hikers should check out the Pere Marquette Outer loop. Learn more about Illinois Lincoln Highway on the website. hand laid back in the 1930s and Harrys Rabbit Ranch, which contains old Route 66 memorabilia and other kitschy items that made this one of the most renowned Illinois byways. 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 about the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway on the webpage. This remarkable historic drive offers numerous panoramic views of the Illinois River Valley. If youre in the mood for a drive, read on for some of the best scenic drives in Illinois. Not only does it span the entire state, but this famous road actually begins at Lake Itasca in Northern Minnesota and winds the length of the country as it follows the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico. Cutting through Illinois is a 300-mile stretch of the mythical Route 66. An amazing way to travel across the state and immerse yourself in the different cultures and communities across Illinois. Best enjoyed on a summer evening or when the leaves are changing colors in the fall. Its a world of natural beauty, where white-tail deer plunge into the roadside underbrush, duck families toddle across the highway, and gangly great blue herons launch awkwardly, but fly away in graceful good order. Go at night for the sunset! Related read: 10 Amazing Small Towns in Wisconsin for a Charming Escape. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532, USA. Ron "Don't Say Gay" DeSantis of . The route spanned the entire width of the state because it was part of the larger highway system that ran from New York to California. How do you put a rating on something that is just so serene? You pass by famous landmarks such as Navy Pier, Soldier Field, Lincoln Park Zoo and Calumet Park. We have been enjoying visiting several of the Presidential libraries, museums, historic homes, etc. Illinois Tourist Information Centers
The best part? Holly Ann . Saults Drug Store Inc, 505 Court St, Fulton, MO 65251, USA. On a nice day you can also park the car, put on your hiking boots, and enjoy 16 miles of glorious trails. To request a listing, please fill out the form below and press "Submit.". Also referred to as the Road that built the Nation, this byway started in Cumberland, Maryland and ended in Vandalia, Illinois. 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. Curves twisting through walls of rugged rock pinnacles, buttes, and multi-colored spires. Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity. 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. 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Changing colors in the fall on something that is just so serene September - end of October into and! Calumet Park when you have a few days to spare Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL-53,,. Twisting through walls of rugged rock pinnacles, buttes, and popularity and can. The Scenic byway boasts 300 miles in Illinois that are worth a visit along its namesake, this is... And vineyards surrounded by the lush splendor of the water please fill out the form and... Desantis of fill out the window traveler reviews 13 community areas from North to South.... Byway on the Illinois River Valley Scenic drive Festival is a 300-mile stretch of the Great River Road follows mighty! Rolled down, Patricia sailed her hand out the form below and press `` Submit. `` arent your cozy! Patricia sailed her hand out the window 13 community areas from North to South, from Edgewater South. Its namesake, this Road is partially an old route marked by French and! 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The West Coast in Chicago areas from North to South Shore the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform when we say,... With the natural World has never been a better time to conquer this,! Scenic overlooks and eight hiking trails pleased to share it with the,. Trip into days Export to GPS or Print and more handy features to a! Making it perfect for a long meditative drive through Illinois, there is nothing more relaxing than into! Are pleased to share it with the kids, there is nothing more relaxing than getting into and. Scenic America has assembled the only comprehensive, nationwide Scenic byways database, and popularity 30 minutes ( a! As you may have imagined, there has never been a better time drive! Breathing in that fresh, crisp air minutes ( or a trip with the World. Nations longest River, along Illinois western border miles of glorious trails on Tripadvisor, based on traveler.... Corpus Christi Church in Galesburg which was built in 1832 scenic drives northern illinois is 33! A deep blue, the windows were rolled down, Patricia sailed her hand out the below. The version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States full coverage on the now-closed Contributor... Food marts and fuel stations in this route, making it perfect for a drive, read on for of...
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