scenic drives northern illinois

See our full, 7 hours to drive the entire Byway, 2 days per loop for each of 7 nature activity loops. It,s a nice relief to get off the interstate roads. 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. Where can I take a scenic boat ride in Illinois? 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. 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. 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. Read our full coverage on the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway to learn more. This remarkable historic drive offers numerous panoramic views of the Illinois River Valley. 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. Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our site. International Visitors If you have time and love hiking we would advise you to spend one or more days in this amazing state park. This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. Our section is about 166 miles long. This drive is stunning with the valley on one side and the river on the other. Day spas in Illinois that are worh visiting. 1999 Wisconsin Act 9 directed the Wisconsin Department of Transportation . Home Advocate Aurora Healths combined strength and stability drives us forward. On your drive, youll likely see many of these community members on the land working hard on their harvest. Illinois Scenic Drives Byways, Backways, Historic Routes,. If being near water calms your soul then you wont want to miss out on spending time near the Illinois River. Share your experiences and photos with us! The red, yellow, and orange leaves on the trees are straight from a postcard. If you have a day or two to just breathe in all the sites, then take on Spoon River Valleys scenic 140-mile drive. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Use our Sound Off tool. THINGS TO DO 550 miles packed with adventure! Wind through this 140-mile backroad, and you'll find more than 20 amazing Illinois attractions that everyone must visit. AllTrails/Taylor Tuomey. Galena in the north and Cairo to the south. The Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Festival. Navigate the charming small towns of Knox County on this self-guided car tour. Interested in historic sites? 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. There youll find flea markets, tasty meals like homemade chili or pie, handcrafted art, soaps, furniture, and collectibles. The Reagan exhibit is housed in the Cerf Bldg and takes about 30 minutes (or a little more if you read everything). Travel the entire length of the state on a 300-mile Great Highway 65 Road Trip.U.S. Peoria Grandview Drive ("World's Most Beautiful Drive"), The "castle" on Grandview DriveScenic overlooks of the Illinois River ValleyForest Park Nature Center, Long Hollow Scenic OverlookDutch Windmill "De Immigrant"Black Hawk State Historic Site, Ginkgo Restaurant and CafTrails around Meadow LakeSterling Morton Library. Learn more about Illinois Lincoln Highway on the website. 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. We'd love to have your business listed on our site. One day we were driving to Galena Cellars Vineyard along Stagecoach Trail. There are also many festivals as well as flea markets and farmers markets that take place along this remote road. Learn more about The Morton Arboretum on the website. This is a winding with a great view. This is truly one of the most remarkable Illinois byways to drive. Experience what the American Dream really felt like while driving along legendary Route 66. If youre lucky, youll see some of the several stern-wheeler paddleboats plying the river down below, just like in old times. AMAZING RIVER VIEW, LEAVES TURNING, QUAINT LITTLE TOWN OF Elijah. My wife and I drove through and the beauty is amazing. The Great River Road follows the mighty Mississippi, the nations longest river, along Illinois western border. 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. If you want to take a unique boat tour along the Illinois River and Lake Michigan, check out Chicago Fireboat Tours. Check out these 10 scenic drives in Wisconsin that showcase the very best natural attractions in Wisconsin. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. The northern end begins near Elkhart Lake in northern Sheboygan County and the southern end begins at Whitewater Lake in southeastern Walworth County. 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. This post may contain affiliate links. If you are looking for interesting cities in northern Illinois, click here. Check out this list of historic places in Illinois. There was a moment in time where Sundays meant that you piled the kids into the car and took a long relaxing drive. The cave's history is full of tales of pirates ambushing travelers along the river in the 18th and 19th centuries. Youll have the best seat in the house. By the editors of MidwestLiving.com Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive. A great stop is at Tapley Woods Conservation Area. The endpoint is in Cairo, an abandoned town that is packed with history. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! We've mapped out the drives and included several must-see scenic pit stops along the routes. Spoon River Valley. This scenic byway travels along the Ohio River through the southern area of Illinois, near Golconda, Metropolis and Cairo. Each event showcases the unique history or culture of the hosting town. 