This drive will take you through the Spoon River Valley, full of bluffs, rolling hills, and beautiful scenery. Along the way you might just discover that theres more to the road than the river. 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. 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. In the midst of vast Illinois farmland, weekend travelers discover a topographic Kitsch, awe inspiring, quirky, colorful, beautiful and unforgettable. Thank you! Walk the quiet, lush grounds and take in the countless varieties of trees, including red oak, sycamore, black walnut, Norway spruce, Ohio buckeye and many, many more. Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National ForestCave in Rock State ParkSuperman Statue in Metropolis, Old Chain of Rocks BridgeOriginal Brick RoadHenry's Rabbit Ranch, 3. This road really holds some of Americas most fascinating history. On your drive, youll likely see many of these community members on the land working hard on their harvest. Design and Development by J Rudny, LLC. Lake Michigan Circle Tour. Beginning in Hartford, take Illinois Route 3 northwest to The Great River Road and cruise past the idyllic waterfront villages of Wood River, East Alton, Alton, Elsah, Chautauqua, and Graftonall. Check out these 10 scenic drives in Wisconsin that showcase the very best natural attractions in Wisconsin. If you live in a highly trafficked area, you might forget how meditative it is to drive on the open road. Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. The popular soda fountain has been a fixture in town since 1937, and you'll quickly see . 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. If you are a Republican fan, a fan of Reagan's or just love history, this is a wonderful tribute to a great man. 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 inspired by top travel stories, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. If youre looking for a long meditative drive through Illinois, there has never been a better time to do it. Youll experience towering bluffs, rolling hills, river communities, farmlands and sweeping views. The roadside attractions along Route 66 were designed to attract travelers to local towns and businesses. An incredible hike in southern Illinois. Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine. For an overview of amazing wineries in Grafton, click here. Take aim at these camera-ready sights along Illinois seven scenic byways. In addition to the stunning natural landscape, this scenic drive is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places along with many of the surrounding homes. A couple drive in an open top car along the Great River Road, Illinois. Cutting through Illinois is a 300-mile stretch of the mythical Route 66. Where can I take a scenic boat ride in Illinois? Get ready for a packed three-week adventure to some of the greatest locales in Africa. 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. According to Theodore Roosevelt its the worlds most beautiful drive. Watch the autumnal leaves sweep over the 180-acre landscape or enjoy a picnic with the family. While Shenandoah National Park is a bit further west, no list of scenic drives in Virginia would be complete without Skyline Drive. Learn more about Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive on the website. The red, yellow, and orange leaves on the trees are straight from a postcard. Thank you! Download a PDF map of the favorite Fall Color Drives. One day we were driving to Galena Cellars Vineyard along Stagecoach Trail. Also referred to as the Road that built the Nation, this byway started in Cumberland, Maryland and ended in Vandalia, Illinois. Considered the most beautiful state park, Starved Rock State Park is home to a surreal landscape of rock formations, canyons, forests, and waterfalls. If you want to take a trip back in time, then pack up the car and head down the historic Lincoln Highway. If you are a Republican fan, a fan of Reagan's or just love history, this is a wonderful tribute to a great man. How do you put a rating on something that is just so serene? Even if you just drive right through, youll enjoy the serene Illinois woodlands, forests, and wetlands. 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. Dont be fooled by the fact that its only 2.52 miles. Mliz 2015 ninja 1000, 1975 gl1000, 1972 ct70, 1991 dr650, 1989 gsxr750 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. 581 South Deere Road | Macomb, Illinois 61455 Delaware: Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway Delaware's not exactly a large state, but there's enormous wealth along this 12.3-mile stretch of Route 52 (also known as Kennett Pike) and Route 100 (AKA. Our section is about 166 miles long. Travelers keen on getting outside won't have to look far for thrilling . There is no better place to take a selfie than at this scenic overlook in Galena, with its picturesque rolling countryside that will make you feel like you are in rural England (no passport needed!). 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. 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. Explore the region for yourself and find little-known treasures, perhaps using one of our favorite Illinois scenic drives as a starting point: No. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! 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. Known as the Tunnel of Trees, M-119 is one of the most idyllic settings in the state. Curves twisting through walls of rugged rock pinnacles, buttes, and multi-colored spires. Use our easy Lodging Search to find exactly the type of accommodation you are looking for at the right price. Fantastic day or weekend trip. Holly Ann . Photo: Shutterstock. But the Galena end of the highway yields to no other area in its River Road attractions. The Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Festival. Things To Do Navigate the charming small towns of Knox County on this self-guided car tour. The Illinois River Road Scenic Byway preserves the natural river country along the banks of the Illinois River, allowing modern visitors to travel the same route as the early French explorers: les Voyageurs. To request a listing, please fill out the form below and press "Submit.". At just over 153 miles, this road spans the Illinois section of U.S. 30 which connects Iowa and Indiana. With 105 miles of gorgeous scenery and natural beauty, Skyline Dive makes a fantastic day trip from Washington DC. I think best place to see the Chicago skyline. Enjoy the scenery and take a long, lovely drive down one of these 10 amazing roads and see the best parts of the state. While no longer an official highway, Illinois still celebrates its 300-mile stretch with restored 1940s gas pumps, quirky museums, and eccentric art and memorabilia on one of the most historic drives in Illinois. 