Fabulous views and thrilling curves with the rivers right beside you. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeths articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals. places in Illinois where you can spot eagles during winter. Start in Murphysboro, south to Anna, and back up north to Carbondale. 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. This old two-lane highway is now adorned with delicious restaurants, museums, and other cheesy but fun attractions. 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. Whether you are a professed history buff, a lover of nature, or a boatman you will enjoy all that these sweeping 96 miles of the Illinois and Michigan canals have to offer. Keep an eye out for the Great River Road logo on signsa green icon of a riverboat pilots wheelto keep you on the designated scenic byway. Visit the largest state park in Illinois and one untouched by glaciers that once blanketed much of the state. Home If you are looking for interesting cities in northern Illinois, click here. Youll experience towering bluffs, rolling hills, river communities, farmlands and sweeping views. The river looked very beautiful, and the leaves were changing colors. There was a moment in time where Sundays meant that you piled the kids into the car and took a long relaxing drive. Searching for 55+ Communities on Retirenet.com is simple and easy. These are prestigious, towering estates that have looked over Grandview since it was built over 100 years ago. While enjoying the long, relaxing stretch of highway be sure to make a few pit stops to check out Ronald Reagans childhood home in Dixon, the amazing Fabyan Villa (they have their very own windmill! Ive traveled much of the U.S. and Ill rank this drive as one of the more scenic Ive ever taken. Check out these 10 scenic drives in Wisconsin that showcase the very best natural attractions in Wisconsin. 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. 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. more. If youre in the mood for a drive, read on for some of the best scenic drives in Illinois. AllTrails/Taylor Tuomey. THINGS TO DO 550 miles packed with adventure! 1. Its a road trip into the past, with plenty of kitsch and nostalgia to go around. Part of HuffPost News. The Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Festival. We have been enjoying visiting several of the Presidential libraries, museums, historic homes, etc. Scenic Highway 61 from Duluth to Grand Portage State Park. In 1912, the idea of roads as fast transportation did not exist in America. The Scenic Drive roads are marked with [SD] symbols on this map. 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. Long Hollow Scenic Overlook, 2918 US Hwy 20 W, Elizabeth, IL 61028, USA. 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. A Sunday drive elicits connotations of happier, simpler Rockwell-esque times. Byway Bites The best part? You'll have your camera out almost all the time for this one. Ron "Don't Say Gay" DeSantis of . 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. Then enjoy the highlights of beautiful South Africa, including wine tours, scenic road trips, wildlife safaris, mountain biking, caving, hikes up Table . This scenic byway travels along the Ohio River through the southern area of Illinois, near Golconda, Metropolis and Cairo. Take the weekend and even consider camping out under a blanket of stars. Nature, agriculture Get your kitsch on the Illinois stretch of Route 66. Read this post in which we share the best things to do in Grafton. 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. FourSquare/Alex N. Start off your scenic drive with a visit to this old-fashioned soda fountain, tucked in Saults Drug Store in Fulton. Save. There is a piece of the Berlin wall outside the building as well. Slow down, she says. Share your experiences and photos with us! Use our Sound Off tool. So vistas abound, taking in rolling country, beautifully maintained farms and rural cottages perched on manicured properties. 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 - spoonriverdrive@mail.com, write Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Fall Festival, PO Box 525, Canton, IL 61520, or go to our Contact Us page. Thank you. A scenic driving guide to Kentucky state. As a state of mostly small towns, Illinois has plenty of scenic roads you can take to get away from it all and have space to look around instead of just staring at the bumper in front of you. 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. The Tunnel of Trees spans 20 miles, beginning . Learn more about the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway on the website. The road is quite smooth and the traffic volume is very low. 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. Check it out: If you love road trips, check out these seven places in Illinois boonies that are so worth the drive. Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine. 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 are spots where the trail breaks clear of the woods and opens on views of miles of undulating Illinois landscape, some under cultivation, some nearly pristine and natural. Check out antique shops, artist studios, and local farmers markets along the way. In addition to wine, the drive is filled with trails, creeks and lakes, small cabins, and sprawling orchards. 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. As summer comes to a close and the leaves morph from a vibrant green to even more vibrant oranges, reds and yellows, there's no better way to appreciate the shifting seasons than by taking a drive through Illinois. In The News 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. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532, USA. As the name suggests, the two-lane road was originally a stagecoach route connecting Galena with Chicago. 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's very well done overall. 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. 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. Dont be fooled by the fact that its only 2.52 miles. If you are looking for more hikes in Northern Illinois, click here. 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. Nearby is the 1,200-feet high Charles Mound, the highest point in the state. Plan Your Visit Keyword Destination Bloomington/Normal Chicago Joliet Marion Quad Cities Rockford Springfield Utica Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles Get to know us better on our about us page. 10 Tiny Towns In Illinois That Are Always Worth A Visit. Situated about 30 miles northwest of Chicago's Loop, Schaumburg is a scenic suburb with a small-town atmosphere and countless family-friendly amenities. This scenic drive on the Illinois River is the perfect place to park and immerse yourself in the surrounding natural beauty. One day we were driving to Galena Cellars Vineyard along Stagecoach Trail. Here you can find a list of more southern Illinois wineries. We always enjoy visiting Galena Cellars, but the Stagecoach Trail also gives access to Apple River Canyon State Park, a wonderland of canyons and rugged rock formations great for hiking. Just beautiful escape. Initially, the land was an over 22,000 acre working cattle ranch, split in the 1990s into 172 parcels of 40 to . The River Road National Scenic Byway showcases Illinois natural wonders and theyre truly breathtaking. Roadside land is often the first and most visible land to be converted to residential or commercial uses. Scenic drives in Illinois: 12 amazing scenic routes you must explore. If you are a Republican fan, a fan of Reagan's or just love history, this is a wonderful tribute to a great man. Youll learn the history of the canal as you enjoy the scenery along the way. This area spans three different states: Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. 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. Priceless. Our section is about 166 miles long. Sometimes there is nothing more relaxing than getting into nature and breathing in that fresh, crisp air. Traveling along its namesake, this road is partially an old route marked by French explorers and other immigrants who were drawn to Illinois. Enjoy the slow-moving waters of the Illinois River, the roadside stands selling fruits and vegetables, and the cultural history of the Native Americans, French explorers, and American settlers that built their communities around this river. 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. 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. Spoon River Valley is one of the most beautiful scenic drives in Illinois. As you explore the trail, you'll come across several highlights. 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. 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? 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. After I came out of the Adler Planetarium the weather changed but even that got a good photo. 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. From there take US 30 west to the Mississippi River. Visit state parks and recreation areas near Galena on our scenic loop drive. Schaumburg's many lush, tree-dense neighborhoods contain an array of apartments, condos, townhomes, and houses available for rent, in an overall peaceful environment. How do you put a rating on something that is just so serene? One of Chicago's most attractive attractions. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 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. Noah Clayton/Getty Images. 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. My wife Patricia and I have made a hobby of exploring the highways and byways around Galena Country, and boy have we made a great find. 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. 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