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. All Rights Reserved. One day we were driving to Galena Cellars Vineyard along Stagecoach Trail. Route 66 plays a pretty major part in Americas history. 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. Sign up for our daily email to stay up to date with Illinois politics. 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. Scenic drives to consider in Illinois are listed below. Take the weekend and even consider camping out under a blanket of stars. 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. Holly Ann . For the best things in southern Illinois, click here. Ronald Reagan Exhibit at Eureka College, his alma mater. Enjoy the beauty, variety and geology of southeast Wisconsin by driving the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. 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. But now it connects Galena with the beauty of the whole region. Who doesnt love an adventure along one of the best scenic drives in Illinois? 1. What are some of the most beautiful parks to visit in Illinois? 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 Shawnee Hills Wine trail? Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Illinois Area. 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. A must-see for everyone. 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. Initially, the land was an over 22,000 acre working cattle ranch, split in the 1990s into 172 parcels of 40 to . Plan Your Visit 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. The scenic byway boasts 300 miles in Illinois alone, ending where the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers converge near Cairo, IL. The Illinois River Road Scenic Byway preserves the natural river country along the banks of the Illinois River, allowing modern visitors to travel the same route as the early French explorers: les Voyageurs. Dawn Brandt / Getty Images. 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. 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. A passion for cocktail creation, international travel and decadent foodie experiences, enjoy Stephanie's romp through the Land of Lincoln. Sununu has carefully built a Potemkin Village to convince the national media he is a somewhat safe Republican presidential alternative to Donald Trump or Gov. Spoon River Valley. We had the best afternoon exploring and even came home with some beautiful handicrafts. It has nostalgia, nature, and just a good old road trip feel. Learn more about Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive on the website. Learn more about the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway on the website. Location South Dakota. Wind through this 140-mile backroad, and you'll find more than 20 amazing Illinois attractions that everyone must visit. The Ohio River has a rich history and river culture. Badlands Loop State Scenic Highway, South Dakota. In fact, eight of the 126 America's Byways are right here in our state. THINGS TO DO 550 miles packed with adventure! Long Hollow Scenic Overlook, 2918 US Hwy 20 W, Elizabeth, IL 61028, USA. Keyword Destination Bloomington/Normal Chicago Joliet Marion Quad Cities Rockford Springfield Utica Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. Here are 15 of the best scenic drives in Illinois for you to take on your next road trip. 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 Hikers should check out the Pere Marquette Outer loop. It is most popular during fall events, but you'll find lovely sights any time of year. You are in Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our site. There is so much history and pride in the locals here. turn left onto Route 30 and stay on the road as it becomes Illinois 83, then . 1. You may even find a new greasy spoon with all the comfort foods you could imagine. This is truly one of the most remarkable Illinois byways to drive. 581 South Deere Road | Macomb, Illinois 61455 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. 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. 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. In 1912, the idea of roads as fast transportation did not exist in America. Here is a list of more fun stuff to do in Illinois. Make sure to check out the event calendar to see what kind of special activities are happening along this beautiful drive in Illinois. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive - Pass through six beautiful Wisconsin counties and 50,000 acres when you explore the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. 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. Save. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. 4. Our section is about 166 miles long. Thats easy; everywhere you go turns into a classic Illinois road trip. 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. Check out these cozy cabins. 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. When we say homes, these arent your typical cozy houses. It,s a nice relief to get off the interstate roads. 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. 5 of the Best Scenic Drives Through Illinois. Interested in historic sites? You will find many small towns with food marts and fuel stations in this route. Your email and your recipient's email will NOT be shared with anyone. A haven for nature lovers, this drive is sure to give you a sense of tranquillity and oneness with the natural world. Learn More 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. It connects 13 community areas from North to South, from Edgewater to South Shore. The Lincoln Highway was the first highway in America to be paved all the way across the state in the early 1900s. While enjoying the long, relaxing stretch of highway be sure to make a few pit stops to check out Ronald Reagans childhood home in Dixon, the amazing Fabyan Villa (they have their very own windmill! You can have these simpler times back. We offer a compact version of Go-Illinois for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. Hop out of the car and snack at one of the picnic tables, then try a hike. The Reagan exhibit is housed in the Cerf Bldg and takes about 30 minutes (or a little more if you read everything). TheGreat River Road, which travels along the Mississippi River, has countless o Fall is when many of the states best qualities truly shine. Plan on visiting in October if you want to participate in the countys annual drive event and witness the activities and entertainment. Navigate the charming small towns of Knox County on this self-guided car tour. What are some of the best small towns in Illinois? 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. Mliz | June 6, 2019 | America > United States > Illinois Motorcycle Roads > IL - Daviess/Stephenson/W. 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. We take your privacy seriously and will never sell your data to anyone. My wife and I drove through and the beauty is amazing. The road is quite smooth and the traffic volume is very low. One of Chicago's most attractive attractions. 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). From Naperville take Ogden Aveue west to US 30. Get inspired by top travel stories, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. The northern end begins near Elkhart Lake in northern Sheboygan County and the southern end begins at Whitewater Lake in southeastern Walworth County. Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway, The Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Route. Check out antique shops, artist studios, and local farmers' markets along the way. Were already there.. The cave's history is full of tales of pirates ambushing travelers along the river in the 18th and 19th centuries. All Rights Reserved and. And the long lines of barges being carefully shepherded up and downstream by powerful tugs are a fascinating sight to see. Learn more about The Morton Arboretum on the website. 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. Photos and Property Details for 1209 SCENIC DRIVE, KNOXVILLE, TN 37919. Illinois Tourist Information Centers Known as the Tunnel of Trees, M-119 is one of the most idyllic settings in the state. Here you can find more info about planning a trip to Starved Rock. By the editors of MidwestLiving.com Also referred to as the Road that built the Nation, this byway started in Cumberland, Maryland and ended in Vandalia, Illinois. Plan Your Trip Thank you. 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. Get ready for a packed three-week adventure to some of the greatest locales in Africa. Time needed: 2.5 hours to 2 days. Home This old two-lane highway is now adorned with delicious restaurants, museums, and other cheesy but fun attractions. Places To Stay Copyright 1997 - 2023 The Go Travel Sites. Grandview Drive, Grandview Dr, Peoria, IL, USA. Ohio River Scenic Byway, Cairo, IL 62914, USA. The 115-mile drive traverses six Wisconsin counties. Doing the road one way is just half the funits a new and different experience retracing your drive the other direction, and one youll enjoy just as much. 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. Each event showcases the unique history or culture of the hosting town. A couple drive in an open top car along the Great River Road, Illinois. Home 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. If youre unfamiliar with this period in history, we suggest you do a little digging to have the full immersive experience. 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