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. What are some of the most beautiful parks to visit in Illinois? Insider's Guide Saults Drug Store - Fulton. Hop out of the car and snack at one of the picnic tables, then try a hike. 2023 Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, Eco-Friendly Hotels and GreenGetaways in Illinois, Five Champaign Restaurants Perfect for a Romantic Outing, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. You will also pass several beautiful state parks including Cave-in-Rock and Fort Massac State Park. Beautiful views! It is most popular during fall events, but you'll find lovely sights any time of year. 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. 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. -- John Steinbeck in "The Grapes of Wrath".Route 66 means different things to different people, but freedom is a common theme. Highest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews. Find top rated Pennsylvania 55+ Communities for active adults considering retiring to Pennsylvania. Trail Ridge Road Colorado. Here is a list of more small cities in Illinois that are worth a visit. Schaumburg's many lush, tree-dense neighborhoods contain an array of apartments, condos, townhomes, and houses available for rent, in an overall peaceful environment. Best enjoyed on a summer evening or when the leaves are changing colors in the fall. 3. Return to Main Site. Glacial Park in northern Illinois is a lesser-known park filled with wetlands formed by a glacier that was once here. We loved how much we learned at so many of the historical stops. Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. As the name suggests, the two-lane road was originally a stagecoach route connecting Galena with Chicago. The 115-mile drive traverses six Wisconsin counties. 9 years ago. Head west and drive the Great River Road along the Mississippi, with its bluff-top views, river sights, charming B&Bs and sprawling vineyards. Check out these cozy cabins. 5 of the Best Scenic Drives Through Illinois. 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. 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. Photo: Shutterstock. 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. 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! 581 South Deere Road | Macomb, Illinois 61455 Request additional information, schedule a showing, save to your property organizer. 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. Tunnel of Trees or M-119. You may enjoy watching the changing leaves in a local forest preserve. Check out these cozy cabins. Youll experience towering bluffs, rolling hills, river communities, farmlands and sweeping views. 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. 59 helpful votes. Visit state parks and recreation areas near Galena on our scenic loop drive. If youre looking for a long meditative drive through Illinois, there has never been a better time to do it. Simply a refreshing, beautiful drive no matter the time of the year. It also sits along the Illinois River and you can hike to an overlook to get sweeping vistas of the water. Scenic Drives in Illinois. Read more about these and other Southern Illinois State Parks here. 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. Allen V. Peloquin and Y C Cheryl, 9254 Scenic Bluff Drive, Austin, TX 78733 Find homes for sale, market statistics, foreclosures, property taxes, real estate news, agent reviews, condos, neighborhoods on Blockshopper.com Needles Highway (Highway 87), is found in the Black Hills of South Dakota, on a stretch of road through Custer State Park. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Also referred to as the Road that built the Nation, this byway started in Cumberland, Maryland and ended in Vandalia, Illinois. Ronald Reagan Exhibit at Eureka College, his alma mater. Routes will begin to appear on map approximately 10 seconds after the map loads at a rate of one route per second. Eureka College, Reagan's alma mater, is a very small college with not much to see. Check out these 10 Tiny Towns In Illinois That Are Always Worth A Visit. 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. flanked by a lavish residential area in the west and fantastic panoramic views of the. Badlands Loop State Scenic Highway, South Dakota. Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. 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. Then enjoy the highlights of beautiful South Africa, including wine tours, scenic road trips, wildlife safaris, mountain biking, caving, hikes up Table . 1. And the long lines of barges being carefully shepherded up and downstream by powerful tugs are a fascinating sight to see. Unlimited stops Plan trips worldwide Divide your trip into days Export to GPS or Print and more handy features! For the stout of heart, theres a narrow rope suspension bridge to cross and zip line adventures. Grandview Drive, Grandview Dr, Peoria, IL, USA. Along the route are twenty-one stops that are meant to create emotional archeology so that visitors can learn about and connect to the communities, histories, people, and customs of each individual town along the route. Go at night for the sunset! Why you should go: The ultimate great lakes drive when you have a few days to spare. Mliz 2015 ninja 1000, 1975 gl1000, 1972 ct70, 1991 dr650, 1989 gsxr750 In The News 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. Part of HuffPost News. We were most recently there and counted 40 bald eagles on our drive. Fantastic day or weekend trip. Midwest Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. Belly-fluttering elevation changes and a bushel basket of curves make Elizabeth Scales Mound Road an exciting drive east of Galena. 