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. After I came out of the Adler Planetarium the weather changed but even that got a good photo. Getting around Chicago and Illinois is easy with our guide to ways to travel around the state. With 105 miles of gorgeous scenery and natural beauty, Skyline Dive makes a fantastic day trip from Washington DC. Considered the most beautiful state park, Starved Rock State Park is home to a surreal landscape of rock formations, canyons, forests, and waterfalls. 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. About The Byway 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 . In the midst of vast Illinois farmland, weekend travelers discover a topographic Kitsch, awe inspiring, quirky, colorful, beautiful and unforgettable. 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 route begins at the Mississippi Palisades State Park and ends a couple miles shy of Elizabeth. TheGreat River Road, which travels along the Mississippi River, has countless o Fall is when many of the states best qualities truly shine. It's a 39-mile loop drive with 16 designated scenic overlooks and eight hiking trails. 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? Sometimes there is nothing more relaxing than getting into nature and breathing in that fresh, crisp air. Central Illinois attractions, click here. 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!). Unlimited stops Plan trips worldwide Divide your trip into days Export to GPS or Print and more handy features! 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. Travel the entire length of the state on a 300-mile Great Highway 65 Road Trip.U.S. Go at night for the sunset! I especially loved the Corpus Christi Church in Galesburg which was built in 1832 and is just a beautiful display of architecture. Scenic drives to consider in Illinois are listed below. Youll have the best seat in the house. Not only will you connect with these stories, but youll have the opportunity to do so while enjoying great food, fun attractions, and lively festivals. It spans about 10 states and has become one of the most iconic byways in the United States. From red and yellow trees to roads dusted with vibrant leaves, this is an incredibly scenic fall drive in Northern Illinois. You can have these simpler times back. Illinois' seven national Scenic Byways: the Great River Road, the Lincoln Highway, Meeting of the Great Rivers, Historic National Road in Illinois, Ohio River Scenic Route, Illinois River Road and Historic Route 66 offer every traveler convenient and informative ways to experience the diversity of scenery offered throughout our great state. Places To Stay The red, yellow, and orange leaves on the trees are straight from a postcard. 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. Searching for 55+ Communities on Retirenet.com is simple and easy. You dont have to go to Napa to enjoy great wine, scenic beauty, musical entertainment, and a friendly atmosphere. Plan Your Trip 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. 1. Long Hollow Scenic Overlook, 2918 US Hwy 20 W, Elizabeth, IL 61028, USA. Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. 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. 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. Insider tip: If you enough time we would advise you to spend a weekend in Grafton. 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. Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. 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. 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. Best Rated Motorcycle Roads & Rides Please be patient. Have you ever been up and down these roads? If you live in a highly trafficked area, you might forget how meditative it is to drive on the open road. Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity. With about 300 miles of highway in Illinois alone, you could make a whole day of sight seeing. 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. Even if you just drive right through, youll enjoy the serene Illinois woodlands, forests, and wetlands. 5 of the Best Scenic Drives Through Illinois. Downtown Chicago on E. Jackson Boulevard and end at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in Granite City. Use our Sound Off tool. Situated about 30 miles northwest of Chicago's Loop, Schaumburg is a scenic suburb with a small-town atmosphere and countless family-friendly amenities. Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive. In fact, eight of the 126 America's Byways are right here in our state. Hikers should check out the Pere Marquette Outer loop. 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. 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 - [email protected], write Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Fall Festival, PO Box 525, Canton, IL 61520, or go to our Contact Us page. I was there in the morning and had a beautiful blue sky. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. BYWAY BITES Our section is about 166 miles long. 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. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! 1. We've mapped out the drives and included several must-see scenic pit stops along the routes. We take your privacy seriously and will never sell your data to anyone. There are also loads of other historical tidbits along the route ranging from Civil War heroes, river pirates, and more. There are also many festivals as well as flea markets and farmers markets that take place along this remote road. This post may contain affiliate links. Insider tip: Ottawa is considered as being the heart of Starved Rock county. Photo: Shutterstock. Visit the largest state park in Illinois and one untouched by glaciers that once blanketed much of the state. If you are looking for interesting cities in northern Illinois, click here. Here is a list of more places in Illinois where you can spot eagles during winter. Mliz 2015 ninja 1000, 1975 gl1000, 1972 ct70, 1991 dr650, 1989 gsxr750 So beautiful in fall. The route offers loads of recreational activities such as biking, hiking, camping, and picnicking as well as activities like fishing, horseback riding, and boating. 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 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. Take aim at these camera-ready sights along Illinois seven scenic byways. Also referred to as the Road that built the Nation, this byway started in Cumberland, Maryland and ended in Vandalia, Illinois. You are in Click on the map to specific attractions and follow the directions through the drives. Below Galena, the US 20 rolls along inland out of sight of the river, but there is still plenty to 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. 2023 Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. 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. 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. 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. 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 Tunnel of Trees spans 20 miles, beginning . If youre unfamiliar with this period in history, we suggest you do a little digging to have the full immersive experience. The wildlife and foliage on the drive is absolutely beautiful and the wine is a plus! Trail Ridge Road Colorado. 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. This is a winding with a great view. 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. If youre lucky, youll see some of the several stern-wheeler paddleboats plying the river down below, just like in old times. Scenic Drives in Illinois. If you are looking for more hikes in Northern Illinois, click here. Things To Do Love Illinois? 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. Beginning in Hartford, take Illinois Route 3 northwest to The Great River Road and cruise past the idyllic waterfront villages of Wood River, East Alton, Alton, Elsah, Chautauqua, and Graftonall. Galena, the starting point, is well known for its well-preserved 19th-century buildings, ancient ceremonial sites, and delicious vineyards. Love Illinois? Even the road names bring adventure and fun to mind: Blackjack Road, Stagecoach Trail, Elizabeth Scales Mound Road and of course the main artery itself, the Illinois Great River Road. 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 byway actually follows the Mississippi River for about 3,000 miles, starting in Minnesota and ending at the Gulf of Mexico. Midwest Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. This scenic byway travels along the Ohio River through the southern area of Illinois, near Golconda, Metropolis and Cairo. The . The route spanned the entire width of the state because it was part of the larger highway system that ran from New York to California. Driving on this old road, with some replicas of old signs and vintage billboards, took us back in time we could imagine what it was like to drive Route 66 a hundred years ago. Northwest Illinois Loop scenic drive Visit state parks and recreation areas near Galena on our scenic loop drive. Keyword Destination Bloomington/Normal Chicago Joliet Marion Quad Cities Rockford Springfield Utica Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles On your way, be sure to check out an original brick road (no, its not yellow!) Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our site. All Rights Reserved and. 65 passes by some of Arkansas' most popular attractions. Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Illinois Area. 1999 Wisconsin Act 9 directed the Wisconsin Department of Transportation . Along the way, you'll see Ronald Reagan's childhood home, a railroad park, and other historic landmarks and attractions that only backroads can offer. About Advocate Aurora Health. 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