Youll learn the history of the canal as you enjoy the scenery along the way. 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. Read more about these and other Southern Illinois State Parks here. Unlimited stops Plan trips worldwide Divide your trip into days Export to GPS or Print and more handy features! The Lincoln Highway was the first highway in America to be paved all the way across the state in the early 1900s. But the Galena end of the highway yields to no other area in its River Road attractions. Here is a list of more small cities in Illinois that are worth a visit. You've probably worked up an appetite upon completing your hike. A non-partisan organization dedicated to involving Illinois residents in the state's political process. 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 Scenic Drive roads are marked with [SD] symbols on this map. If theres one problem we have on any of these Galena-area road trips, its remembering that there is no hurry. Check out antique shops, artist studios, and local farmers' markets along the way. This area spans three different states: Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. Read Enjoy Illinois magazine online or download the PDF and start exploring trip ideas Check out these 10 Tiny Towns In Illinois That Are Always Worth A Visit. 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. Take the weekend and even consider camping out under a blanket of stars. To celebrate the people and customs of this region, the riverside towns are known for hosting a variety of festivals and events with art, music, and loads of food. There are also many festivals as well as flea markets and farmers markets that take place along this remote road. 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. Notable sites along the route are Burnham Park, Chicago Yacht Club, Drake Hotel, Du Sable Park, Grant Park, Jackson Park, Lake Point Tower, Lincoln Park, Montrose Beach, Adler Planetarium, Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Museum of Science and Industry, Promontory Point, Navy Pier, Soldier Field, North Avenue Beach, Oak Street Beach, Belmont Harbor and Temple Sholom. McHenry County is a picturesque landscape of expansive vistas, fertile farmlands, ancient oak groves, historic homes, and winding waterways. Dawn Brandt / Getty Images. This remarkable historic drive offers numerous panoramic views of the Illinois River Valley. 10 Tiny Towns In Illinois That Are Always Worth A Visit. For the stout of heart, theres a narrow rope suspension bridge to cross and zip line adventures. Eureka College, Reagan's alma mater, is a very small college with not much to see. Your multi-country journey begins in Zimbabwe at Victoria Fallsthe largest waterfall in the worldfollowed by camping in Botswana's Chobe National Park. At the confluence of the Illinois and Fox rivers, Ottawa marks the northeast gateway to the Illinois River Road. Highest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews. You don't need much time to conquer this route, making it perfect for a day trip. 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. A scenic driving guide to Kentucky state. Spoon River Valley. Youll experience towering bluffs, rolling hills, river communities, farmlands and sweeping views. Grandview Drive, Grandview Dr, Peoria, IL, USA. Plan Your Visit Dirt roads spread out from settlements at random, some not leading anywhere, and travelers found it easier to take the train to the next town over. 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. The . Check out these cozy cabins. Facebook/Saults Drug Store. Getting around Chicago and Illinois is easy with our guide to ways to travel around the state. Gary Ennis/Getty Images/iStockphoto. Long Hollow Scenic Overlook, 2918 US Hwy 20 W, Elizabeth, IL 61028, USA. Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. 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. It spans about 10 states and has become one of the most iconic byways in the United States. With more than 24 different attractions, there is something for the whole family. 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. The northern end of the 115-mile route begins at Sheboygan County's Elkhart Lake. Fall the Spoon Valley Scenic Drive Festival falls on the first two weekends of October every year. Learn more about Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive on the website. We've mapped out the drives and included several must-see scenic pit stops along the routes. Here is a list of scenic drives in Central Illinois. Start in Murphysboro, south to Anna, and back up north to Carbondale. Scenic drives to consider in Illinois are listed below. These are prestigious, towering estates that have looked over Grandview since it was built over 100 years ago. It originally ran from Chicago all the way to Los Angeles, California. Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity. We offer a compact version of Go-Illinois for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. How did we decide to drive? It connects 13 community areas from North to South, from Edgewater to South Shore. Copyright 2017, 25 Top Easy-Care Plants for Midwest Gardens. What are some of the best small towns in Illinois? A typical Sunday drive might leave you finding a new general store to stock up on sweets and other treats. Saults Drug Store Inc, 505 Court St, Fulton, MO 65251, USA. The Tunnel of Trees spans 20 miles, beginning . Road Trip There are many riverside attractions in Illinois along the road such as Cahokia Mounds, an ancient Native American settlement that is a must-see for all. flanked by a lavish residential area in the west and fantastic panoramic views of the. Each of these routes is so much more than a simple drive through Illinois. This road really holds some of Americas most fascinating history. Get more stories delivered right to your email. While Shenandoah National Park is a bit further west, no list of scenic drives in Virginia would be complete without Skyline 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. 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. Re: Fall Foliage Scenic Drive. 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. 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. Bring your fishing rod or your canoe and commune with nature. Curves twisting through walls of rugged rock pinnacles, buttes, and multi-colored spires. The downtown area here is meticulously preserved in its historical state, and there are plentiful things to doGrant Park, the Ulysses Grant Home, a three-state view from Horseshoe Mound, and the Blaum Brothers Distillery. If you are looking for a list of more Central Illinois attractions, click here. 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. Dont be fooled by the fact that its only 2.52 miles. Get inspired by top travel stories, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. 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. If youre lucky, youll see some of the several stern-wheeler paddleboats plying the river down below, just like in old times. Trail Ridge Road Colorado. This gorgeous road spans three states: Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. On a nice day you can also park the car, put on your hiking boots, and enjoy 16 miles of glorious trails. 1. 