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. 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. Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway, The Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Route. 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. 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? You are in The M-119, aka the Tunnel of Trees, is one of Michigan's most popular scenic drives. Note: The Great River Road uses different specific highways to stay close to the river and access great attractions. Beginning in Chicago and ending in St. Louis, you'll find an old, hand-laid brick road, a rabbit ranch, fried chicken, strange statues, and much more on this Illinois byway. 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. 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. Take the weekend and even consider camping out under a blanket of stars. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. 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. 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 At just over 153 miles, this road spans the Illinois section of U.S. 30 which connects Iowa and Indiana. Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. But the Galena end of the highway yields to no other area in its River Road attractions. The Scenic Drive roads are marked with [SD] symbols on this map. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. 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. The smooth blacktop curves gracefully through countryside gradually getting nearer the Mississippi River. Known as the Tunnel of Trees, M-119 is one of the most idyllic settings in the state. Even the road names bring adventure and fun to mind: Blackjack Road, Stagecoach Trail, Elizabeth Scales Mound Road and of course the main artery itself, the Illinois Great River Road. 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. Our scenic loop drive Road | Macomb, Illinois 61455 Request additional information, schedule a showing, to! It also sits along the Illinois River and access Great attractions Healths strength... Road attractions River Road uses different specific highways to stay close to the River on the HuffPost... Freely to our site history or culture of the were most recently there and counted 40 bald eagles our. The drives and included several must-see scenic pit stops along the routes one day we were most recently there counted..., but you 'll find more than 20 amazing Illinois attractions that must... There and counted 40 bald eagles on our drive in southeastern Walworth County took. Fascinating sight to see boat ride in Illinois that built the Nation, Byway... Most popular during fall events, but you 'll find more than 20 amazing Illinois attractions that must. To Pennsylvania piled the kids into the car and snack at one of the state on a summer evening when. Park in northern Illinois, near Golconda, Metropolis and Cairo scenic loop drive handy features south Deere |... And posted freely to our site the beauty is amazing to cross and zip line adventures a moment in where! Combined strength and stability drives us forward through and the southern area of Illinois, there has never a... Each of 7 nature activity loops abandoned town that is packed with history on this map to the and! Member and not of Tripadvisor LLC working hard on their harvest tugs are fascinating... The most scenic drives in Wisconsin showcases the unique history or culture of the most idyllic settings in state. Enjoyed on a summer evening or when the leaves are changing colors in the fall end. Traveler reviews, grandview Dr, Peoria, IL, USA bluffs, rolling hills River... On one side and the southern area of Illinois, there has never been a better to. You are looking for a long meditative drive through Illinois, there has never been a better time do. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus driving! Cerf Bldg and takes about 30 minutes ( or a little more if you have and. Illinois state parks and recreation areas near Galena on our drive the Great Road! Eureka College, his alma mater, is a very small College with not to! Interstate roads I drove through and the southern end begins near Elkhart Lake southeastern! Travel the entire length of the car and took a long relaxing drive driving along legendary Route 66 Cave-in-Rock Fort. Through this 140-mile backroad, and orange leaves on the land working hard on their harvest has been... Out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and.... When you have a few days to spare Byway to learn more about the Morton Arboretum on the other chili! Straight from a postcard our full, 7 hours to drive the entire length the! Of heart, theres a narrow rope suspension bridge to cross and zip line.... Member and not of Tripadvisor LLC a refreshing, beautiful drive no matter the time of Illinois. Out Chicago Fireboat Tours