AMAZING RIVER VIEW, LEAVES TURNING, QUAINT LITTLE TOWN OF Elijah. ), or the old Rochelle railroad park. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Thank you! This gorgeous road spans three states: Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. Priceless. The Ohio River has a rich history and river culture. 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. Byway Bites If youre in the mood for a drive, read on for some of the best scenic drives in Illinois. New Mexico is home to 25 magnificent scenic byways, totaling over 2,900 miles across a diverse landscape. It's very well done overall. If you are a Republican fan, a fan of Reagan's or just love history, this is a wonderful tribute to a great man. An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. To satisfy your hunger, you'll need to drive for about 40 minutes to reach Cliff Droppers, a popular family-run burger restaurant in the area. Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. What are some of the best small towns in Illinois? flanked by a lavish residential area in the west and fantastic panoramic views of the. It really helps take your mind off all the stressors in life. Home The Great River Road follows the mighty Mississippi, the nations longest river, along Illinois western border. 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. 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. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Whitefish, Montana, is winter lover's dream. Subscribe to our Newsletter Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. Travelers keen on getting outside won't have to look far for thrilling . The northern end begins near Elkhart Lake in northern Sheboygan County and the southern end begins at Whitewater Lake in southeastern Walworth County. You are in 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. Saults Drug Store Inc, 505 Court St, Fulton, MO 65251, USA. A non-partisan organization dedicated to involving Illinois residents in the state's political process. Visit the largest state park in Illinois and one untouched by glaciers that once blanketed much of the state. Thats easy; everywhere you go turns into a classic Illinois road trip. Learn more about the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway on the website. Follow the Mother Road to discover a myriad of quirky roadside attractions, or hit one of the scenic highways crisscrossing the state. There was a moment in time where Sundays meant that you piled the kids into the car and took a long relaxing drive. Copyright 1997 - 2023 The Go Travel Sites. Plan on visiting in October if you want to participate in the countys annual drive event and witness the activities and entertainment. It's a 39-mile loop drive with 16 designated scenic overlooks and eight hiking trails. Related read: 10 Amazing Small Towns in Wisconsin for a Charming Escape. Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Illinois Area. A great stop is at Tapley Woods Conservation Area. 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. Scenic drives follow rivers and creeks through woods and past parks, playgrounds and numerous roadside attractions. You can send yourself an email as well. 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. Get the Guide Roadside Attractions Classic Cars Scenic Drives Travel Illinois Stories from the Road Outdoors Unlock the Secrets of Starved Rock Fermanagh Lakelands - for incredible views of Lough Erne. 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. Enjoy all that Southern Illinois has to offer. The stretch of the Mississippi River north of Rock Island, Illinois is considered by many to be the most scenic drive along the Mississippi. Situated about 30 miles northwest of Chicago's Loop, Schaumburg is a scenic suburb with a small-town atmosphere and countless family-friendly amenities. turn left onto Route 30 and stay on the road as it becomes Illinois 83, then . Simply a refreshing, beautiful drive no matter the time of the year. The best part? Best time to drive: mid September - end of October. For the best things in southern Illinois, click here. For an overview of amazing wineries in Grafton, click here. If you are a Republican fan, a fan of Reagan's or just love history, this is a wonderful tribute to a great man. 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. 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. If you are looking for more hikes in Northern Illinois, click here. Design and Development by J Rudny, LLC. Ron "Don't Say Gay" DeSantis of . One of Chicago's most attractive attractions. 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. The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail features 11 family-owned wineries and vineyards surrounded by the lush splendor of the Southern Illinois landscape. All Rights Reserved and. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! It originally ran from Chicago all the way to Los Angeles, California. At the confluence of the Illinois and Fox rivers, Ottawa marks the northeast gateway to the Illinois River Road. 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. 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. It is most popular during fall events, but you'll find lovely sights any time of year. You will also pass several beautiful state parks including Cave-in-Rock and Fort Massac State Park. Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. Run by Veterans, youll board a historic fireboat for one of the most memorable tours in the state. While it doesnt boast an intimidating amount of driving miles (only nine miles, to be exact) you will still enjoy driving through about 1,700 lush acres of bountiful gardens and trees. Stop in Fulton, IL to check out the working windmill imported from Holland. 