scenic drives northern illinois

Galena, the starting point, is well known for its well-preserved 19th-century buildings, ancient ceremonial sites, and delicious vineyards. 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. list of more small cities in Illinois that are worth a visit. It connects 13 community areas from North to South, from Edgewater to South Shore. 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. This is a winding with a great view. Along your drive, you'll see the convergence of the Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois Rivers, gorgeous limestone river bluffs, glorious trees, and local plants. The northern end begins near Elkhart Lake in northern Sheboygan County and the southern end begins at Whitewater Lake in southeastern Walworth County. By the editors of MidwestLiving.com Related read: 10 Amazing Small Towns in Wisconsin for a Charming Escape. The Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Festival. With more than 24 different attractions, there is something for the whole family. It's very well done overall. Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity. If you have a day or two to just breathe in all the sites, then take on Spoon River Valleys scenic 140-mile drive. Scenic drives to consider in Illinois are listed below. Note: The Great River Road uses different specific highways to stay close to the river and access great attractions. 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. The national byway preserves the nature along the river, providing amazing views of serene Illinois woodlands and wetland as well as prairies and lakes, which makes it perfect for nature lovers. The red, yellow, and orange leaves on the trees are straight from a postcard. In The News This is the Badlands Loop scenic drive through the Badlands National Park in South Dakota. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. Experience what the American Dream really felt like while driving along legendary Route 66. 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. 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. BYWAY BITES A haven for nature lovers, this drive is sure to give you a sense of tranquillity and oneness with the natural world. Ohio River Scenic Byway, Cairo, IL 62914, USA. Check out antique shops, artist studios, and local farmers markets along the way. Facebook/Saults Drug Store. Go at night for the sunset! Advocate Aurora Healths combined strength and stability drives us forward. If youre in the mood for a drive, read on for some of the best scenic drives in Illinois. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Whitefish, Montana, is winter lover's dream. Get complete property information, maps, street view, schools, walk score and more. Order a copy of Enjoy Illinois and also receive the Illinois State Park Guide and an Official Highway Map. Check out these cozy cabins. Lake Shore Drive, or Outer Drive, is a multilevel expressway that runs alongside Lake Michigan through the city of Chicago. Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine. My wife and I drove through and the beauty is amazing. Best Rated Motorcycle Roads & Rides Please be patient. There is a piece of the Berlin wall outside the building as well. We take your privacy seriously and will never sell your data to anyone. It originally ran from Chicago all the way to Los Angeles, California. Also, be sure to check out the famous Cahokia mounds and visit the Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower where you can experience breathtaking 150-foot views of Ol Man River. As one of the most scenic drives in Illinois, there's nothing else quite like it. Ronald Reagan Exhibit at Eureka College, his alma mater. All Rights Reserved and. Follow the Mother Road to discover a myriad of quirky roadside attractions, or hit one of the scenic highways crisscrossing the state. If you are looking for more hikes in Northern Illinois, click here. #4 Illinois Ultimate Scenic Rivers Route Illinois Rivers Route is an illustrious 140-mile road that stretches along the Illinois River. 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. You can send yourself an email as well. 9. 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. Tunnel of Trees or M-119. 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. 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. Read Enjoy Illinois magazine online or download the PDF and start exploring trip ideas From red and yellow trees to roads dusted with vibrant leaves, this is an incredibly scenic fall drive in Northern Illinois. The Great River Road follows the mighty Mississippi, the nations longest river, along Illinois western border. A spectacular train trestle bridge crosses the Illinois River near Allen Park and the Old Town business district. 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. Youll see where Lincolns political career began, take pictures with giant bottles of catsup, and experience historical wonders such as the Cahokia Mounds, the largest prehistoric site north of Mexico where Mississippi natives were living 1,000 years ago. 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 . Also referred to as the Road that built the Nation, this byway started in Cumberland, Maryland and ended in Vandalia, Illinois. Click here to view all the guides avialable for Illinois. 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. Cutting through Illinois is a 300-mile stretch of the mythical Route 66. Return to Main Site. Route 66 starts its long journey to the West Coast in Chicago. Gary Ennis/Getty Images/iStockphoto. About The Byway An incredible hike in southern Illinois. 59 helpful votes. Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine. Go-Illinois.net, part of The Go Travel Sites family, is among the largest websites covering travel and vacationing in Illinois. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. 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. This road really holds some of Americas most fascinating history. 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. Lincoln Highway, Lincoln Hwy, Joliet, IL, USA. If you have time and love hiking we would advise you to spend one or more days in this amazing state park. 4. You can read our complete privacy policy here. It also sits along the Illinois River and you can hike to an overlook to get sweeping vistas of the water. This drive will take you through the Spoon River Valley, full of bluffs, rolling hills, and beautiful scenery. The road is quite smooth and the traffic volume is very low. 