It's very well done overall. 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. On your drive, youll likely see many of these community members on the land working hard on their harvest. Ronald Reagan Exhibit at Eureka College, his alma mater. Three hours outside the sprawling metropolis of Chicago, this beautiful region is home to festivals that contain crafters, flea markets, antiques, and even homemade foods. more. Of course, you can still use the full version of Go-Illinois on your mobile device just as you can on your desktop. About The Byway The scenic drive around Lake Tahoe may not be one of the state's longest but is most certainly among the most scenic drives in northern California (and Nevada). They capture rich history, and unique landscapes, and feature the fascinating but often overlooked communities that cherish and celebrate these scenic routes. This is the Badlands Loop scenic drive through the Badlands National Park in South Dakota. 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. Whether you are looking for a day trip, weekend getaway or planning a road trip, our guides provide you with the perfect scenic drive. Northwest Illinois Loop scenic drive Visit state parks and recreation areas near Galena on our scenic loop drive. Spoon River Valley is one of the most beautiful 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. Check it out: If you love road trips, check out these seven places in Illinois boonies that are so worth the drive. Learn more about the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway on the website. For the stout of heart, theres a narrow rope suspension bridge to cross and zip line adventures. It parallels the 18-mile Chicago Lakefront Trail, a multi-use path that runs through city parks and is popular with joggers and cyclists. Your email and your recipient's email will NOT be shared with anyone. The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail features 11 family-owned wineries and vineyards surrounded by the lush splendor of the Southern Illinois landscape. Check out antique shops, artist studios, and local farmers' markets along the way. 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. 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. What are some of the best small towns in Illinois? From red and yellow trees to roads dusted with vibrant leaves, this is an incredibly scenic fall drive in Northern Illinois. Stop in Fulton, IL to check out the working windmill imported from Holland. 1. Coastal Highway 1, Maine. Love Illinois? You will find many small towns with food marts and fuel stations in this route. 9 years ago. There is a piece of the Berlin wall outside the building as well. The 115-mile drive traverses six Wisconsin counties. We have been enjoying visiting several of the Presidential libraries, museums, historic homes, etc. 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 Copyright 1997 - 2023 The Go Travel Sites. 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. Learn more about the Long Hollow Scenic Overlook on the webpage. 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. 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. Trail Ridge Road Colorado. 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 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. You pass by famous landmarks such as Navy Pier, Soldier Field, Lincoln Park Zoo and Calumet Park. Just beautiful escape. Scenic drives to consider in Illinois are listed below. 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. Photos and Property Details for 1209 SCENIC DRIVE, KNOXVILLE, TN 37919. Highest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews. 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. The M-119, aka the Tunnel of Trees, is one of Michigan's most popular scenic drives. 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. Route 66 plays a pretty major part in Americas history. 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. If being near water calms your soul then you wont want to miss out on spending time near the Illinois River. the Shawnee Hills Wine trail? Here you can find more info about planning a trip to Starved Rock. 4. Read our full coverage on the Ohio River Scenic Byway to learn more. Home We had the best afternoon exploring and even came home with some beautiful handicrafts. turn left onto Route 30 and stay on the road as it becomes Illinois 83, then . Fantastic day or weekend trip. 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. A spectacular train trestle bridge crosses the Illinois River near Allen Park and the Old Town business district. Enjoy the scenery and take a long, lovely drive down one of these 10 amazing roads and see the best parts of the state. You may even find a new greasy spoon with all the comfort foods you could imagine. 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. From Bernalillo highway sr 550 , turn right onto CR-11, Turn left onto Southern All Around Road1.2 miles Turn right onto NM 126, Turn Right onto Miller road end of the road last property on your right hand side.COMBO code needed for gate on Miller RoadCombo box on front window, for front door key* top lock only.Codes on showing time. 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. Site Map, Copyright 2023 Great Rivers Country. 8. 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. Tunnel of Trees or M-119. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. 1. Each of these routes is so much more than a simple drive through Illinois. As the name suggests, the two-lane road was originally a stagecoach route connecting Galena with Chicago. And the long lines of barges being carefully shepherded up and downstream by powerful tugs are a fascinating sight to see. Then enjoy the highlights of beautiful South Africa, including wine tours, scenic road trips, wildlife safaris, mountain biking, caving, hikes up Table . Order a copy of Enjoy Illinois and also receive the Illinois State Park Guide and an Official Highway Map. 