93 reviews. The Ohio River has a rich history and river culture. Subscribe to our Newsletter Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. Design and Development by J Rudny, LLC. It has nostalgia, nature, and just a good old road trip feel. All 26 of Colorado's scenic and historic byways (11 of which are also designated America's Byways), and countless other scenic drives that crisscross the highest and lowest altitudes of Colorado, welcome motorcycle riders, leisure drivers and all others hungry for a taste of Colorado's history and scenic beauty. Be an explorer as you climb the stairs to the top of the largest prehistoric settlement in North America, or rent a canoe and spend an hour or two on the waters of the mighty Mississippi, where Lewis and Clark began their famed expedition. In Illinois, the highway begins in Chicago and cuts through the suburbs before heading straight to Fulton. Get more stories delivered right to your email. 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. New Mexico is home to 25 magnificent scenic byways, totaling over 2,900 miles across a diverse landscape. 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. It is most popular during fall events, but you'll find lovely sights any time of year. 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. The roadside attractions along Route 66 were designed to attract travelers to local towns and businesses. Ron "Don't Say Gay" DeSantis of . 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. Guide yourself through Knox County and the 8 rural towns that it comprises. One of the most scenic stretches of highway in the entire USA. Were already there.. Galena in the north and Cairo to the south. If you time it right, you can end your day watching the sun go down over the Big Muddy at Savanna. 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. Priceless. In addition to the stunning natural landscape, this scenic drive is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places along with many of the surrounding homes. Roadside land is often the first and most visible land to be converted to residential or commercial uses. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! 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. This scenic drive on the Illinois River is the perfect place to park and immerse yourself in the surrounding natural beauty. Scenic drives to consider in Illinois are listed below. About The Byway Routes 127, Old Hwy 51, 51DISTANCE: 46 milesTIME: 1 hour. For an overview of amazing wineries in Grafton, click here. Check out this list of historic places in Illinois. Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. 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. Initially, the land was an over 22,000 acre working cattle ranch, split in the 1990s into 172 parcels of 40 to . Glacial Park in northern Illinois is a lesser-known park filled with wetlands formed by a glacier that was once here. Make sure to stop to explore at least one of the Minnesota State Parks on the drive. One day we were driving to Galena Cellars Vineyard along Stagecoach Trail. I especially loved the Corpus Christi Church in Galesburg which was built in 1832 and is just a beautiful display of architecture. While there isn't anything else in the immediate vicinity relating to Route 66, it's an easy way to pay homage to this world-famous All-American route. Midwest Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. Insider tip: If you enough time we would advise you to spend a weekend in Grafton. Plan Your Trip Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive. 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. Continue to Mobile Site 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. Trail, Bird Watching, with many great shops in became a one-way street in 1955, Right here at Adams St. became the new starting point for Route 66 one. more. Plan Your Visit Lovely small communities and towns in farm country with something new around every bend. There is a piece of the Berlin wall outside the building as well. 9 years ago. If you want to take a trip back in time, then pack up the car and head down the historic Lincoln Highway. 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. Run by Veterans, youll board a historic fireboat for one of the most memorable tours in the state. Another perk to hiking Sheep Lake Trail is that dogs are allowed off-leash in certain areas along the path. 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. The Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Festival is a must-see every October. Originally from the quaint beach town of Fenwick Island, Delaware, Stephanie has called Chicago home for nearly a decade. A circus performer, stuntwoman, professed travel buff and lover of Tom Waits, Stephanie is looking forward to sharing her favorite Chicago haunts with both adventurous locals and curious travelers. 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. Nearby is the 1,200-feet high Charles Mound, the highest point in the state. 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. Along the way you might just discover that theres more to the road than the river. This is a winding with a great view. Lincoln Highway, Lincoln Hwy, Joliet, IL, USA. 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. A Sunday drive elicits connotations of happier, simpler Rockwell-esque times. Carroll County is very Published in History and Heritage, Scenic Drives Read More However, many of the houses are incredible some even look like a castle on a hilltop. Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive - Pass through six beautiful Wisconsin counties and 50,000 acres when you explore the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. 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. My wife and I drove through and the beauty is amazing. 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 Lake Michigan Circle Tour. Read our full coverage on the Ohio River Scenic Byway to learn more. If you are looking for more hikes in Northern Illinois, click here. 4. THINGS TO DO 550 miles packed with adventure! Use our Sound Off tool. Get to know us better on our about us page. Wind through this 140-mile backroad, and you'll find more than 20 amazing Illinois attractions that everyone must visit. We'd love to have your business listed on our site. Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. Check it out: If you love road trips, check out these seven places in Illinois boonies that are so worth the drive. Take aim at these camera-ready sights along Illinois seven scenic byways. Youll have the best seat in the house. If you are a Republican fan, a fan of Reagan's or just love history, this is a wonderful tribute to a great man. 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. Known as the Tunnel of Trees, M-119 is one of the most idyllic settings in the state. See our full, 7 hours to drive the entire Byway, 2 days per loop for each of 7 nature activity loops. Photos and Property Details for 1209 SCENIC DRIVE, KNOXVILLE, TN 37919. Thank you! Return to Main Site. 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. About these and other Southern Illinois state Parks here out these seven in. Wisconsin counties and 50,000 acres when you explore the kettle Moraine scenic Drive on the Illinois River scenic... Mchenry County is a piece of the most idyllic settings in the entire USA as Tunnel! Several must-see scenic pit stops along the routes ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings photos. Sweets and other Southern Illinois state Parks here natural beauty Moraine scenic Drive Festival falls on Ohio... That it comprises Illinois, the highest point in the state roadside land is often scenic drives northern illinois two. 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