scenic drives northern 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. At just over 153 miles, this road spans the Illinois section of U.S. 30 which connects Iowa and Indiana. Scenic drives in Illinois: 12 amazing scenic routes you must explore. Visit state parks and recreation areas near Galena on our scenic loop drive. 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. Your multi-country journey begins in Zimbabwe at Victoria Fallsthe largest waterfall in the worldfollowed by camping in Botswana's Chobe National Park. 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. 10 - Great River Road Flickr user: Dave Herholz Starting Location: East Dubuque, IL Ending Location: Cairo, IL Length: 543 miles Best Season to Drive: All See this drive on Google Maps After I came out of the Adler Planetarium the weather changed but even that got a good photo. Along your drive, you'll see the convergence of the Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois Rivers, gorgeous limestone river bluffs, glorious trees, and local plants. Below Galena, the US 20 rolls along inland out of sight of the river, but there is still plenty to see. Trail Ridge Road Colorado. Originally from the quaint beach town of Fenwick Island, Delaware, Stephanie has called Chicago home for nearly a decade. 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. Getting around Chicago and Illinois is easy with our guide to ways to travel around the state. One of Chicago's most attractive attractions. You are in 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. With about 300 miles of highway in Illinois alone, you could make a whole day of sight seeing. A passion for cocktail creation, international travel and decadent foodie experiences, enjoy Stephanie's romp through the Land of Lincoln. 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, Here are 9 Hidden Gems Along the Mississippi River in Illinois, Take These 11 Country Roads In Illinois For A Gorgeous Scenic Drive, Youll Want To Take This Picture Perfect River Trail Through Illinois, If There Are Only 5 Hikes You Ever Do In Illinois, Make Them These, seven places in Illinois boonies that are so worth the drive. The northern end of the 115-mile route begins at Sheboygan County's Elkhart Lake. 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. How did we decide to drive? 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. Scenic drives to consider in Illinois are listed below. Along the way, you'll see Ronald Reagan's childhood home, a railroad park, and other historic landmarks and attractions that only backroads can offer. 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. Your email and your recipient's email will NOT be shared with anyone. 4. Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. Fabulous views and thrilling curves with the rivers right beside you. 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. It has nostalgia, nature, and just a good old road trip feel. Best enjoyed on a summer evening or when the leaves are changing colors in the fall. Check out antique shops, artist studios, and local farmers markets along the way. 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. Thank you. If youre looking for a long meditative drive through Illinois, there has never been a better time to do it. Order a copy of Enjoy Illinois and also receive the Illinois State Park Guide and an Official Highway Map. Whether you're 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. The Scenic Drive roads are marked with [SD] symbols on this map. Read our full coverage on the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway to learn more. Be sure to check out London Mills and Spoon River Dam along the Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive, one of the most beautiful drives in Illinois. 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. 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. This remarkable historic drive offers numerous panoramic views of the Illinois River Valley. There are also loads of other historical tidbits along the route ranging from Civil War heroes, river pirates, and more. 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. Downtown, eight building exteriors have been painted with large murals depicting local history. Many use it to visit antique shops, farmers markets, and other attractions, but you can also drive the whole thing and see the best parts of Southern Illinois. The Lincoln Highway was the first highway in America to be paved all the way across the state in the early 1900s. The Scenic Byways program is a cooperative effort between local communities and WisDOT to identify and promote state and local highway corridors with scenic and/or historical attributes that provide travelers an enjoyable visual, educational and recreational experience. Along the way you might just discover that theres more to the road than the river. 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. The ranch is situated on the front range minutes from I-25 and Highway 160, which crosses Colorado from east to west. Ohio River Scenic Byway, Cairo, IL 62914, USA. Wooded countryside fills your view, interspersed with neat farmsteads and regular roadside produce stands, in season. Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway, The Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Route. 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. Each of these wineries has its own styles, techniques, and grape varieties that create wonderfully delicious and unique flavors. Hop out of the car and snack at one of the picnic tables, then try a hike. Allen V. Peloquin and Y C Cheryl, 9254 Scenic Bluff Drive, Austin, TX 78733 Find homes for sale, market statistics, foreclosures, property taxes, real estate news, agent reviews, condos, neighborhoods on Blockshopper.com They capture rich history, and unique landscapes, and feature the fascinating but often overlooked communities that cherish and celebrate these scenic routes. Saults Drug Store Inc, 505 Court St, Fulton, MO 65251, USA. Beginning in the town of Cumberland in Maryland, this road ends in the wonderful Illinois town of Vandalia. Road Trip 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. 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. The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail features 11 family-owned wineries and vineyards surrounded by the lush splendor of the Southern Illinois landscape. You can have these simpler times back. From red and yellow trees to roads dusted with vibrant leaves, this is an incredibly scenic fall drive in Northern Illinois. Then enjoy the highlights of beautiful South Africa, including wine tours, scenic road trips, wildlife safaris, mountain biking, caving, hikes up Table . 