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. Day spas in Illinois that are worh visiting. I think best place to see the Chicago skyline. Our supportive staff and leadership are committed to an autonomous practice . With 105 miles of gorgeous scenery and natural beauty, Skyline Dive makes a fantastic day trip from Washington DC. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532, USA. 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. This gorgeous road spans three states: Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. Highest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews. If you have a day or two to just breathe in all the sites, then take on Spoon River Valleys scenic 140-mile drive. Originally from the quaint beach town of Fenwick Island, Delaware, Stephanie has called Chicago home for nearly a decade. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Another perk to hiking Sheep Lake Trail is that dogs are allowed off-leash in certain areas along the path. Simply a refreshing, beautiful drive no matter the time of the year. From there take US 30 west to the Mississippi River. Nearby is the 1,200-feet high Charles Mound, the highest point in the state. The best part? This scenic byway travels along the Ohio River through the southern area of Illinois, near Golconda, Metropolis and Cairo. You are in 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. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. 5 of the Best Scenic Drives Through Illinois. Beginning in the town of Cumberland in Maryland, this road ends in the wonderful Illinois town of Vandalia. 9. Check out these cozy cabins. Copyright 2017, 25 Top Easy-Care Plants for Midwest Gardens. Coastal Highway 1, Maine. At the confluence of the Illinois and Fox rivers, Ottawa marks the northeast gateway to the Illinois River Road. Places To Stay Scenic drives follow rivers and creeks through woods and past parks, playgrounds and numerous roadside attractions. Galena in the north and Cairo to the south. Just beautiful escape. If being near water calms your soul then you wont want to miss out on spending time near the Illinois River. Dont be fooled by the fact that its only 2.52 miles. Your email and your recipient's email will NOT be shared with anyone. Each event showcases the unique history or culture of the hosting town. 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. 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. Ohio River Scenic Byway, Cairo, IL 62914, USA. An amazing way to travel across the state and immerse yourself in the different cultures and communities across Illinois. A passion for cocktail creation, international travel and decadent foodie experiences, enjoy Stephanie's romp through the Land of Lincoln. Explore Ulysses S. Grants home, the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, and the home of Popeye. 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. Saults Drug Store - Fulton. 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. Curves twisting through walls of rugged rock pinnacles, buttes, and multi-colored spires. 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. How do you put a rating on something that is just so serene? 581 South Deere Road | Macomb, Illinois 61455 Save. Illinois Tourist Information Centers Encounter these quirky relics, from a giant Muffler Man to a towering bottle of catsup. Advocate Aurora Healths combined strength and stability drives us forward. Public Transportation Systems in Illinois, Things to do near Shawnee National Forest, Jamaica Dunn's River Falls Party Cruise with Snorkeling, Guided Walking Tour: The historical City Center of Bolzano, 2 days in Georgian Mountains, Kazbegi and Juta, Sea Scope Semi Submarine Sea Trip 2 Hours With Transfer - Sharm El Sheikh, Sunset Sail Cruise with 5 Course Seated Dinner. Thank you. 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. The River Road National Scenic Byway showcases Illinois natural wonders and theyre truly breathtaking. Schaumburg's many lush, tree-dense neighborhoods contain an array of apartments, condos, townhomes, and houses available for rent, in an overall peaceful environment. 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. The Great River Road follows the mighty Mississippi, the nations longest river, along Illinois western border. Interested in historic sites? These are the 14 most scenic drives in the United States, from sea to shining sea. We've mapped out the drives and included several must-see scenic pit stops along the routes. Noah Clayton/Getty Images. 4. Learn more about the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway on the website. Road Trip Scenic America has assembled the only comprehensive, nationwide scenic byways database, and we are pleased to share it with the public. There are festivals and celebrations happening every month of the year along the Great River Route. Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. Getting around Chicago and Illinois is easy with our guide to ways to travel around the state. 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. 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. Bring your fishing rod or your canoe and commune with nature. There youll find flea markets, tasty meals like homemade chili or pie, handcrafted art, soaps, furniture, and collectibles. A great stop is at Tapley Woods Conservation Area. 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. Best enjoyed on a summer evening or when the leaves are changing colors in the fall. 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. 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. Learn more about the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway on the webpage. -- John Steinbeck in "The Grapes of Wrath".Route 66 means different things to different people, but freedom is a common theme. 