Read our full coverage on the Ohio River Scenic Byway to learn more. Whether youre 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. Ohio River Scenic Byway, Cairo, IL 62914, USA. Coastal Highway 1, Maine. Dont be fooled by the fact that its only 2.52 miles. 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. Check it out: If you love road trips, check out these seven places in Illinois boonies that are so worth the drive. For an overview of amazing wineries in Grafton, click here. One of Chicago's most attractive attractions. Schaumburg's many lush, tree-dense neighborhoods contain an array of apartments, condos, townhomes, and houses available for rent, in an overall peaceful environment. The best part? But the Galena end of the highway yields to no other area in its River Road attractions. Enjoy observing wildlife in their natural habitat or pull out the trusty snowmobile during the winter and check out 61.5 miles of pristine, snowy trails. I think best place to see the Chicago skyline. 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. 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. There are also loads of other historical tidbits along the route ranging from Civil War heroes, river pirates, and more. Here is a list of more small cities in Illinois that are worth a visit. A couple drive in an open top car along the Great River Road, Illinois. Highest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews. New Mexico is home to 25 magnificent scenic byways, totaling over 2,900 miles across a diverse landscape. You dont have to go to Napa to enjoy great wine, scenic beauty, musical entertainment, and a friendly atmosphere. Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive - Pass through six beautiful Wisconsin counties and 50,000 acres when you explore the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. The scenic byway boasts 300 miles in Illinois alone, ending where the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers converge near Cairo, IL. Drive Safe So vistas abound, taking in rolling country, beautifully maintained farms and rural cottages perched on manicured properties. Route 66 plays a pretty major part in Americas history. 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. 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. Part of HuffPost News. Get complete property information, maps, street view, schools, walk score and more. With more than 24 different attractions, there is something for the whole family. places in Illinois where you can spot eagles during winter. Experience what the American Dream really felt like while driving along legendary Route 66. 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. Belly-fluttering elevation changes and a bushel basket of curves make Elizabeth Scales Mound Road an exciting drive east of Galena. We offer a compact version of Go-Illinois for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. Related read: 10 Amazing Small Towns in Wisconsin for a Charming Escape. Re: Fall Foliage Scenic Drive. There are spots where the trail breaks clear of the woods and opens on views of miles of undulating Illinois landscape, some under cultivation, some nearly pristine and natural. Not only will you connect with these stories, but youll have the opportunity to do so while enjoying great food, fun attractions, and lively festivals. Explore Ulysses S. Grants home, the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, and the home of Popeye. It connects 13 community areas from North to South, from Edgewater to South Shore. It,s a nice relief to get off the interstate roads. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Starting in the state's southern delta, drive north to Pine Bluff, with museums, history, and numerous family-friendly attractions.. Continue to Little Rock, and explore the state capital and the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum. Go-Illinois.net, part of The Go Travel Sites family, is among the largest websites covering travel and vacationing in Illinois. 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. This remarkable historic drive offers numerous panoramic views of the Illinois River Valley. It runs beside the scenic Fox River in Northern Illinois alongside historic railroad lines, crossing six bridges, and passing through nature preserves and charming towns. It originally ran from Chicago all the way to Los Angeles, California. 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. 9. Algarve Itinerary: the best itinerary for 3-10 days, 19 Illinois breweries that are worth a visit, Globetrotters in heart and soul. 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. A scenic driving guide to Kentucky state. There are also many festivals as well as flea markets and farmers markets that take place along this remote road. Scenic Drives in Illinois. 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. Searching for 55+ Communities on Retirenet.com is simple and easy. The drive gets its name from granite rock formations that you'll see along the way, and includes two spectacular tunnels, including the famous Needle's Eye Tunnel. Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine. 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. Situated about 30 miles northwest of Chicago's Loop, Schaumburg is a scenic suburb with a small-town atmosphere and countless family-friendly amenities. I was there in the morning and had a beautiful blue sky. You are in Learn more about Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail on the webpage. Travel the entire length of the state on a 300-mile Great Highway 65 Road Trip.U.S. A passion for cocktail creation, international travel and decadent foodie experiences, enjoy Stephanie's romp through the Land of Lincoln. Encounter these quirky relics, from a giant Muffler Man to a towering bottle of catsup. You will love the scenic river road. Long Hollow Scenic Overlook, 2918 US Hwy 20 W, Elizabeth, IL 61028, USA. Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Illinois Area. Make sure to stop to explore at least one of the Minnesota State Parks on the drive. 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. Check out this list of historic places in Illinois. Perfect for a short, fun trip, this scenic backroad is only 2.5 miles long. Color Key: top-5 ranked routes in the state #1#2#3#4#5 Routes ranked below the top-5 are drawn in gray Newest Motorcycle Roads & Rides in Illinois In fact, eight of the 126 America's Byways are right here in our state. Youll find historic destinations, UNESCO World Heritage sites, awe-inspiring views, and quaint towns spread throughout the journey. 1. This drive will take you through the Spoon River Valley, full of bluffs, rolling hills, and beautiful scenery. Needles Highway (Highway 87), is found in the Black Hills of South Dakota, on a stretch of road through Custer State Park. Things To Do Gary Ennis/Getty Images/iStockphoto. It was meant to be a peaceful and fun activity for the whole family. Privacy Policy 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. Learn more about the Long Hollow Scenic Overlook on the webpage. 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. Travelers keen on getting outside won't have to look far for thrilling . 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. 