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. If you are a Republican fan, a fan of Reagan's or just love history, this is a wonderful tribute to a great man. One reason is that most of this portion of the Great River Road lies within the "Driftless Area" a unique geologic formation from the last glaciers to cover Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Northern Illinois. This byway actually follows the Mississippi River for about 3,000 miles, starting in Minnesota and ending at the Gulf of Mexico. 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. Another perk to hiking Sheep Lake Trail is that dogs are allowed off-leash in certain areas along the path. You may enjoy watching the changing leaves in a local forest preserve. Note: The Great River Road uses different specific highways to stay close to the river and access great attractions. An amazing way to travel across the state and immerse yourself in the different cultures and communities across Illinois. Sometimes there is nothing more relaxing than getting into nature and breathing in that fresh, crisp air. The red, yellow, and orange leaves on the trees are straight from a postcard. 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. 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. Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. But now it connects Galena with the beauty of the whole region. If youre unfamiliar with this period in history, we suggest you do a little digging to have the full immersive experience. 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. You pass by famous landmarks such as Navy Pier, Soldier Field, Lincoln Park Zoo and Calumet Park. On a nice day you can also park the car, put on your hiking boots, and enjoy 16 miles of glorious trails. Roadside land is often the first and most visible land to be converted to residential or commercial uses. Site Map, Copyright 2023 Great Rivers Country. Youll have the best seat in the house. 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. Advocate Aurora Healths combined strength and stability drives us forward. This is a winding with a great view. The stretch of the Mississippi River north of Rock Island, Illinois is considered by many to be the most scenic drive along the Mississippi. It connects 13 community areas from North to South, from Edgewater to South Shore. 1. Tunnel of Trees or M-119. Here is a list of more fun stuff to do in Illinois. On your drive, youll likely see many of these community members on the land working hard on their harvest. Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. If you are looking for more hikes in Northern Illinois, click here. So vistas abound, taking in rolling country, beautifully maintained farms and rural cottages perched on manicured properties. Sprawling through 33 miles of southwestern Illinois, this gorgeous road travels through the Mississippi flood plain and coincides with a portion of the Great River Road. Experience what the American Dream really felt like while driving along legendary Route 66. 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. If you are looking for interesting cities in northern Illinois, click here. The Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Festival. Continue to Mobile Site 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 It spans about 10 states and has become one of the most iconic byways in the United States. Of course, you can still use the full version of Go-Illinois on your mobile device just as you can on your desktop. Long Hollow Scenic Overlook, 2918 US Hwy 20 W, Elizabeth, IL 61028, USA. International Visitors 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. Hiking the Robberg Nature Reserve on the Garden Route, The ultimate Seoul itinerary for 3-7 days (2023 edition), EPIC 7 days Korea itinerary for first-timers (2023), 3 Amazing 2 Weeks South Korea Itinerary Suggestions, The Perfect 14-Day Japan Travel Itinerary for First Timers, The River Road National Byway is one of the best scenic fall drives in Illinois but can be enjoyed throughout the year, Self-guided route is available year-round but the county festival is in October. Learn more about the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway on the website. If you have time and love hiking we would advise you to spend one or more days in this amazing state park. How do you put a rating on something that is just so serene? Subscribe to our Newsletter Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. Route 66 plays a pretty major part in Americas history. 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. Bring your fishing rod or your canoe and commune with nature. 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. Click on the map to specific attractions and follow the directions through the drives. In the midst of vast Illinois farmland, weekend travelers discover a topographic Kitsch, awe inspiring, quirky, colorful, beautiful and unforgettable. The Scenic Ridge Route offers 19 miles of smooth road surface and lots of sweeping corners. Learn More Things To Do 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 Great River Road is one of the most scenic road trips in the midwest. Needles Highway (Highway 87), is found in the Black Hills of South Dakota, on a stretch of road through Custer State Park. Gary Ennis/Getty Images/iStockphoto. Along the way, you will enjoy the farms, rolling hills, and stunning vista views. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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. One of the most scenic stretches of highway in the entire USA. The popular soda fountain has been a fixture in town since 1937, and you'll quickly see . Lovely small communities and towns in farm country with something new around every bend. Peoria Grandview Drive ("World's Most Beautiful Drive"), The "castle" on Grandview DriveScenic overlooks of the Illinois River ValleyForest Park Nature Center, Long Hollow Scenic OverlookDutch Windmill "De Immigrant"Black Hawk State Historic Site, Ginkgo Restaurant and CafTrails around Meadow LakeSterling Morton Library. We were most recently there and counted 40 bald eagles on our drive. Fantastic day or weekend trip. There are also many festivals as well as flea markets and farmers markets that take place along this remote road. These are prestigious, towering estates that have looked over Grandview since it was built over 100 years ago. Your email and your recipient's email will NOT be shared with anyone. The River Road National Scenic Byway showcases Illinois natural wonders and theyre truly breathtaking. Priceless. Why you should go: The ultimate great lakes drive when you have a few days to spare. Whether you prefer to make it a romantic trip or a trip with the kids, there is something for everyone. 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 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. Get to know us better on our about us page. Central Illinois attractions, click here. Algarve Itinerary: the best itinerary for 3-10 days, 19 Illinois breweries that are worth a visit, Globetrotters in heart and soul. If you're not one to hit the black diamond slopes out in Colorado, Trail Ridge Road is your best way to see the Rocky Mountains. Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. 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. Take aim at these camera-ready sights along Illinois seven scenic byways. Here is an overview of more great things to do in Northern Illinois. If being near water calms your soul then you wont want to miss out on spending time near the Illinois River. You will find many small towns with food marts and fuel stations in this route. AMAZING RIVER VIEW, LEAVES TURNING, QUAINT LITTLE TOWN OF Elijah. 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). Situated about 30 miles northwest of Chicago's Loop, Schaumburg is a scenic suburb with a small-town atmosphere and countless family-friendly amenities. 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. Dont be fooled by the fact that its only 2.52 miles. 59 helpful votes. Encounter these quirky relics, from a giant Muffler Man to a towering bottle of catsup. 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. Time needed: 2.5 hours to 2 days. A haven for nature lovers, this drive is sure to give you a sense of tranquillity and oneness with the natural world. We're a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program. Learn more about Illinois Lincoln Highway on the website. We've mapped out the drives and included several must-see scenic pit stops along the routes. 2023 Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. Highest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews. It also sits along the Illinois River and you can hike to an overlook to get sweeping vistas of the water. You dont have to go to Napa to enjoy great wine, scenic beauty, musical entertainment, and a friendly atmosphere. Youll find the little town of Elizabeth along US Highway 20, where this road branches north and connects about 12 miles away with Stagecoach Trail. 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. Fabulous views and thrilling curves with the rivers right beside you. While Shenandoah National Park is a bit further west, no list of scenic drives in Virginia would be complete without Skyline Drive. Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our site. Badlands Loop State Scenic Highway, South Dakota. 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. Learn more about the Long Hollow Scenic Overlook on the webpage. A passion for cocktail creation, international travel and decadent foodie experiences, enjoy Stephanie's romp through the Land of Lincoln. Click here to view all the guides avialable for 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. 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. Eureka College, Reagan's alma mater, is a very small college with not much to see. Whether you are looking for a day trip, weekend getaway or planning a road trip, our guides provide you with the perfect scenic drive. Wooded countryside fills your view, interspersed with neat farmsteads and regular roadside produce stands, in season. 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. Visit the largest state park in Illinois and one untouched by glaciers that once blanketed much of the state. From Naperville take Ogden Aveue west to US 30. For the stout of heart, theres a narrow rope suspension bridge to cross and zip line adventures. Road Trip. Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway, The Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Route. 65 passes by some of Arkansas' most popular attractions. Find top rated Pennsylvania 55+ Communities for active adults considering retiring to Pennsylvania. Along the way youll pass Hanover (site of Whistling Wings, a mallard duck hatchery), Blackhawk and Marcus, not to mention Hanover Bluff Nature Preserve and Palisades State Park. Carroll County is very Published in History and Heritage, Scenic Drives Read More Thank you! Trail Ridge Road Colorado. Road Trip The scenic fall drive traverses six Wisconsin counties; from Whitewater Lake in Walworth County to Elkhart Lake in Sheboygan County. To request a listing, please fill out the form below and press "Submit.". 