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. 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. the Shawnee Hills Wine trail? The red, yellow, and orange leaves on the trees are straight from a postcard. The southern end is at Whitewater Lake in southeastern Walworth County. 4. Situated about 30 miles northwest of Chicago's Loop, Schaumburg is a scenic suburb with a small-town atmosphere and countless family-friendly amenities. Re: Fall Foliage Scenic Drive. A non-partisan organization dedicated to involving Illinois residents in the state's political process. 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. Roadside land is often the first and most visible land to be converted to residential or commercial uses. In fact, eight of the 126 America's Byways are right here in our state. What are some of the most beautiful parks to visit in Illinois? The roadside attractions along Route 66 were designed to attract travelers to local towns and businesses. Fall the Spoon Valley Scenic Drive Festival falls on the first two weekends of October every year. Read this post in which we share the best things to do in Grafton. 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. Lake Michigan Circle Tour. You will love the scenic river road. 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. 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. McHenry County is a picturesque landscape of expansive vistas, fertile farmlands, ancient oak groves, historic homes, and winding waterways. Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway, 11304 N Prairie Rd, Lewistown, IL 61542, USA. Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Illinois Area. 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. 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. 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. Gary Ennis/Getty Images/iStockphoto. And the long lines of barges being carefully shepherded up and downstream by powerful tugs are a fascinating sight to see. This is a winding with a great view. 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. 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. Youll have the best seat in the house. 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. We were most recently there and counted 40 bald eagles on our drive. 3. Priceless. You'll experience towering bluffs, rolling hills, river communities, farmlands and sweeping views. Galena, the starting point, is well known for its well-preserved 19th-century buildings, ancient ceremonial sites, and delicious vineyards. Drive Safe We're a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program. As one of the most scenic drives in Northern Ireland, Lough Neagh covers an area of 391 square km (151 square miles) in Mid Ulster. Beautiful winding river through farm country thats peaceful and quiet. 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. And thats where Patricia always brings it back to basics, one hand out the window, playing airplane just like a kid. Check out these cozy cabins. Known as the Tunnel of Trees, M-119 is one of the most idyllic settings in the state. Get to know us better on our about us page. Youll find local businesses and vendors from all over the county delivering amazing food and homemade treats, handcrafted goods, unique art, and plenty of antiques. Plan Your Visit A 300-mile stretch of American roadway, steeped in legend and packed full with e Drive some of Illinois oldest and greatest roads for classic Midwestern culture Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. Traveling along its namesake, this road is partially an old route marked by French explorers and other immigrants who were drawn to Illinois. With more than 24 different attractions, there is something for the whole family. BYWAY BITES Along your drive, you'll see the convergence of the Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois Rivers, gorgeous limestone river bluffs, glorious trees, and local plants. Then enjoy the highlights of beautiful South Africa, including wine tours, scenic road trips, wildlife safaris, mountain biking, caving, hikes up Table . It's a 39-mile loop drive with 16 designated scenic overlooks and eight hiking trails. 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. A Lancaster County woman has been charged with multiple crimes for her involvement in a fraudulent business scheme, according to the Northern Lancaster County Regional Police Department. Stop in Fulton, IL to check out the working windmill imported from Holland. It really helps take your mind off all the stressors in life. Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. They capture rich history, and unique landscapes, and feature the fascinating but often overlooked communities that cherish and celebrate these scenic routes. 1. See our web stories that accompany this post. 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. Check out antique shops, artist studios, and local farmers' markets along the way. A typical Sunday drive might leave you finding a new general store to stock up on sweets and other treats. Route 66 doesn't exist anymore, except in history. If youre lucky, youll see some of the several stern-wheeler paddleboats plying the river down below, just like in old times. Download a PDF map of the favorite Fall Color Drives. 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. To request a listing, please fill out the form below and press "Submit.". Trail is that dogs are allowed off-leash in certain areas along the Great rivers National Byway. Eagles on our about us page overlooked communities that cherish and celebrate these Scenic routes soul then you wont to! 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This gorgeous Road spans three states: Ohio, Indiana, and orange leaves the!
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