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. Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. TheGreat River Road, which travels along the Mississippi River, has countless o Fall is when many of the states best qualities truly shine. Galena in the north and Cairo to the south. Plan on visiting in October if you want to participate in the countys annual drive event and witness the activities and entertainment. Wooded countryside fills your view, interspersed with neat farmsteads and regular roadside produce stands, in season. 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. There are festivals and celebrations happening every month of the year along the Great River Route. Hikers should check out the Pere Marquette Outer loop. The Tunnel of Trees spans 20 miles, beginning . Dont be fooled by the fact that its only 2.52 miles. Read our full coverage on the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway to learn more. It was the widest and longest bascule bridge in the world when it was constructed in 1937, a year after LSD was completed by architect Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe. 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. In the midst of vast Illinois farmland, weekend travelers discover a topographic Kitsch, awe inspiring, quirky, colorful, beautiful and unforgettable. Perfect for a short, fun trip, this scenic backroad is only 2.5 miles long. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! So beautiful in fall. You may even find a new greasy spoon with all the comfort foods you could imagine. Your multi-country journey begins in Zimbabwe at Victoria Fallsthe largest waterfall in the worldfollowed by camping in Botswana's Chobe National Park. Re: Fall Foliage Scenic Drive. Youll find local businesses and vendors from all over the county delivering amazing food and homemade treats, handcrafted goods, unique art, and plenty of antiques. Insider tip: If you enough time we would advise you to spend a weekend in Grafton. Below Galena, the US 20 rolls along inland out of sight of the river, but there is still plenty to see. Make sure to stop to explore at least one of the Minnesota State Parks on the drive. Get ready for a packed three-week adventure to some of the greatest locales in Africa. Check out these 10 Tiny Towns In Illinois That Are Always Worth A Visit. 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. 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. There youll find flea markets, tasty meals like homemade chili or pie, handcrafted art, soaps, furniture, and collectibles. In this travel magazine we share our best tips and adventures. The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail features 11 family-owned wineries and vineyards surrounded by the lush splendor of the Southern Illinois landscape. At just over 153 miles, this road spans the Illinois section of U.S. 30 which connects Iowa and Indiana. We loved how much we learned at so many of the historical stops. 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. AllTrails/Taylor Tuomey. Algarve Itinerary: the best itinerary for 3-10 days, 19 Illinois breweries that are worth a visit, Globetrotters in heart and soul. Learn more about Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive on the website. Day spas in Illinois that are worh visiting. 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. Theodore Roosevelt named it the "world's most beautiful drive," so have that camera ready and drive both ways up and down the road for all the best sights. Long Hollow Scenic Overlook, 2918 US Hwy 20 W, Elizabeth, IL 61028, USA. 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. Location South Dakota. Explore the region for yourself and find little-known treasures, perhaps using one of our favorite Illinois scenic drives as a starting point: No. Mliz 2015 ninja 1000, 1975 gl1000, 1972 ct70, 1991 dr650, 1989 gsxr750 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. Love Illinois? Take the weekend and even consider camping out under a blanket of stars. The sky was a deep blue, the windows were rolled down, Patricia sailed her hand out the window. All Rights Reserved. The river looked very beautiful, and the leaves were changing colors. According to Theodore Roosevelt its the worlds most beautiful drive. Watch the autumnal leaves sweep over the 180-acre landscape or enjoy a picnic with the family. The scenic byway boasts 300 miles in Illinois alone, ending where the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers converge near Cairo, IL. ), or the old Rochelle railroad park. Our supportive staff and leadership are committed to an autonomous practice . 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. Insider tip: Ottawa is considered as being the heart of Starved Rock county. A scenic driving guide to Kentucky state. Run by Veterans, youll board a historic fireboat for one of the most memorable tours in the state. Part of HuffPost News. -- John Steinbeck in "The Grapes of Wrath".Route 66 means different things to different people, but freedom is a common theme. Copyright 1997 - 2023 The Go Travel Sites. The best part? With about 300 miles of highway in Illinois alone, you could make a whole day of sight seeing. 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. Spoon River Valley. With 105 miles of gorgeous scenery and natural beauty, Skyline Dive makes a fantastic day trip from Washington DC. 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. 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. 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. Ive traveled much of the U.S. and Ill rank this drive as one of the more scenic Ive ever taken. Find top rated Pennsylvania 55+ Communities for active adults considering retiring to Pennsylvania. Photo: Shutterstock. If you are looking for a list of more Central Illinois attractions, click here. Looking where to stay while exploring the Shawnee Hills Wine trail? Road Trip. Enjoy the beauty, variety and geology of southeast Wisconsin by driving the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. places in Illinois where you can spot eagles during winter. This scenic byway travels along the Ohio River through the southern area of Illinois, near Golconda, Metropolis and Cairo. 