AllTrails/Taylor Tuomey. All Rights Reserved and. Follow the Mother Road to discover a myriad of quirky roadside attractions, or hit one of the scenic highways crisscrossing the state. You may enjoy watching the changing leaves in a local forest preserve. 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. 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. Roadside land is often the first and most visible land to be converted to residential or commercial uses. 2023 Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. This incredible route is the iconic American road trip. The Great River Road is one of the most scenic road trips in the midwest. 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. Lake Shore Drive's origins date to 1882 when hotel magnate Potter Palmer built his "castle" at 1350 North Lake Shore Drive and coerced the city to build the street adjacent to his lakefront property to enhance its value. In Illinois, the highway begins in Chicago and cuts through the suburbs before heading straight to Fulton. It connects 13 community areas from North to South, from Edgewater to South Shore. Privacy Policy Visit the largest state park in Illinois and one untouched by glaciers that once blanketed much of the state. With about 300 miles of highway in Illinois alone, you could make a whole day of sight seeing. 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. Fall the Spoon Valley Scenic Drive Festival falls on the first two weekends of October every year. Get inspired by top travel stories, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. This scenic byway travels along the Ohio River through the southern area of Illinois, near Golconda, Metropolis and Cairo. Check it out: If you love road trips, check out these seven places in Illinois boonies that are so worth the drive. 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. 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. FourSquare/Alex N. Start off your scenic drive with a visit to this old-fashioned soda fountain, tucked in Saults Drug Store in Fulton. We have been enjoying visiting several of the Presidential libraries, museums, historic homes, etc. Related read: 10 Amazing Small Towns in Wisconsin for a Charming Escape. Copyright 2017, 25 Top Easy-Care Plants for Midwest Gardens. 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. As the name suggests, the two-lane road was originally a stagecoach route connecting Galena with Chicago. After I came out of the Adler Planetarium the weather changed but even that got a good photo. Travel the entire length of the state on a 300-mile Great Highway 65 Road Trip.U.S. 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. Downtown Chicago on E. Jackson Boulevard and end at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in Granite City. An amazing way to travel across the state and immerse yourself in the different cultures and communities across Illinois. Take the weekend and even consider camping out under a blanket of stars. If you are looking for interesting cities in northern Illinois, click here. Home If you love a good, old fashioned drive through beautiful rural Illinois and have a spot thats your favorite we certainly want to hear about it in the comments. Check out antique shops, artist studios, and local farmers' markets along the way. Home At least one scenic byway runs through each of the IDOT regions. To request a listing, please fill out the form below and press "Submit.". Part of HuffPost News. This gorgeous road spans three states: Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. You will love the scenic river road. Fabulous views and thrilling curves with the rivers right beside you. Check out this list of historic places in Illinois. 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. Road Trip Get complete property information, maps, street view, schools, walk score and more. They capture rich history, and unique landscapes, and feature the fascinating but often overlooked communities that cherish and celebrate these scenic routes. Along the way, you will enjoy the farms, rolling hills, and stunning vista views. Spoon River Valley is one of the most beautiful scenic drives in Illinois. Also referred to as the Road that built the Nation, this byway started in Cumberland, Maryland and ended in Vandalia, Illinois. Saults Drug Store - Fulton. 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. 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. There was a moment in time where Sundays meant that you piled the kids into the car and took a long relaxing drive. The short stretch of the Lake Michigan Circle Tourthrough Illinois travels along Route 137 and then joins Lakeshore Drive (US-41) right at the Lake Michigan coastline through the suburbs of Chicago. Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Illinois Area. Illinois Tourist Information Centers Needles Highway (Highway 87), is found in the Black Hills of South Dakota, on a stretch of road through Custer State Park. 1 Here are 9 of the best scenic drives you'll find in Northern California: 2 1) Golden Gate National Recreation area scenic drive: 3 2) Hendy Woods scenic drive (Route 128): 4 3) Vineyard scenic drive to Fort Bragg (Route 128): 5 4) Russian Gulch scenic drive: 6 5) Fort Bragg scenic drive (also route 1): Spoon River Valley. There are also many festivals as well as flea markets and farmers markets that take place along this remote road. 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. Ohio River Scenic Byway, Cairo, IL 62914, USA. 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. Bring your fishing rod or your canoe and commune with nature. Priceless. The Great River Road follows the mighty Mississippi, the nations longest river, along Illinois western border. Save. 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. 4. Check out these 10 Tiny Towns In Illinois That Are Always Worth A Visit. 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. 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. 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 Explore Ulysses S. Grants home, the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, and the home of Popeye. Home Midwest Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. From there take US 30 west to the Mississippi River. Places To Stay We've mapped out the drives and included several must-see scenic pit stops along the routes. This is the Badlands Loop scenic drive through the Badlands National Park in South Dakota. An incredible hike in southern Illinois. Along your drive, you'll see the convergence of the Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois Rivers, gorgeous limestone river bluffs, glorious trees, and local plants. A non-partisan organization dedicated to involving Illinois residents in the state's political process. AMAZING RIVER VIEW, LEAVES TURNING, QUAINT LITTLE TOWN OF Elijah. Here you can find a list of more southern Illinois wineries. Routes 127, Old Hwy 51, 51DISTANCE: 46 milesTIME: 1 hour. In 1912, the idea of roads as fast transportation did not exist in America. Read our full coverage on the Ohio River Scenic Byway to learn more. Request additional information, schedule a showing, save to your property organizer. Noah Clayton/Getty Images. The smooth blacktop curves gracefully through countryside gradually getting nearer the Mississippi River. The views over the Illinois River are beautiful and well worth the drive. The Knox County communities have been proudly showcasing their farming communities and their rich history since 1976. Downtown, eight building exteriors have been painted with large murals depicting local history. Here you can find more info about planning a trip to Starved Rock. Getting around Chicago and Illinois is easy with our guide to ways to travel around the state. Go-Illinois.net, part of The Go Travel Sites family, is among the largest websites covering travel and vacationing 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. The Tunnel of Trees spans 20 miles, beginning . Sign up for our daily email to stay up to date with Illinois politics. 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!). Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Three hours outside the sprawling metropolis of Chicago, this beautiful region is home to festivals that contain crafters, flea markets, antiques, and even homemade foods. We were most recently there and counted 40 bald eagles on our drive. One of the most scenic stretches of highway in the entire USA. Situated about 30 miles northwest of Chicago's Loop, Schaumburg is a scenic suburb with a small-town atmosphere and countless family-friendly amenities. The Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Festival is a must-see every October. The river looked very beautiful, and the leaves were changing colors. It parallels the 18-mile Chicago Lakefront Trail, a multi-use path that runs through city parks and is popular with joggers and cyclists. When we say homes, these arent your typical cozy houses. Holly Ann . Go at night for the sunset! 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 . Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. It begins at the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, at Pere Marquette State Park, and it ends at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri River at Lewis and Clark State Historic Site. 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. We loved how much we learned at so many of the historical stops. 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. 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. If you live in a highly trafficked area, you might forget how meditative it is to drive on the open road. If you are looking for more hikes in Northern Illinois, click here. 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. Considered the most beautiful state park, Starved Rock State Park is home to a surreal landscape of rock formations, canyons, forests, and waterfalls. 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. Re: Fall Foliage Scenic Drive. Turning, QUAINT LITTLE TOWN of Elijah and more a myriad of quirky roadside attractions, or one! Illinois wineries, artist studios, and the leaves were changing colors,,! The Free Visitor Guides for Illinois area with about 300 miles of highway in Illinois, click here the road... The form below and press `` Submit. `` Free Visitor Guides for Illinois area the River looked very,... 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