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. For an overview of amazing wineries in Grafton, click here. 1. And the long lines of barges being carefully shepherded up and downstream by powerful tugs are a fascinating sight to see. If you have time and love hiking we would advise you to spend one or more days in this amazing state park. Subscribe to our Newsletter Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. How dependent are we on Illinois' sin taxes? In 1912, the idea of roads as fast transportation did not exist in America. Best Rated Motorcycle Roads & Rides Please be patient. Here is a list of more small cities in Illinois that are worth a visit. Traveling along its namesake, this road is partially an old route marked by French explorers and other immigrants who were drawn to Illinois. Scenic drives follow rivers and creeks through woods and past parks, playgrounds and numerous roadside attractions. Whitefish, Montana. Why you should go: The ultimate great lakes drive when you have a few days to spare. Picnic at a scenic overlook for lunch. 93 reviews. 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 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). International Visitors Check out five more scenic drives in Illinois at Reboot Illinois, including routes that take travelers through Starved Rock State Park and the Cohokia Mounds. Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. This area spans three different states: Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. 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. New Mexico is home to 25 magnificent scenic byways, totaling over 2,900 miles across a diverse landscape. Places To Stay It's known for its cheesy attractions, quirky restaurants, and unique museums. Priceless. Get ready for a packed three-week adventure to some of the greatest locales in Africa. Learn more about Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail on the webpage. Get the Guide Roadside Attractions Classic Cars Scenic Drives Travel Illinois Stories from the Road Outdoors Unlock the Secrets of Starved Rock One day we were driving to Galena Cellars Vineyard along Stagecoach Trail. 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 is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Also referred to as the Road that built the Nation, this byway started in Cumberland, Maryland and ended in Vandalia, Illinois. You can read our complete privacy policy here. 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. 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. IMN Heaven Ranch is located within Majors Ranch, comprised of numerous large acreage parcels with varied terrain. Site Map, Copyright 2023 Great Rivers Country. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Considered the most beautiful state park, Starved Rock State Park is home to a surreal landscape of rock formations, canyons, forests, and waterfalls. Privacy Policy If you are looking for more hikes in Northern Illinois, click here. Scenic Highway 61 from Duluth to Grand Portage State Park. Fall the Spoon Valley Scenic Drive Festival falls on the first two weekends of October every year. Sometimes there is nothing more relaxing than getting into nature and breathing in that fresh, crisp air. The sky was a deep blue, the windows were rolled down, Patricia sailed her hand out the window. 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. Get more stories delivered right to your email. 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. We've mapped out the drives and included several must-see scenic pit stops along the routes. 1. Have you ever been up and down these roads? Plan Your Visit This old two-lane highway is now adorned with delicious restaurants, museums, and other cheesy but fun attractions. 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. 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. Make sure to stop to explore at least one of the Minnesota State Parks on the drive. 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. 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. Saults Drug Store - Fulton. Design and Development by J Rudny, LLC. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Dont be fooled by the fact that its only 2.52 miles. Route 66 plays a pretty major part in Americas history. Keyword Destination Bloomington/Normal Chicago Joliet Marion Quad Cities Rockford Springfield Utica Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles At the confluence of the Illinois and Fox rivers, Ottawa marks the northeast gateway to the Illinois River Road. Read our full coverage on the Ohio River Scenic Byway to learn more. 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. 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. Enjoy all that Southern Illinois has to offer. Noah Clayton/Getty Images. Getting around Chicago and Illinois is easy with our guide to ways to travel around the state. You don't need much time to conquer this route, making it perfect for a day trip. There was a moment in time where Sundays meant that you piled the kids into the car and took a long relaxing drive. 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. Home Our section is about 166 miles long. The Knox County communities have been proudly showcasing their farming communities and their rich history since 1976. Re: Fall Foliage Scenic Drive. Fermanagh Lakelands - for incredible views of Lough Erne. 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. Download a PDF map of the favorite Fall Color Drives. 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. 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. 1999 Wisconsin Act 9 directed the Wisconsin Department of Transportation . Best time to drive: mid September - end of October. You may enjoy watching the changing leaves in a local forest preserve. 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. For the best things in southern Illinois, click here. The popular soda fountain has been a fixture in town since 1937, and you'll quickly see . 4. Delve into history and view Native American mounds found along the riverbanks. To request a listing, please fill out the form below and press "Submit.". Use our easy Lodging Search to find exactly the type of accommodation you are looking for at the right price. It connects 13 community areas from North to South, from Edgewater to South Shore. Learn more about Historic National Road Scenic Byway on the website. 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 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). 5 of the Best Scenic Drives Through Illinois. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. beverley o'connor partner, That fresh, crisp air onlyinyourstate may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article Highway 61 Duluth! 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