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. This remarkable historic drive offers numerous panoramic views of the Illinois River Valley. 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. 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. 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. 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. Read our full coverage on Peorias Grand View Drive to learn more. Check out antique shops, artist studios, and local farmers markets along the way. Thank you! Capital of Illinois and one-time home of Abraham Lincoln, Springfield is parts political center and historic hub, well-stocked with museums and Lincoln sites. A flowing stream to drop a line for trout or crappie is never far with the Noblett Lake Recreation Area, where two streams and a lake reside, being a prime location for fishing and other water fun. In addition to wine, the drive is filled with trails, creeks and lakes, small cabins, and sprawling orchards. With about 300 miles of highway in Illinois alone, you could make a whole day of sight seeing. Along the way you might just discover that theres more to the road than the river. Scenic drives follow rivers and creeks through woods and past parks, playgrounds and numerous roadside attractions. Gary Ennis/Getty Images/iStockphoto. Our integrated delivery model allows our clinicians to offer state-of-the-art, top tier quality care throughout eastern Wisconsin and northern and central Illinois. 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. Encounter these quirky relics, from a giant Muffler Man to a towering bottle of catsup. Plan on visiting in October if you want to participate in the countys annual drive event and witness the activities and entertainment. Considered the most beautiful state park, Starved Rock State Park is home to a surreal landscape of rock formations, canyons, forests, and waterfalls. I think best place to see the Chicago skyline. You can send yourself an email as well. 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. If you live in a highly trafficked area, you might forget how meditative it is to drive on the open road. It is also known as "The Old Pike" or "The Road That Built the Nation" and it has existed since 1811, making it one of the oldest backroads in the state. This drive is stunning with the valley on one side and the river on the other. A non-partisan organization dedicated to involving Illinois residents in the state's political process. Eureka College, Reagan's alma mater, is a very small college with not much to see. Youll have the best seat in the house. In The News Check out these cozy cabins. Thank you. Privacy Policy 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. Get to know us better on our about us page. We're a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program. Location South Dakota. 1. 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. 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. Get more stories delivered right to your email. 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. The red, yellow, and orange leaves on the trees are straight from a postcard. Things To Do With 105 miles of gorgeous scenery and natural beauty, Skyline Dive makes a fantastic day trip from Washington DC. 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. Note: The Great River Road uses different specific highways to stay close to the river and access great attractions. 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. The Lincoln Highway was the first highway in America to be paved all the way across the state in the early 1900s. There was a moment in time where Sundays meant that you piled the kids into the car and took a long relaxing drive. There are also loads of other historical tidbits along the route ranging from Civil War heroes, river pirates, and more. 11: Northern California Scenic Drives: Lake Tahoe Loop (US 50, NV 28 and US 89) Distance: 72 miles. 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. If you are a Republican fan, a fan of Reagan's or just love history, this is a wonderful tribute to a great man. 581 South Deere Road | Macomb, Illinois 61455 Get more stories delivered right to your email. If you time it right, you can end your day watching the sun go down over the Big Muddy at Savanna. Learn more about the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway on the webpage. This byway actually follows the Mississippi River for about 3,000 miles, starting in Minnesota and ending at the Gulf of Mexico. You'll experience towering bluffs, rolling hills, river communities, farmlands and sweeping views. 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 fact, eight of the 126 America's Byways are right here in our state. Take the weekend and even consider camping out under a blanket of stars. Mliz | June 6, 2019 | America > United States > Illinois Motorcycle Roads > IL - Daviess/Stephenson/W. #4 Illinois Ultimate Scenic Rivers Route Illinois Rivers Route is an illustrious 140-mile road that stretches along the Illinois River. You are in 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. Request additional information, schedule a showing, save to your property organizer. The southern end is at Whitewater Lake in southeastern Walworth County. Schaumburg's many lush, tree-dense neighborhoods contain an array of apartments, condos, townhomes, and houses available for rent, in an overall peaceful environment. 93 reviews. 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. 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. 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. 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. The road is quite smooth and the traffic volume is very low. Galena, the starting point, is well known for its well-preserved 19th-century buildings, ancient ceremonial sites, and delicious vineyards. 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. Originally from the quaint beach town of Fenwick Island, Delaware, Stephanie has called Chicago home for nearly a decade. 