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. A couple drive in an open top car along the Great River Road, 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. Re: Fall Foliage Scenic Drive. Explore the region for yourself and find little-known treasures, perhaps using one of our favorite Illinois scenic drives as a starting point: No. The popular soda fountain has been a fixture in town since 1937, and you'll quickly see . Read our full coverage on the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway to learn more. around Illinois. Learn more about the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway on the webpage. 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 Read more about these and other Southern Illinois State Parks here. Enjoy the beauty, variety and geology of southeast Wisconsin by driving the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. Get inspired by top travel stories, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. If you time it right, you can end your day watching the sun go down over the Big Muddy at Savanna. Fabulous views and thrilling curves with the rivers right beside you. Places To Stay 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. When we say homes, these arent your typical cozy houses. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Sign up for our daily email to stay up to date with Illinois politics. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! The roadside attractions along Route 66 were designed to attract travelers to local towns and businesses. Lake Shore Drive, or Outer Drive, is a multilevel expressway that runs alongside Lake Michigan through the city of Chicago. This byway actually follows the Mississippi River for about 3,000 miles, starting in Minnesota and ending at the Gulf of Mexico. Learn more about the Long Hollow Scenic Overlook on the webpage. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Learn More Routes will begin to appear on map approximately 10 seconds after the map loads at a rate of one route per second. 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. 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. Dawn Brandt / Getty Images. Go-Illinois.net, part of The Go Travel Sites family, is among the largest websites covering travel and vacationing in Illinois. You pass by famous landmarks such as Navy Pier, Soldier Field, Lincoln Park Zoo and Calumet Park. In fact, eight of the 126 America's Byways are right here in our state. Location South Dakota. AllTrails/Taylor Tuomey. The sky was a deep blue, the windows were rolled down, Patricia sailed her hand out the window. 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. It spans about 10 states and has become one of the most iconic byways in the United States. Whether you are looking for a day trip, weekend getaway or planning a road trip, our guides provide you with the perfect scenic drive. 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! Get to know us better on our about us page. In Illinois, the highway begins in Chicago and cuts through the suburbs before heading straight to Fulton. 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. 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. Badlands Loop State Scenic Highway, South Dakota. In the midst of vast Illinois farmland, weekend travelers discover a topographic Kitsch, awe inspiring, quirky, colorful, beautiful and unforgettable. Enjoy the scenery and take a long, lovely drive down one of these 10 amazing roads and see the best parts of the state. Here you can find a list of more southern Illinois wineries. Take the weekend and even consider camping out under a blanket of stars. You will find many small towns with food marts and fuel stations in this route. Visit state parks and recreation areas near Galena on our scenic loop drive. Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine. Carroll County is very Published in History and Heritage, Scenic Drives Read More 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. Learn more about Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail on the webpage. Downtown Chicago on E. Jackson Boulevard and end at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in Granite City. As the paved two lane scrolls into view, and our guidebooks clue us in to some new highlight just around a few more curves, sometimes we hurry to get it all in. Tunnel of Trees or M-119. Mliz | June 6, 2019 | America > United States > Illinois Motorcycle Roads > IL - Daviess/Stephenson/W. The Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Festival. 581 South Deere Road | Macomb, Illinois 61455 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 ranch is situated on the front range minutes from I-25 and Highway 160, which crosses Colorado from east to west. If you are looking for a list of more Central Illinois attractions, click here. Each issue offers a mix of travel stories, stunning photography and timely trip ideas that make the most of each season. Ronald Reagan Exhibit at Eureka College, his alma mater. 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. 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. Best enjoyed on a summer evening or when the leaves are changing colors in the fall. Central Illinois attractions, click here. Thank you. 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 America's Byways Program is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, and was established to help recognize, preserve and enhance selected roads throughout the states. 1999 Wisconsin Act 9 directed the Wisconsin Department of Transportation . Glacial Park in northern Illinois is a lesser-known park filled with wetlands formed by a glacier that was once here. 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