Insider's Guide The national byway preserves the nature along the river, providing amazing views of serene Illinois woodlands and wetland as well as prairies and lakes, which makes it perfect for nature lovers. Navigate the charming small towns of Knox County on this self-guided car tour. From red and yellow trees to roads dusted with vibrant leaves, this is an incredibly scenic fall drive in Northern Illinois. Insider tip: If you enough time we would advise you to spend a weekend in Grafton. Along the way, you will enjoy the farms, rolling hills, and stunning vista views. BYWAY BITES In fact, eight of the 126 America's Byways are right here in our state. Read more about these and other Southern Illinois State Parks here. Site Map, Copyright 2023 Great Rivers Country. The southern end is at Whitewater Lake in southeastern Walworth County. Youll find historic destinations, UNESCO World Heritage sites, awe-inspiring views, and quaint towns spread throughout the journey. 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. Travelers keen on getting outside won't have to look far for thrilling . Saults Drug Store - Fulton. How do you put a rating on something that is just so serene? How dependent are we on Illinois' sin taxes? 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. The Tunnel of Trees spans 20 miles, beginning . Here you can find more info about planning a trip to Starved Rock. Make sure to check out the event calendar to see what kind of special activities are happening along this beautiful drive in Illinois. Encounter these quirky relics, from a giant Muffler Man to a towering bottle of catsup. In this travel magazine we share our best tips and adventures. We've mapped out the drives and included several must-see scenic pit stops along the routes. 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. 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. When you travel through one of the most scenic Illinois byways, you are taking the same route the French explorers once did. There are also loads of other historical tidbits along the route ranging from Civil War heroes, river pirates, and more. 1. You can have these simpler times back. We'd love to have your business listed on our site. Badlands Loop State Scenic Highway, South Dakota. This incredible route is the iconic American road trip. Here is an overview of more great things to do in Northern Illinois. It is most popular during fall events, but you'll find lovely sights any time of year. Visit state parks and recreation areas near Galena on our scenic loop drive. 9. It was meant to be a peaceful and fun activity for the whole family. Galena, the starting point, is well known for its well-preserved 19th-century buildings, ancient ceremonial sites, and delicious vineyards. You'll also pass by some of the state's most beautiful rivers, including the Spoon River and the Illinois River, and the river starts . A haven for nature lovers, this drive is sure to give you a sense of tranquillity and oneness with the natural world. Time needed: 2.5 hours to 2 days. What are some of the best small towns in Illinois? Scenic drives in Illinois: 12 amazing scenic routes you must explore. 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. Get more stories delivered right to your email. 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. Trail Ridge Road Colorado. 1999 Wisconsin Act 9 directed the Wisconsin Department of Transportation . Below Galena, the US 20 rolls along inland out of sight of the river, but there is still plenty to see. With 105 miles of gorgeous scenery and natural beauty, Skyline Dive makes a fantastic day trip from Washington DC. You may even find a new greasy spoon with all the comfort foods you could imagine. 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. Delaware: Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway Delaware's not exactly a large state, but there's enormous wealth along this 12.3-mile stretch of Route 52 (also known as Kennett Pike) and Route 100 (AKA. Fall the Spoon Valley Scenic Drive Festival falls on the first two weekends of October every year. Your multi-country journey begins in Zimbabwe at Victoria Fallsthe largest waterfall in the worldfollowed by camping in Botswana's Chobe National Park. Our supportive staff and leadership are committed to an autonomous practice . 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. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Long Hollow Scenic Overlook, 2918 US Hwy 20 W, Elizabeth, IL 61028, USA. Coastal Highway 1, Maine. 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, 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. Lovely small communities and towns in farm country with something new around every bend. 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. 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. Part of HuffPost News. 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. If you are looking for a list of more Central Illinois attractions, click here. The road is quite smooth and the traffic volume is very low. The cave's history is full of tales of pirates ambushing travelers along the river in the 18th and 19th centuries. Slow down, she says. Youll have the best seat in the house. Curves twisting through walls of rugged rock pinnacles, buttes, and multi-colored spires. ), or the old Rochelle railroad park. 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. Algarve Itinerary: the best itinerary for 3-10 days, 19 Illinois breweries that are worth a visit, Globetrotters in heart and soul. 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. 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. The route offers loads of recreational activities such as biking, hiking, camping, and picnicking as well as activities like fishing, horseback riding, and boating. 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. 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. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Youll learn the history of the canal as you enjoy the scenery along the way. Belly-fluttering elevation changes and a bushel basket of curves make Elizabeth Scales Mound Road an exciting drive east of Galena. 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. You've probably worked up an appetite upon completing your hike. Plan Your Visit Read more Photograph:. Sign up for our daily email to stay up to date with Illinois politics. 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? Sometimes there is nothing more relaxing than getting into nature and breathing in that fresh, crisp air. A non-partisan organization dedicated to involving Illinois residents in the state's political process. The Reagan exhibit is housed in the Cerf Bldg and takes about 30 minutes (or a little more if you read everything). Save. If you are looking for interesting cities in northern Illinois, click here. We were most recently there and counted 40 bald eagles on our drive. Scenic drives to consider in Illinois are listed below. Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway, 11304 N Prairie Rd, Lewistown, IL 61542, USA. Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity. 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. Unlimited stops Plan trips worldwide Divide your trip into days Export to GPS or Print and more handy features! If you need to flag this entry as abusive, NEXT ARTICLE: Emanuel's proposed property taxes and garbage fees could pump up Chicago's budget by $600 million, 5 fast facts you should know about Illinois taxes, State Rep. Avery Bourne Q & A: Meet the General Assembly's youngest member. Drive Safe 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. 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. Perfect for a short, fun trip, this scenic backroad is only 2.5 miles long. Design and Development by J Rudny, LLC. How did we decide to drive? Advocate Aurora Healths combined strength and stability drives us forward. 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. 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. Beginning in the town of Cumberland in Maryland, this road ends in the wonderful Illinois town of Vandalia. Get the Guide Roadside Attractions Classic Cars Scenic Drives Travel Illinois Stories from the Road Outdoors Unlock the Secrets of Starved Rock Check it out: If you love road trips, check out these seven places in Illinois boonies that are so worth the drive. Glacial Park in northern Illinois is a lesser-known park filled with wetlands formed by a glacier that was once here. 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. Insider tip: Ottawa is considered as being the heart of Starved Rock county. This gorgeous road spans three states: Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. 1. 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. Thank you! Many use it to visit antique shops, farmers markets, and other attractions, but you can also drive the whole thing and see the best parts of Southern Illinois. This scenic byway travels along the Ohio River through the southern area of Illinois, near Golconda, Metropolis and Cairo. 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. Whitefish, Montana. If being near water calms your soul then you wont want to miss out on spending time near the Illinois River. 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. Needles Highway (Highway 87), is found in the Black Hills of South Dakota, on a stretch of road through Custer State Park. Download a PDF map of the favorite Fall Color Drives. As the name suggests, the two-lane road was originally a stagecoach route connecting Galena with Chicago. 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. Check out antique shops, artist studios, and local farmers markets along the way. 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. 93 reviews. Known as the Tunnel of Trees, M-119 is one of the most idyllic settings in the state. Subscribe to our Newsletter Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. Saults Drug Store Inc, 505 Court St, Fulton, MO 65251, USA. 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. 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. Each of these routes is so much more than a simple drive through 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 wildlife and foliage on the drive is absolutely beautiful and the wine is a plus! On your drive, youll likely see many of these community members on the land working hard on their harvest. These are the 14 most scenic drives in the United States, from sea to shining sea. This old two-lane highway is now adorned with delicious restaurants, museums, and other cheesy but fun attractions. Where can I take a scenic boat ride in Illinois? Our section is about 166 miles long. Downtown Chicago on E. Jackson Boulevard and end at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in Granite City. In the midst of vast Illinois farmland, weekend travelers discover a topographic Kitsch, awe inspiring, quirky, colorful, beautiful and unforgettable. 8. 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. Fermanagh Lakelands - for incredible views of Lough Erne. Best Rated Motorcycle Roads & Rides Please be patient. 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. 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. At just over 153 miles, this road spans the Illinois section of U.S. 30 which connects Iowa and Indiana. 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. The popular soda fountain has been a fixture in town since 1937, and you'll quickly see . If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you. Return to Main Site. Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. The smooth blacktop curves gracefully through countryside gradually getting nearer the Mississippi River. Photos and Property Details for 1209 SCENIC DRIVE, KNOXVILLE, TN 37919. If you have time and love hiking we would advise you to spend one or more days in this amazing state park. Scenic America has assembled the only comprehensive, nationwide scenic byways database, and we are pleased to share it with the public. Ive traveled much of the U.S. and Ill rank this drive as one of the more scenic Ive ever taken. Photo: Shutterstock. 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. Gary Ennis/Getty Images/iStockphoto. There are also many festivals as well as flea markets and farmers markets that take place along this remote road. 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. Copyright 2017, 25 Top Easy-Care Plants for Midwest Gardens. Mliz | June 6, 2019 | America > United States > Illinois Motorcycle Roads > IL - Daviess/Stephenson/W. On your way, be sure to check out an original brick road (no, its not yellow!) Explore the regions of Illinois with getaways perfect for exploring the fall col Find unexpected ways to enjoy Illinois in this biannual magazine that explores every corner of the state. Start in Murphysboro, south to Anna, and back up north to Carbondale. 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. . A must-see for everyone. Have you ever been up and down these roads? See our full, 7 hours to drive the entire Byway, 2 days per loop for each of 7 nature activity loops. And thats where Patricia always brings it back to basics, one hand out the window, playing airplane just like a kid. Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. Wooded countryside fills your view, interspersed with neat farmsteads and regular roadside produce stands, in season. It parallels the 18-mile Chicago Lakefront Trail, a multi-use path that runs through city parks and is popular with joggers and cyclists. Searching for 55+ Communities on Retirenet.com is simple and easy. Privacy Policy Lake Michigan Circle Tour. 2023 Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. FourSquare/Alex N. Start off your scenic drive with a visit to this old-fashioned soda fountain, tucked in Saults Drug Store in Fulton. 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