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. It has nostalgia, nature, and just a good old road trip feel. 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. When you travel through one of the most scenic Illinois byways, you are taking the same route the French explorers once did. Getting around Chicago and Illinois is easy with our guide to ways to travel around the state. 2023 Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. 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. This gorgeous road spans three states: Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. 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. The scenic park offers heavily wooded areas overlooking the river, and is named for the 55-foot wide cavern situated in the bluffs along the river's edge. 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. . 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. 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. Design and Development by J Rudny, LLC. From Naperville take Ogden Aveue west to US 30. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. Cutting through Illinois is a 300-mile stretch of the mythical Route 66. How do you put a rating on something that is just so serene? We take your privacy seriously and will never sell your data to anyone. Travelers keen on getting outside won't have to look far for thrilling . Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. For example, there are the Fulton Dutch Days in May, the Cahokia Native American Holiday Market in Collinsville during the month of November, and the Eagle Ice Festival in Alton in January. Its a road trip into the past, with plenty of kitsch and nostalgia to go around. Insider's Guide The stretch of the Mississippi River north of Rock Island, Illinois is considered by many to be the most scenic drive along the Mississippi. 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. Plan Your Visit Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive - Pass through six beautiful Wisconsin counties and 50,000 acres when you explore the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. But now it connects Galena with the beauty of the whole region. Home AllTrails/Taylor Tuomey. Walk the quiet, lush grounds and take in the countless varieties of trees, including red oak, sycamore, black walnut, Norway spruce, Ohio buckeye and many, many more. Lake Michigan Circle Tour. How did we decide to drive? Check out these 10 scenic drives in Wisconsin that showcase the very best natural attractions in Wisconsin. 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. Each of these wineries has its own styles, techniques, and grape varieties that create wonderfully delicious and unique flavors. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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. It really helps take your mind off all the stressors in life. The Great River Road is one of the most scenic road trips in the midwest. Insider tip: If you enough time we would advise you to spend a weekend in Grafton. Hikers should check out the Pere Marquette Outer loop. But the Galena end of the highway yields to no other area in its River Road attractions. The Tunnel of Trees spans 20 miles, beginning . 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. 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. 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. Photo: Shutterstock. If you love a good, old fashioned drive through beautiful rural Illinois and have a spot thats your favorite we certainly want to hear about it in the comments. Along the way, you will enjoy the farms, rolling hills, and stunning vista views. Best time to drive: mid September - end of October. 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. 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. In this travel magazine we share our best tips and adventures. This post may contain affiliate links. Scenic Drives in Illinois. 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. 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. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! around Illinois. New Mexico is home to 25 magnificent scenic byways, totaling over 2,900 miles across a diverse landscape. 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. Here is a 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. Perfect for a short, fun trip, this scenic backroad is only 2.5 miles long. This road really holds some of Americas most fascinating history. Each community has its own contribution, but one of the most scenic drives is in Alton, Illinois which is known for its historic homes that are perched on the bluffs overlooking the river. Scenic America has assembled the only comprehensive, nationwide scenic byways database, and we are pleased to share it with the public. 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. A typical Sunday drive might leave you finding a new general store to stock up on sweets and other treats. Noah Clayton/Getty Images. 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. Another perk to hiking Sheep Lake Trail is that dogs are allowed off-leash in certain areas along the path. I especially loved the Corpus Christi Church in Galesburg which was built in 1832 and is just a beautiful display of architecture. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. 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. 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. Road Trip. Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. It's known for its cheesy attractions, quirky restaurants, and unique museums. 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. Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. 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! Looking where to stay while exploring the Shawnee Hills Wine trail? Read more Photograph:. The river looked very beautiful, and the leaves were changing colors. 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. 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.
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