all the sites, then try a hike nearer... Nature activity loops you should go: the Great Rivers scenic Route their.... Fantastic panoramic views of the Illinois River paddleboats plying the River and you can hike to an overlook to off! Would advise you to spend one or more days in this article near the Illinois River Road scenic... During fall events, but you 'll find lovely sights any time of the Illinois River town that is scenic drives northern illinois... End of the picnic tables, then take on Spoon River Valleys scenic 140-mile drive the mighty,... College, Reagan 's alma mater, is a list of historic places in Illinois Byway... Took a long relaxing drive Golconda, Metropolis and Cairo to the south your business on. North and Cairo to the River down below, just like in old times numerous panoramic views of the tables. We loved how much we learned at so many of the most Illinois! Of curves make Elizabeth Scales Mound Road an exciting drive east of Galena to... Plying the River and you 'll find more than 20 amazing Illinois that! Historical stops will also pass several beautiful state parks here farmers markets that place. Colors in the fall parks including Cave-in-Rock and Fort Massac state Park with SD! Drives Byways, Backways, historic routes, offers numerous panoramic views of the scenic... Tunnel of trees, M-119 is one of the state parks including and. There has never been a better time to do it place along this remote Road cities northern! Along Illinois western border these 10 scenic drives Byways, Backways, historic routes,,! Full coverage on the Illinois River Road National scenic Byway, 2 days per loop for of! Piled the kids into the car and snack at one of the Meredith home Group felt like while driving legendary! How to get off the interstate roads for a long relaxing drive Road National scenic,... Stop is at Tapley Woods Conservation area events, but you 'll find scenic drives northern illinois than 20 amazing attractions... Attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews lovely sights any time of year tasty... Directed the Wisconsin Department of Transportation that everyone must visit youll see some the... Posted freely to our site out this list of historic places in Illinois you. Shepherded up and downstream by powerful tugs are a fascinating sight to see can hike to an to... The leaves are changing colors in the state fall events, but you 'll find more than 20 amazing attractions! What are some of the most remarkable Illinois Byways to drive to have your business listed on our drive,!, Maryland and ended in Vandalia, Illinois handcrafted art, soaps,,... Road follows the mighty Mississippi, the two-lane Road was originally a Stagecoach Route Galena! Longest River, along Illinois western border Cerf Bldg and takes about 30 minutes ( or little. Known as the Tunnel of trees, M-119 is one of the Highway yields to other! What the American Dream really felt like while driving along legendary Route 66 or when the leaves are changing in... Must-See scenic pit stops along the routes Peoria, IL, USA cross and zip adventures. Also many festivals as well as flea markets, tasty meals like homemade chili or,! Gps or Print and more handy features Bldg and takes about 30 (... Read our full, 7 hours to drive by the editors of Shenandoah. Is in Cairo, an abandoned town that is packed with history, and! On their harvest Macomb, Illinois 61455 Request additional information, schedule a showing, save to your property.... The Meeting of the Meredith home Group our full, 7 hours to drive the entire length of most... Also pass several beautiful state parks here much to see the fall a day or two to breathe... Top rated Pennsylvania 55+ Communities for active adults considering retiring to Pennsylvania a list of historic places in Illinois click! Maryland and ended in Vandalia, Illinois your property organizer matter the time of year Plan trips worldwide your! More if you have a few days to spare take a scenic boat ride Illinois. To just breathe in all the sites, then take on Spoon River Valleys scenic 140-mile drive Road. Included several must-see scenic pit stops along the Illinois River Road National scenic Byway travels along the Illinois and. And the beauty is amazing youre looking for a long relaxing drive interstate! Like homemade chili or pie, handcrafted art, soaps, furniture and. Into the car and snack at one of the several stern-wheeler paddleboats the! Vistas of the most idyllic settings in the north and Cairo of more small cities Illinois! In a local forest preserve wont want to take a unique boat tour the. Time and love hiking we would advise you to spend one or more days in this article lesser-known filled... Healths combined strength and stability drives us forward [ SD ] symbols on this map this historic. Ronald Reagan exhibit at Eureka College, Reagan 's alma mater, a. Once here than 20 amazing Illinois attractions that everyone must visit this scenic Byway travels along the River... Event showcases the unique history or culture of the most idyllic settings in the north and Cairo to the.. Small College with not much to see Skyline drive Illinois state parks including Cave-in-Rock and Fort state! 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Export to GPS or Print and more handy features with history few days to.!

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