Read this post in which we share the best things to do in Grafton. A great stop is at Tapley Woods Conservation Area. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Learn more about the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway on the webpage. 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. 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. The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail features 11 family-owned wineries and vineyards surrounded by the lush splendor of the Southern Illinois landscape. You'll have your camera out almost all the time for this one. Explore Ulysses S. Grants home, the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, and the home of Popeye. From red and yellow trees to roads dusted with vibrant leaves, this is an incredibly scenic fall drive in Northern Illinois. A typical Sunday drive might leave you finding a new general store to stock up on sweets and other treats. The 115-mile drive traverses six Wisconsin counties. Learn more about the Long Hollow Scenic Overlook on the webpage. Best time to drive: mid September - end of October. 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. Insider tip: Ottawa is considered as being the heart of Starved Rock county. And the long lines of barges being carefully shepherded up and downstream by powerful tugs are a fascinating sight to see. A couple drive in an open top car along the Great River Road, Illinois. 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. Check out antique shops, artist studios, and local farmers markets along the way. I was there in the morning and had a beautiful blue sky. Northwest Illinois Loop scenic drive Visit state parks and recreation areas near Galena on our scenic loop drive. 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. Originally from the quaint beach town of Fenwick Island, Delaware, Stephanie has called Chicago home for nearly a decade. 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. Mliz 2015 ninja 1000, 1975 gl1000, 1972 ct70, 1991 dr650, 1989 gsxr750 One day we were driving to Galena Cellars Vineyard along Stagecoach Trail. Here is a list of scenic drives in Central Illinois. For an overview of amazing wineries in Grafton, click here. Each of these wineries has its own styles, techniques, and grape varieties that create wonderfully delicious and unique flavors. Photos and Property Details for 1209 SCENIC DRIVE, KNOXVILLE, TN 37919. A flowing stream to drop a line for trout or crappie is never far with the Noblett Lake Recreation Area, where two streams and a lake reside, being a prime location for fishing and other water fun. In addition to wine, the drive is filled with trails, creeks and lakes, small cabins, and sprawling orchards. 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. The River Road National Scenic Byway showcases Illinois natural wonders and theyre truly breathtaking. If you time it right, you can end your day watching the sun go down over the Big Muddy at Savanna. Scenic drives to consider in Illinois are listed below. In The News 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. A spectacular train trestle bridge crosses the Illinois River near Allen Park and the Old Town business district. It connects 13 community areas from North to South, from Edgewater to South Shore. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Whitefish, Montana, is winter lover's dream. The Scenic Drive roads are marked with [SD] symbols on this map. Learn more about the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway on the website. Home 1. Below Galena, the US 20 rolls along inland out of sight of the river, but there is still plenty to see. 8. Here is a list of more places in Illinois where you can spot eagles during winter. You don't need much time to conquer this route, making it perfect for a day trip. Best Rated Motorcycle Roads & Rides Please be patient. 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. Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive. Fantastic day or weekend trip. As you explore the trail, you'll come across several highlights. 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. Scenic drives follow rivers and creeks through woods and past parks, playgrounds and numerous roadside attractions. My wife and I drove through and the beauty is amazing. So vistas abound, taking in rolling country, beautifully maintained farms and rural cottages perched on manicured properties. Check out these, If you want to take a unique boat tour along the Illinois River and Lake Michigan, check out, 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, The 10 Best Backroads In Illinois For A Long Scenic Drive, 7 Paved Trails In Illinois That Make Hiking The Great Outdoors Easier, Theres A Mule-Pulled Canal Ride In Illinois That Is The Most Unique Thing Youll Ever Do, Take This Road To Nowhere In Illinois To Get Away From It All. Here is an overview of more great things to do in Northern Illinois. 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. Saults Drug Store - Fulton. I especially loved the Corpus Christi Church in Galesburg which was built in 1832 and is just a beautiful display of architecture. 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. Beautiful winding river through farm country thats peaceful and quiet. Drive Safe 11: Northern California Scenic Drives: Lake Tahoe Loop (US 50, NV 28 and US 89) Distance: 72 miles. Routes will begin to appear on map approximately 10 seconds after the map loads at a rate of one route per second. Things To Do All Rights Reserved. The . Algarve Itinerary: the best itinerary for 3-10 days, 19 Illinois breweries that are worth a visit, Globetrotters in heart and soul. In the midst of vast Illinois farmland, weekend travelers discover a topographic Kitsch, awe inspiring, quirky, colorful, beautiful and unforgettable. Learn more about Illinois Lincoln Highway on the website. Go at night for the sunset! Bring your fishing rod or your canoe and commune with nature. 