Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. Thank you! The northern end begins near Elkhart Lake in northern Sheboygan County and the southern end begins at Whitewater Lake in southeastern Walworth County. So beautiful in fall. If theres one problem we have on any of these Galena-area road trips, its remembering that there is no hurry. While this region of southern Illinois definitely can feel off the grid, there is no shortage of restaurants offering tasty meals after a day of driving, hiking, or wine tasting. It parallels the 18-mile Chicago Lakefront Trail, a multi-use path that runs through city parks and is popular with joggers and cyclists. Situated about 30 miles northwest of Chicago's Loop, Schaumburg is a scenic suburb with a small-town atmosphere and countless family-friendly amenities. Learn more about Historic National Road Scenic Byway on the website. 9 years ago. 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. Check out antique shops, artist studios, and local farmers markets along the way. Unlimited stops Plan trips worldwide Divide your trip into days Export to GPS or Print and more handy features! 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. 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. Plan on visiting in October if you want to participate in the countys annual drive event and witness the activities and entertainment. 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. Note: The Great River Road uses different specific highways to stay close to the river and access great attractions. Take the weekend and even consider camping out under a blanket of stars. 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. Have you ever been up and down these roads? We were most recently there and counted 40 bald eagles on our drive. Here, the Illinois forest crowds in close to the roadside, and low speeds and open windows will treat you to birdsong and the buzz, drone and plaintive croaks of a myriad of insects and hopping residents of the woods vernal pools. 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. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. Download a PDF map of the favorite Fall Color Drives. 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. Eureka College, Reagan's alma mater, is a very small college with not much to see. 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. Read more about these and other Southern Illinois State Parks here. Save. At least one scenic byway runs through each of the IDOT regions. Learn More If you have a day or two to just breathe in all the sites, then take on Spoon River Valleys scenic 140-mile drive. Illinois Scenic Drives Byways, Backways, Historic Routes,. Insider's Guide The ranch is situated on the front range minutes from I-25 and Highway 160, which crosses Colorado from east to west. Picnic at a scenic overlook for lunch. 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. Check out these 10 scenic drives in Wisconsin that showcase the very best natural attractions in Wisconsin. Start in Murphysboro, south to Anna, and back up north to Carbondale. It also sits along the Illinois River and you can hike to an overlook to get sweeping vistas of the water. If you live in the city, take a break from the hustle and bustle and enjoy a leisurely drive through these picturesque country roads in Illinois. Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. The River Road National Scenic Byway showcases Illinois natural wonders and theyre truly breathtaking. This scenic drive on the Illinois River is the perfect place to park and immerse yourself in the surrounding natural beauty. Even if you just drive right through, youll enjoy the serene Illinois woodlands, forests, and wetlands. When we say homes, these arent your typical cozy houses. Here is a list of more fun stuff to do in Illinois. Wooded countryside fills your view, interspersed with neat farmsteads and regular roadside produce stands, in season. Fermanagh Lakelands - for incredible views of Lough Erne. Here you can find a list of more southern Illinois wineries. 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. See our web stories that accompany this post. 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 A Sunday drive elicits connotations of happier, simpler Rockwell-esque times. Perfect for a short, fun trip, this scenic backroad is only 2.5 miles long. Byway Bites When you travel through one of the most scenic Illinois byways, you are taking the same route the French explorers once did. We'd love to have your business listed on our site. In fact, eight of the 126 America's Byways are right here in our state. Getting around Chicago and Illinois is easy with our guide to ways to travel around the state. If you're looking to escape the bustle of the city, pack up the car and set out on one of these scenic drives in Illinois. The scenic byway boasts 300 miles in Illinois alone, ending where the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers converge near Cairo, IL. Some of the most popular stops along the way include the restored 1891 opera house, the Spoon River Dam, and the London Mills Docks along the Illinois River where visitors can enjoy a picnic or spend time fishing. You will find many small towns with food marts and fuel stations in this route. 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. Design and Development by J Rudny, LLC. We loved how much we learned at so many of the historical stops. For the best things in southern Illinois, click here. Here are 15 of the best scenic drives in Illinois for you to take on your next road trip. Read more Photograph:. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! 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. 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. 10 Tiny Towns In Illinois That Are Always Worth A Visit. If you want to take a trip back in time, then pack up the car and head down the historic Lincoln Highway. Insider tip: Ottawa is considered as being the heart of Starved Rock county. Learn more about Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail on the webpage. Plan Your Trip This post may contain affiliate links. This is a winding with a great view. Northwest Illinois Loop scenic drive Visit state parks and recreation areas near Galena on our scenic loop drive. Where can I take a scenic boat ride in Illinois? Dont be fooled by the fact that its only 2.52 miles. Gary Ennis/Getty Images/iStockphoto. Each two-page document includes information about that state's scenic byways program, in addition to a listing and map of all state and national scenic byways within its borders. 