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. Spanning a total of 20 miles, this beautiful route starts near Cross Village, eventually taking visitors up and along a bluff that towers over Lake Michigan. Each issue offers a mix of travel stories, stunning photography and timely trip ideas that make the most of each season. It spans about 10 states and has become one of the most iconic byways in the United States. Traveling along its namesake, this road is partially an old route marked by French explorers and other immigrants who were drawn to Illinois. An amazing way to travel across the state and immerse yourself in the different cultures and communities across Illinois. 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. FourSquare/Alex N. Start off your scenic drive with a visit to this old-fashioned soda fountain, tucked in Saults Drug Store in Fulton. Your email and your recipient's email will NOT be shared with anyone. The wildlife and foliage on the drive is absolutely beautiful and the wine is a plus! If you are a Republican fan, a fan of Reagan's or just love history, this is a wonderful tribute to a great man. 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. Sign up for our daily email to stay up to date with Illinois politics. The cave's history is full of tales of pirates ambushing travelers along the river in the 18th and 19th centuries. Thank you! Home Unlimited stops Plan trips worldwide Divide your trip into days Export to GPS or Print and more handy features! Youll find historic destinations, UNESCO World Heritage sites, awe-inspiring views, and quaint towns spread throughout the journey. Originally from the quaint beach town of Fenwick Island, Delaware, Stephanie has called Chicago home for nearly a decade. Scenic Drives in Illinois. 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. Routes will begin to appear on map approximately 10 seconds after the map loads at a rate of one route per second. If your fall plans include a shopping weekend in Galena, make time for a fresh-air escape to the state parks and recreation areas outside town: Mississippi Palisades for river views, White Pines Forest for thick groves, Lowden Memorial for The Eternal Indian (aka Black Hawk) statue and Lake Le-Aqua-Na for trail rides. The Lincoln Highway was the first highway in America to be paved all the way across the state in the early 1900s. Learn more about the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway on the webpage. See our full, 7 hours to drive the entire Byway, 2 days per loop for each of 7 nature activity loops. I was there in the morning and had a beautiful blue sky. Scenic drives in Illinois: 12 amazing scenic routes you must explore. Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. Read this post in which we share the best things to do in Grafton. 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. Scenic Drives Carroll County Carroll County Barn Quilt Trail Various locations Carroll County, IL Barn quilts enhance the beauty of the countryside and are enjoyed by those who pass by. The stretch of the Mississippi River north of Rock Island, Illinois is considered by many to be the most scenic drive along the Mississippi. Home Even if you just drive right through, youll enjoy the serene Illinois woodlands, forests, and wetlands. Ron "Don't Say Gay" DeSantis of . Enjoy all that Southern Illinois has to offer. 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. 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. The Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Festival is a must-see every October. Each of these wineries has its own styles, techniques, and grape varieties that create wonderfully delicious and unique flavors. The scenic byway boasts 300 miles in Illinois alone, ending where the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers converge near Cairo, IL. Youll experience towering bluffs, rolling hills, river communities, farmlands and sweeping views. Mliz | June 6, 2019 | America > United States > Illinois Motorcycle Roads > IL - Daviess/Stephenson/W. On your way, be sure to check out an original brick road (no, its not yellow!) 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. 2023 Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. 1. 8. 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. Scenic drives follow rivers and creeks through woods and past parks, playgrounds and numerous roadside attractions. Subscribe to our Newsletter Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. Delve into history and view Native American mounds found along the riverbanks. Fermanagh Lakelands - for incredible views of Lough Erne. Love Illinois? 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. On a nice day you can also park the car, put on your hiking boots, and enjoy 16 miles of glorious trails. Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway, 11304 N Prairie Rd, Lewistown, IL 61542, USA. Check it out: If you love road trips, check out these seven places in Illinois boonies that are so worth the drive. The River Road National Scenic Byway showcases Illinois natural wonders and theyre truly breathtaking. Considered the most beautiful state park, Starved Rock State Park is home to a surreal landscape of rock formations, canyons, forests, and waterfalls. This is truly one of the most remarkable Illinois byways to drive. Time needed: 2.5 hours to 2 days. These are the 14 most scenic drives in the United States, from sea to shining sea. Whether you are looking for a day trip, weekend getaway or planning a road trip, our guides provide you with the perfect scenic drive. 10 Tiny Towns In Illinois That Are Always Worth A Visit. Our section is about 166 miles long. You don't need much time to conquer this route, making it perfect for a day trip. Make sure to check out the event calendar to see what kind of special activities are happening along this beautiful drive in Illinois. Six Romantic Spots Along the Great River Road in Illinois, Explore the Regions: Colorful Fall Getaways, Eco-Friendly Hotels and GreenGetaways in Illinois, Five Champaign Restaurants Perfect for a Romantic Outing, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives Locations in Illinois, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. In southeastern Walworth County best tips and adventures Pennsylvania 55+ communities for active adults considering retiring to Pennsylvania fooled. Family, is winter lover & # x27 ; t Say Gay & quot ; DeSantis of well... 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