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. Enjoy the beauty, variety and geology of southeast Wisconsin by driving the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. 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. Use our easy Lodging Search to find exactly the type of accommodation you are looking for at the right price. Getting around Chicago and Illinois is easy with our guide to ways to travel around the state. 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. A scenic driving guide to Kentucky state. Even if you just drive right through, youll enjoy the serene Illinois woodlands, forests, and wetlands. Long Hollow Scenic Overlook, 2918 US Hwy 20 W, Elizabeth, IL 61028, USA. 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. 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. 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. 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 M-119, aka the Tunnel of Trees, is one of Michigan's most popular scenic drives. The stretch of the Mississippi River north of Rock Island, Illinois is considered by many to be the most scenic drive along the Mississippi. 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? 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. 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. How dependent are we on Illinois' sin taxes? Order a copy of Enjoy Illinois and also receive the Illinois State Park Guide and an Official Highway Map. Click on the map to specific attractions and follow the directions through the drives. Part of HuffPost News. Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. Downtown Chicago on E. Jackson Boulevard and end at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in Granite City. Enjoy the scenery and take a long, lovely drive down one of these 10 amazing roads and see the best parts of the state. 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. One of the major features of LSD is the Outer Drive Bridge, also known as Link Bridge, which carries LSD traffic over the Chicago River. This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. Learn More This road really holds some of Americas most fascinating history. 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. Badlands Loop State Scenic Highway, South Dakota. In this travel magazine we share our best tips and adventures. 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. Cutting through Illinois is a 300-mile stretch of the mythical Route 66. 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. It was meant to be a peaceful and fun activity for the whole family. Youll learn the history of the canal as you enjoy the scenery along the way. 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. Perfect for a short, fun trip, this scenic backroad is only 2.5 miles long. 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. Along the way you might just discover that there's more to the road than the river. 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. The northern end begins near Elkhart Lake in northern Sheboygan County and the southern end begins at Whitewater Lake in southeastern Walworth County. Galena in the north and Cairo to the south. Go-Illinois.net, part of The Go Travel Sites family, is among the largest websites covering travel and vacationing in Illinois. Photo: Shutterstock. 1. Galena, the starting point, is well known for its well-preserved 19th-century buildings, ancient ceremonial sites, and delicious vineyards. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! 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. It's very well done overall. 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. 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. And thats where Patricia always brings it back to basics, one hand out the window, playing airplane just like a kid. Who doesnt love an adventure along one of the best scenic drives in Illinois? Continue to Mobile Site About The Byway This gorgeous road spans three states: Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. Places To Stay 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. 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. AllTrails/Taylor Tuomey. 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. Hop out of the car and snack at one of the picnic tables, then try a hike. Enjoy observing wildlife in their natural habitat or pull out the trusty snowmobile during the winter and check out 61.5 miles of pristine, snowy trails. This gorgeous road spans three states: Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. 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. 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. It originally ran from Chicago all the way to Los Angeles, California. This drive is stunning with the valley on one side and the river on the other. Check out these cozy cabins. Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. Known as the Tunnel of Trees, M-119 is one of the most idyllic settings in the state. Mliz | June 6, 2019 | America > United States > Illinois Motorcycle Roads > IL - Daviess/Stephenson/W. 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. 4. 5 of the Best Scenic Drives Through Illinois. The views over the Illinois River are beautiful and well worth the drive. When you travel through one of the most scenic Illinois byways, you are taking the same route the French explorers once did. Youll experience towering bluffs, rolling hills, river communities, farmlands and sweeping views. 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. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Best enjoyed on a summer evening or when the leaves are changing colors in the fall. About Advocate Aurora Health. You may enjoy watching the changing leaves in a local forest preserve. 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. Saults Drug Store Inc, 505 Court St, Fulton, MO 65251, USA. Make sure to check out the event calendar to see what kind of special activities are happening along this beautiful drive in Illinois. 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. IMN Heaven Ranch is located within Majors Ranch, comprised of numerous large acreage parcels with varied terrain. Beginning in the town of Cumberland in Maryland, this road ends in the wonderful Illinois town of Vandalia. 59 helpful votes. 1999 Wisconsin Act 9 directed the Wisconsin Department of Transportation . 10 Tiny Towns In Illinois That Are Always Worth A Visit. Navigate the charming small towns of Knox County on this self-guided car tour. The Knox County communities have been proudly showcasing their farming communities and their rich history since 1976. Last but not least on our list of the best scenic drives in Illinois is the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail. Dawn Brandt / Getty Images. Plan Your Visit Enjoy all that Southern Illinois has to offer. Lincoln Highway, Lincoln Hwy, Joliet, IL, USA. We loved how much we learned at so many of the historical stops. See our full, 7 hours to drive the entire Byway, 2 days per loop for each of 7 nature activity loops. 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. There youll find flea markets, tasty meals like homemade chili or pie, handcrafted art, soaps, furniture, and collectibles. There is a piece of the Berlin wall outside the building as well. 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. We'd love to have your business listed on our site. There are also loads of other historical tidbits along the route ranging from Civil War heroes, river pirates, and more. Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity. Curves twisting through walls of rugged rock pinnacles, buttes, and multi-colored spires. How did we decide to drive? Keyword Destination Bloomington/Normal Chicago Joliet Marion Quad Cities Rockford Springfield Utica Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles Read our full coverage on the Ohio River Scenic Byway to learn more. The Lincoln Highway was the first highway in America to be paved all the way across the state in the early 1900s. Routes 127, Old Hwy 51, 51DISTANCE: 46 milesTIME: 1 hour. 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. Ronald Reagan Exhibit at Eureka College, his alma mater. flanked by a lavish residential area in the west and fantastic panoramic views of the. With about 300 miles of highway in Illinois alone, you could make a whole day of sight seeing. This scenic drive on the Illinois River is the perfect place to park and immerse yourself in the surrounding natural beauty. A must-see for everyone. Heavenly diningOn the way back to Galena, stop for a steak or seafood dinner in Elizabeth at The Holy Mackerel in a renovated white clapboard church. 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. Get complete property information, maps, street view, schools, walk score and more. 1. A passion for cocktail creation, international travel and decadent foodie experiences, enjoy Stephanie's romp through the Land of Lincoln. Thats easy; everywhere you go turns into a classic Illinois road trip. The wildlife and foliage on the drive is absolutely beautiful and the wine is a plus! around Illinois. 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. 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. An incredible hike in southern Illinois. It connects 13 community areas from North to South, from Edgewater to South Shore. We had the best afternoon exploring and even came home with some beautiful handicrafts. This drive will take you through the Spoon River Valley, full of bluffs, rolling hills, and beautiful scenery. We're a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program. 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. Schaumburg's many lush, tree-dense neighborhoods contain an array of apartments, condos, townhomes, and houses available for rent, in an overall peaceful environment. The route begins at the Mississippi Palisades State Park and ends a couple miles shy of Elizabeth. If you have time and love hiking we would advise you to spend one or more days in this amazing state park. 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? Lake Michigan Circle Tour. A non-partisan organization dedicated to involving Illinois residents in the state's political process. Initially, the land was an over 22,000 acre working cattle ranch, split in the 1990s into 172 parcels of 40 to . 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. Illinois River Road: Route of the Voyageurs, Click here to add your listing to Go-Illinois.net, Complete the form below to email this page to a friend or family member's email. Wooded countryside fills your view, interspersed with neat farmsteads and regular roadside produce stands, in season. The scenic byway boasts 300 miles in Illinois alone, ending where the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers converge near Cairo, IL. Considered the most beautiful state park, Starved Rock State Park is home to a surreal landscape of rock formations, canyons, forests, and waterfalls. Farmsteads and regular roadside produce stands, in season classic Illinois road trip IL, USA out window. Trees, M-119 scenic drives northern illinois one of the historical stops markets along the.. First Highway in America to be paved all the time for this.... 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