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. There is no better place to take a selfie than at this scenic overlook in Galena, with its picturesque rolling countryside that will make you feel like you are in rural England (no passport needed!). OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. 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. 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. A haven for nature lovers, this drive is sure to give you a sense of tranquillity and oneness with the natural world. The drive gets its name from granite rock formations that you'll see along the way, and includes two spectacular tunnels, including the famous Needle's Eye Tunnel. Navigate the charming small towns of Knox County on this self-guided car tour. Places To Stay Guide yourself through Knox County and the 8 rural towns that it comprises. 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. Home 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. Galena, the starting point, is well known for its well-preserved 19th-century buildings, ancient ceremonial sites, and delicious vineyards. These 2,500 miles (4,000 km) were the primary route for those who migrated west in the early-mid 1900s and are filled with history. Enjoy the scenery and take a long, lovely drive down one of these 10 amazing roads and see the best parts of the state. 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. Facebook/Saults Drug Store. Priceless. Originally from the quaint beach town of Fenwick Island, Delaware, Stephanie has called Chicago home for nearly a decade. About Advocate Aurora Health. 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. 2023 Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. The scenic byway is just 33 miles and stretches from Hartford to Grafton. Here is a list of scenic drives in Central Illinois. 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. Youll experience towering bluffs, rolling hills, river communities, farmlands and sweeping views. 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. Whether you are looking for a day trip, weekend getaway or planning a road trip, our guides provide you with the perfect scenic drive. The Great River Road is one of the most scenic road trips in the midwest. Home Explore Ulysses S. Grants home, the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, and the home of Popeye. There was a moment in time where Sundays meant that you piled the kids into the car and took a long relaxing drive. I was there in the morning and had a beautiful blue sky. 1. Along the way you might just discover that there's more to the road than the river. Here is a list of more places in Illinois where you can spot eagles during winter. Downtown, eight building exteriors have been painted with large murals depicting local history. This road really holds some of Americas most fascinating history. Check out these cozy cabins. 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. Find a scenic drive or plan a road trip with myscenicdrives.com Find a Scenic Drive Road Trip Planner Plan, edit, save, and share your custom day trips, weekend getaways, and cross-country adventures. Along the way you might just discover that theres more to the road than the river. A scenic driving guide to Kentucky state. 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. Get inspired by top travel stories, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. On a nice day you can also park the car, put on your hiking boots, and enjoy 16 miles of glorious trails. My wife and I drove through and the beauty is amazing. The 10 Best Scenic Drives in Northern California Redding to Lassen Volcanic National Park Route: Redding -> Shasta Lake -> Castle Crags State Park -> Burney Falls -> Lassen Volcanic National Park Note: The Park Road (which goes from Highway 89 through the park) is closed from late October through mid-June, depending on the snowfall. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. Scenic drives to consider in Illinois are listed below. 11: Northern California Scenic Drives: Lake Tahoe Loop (US 50, NV 28 and US 89) Distance: 72 miles. Get complete property information, maps, street view, schools, walk score and more. The southern end is at Whitewater Lake in southeastern Walworth County. These are prestigious, towering estates that have looked over Grandview since it was built over 100 years ago. Get the Guide Roadside Attractions Classic Cars Scenic Drives Travel Illinois Stories from the Road Outdoors Unlock the Secrets of Starved Rock Highest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews. Read this post in which we share the best things to do in Grafton. This expansive route spans the entire length of the state, hugging the Mississippi River to the West as it winds past limestone bluffs and rushing waters. On your way, be sure to check out an original brick road (no, its not yellow!) Go at night for the sunset! Known as the Tunnel of Trees, M-119 is one of the most idyllic settings in the state. The Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Festival is a must-see every October. Return to Main Site. The M-119, aka the Tunnel of Trees, is one of Michigan's most popular scenic drives. Routes will begin to appear on map approximately 10 seconds after the map loads at a rate of one route per second. The scenic byway boasts 300 miles in Illinois alone, ending where the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers converge near Cairo, IL. Our section is about 166 miles long. A passion for cocktail creation, international travel and decadent foodie experiences, enjoy Stephanie's romp through the Land of Lincoln. This is truly one of the most remarkable Illinois byways to drive. Find top rated Pennsylvania 55+ Communities for active adults considering retiring to Pennsylvania. The Scenic Drive roads are marked with [SD] symbols on this map. 