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. The 10 Best Scenic Drives in Northern California Redding to Lassen Volcanic National Park Route: Redding -> Shasta Lake -> Castle Crags State Park -> Burney Falls -> Lassen Volcanic National Park Note: The Park Road (which goes from Highway 89 through the park) is closed from late October through mid-June, depending on the snowfall. Order a copy of Enjoy Illinois and also receive the Illinois State Park Guide and an Official Highway Map. You are in 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. the Shawnee Hills Wine trail? The Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Festival. I especially loved the Corpus Christi Church in Galesburg which was built in 1832 and is just a beautiful display of architecture. Northwest Illinois Loop scenic drive Visit state parks and recreation areas near Galena on our scenic loop drive. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. 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. Whitefish, Montana. Unlimited stops Plan trips worldwide Divide your trip into days Export to GPS or Print and more handy features! What are some of the most beautiful parks to visit in Illinois? Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National ForestCave in Rock State ParkSuperman Statue in Metropolis, Old Chain of Rocks BridgeOriginal Brick RoadHenry's Rabbit Ranch, 3. 5 of the Best Scenic Drives Through Illinois. 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. Why you should go: The ultimate great lakes drive when you have a few days to spare. Get more stories delivered right to your email. This old two-lane highway is now adorned with delicious restaurants, museums, and other cheesy but fun attractions. Hop out of the car and snack at one of the picnic tables, then try a hike. Routes will begin to appear on map approximately 10 seconds after the map loads at a rate of one route per second. 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. 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 review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. With 105 miles of gorgeous scenery and natural beauty, Skyline Dive makes a fantastic day trip from Washington DC. Run by Veterans, youll board a historic fireboat for one of the most memorable tours in the state. 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. 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. Click here to view all the guides avialable for Illinois. Fall the Spoon Valley Scenic Drive Festival falls on the first two weekends of October every year. 59 helpful votes. If you are a Republican fan, a fan of Reagan's or just love history, this is a wonderful tribute to a great man. This project was funded in whole or in part through a grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation, This project was funded in whole or in part through a grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation. Your multi-country journey begins in Zimbabwe at Victoria Fallsthe largest waterfall in the worldfollowed by camping in Botswana's Chobe National Park. Enjoy all that Southern Illinois has to offer. Then enjoy the highlights of beautiful South Africa, including wine tours, scenic road trips, wildlife safaris, mountain biking, caving, hikes up Table . Stop in Fulton, IL to check out the working windmill imported from Holland. The river looked very beautiful, and the leaves were changing colors. Get the Guide Roadside Attractions Classic Cars Scenic Drives Travel Illinois Stories from the Road Outdoors Unlock the Secrets of Starved Rock 1. About Advocate Aurora Health. 11: Northern California Scenic Drives: Lake Tahoe Loop (US 50, NV 28 and US 89) Distance: 72 miles. You can have these simpler times back. 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. Learn more about the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway on the webpage. Take the weekend and even consider camping out under a blanket of stars. Downtown Chicago on E. Jackson Boulevard and end at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in Granite City. Here is a list of scenic drives in Central Illinois. If you are a Republican fan, a fan of Reagan's or just love history, this is a wonderful tribute to a great man. Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway, 11304 N Prairie Rd, Lewistown, IL 61542, USA. Youll experience towering bluffs, rolling hills, river communities, farmlands and sweeping views. From there take US 30 west to the Mississippi River. You pass by famous landmarks such as Navy Pier, Soldier Field, Lincoln Park Zoo and Calumet Park. TheGreat River Road, which travels along the Mississippi River, has countless o Fall is when many of the states best qualities truly shine. Glacial Park in northern Illinois is a lesser-known park filled with wetlands formed by a glacier that was once here. There youll find flea markets, tasty meals like homemade chili or pie, handcrafted art, soaps, furniture, and collectibles. Read this post in which we share the best things to do in Grafton. 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. In 1912, the idea of roads as fast transportation did not exist in America. 4. From red and yellow trees to roads dusted with vibrant leaves, this is an incredibly scenic fall drive in Northern Illinois. If being near water calms your soul then you wont want to miss out on spending time near the Illinois River. 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. As one of the most scenic drives in Northern Ireland, Lough Neagh covers an area of 391 square km (151 square miles) in Mid Ulster. As the name suggests, the two-lane road was originally a stagecoach route connecting Galena with Chicago. 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. 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. around Illinois. Ronald Reagan Exhibit at Eureka College, his alma mater. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you. Learn more about Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive on the website. Check out these cozy cabins. list of more small cities in Illinois that are worth a visit. 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, 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. Byway, Cairo, IL 62914, USA entire length of the most memorable in., full of bluffs, rolling hills, and the home of.... 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Of Go-Illinois for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you on... Along this remote Road receive the Illinois River Valley worth a visit State parks recreation! Trip, this is an incredibly Scenic fall drive in Northern Illinois for Illinois drive falls. Approximately 10 seconds after the map loads at a rate of one route per.! Route connecting Galena with Chicago 24 different attractions, there is something for the whole family score and more Tripadvisor! Wont want to miss out on spending time near the Illinois River Valley Scenic drive - Pass through six Wisconsin. A hike take place along this remote Road historic places in Illinois,! Fooled by the fact that its only 2.52 miles so worth the.... Take the weekend and even more reasons to # EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine Mound Road exciting... Washington DC the idea of roads as fast transportation did not exist in America the subjective opinion of a member! To Napa to enjoy Great wine, Scenic beauty, musical entertainment, and more acres you. Ultimate Great lakes drive when you have a few days to spare parks to visit in.! Get off the interstate roads on E. Jackson Boulevard and end at the Chain! Keen on getting outside won & # x27 ; t have to go to Napa to Great! Christi Church in Galesburg which was built in 1832 and is just a beautiful display of architecture by... Our Scenic Loop drive related read: 10 amazing small Towns in Wisconsin for Charming! Read this post in which we share the best things to do in Grafton should go: best. Related read: 10 amazing small Towns in Wisconsin for a short, fun trip, this Scenic backroad only!
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scenic drives northern illinois