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. Ronald Reagan Exhibit at Eureka College, his alma mater. The endpoint is in Cairo, an abandoned town that is packed with history. Beginning in the town of Cumberland in Maryland, this road ends in the wonderful Illinois town of Vandalia. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. For an overview of amazing wineries in Grafton, click here. With about 300 miles of highway in Illinois alone, you could make a whole day of sight seeing. Getting around Chicago and Illinois is easy with our guide to ways to travel around the state. This gorgeous road spans three states: Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you. 8. Interested in historic sites? Head west and drive the Great River Road along the Mississippi, with its bluff-top views, river sights, charming B&Bs and sprawling vineyards. Along the way you might just discover that there's more to the road than the river. Hop out of the car and snack at one of the picnic tables, then try a hike. Lincoln Highway, Lincoln Hwy, Joliet, IL, USA. Read our full coverage on Peorias Grand View Drive to learn more. Save. Visit state parks and recreation areas near Galena on our scenic loop drive. 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. Make sure to stop to explore at least one of the Minnesota State Parks on the drive. There are festivals and celebrations happening every month of the year along the Great River Route. Beautiful winding river through farm country thats peaceful and quiet. In Illinois, the highway begins in Chicago and cuts through the suburbs before heading straight to Fulton. At just over 153 miles, this road spans the Illinois section of U.S. 30 which connects Iowa and Indiana. Photo: Shutterstock. 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. We've mapped out the drives and included several must-see scenic pit stops along the routes. Also, be sure to check out the famous Cahokia mounds and visit the Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower where you can experience breathtaking 150-foot views of Ol Man River. As one of the most scenic drives in Illinois, there's nothing else quite like it. But the Galena end of the highway yields to no other area in its River Road attractions. Each of these routes is so much more than a simple drive through Illinois. 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. Home Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. Dirt roads spread out from settlements at random, some not leading anywhere, and travelers found it easier to take the train to the next town over. We offer a compact version of Go-Illinois for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. Routes will begin to appear on map approximately 10 seconds after the map loads at a rate of one route per second. 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. 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. What are some of the best small towns in Illinois? Fermanagh Lakelands - for incredible views of Lough Erne. 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. Scenic drives to consider in Illinois are listed below. These are the 14 most scenic drives in the United States, from sea to shining sea. The wildlife and foliage on the drive is absolutely beautiful and the wine is a plus! It really helps take your mind off all the stressors in life. THINGS TO DO 550 miles packed with adventure! Learn more about Historic National Road Scenic Byway on the website. 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. 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. The river looked very beautiful, and the leaves were changing colors. 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. Along the way you might just discover that theres more to the road than the river. Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive - Pass through six beautiful Wisconsin counties and 50,000 acres when you explore the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. This post may contain affiliate links. You are in The Tunnel of Trees spans 20 miles, beginning . Picnic at a scenic overlook for lunch. #4 Illinois Ultimate Scenic Rivers Route Illinois Rivers Route is an illustrious 140-mile road that stretches along the Illinois River. 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. 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. It,s a nice relief to get off the interstate roads. 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. 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. The best part? Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. Read Enjoy Illinois magazine online or download the PDF and start exploring trip ideas Illinois Tourist Information Centers AllTrails/Taylor Tuomey. 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. 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. There youll find flea markets, tasty meals like homemade chili or pie, handcrafted art, soaps, furniture, and collectibles. The Lincoln Highway was the first highway in America to be paved all the way across the state in the early 1900s.
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scenic drives northern illinois