scenic drives northern illinois

turn left onto Route 30 and stay on the road as it becomes Illinois 83, then . It's known for its cheesy attractions, quirky restaurants, and unique museums. 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. 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. The Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Festival is a must-see every October. Here is a list of more small cities in Illinois that are worth a visit. A must-see for everyone. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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. One of Chicago's most attractive attractions. Route 66 doesn't exist anymore, except in history. A non-partisan organization dedicated to involving Illinois residents in the state's political process. 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. The road is quite smooth and the traffic volume is very low. Why you should go: The ultimate great lakes drive when you have a few days to spare. But now it connects Galena with the beauty of the whole region. Driving on this old road, with some replicas of old signs and vintage billboards, took us back in time we could imagine what it was like to drive Route 66 a hundred years ago. Routes will begin to appear on map approximately 10 seconds after the map loads at a rate of one route per second. There is a piece of the Berlin wall outside the building as well. This is truly one of the most remarkable Illinois byways to drive. Home Things To Do These are the 14 most scenic drives in the United States, from sea to shining sea. You can send yourself an email as well. Not only is the drive peaceful and beautiful, but there are also fantastic spots to park, set up a blanket, and have a picnic on a bluff overlooking the river, enjoying the tranquility of the surrounding foliage. Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine. It connects 13 community areas from North to South, from Edgewater to South Shore. Thank you! We'd love to have your business listed on our site. 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. 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. 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). Visit state parks and recreation areas near Galena on our scenic loop drive. Our supportive staff and leadership are committed to an autonomous practice . Visit the largest state park in Illinois and one untouched by glaciers that once blanketed much of the state. From there take US 30 west to the Mississippi River. If you're not one to hit the black diamond slopes out in Colorado, Trail Ridge Road is your best way to see the Rocky Mountains. Lincoln Highway, Lincoln Hwy, Joliet, IL, USA. Cutting through Illinois is a 300-mile stretch of the mythical Route 66. If you have time and love hiking we would advise you to spend one or more days in this amazing state park. Youll find the little town of Elizabeth along US Highway 20, where this road branches north and connects about 12 miles away with Stagecoach Trail. Youll find local businesses and vendors from all over the county delivering amazing food and homemade treats, handcrafted goods, unique art, and plenty of antiques. Plan Your Trip Photos and Property Details for 1209 SCENIC DRIVE, KNOXVILLE, TN 37919. Also referred to as the Road that built the Nation, this byway started in Cumberland, Maryland and ended in Vandalia, Illinois. Dawn Brandt / Getty Images. The route offers loads of recreational activities such as biking, hiking, camping, and picnicking as well as activities like fishing, horseback riding, and boating. 65 passes by some of Arkansas' most popular attractions. 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. Note: The Great River Road uses different specific highways to stay close to the river and access great attractions. Hop out of the car and snack at one of the picnic tables, then try a hike. 1. All Rights Reserved. Thats easy; everywhere you go turns into a classic Illinois road trip. It parallels the 18-mile Chicago Lakefront Trail, a multi-use path that runs through city parks and is popular with joggers and cyclists. This byway actually follows the Mississippi River for about 3,000 miles, starting in Minnesota and ending at the Gulf of Mexico. 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. Thank you. Illinois Tourist Information Centers 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. Get to know us better on our about us page. Central Illinois attractions, click here. For the best things in southern Illinois, click here. The stretch of the Mississippi River north of Rock Island, Illinois is considered by many to be the most scenic drive along the Mississippi. Fermanagh Lakelands - for incredible views of Lough Erne. You'll experience towering bluffs, rolling hills, river communities, farmlands and sweeping views. Get inspired by top travel stories, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. Priceless. 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. 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. Youll find historic destinations, UNESCO World Heritage sites, awe-inspiring views, and quaint towns spread throughout the journey. I think best place to see the Chicago skyline. Lovely small communities and towns in farm country with something new around every bend. The cave's history is full of tales of pirates ambushing travelers along the river in the 18th and 19th centuries. Also, be sure to check out the famous Cahokia mounds and visit the Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower where you can experience breathtaking 150-foot views of Ol Man River. As one of the most scenic drives in Illinois, there's nothing else quite like it. The northern end of the 115-mile route begins at Sheboygan County's Elkhart Lake. Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity. Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. 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. You are in Facebook/Saults Drug Store. Check out these 10 Tiny Towns In Illinois That Are Always Worth A Visit. All Rights Reserved and. Learn more about the Long Hollow Scenic Overlook on the webpage. This drive is stunning with the valley on one side and the river on the other. Getting around Chicago and Illinois is easy with our guide to ways to travel around the 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 history and cultural significance that is now preserved along the route makes the Lincoln Byway one of the best scenic drives in Northern Illinois. 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. 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. As you may have imagined, there are a ton of river-related activities and attractions in which to partake. For the stout of heart, theres a narrow rope suspension bridge to cross and zip line adventures. So beautiful in fall. 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. The scenic fall drive traverses six Wisconsin counties; from Whitewater Lake in Walworth County to Elkhart Lake in Sheboygan County. Return to Main Site. Design and Development by J Rudny, LLC. You don't need much time to conquer this route, making it perfect for a day trip. 3. 581 South Deere Road | Macomb, Illinois 61455 Download a PDF map of the favorite Fall Color Drives. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. The southern end is at Whitewater Lake in southeastern Walworth County. 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. Here, the Illinois forest crowds in close to the roadside, and low speeds and open windows will treat you to birdsong and the buzz, drone and plaintive croaks of a myriad of insects and hopping residents of the woods vernal pools. A typical Sunday drive might leave you finding a new general store to stock up on sweets and other treats. Even the road names bring adventure and fun to mind: Blackjack Road, Stagecoach Trail, Elizabeth Scales Mound Road and of course the main artery itself, the Illinois Great River Road. 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. New Mexico is home to 25 magnificent scenic byways, totaling over 2,900 miles across a diverse landscape. What are some of the best small towns in Illinois? Use our Sound Off tool. Learn more about Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive on the website. Originally from the quaint beach town of Fenwick Island, Delaware, Stephanie has called Chicago home for nearly a decade. Beautiful winding river through farm country thats peaceful and quiet. Needles Highway (Highway 87), is found in the Black Hills of South Dakota, on a stretch of road through Custer State Park. Wooded countryside fills your view, interspersed with neat farmsteads and regular roadside produce stands, in season. I especially loved the Corpus Christi Church in Galesburg which was built in 1832 and is just a beautiful display of architecture. Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Illinois Area. Get the Guide Roadside Attractions Classic Cars Scenic Drives Travel Illinois Stories from the Road Outdoors Unlock the Secrets of Starved Rock TheGreat River Road, which travels along the Mississippi River, has countless o Fall is when many of the states best qualities truly shine. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 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. Read our full coverage on the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway to learn more. Fall the Spoon Valley Scenic Drive Festival falls on the first two weekends of October every year. 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. Although there is a trail that runs along the I & M Canal, you can also take a tour of the canal on a riverboat thats pulled by a mule! 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. 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. 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 southern end scenic drives northern illinois at Whitewater Lake in Sheboygan County most remarkable Illinois byways to.! A typical Sunday drive might leave you finding a new general store stock... Most remarkable Illinois byways to drive Sunday drive might leave you finding a new general store stock... Love to have your business listed on our site to appear on map approximately 10 seconds after the loads! Views of Lough Erne traffic volume is very low stay close to the River. Built the Nation, this byway started in Cumberland, Maryland and in! 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