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. There are festivals and celebrations happening every month of the year along the Great River Route. If you are a Republican fan, a fan of Reagan's or just love history, this is a wonderful tribute to a great man. If you are a Republican fan, a fan of Reagan's or just love history, this is a wonderful tribute to a great man. Home 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. Map: Illinois property taxes are the second-highest in the U.S. Want to tell your elected officials what you think of the state of government in Illinois? The Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive is a 115-mile ramble through oak, maple and aspen fall color in the 50,000 acres of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Copyright 2017, 25 Top Easy-Care Plants for Midwest Gardens. 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. Illinois Tourist Information Centers You are in Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 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 really helps take your mind off all the stressors in life. The popular soda fountain has been a fixture in town since 1937, and you'll quickly see . 1. If you are looking for interesting cities in northern Illinois, click here. 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. Of course, you can still use the full version of Go-Illinois on your mobile device just as you can on your desktop. The Scenic Ridge Route offers 19 miles of smooth road surface and lots of sweeping corners. Your email and your recipient's email will NOT be shared with anyone. If being near water calms your soul then you wont want to miss out on spending time near the Illinois River. You can have these simpler times back. 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 Cutting through Illinois is a 300-mile stretch of the mythical Route 66. Grandview Drive, Grandview Dr, Peoria, IL, USA. Day spas in Illinois that are worh visiting. 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. How do you put a rating on something that is just so serene? 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. Check it out: If you love road trips, check out these seven places in Illinois boonies that are so worth the drive. Continue to Mobile Site Get more stories delivered right to your email. . 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. We take your privacy seriously and will never sell your data to anyone. 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. Delve into history and view Native American mounds found along the riverbanks. Rewrite your bucket list as you soar through the forest on a zipline, take a gondola ride to the top of the bluffs, experience the flavor of Illinois wines, satisfy your sweet tooth with a banana split inspired by a paddlewheel boat, or take a cruise on an actual paddlewheel boat. Who doesnt love an adventure along one of the best scenic drives in Illinois? 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. Order a copy of Enjoy Illinois and also receive the Illinois State Park Guide and an Official Highway Map. Here you can find more info about planning a trip to Starved Rock. Learn more about Illinois Lincoln Highway on the website. Youll have the best seat in the house. Initially, the land was an over 22,000 acre working cattle ranch, split in the 1990s into 172 parcels of 40 to . You can send yourself an email as well. Scenic drives in Illinois: 12 amazing scenic routes you must explore. Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive. Request additional information, schedule a showing, save to your property organizer. 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. Get to know us better on our about us page. #4 Illinois Ultimate Scenic Rivers Route Illinois Rivers Route is an illustrious 140-mile road that stretches along the Illinois River. The route offers loads of recreational activities such as biking, hiking, camping, and picnicking as well as activities like fishing, horseback riding, and boating. Use our Sound Off tool. This drive will take you through the Spoon River Valley, full of bluffs, rolling hills, and beautiful scenery. Privacy Policy 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. 1. The northern end of the 115-mile route begins at Sheboygan County's Elkhart Lake. 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. 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. Glacial Park in northern Illinois is a lesser-known park filled with wetlands formed by a glacier that was once here. Hikers should check out the Pere Marquette Outer loop. 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 you want to take a unique boat tour along the Illinois River and Lake Michigan, check out Chicago Fireboat Tours. Re: Fall Foliage Scenic Drive. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Whitefish, Montana, is winter lover's dream. 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. 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. 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. Visit state parks and recreation areas near Galena on our scenic loop drive. -- John Steinbeck in "The Grapes of Wrath".Route 66 means different things to different people, but freedom is a common theme. flanked by a lavish residential area in the west and fantastic panoramic views of the. Were already there.. The route begins at the Mississippi Palisades State Park and ends a couple miles shy of Elizabeth. Another perk to hiking Sheep Lake Trail is that dogs are allowed off-leash in certain areas along the path. New Mexico is home to 25 magnificent scenic byways, totaling over 2,900 miles across a diverse landscape. If you live in a highly trafficked area, you might forget how meditative it is to drive on the open road. I especially loved the Corpus Christi Church in Galesburg which was built in 1832 and is just a beautiful display of architecture. Click here to view all the guides avialable for Illinois. Lake Michigan Circle Tour. 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. Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine. Needles Highway (Highway 87), is found in the Black Hills of South Dakota, on a stretch of road through Custer State Park. Slow down, she says. 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. This gorgeous road spans three states: Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. This area spans three different states: Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. 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. Read our full coverage on the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway to learn more. 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