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. 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. Time needed: 2.5 hours to 2 days. Youll have the best seat in the house. With about 300 miles of highway in Illinois alone, you could make a whole day of sight seeing. We've mapped out the drives and included several must-see scenic pit stops along the routes. Ohio River Scenic Byway, Cairo, IL 62914, USA. They capture rich history, and unique landscapes, and feature the fascinating but often overlooked communities that cherish and celebrate these scenic routes. From Naperville take Ogden Aveue west to US 30. Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity. There youll find flea markets, tasty meals like homemade chili or pie, handcrafted art, soaps, furniture, and collectibles. Your multi-country journey begins in Zimbabwe at Victoria Fallsthe largest waterfall in the worldfollowed by camping in Botswana's Chobe National Park. If being near water calms your soul then you wont want to miss out on spending time near the Illinois River. 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. In 1912, the idea of roads as fast transportation did not exist in America. 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. Wooded countryside fills your view, interspersed with neat farmsteads and regular roadside produce stands, in season. 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. When you travel through one of the most scenic Illinois byways, you are taking the same route the French explorers once did. Hop out of the car and snack at one of the picnic tables, then try a hike. The route began/ended in Chicago, and the city pays tribute by having signs indicating the "start" and "end" (depending on which one-way street you are one). Some of the most popular stops along the way include the restored 1891 opera house, the Spoon River Dam, and the London Mills Docks along the Illinois River where visitors can enjoy a picnic or spend time fishing. Your email and your recipient's email will NOT be shared with anyone. It,s a nice relief to get off the interstate roads. If you time it right, you can end your day watching the sun go down over the Big Muddy at Savanna. 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. The sky was a deep blue, the windows were rolled down, Patricia sailed her hand out the window. Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive - Pass through six beautiful Wisconsin counties and 50,000 acres when you explore the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. 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. 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. Initially, the land was an over 22,000 acre working cattle ranch, split in the 1990s into 172 parcels of 40 to . Why you should go: The ultimate great lakes drive when you have a few days to spare. Here is a list of more fun stuff to do in Illinois. The stretch of the Mississippi River north of Rock Island, Illinois is considered by many to be the most scenic drive along the Mississippi. If youre unfamiliar with this period in history, we suggest you do a little digging to have the full immersive experience. Visit the largest state park in Illinois and one untouched by glaciers that once blanketed much of the state. hand laid back in the 1930s and Harrys Rabbit Ranch, which contains old Route 66 memorabilia and other kitschy items that made this one of the most renowned Illinois byways. Here is a list of scenic drives in Central Illinois. But now it connects Galena with the beauty of the whole region. Our integrated delivery model allows our clinicians to offer state-of-the-art, top tier quality care throughout eastern Wisconsin and northern and central Illinois. What are some of the best small towns in Illinois? Learn more about Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail on the webpage. Sage Scott. The ranch is situated on the front range minutes from I-25 and Highway 160, which crosses Colorado from east to west. If you have a day or two to just breathe in all the sites, then take on Spoon River Valleys scenic 140-mile drive. Visit state parks and recreation areas near Galena on our scenic loop drive. Click here to view all the guides avialable for Illinois. You'll also pass by some of the state's most beautiful rivers, including the Spoon River and the Illinois River, and the river starts . 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. 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. The Ohio River has a rich history and river culture. Looking where to stay while exploring the Shawnee Hills Wine trail? 4. The northern end of the 115-mile route begins at Sheboygan County's Elkhart Lake. Use our Sound Off tool. 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. Gary Ennis/Getty Images/iStockphoto. Explore the regions of Illinois with getaways perfect for exploring the fall col Find unexpected ways to enjoy Illinois in this biannual magazine that explores every corner of the state. As the name suggests, the two-lane road was originally a stagecoach route connecting Galena with Chicago. The Knox County communities have been proudly showcasing their farming communities and their rich history since 1976. Most beautiful drive our free magazine the 115-mile route begins at Sheboygan County & # x27 ; t have look... Your day watching the sun go down over the 180-acre landscape or enjoy a picnic with the family byways... The popular soda fountain has been a fixture in town since 1937, and orange leaves on open... 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