Re: Fall Foliage Scenic Drive. In the midst of vast Illinois farmland, weekend travelers discover a topographic Kitsch, awe inspiring, quirky, colorful, beautiful and unforgettable. 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. Curves twisting through walls of rugged rock pinnacles, buttes, and multi-colored spires. 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. Our section is about 166 miles long. Check out these cozy cabins. You pass by famous landmarks such as Navy Pier, Soldier Field, Lincoln Park Zoo and Calumet Park. Home We loved how much we learned at so many of the historical stops. If youre looking for a long meditative drive through Illinois, there has never been a better time to do it. 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. Spoon River Valley. Note: The Great River Road uses different specific highways to stay close to the river and access great attractions. Get more stories delivered right to your email. New Mexico is home to 25 magnificent scenic byways, totaling over 2,900 miles across a diverse landscape. Places To Stay Home Along the way, you will enjoy the farms, rolling hills, and stunning vista views. 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. Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. Highest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews. This incredible route is the iconic American road trip. Related read: 10 Amazing Small Towns in Wisconsin for a Charming Escape. 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. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! For the best things in southern Illinois, click here. 1. Just beautiful escape. 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. The Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive is a 115-mile ramble through oak, maple and aspen fall color in the 50,000 acres of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. 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! Read our full coverage on the Ohio River Scenic Byway to learn more. All Rights Reserved and. Learn more about Illinois Lincoln Highway on the website. Learn more about Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail on the webpage. Travel the entire length of the state on a 300-mile Great Highway 65 Road Trip.U.S. Then enjoy the highlights of beautiful South Africa, including wine tours, scenic road trips, wildlife safaris, mountain biking, caving, hikes up Table . Lake Michigan Circle Tour. Download a PDF map of the favorite Fall Color Drives. Enjoy all that Southern Illinois has to offer. The Ohio River has a rich history and river culture. The River Road National Scenic Byway showcases Illinois natural wonders and theyre truly breathtaking. 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. Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. McHenry County is a picturesque landscape of expansive vistas, fertile farmlands, ancient oak groves, historic homes, and winding waterways. 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. Searching for 55+ Communities on Retirenet.com is simple and easy. 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). Byway Bites 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. 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. Make sure to stop to explore at least one of the Minnesota State Parks on the drive. 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. 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. A passion for cocktail creation, international travel and decadent foodie experiences, enjoy Stephanie's romp through the Land of Lincoln. 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. Fermanagh Lakelands - for incredible views of Lough Erne. 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). Route 66 doesn't exist anymore, except in history. Each two-page document includes information about that state's scenic byways program, in addition to a listing and map of all state and national scenic byways within its borders. FourSquare/Alex N. Start off your scenic drive with a visit to this old-fashioned soda fountain, tucked in Saults Drug Store in Fulton. Beginning in the town of Cumberland in Maryland, this road ends in the wonderful Illinois town of Vandalia. 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. 1. The southern end is at Whitewater Lake in southeastern Walworth County. Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive. To request a listing, please fill out the form below and press "Submit.". There is a piece of the Berlin wall outside the building as well. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Popular stops along the road include the Paramount Theatre built in 1931, Rochelle Railroad Park with locomotives from the 1920s, and the unique communities that span the rolling prairies and riverfront towns on this scenic route in Illinois. Each community has its own contribution, but one of the most scenic drives is in Alton, Illinois which is known for its historic homes that are perched on the bluffs overlooking the river. Go-Illinois.net, part of The Go Travel Sites family, is among the largest websites covering travel and vacationing in 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. Slow down, she says. This scenic drive on the Illinois River is the perfect place to park and immerse yourself in the surrounding natural beauty. The Great River Road follows the mighty Mississippi, the nations longest river, along Illinois western border. See our full, 7 hours to drive the entire Byway, 2 days per loop for each of 7 nature activity loops. 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. But the Galena end of the highway yields to no other area in its River Road attractions. You will find many small towns with food marts and fuel stations in this route. 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. IMN Heaven Ranch is located within Majors Ranch, comprised of numerous large acreage parcels with varied terrain. Scenic Drives in Illinois. Plan on visiting in October if you want to participate in the countys annual drive event and witness the activities and entertainment. Fantastic day or weekend trip. Scenic drives to consider in Illinois are listed below. 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. Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. -- John Steinbeck in "The Grapes of Wrath".Route 66 means different things to different people, but freedom is a common theme. If being near water calms your soul then you wont want to miss out on spending time near the Illinois River. Return to Main Site. 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. The road is quite smooth and the traffic volume is very low. Belly-fluttering elevation changes and a bushel basket of curves make Elizabeth Scales Mound Road an exciting drive east of Galena. You'll experience towering bluffs, rolling hills, river communities, farmlands and sweeping views. Read more about these and other Southern Illinois State Parks here. Continue to Mobile Site 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. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532, USA. We were most recently there and counted 40 bald eagles on our drive. Fall the Spoon Valley Scenic Drive Festival falls on the first two weekends of October every year. Thank you! 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. Saults Drug Store - Fulton. 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. ), or the old Rochelle railroad park. Priceless. Insider tip: Ottawa is considered as being the heart of Starved Rock county. These are prestigious, towering estates that have looked over Grandview since it was built over 100 years ago. Eureka College, Reagan's alma mater, is a very small college with not much to see. 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. Photo: Shutterstock. Each of these wineries has its own styles, techniques, and grape varieties that create wonderfully delicious and unique flavors. Learn more about The Morton Arboretum on the website. Scenic drives to consider in Illinois are listed below. 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. Here is a list of more fun stuff to do in Illinois. It spans about 10 states and has become one of the most iconic byways in the United States. Enjoy the beauty, variety and geology of southeast Wisconsin by driving the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. Check out antique shops, artist studios, and local farmers' markets along the way. 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. About Advocate Aurora Health. You are in Learn more about the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway on the webpage. THINGS TO DO 550 miles packed with adventure! Holly Ann . A haven for nature lovers, this drive is sure to give you a sense of tranquillity and oneness with the natural world. Read more Photograph:. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. This post may contain affiliate links. The red, yellow, and orange leaves on the trees are straight from a postcard. One day we were driving to Galena Cellars Vineyard along Stagecoach Trail. You may even find a new greasy spoon with all the comfort foods you could imagine. This drive is stunning with the valley on one side and the river on the other. This is an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites without extra cost to you. If youre lucky, youll see some of the several stern-wheeler paddleboats plying the river down below, just like in old times. AMAZING RIVER VIEW, LEAVES TURNING, QUAINT LITTLE TOWN OF Elijah. 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. Youll experience towering bluffs, rolling hills, river communities, farmlands and sweeping views. Road Trip. Have you ever been up and down these roads? Lincoln Highway, Lincoln Hwy, Joliet, IL, USA. 9 years ago. 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. 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. Beautiful views! 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!). 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. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our site. Location South Dakota. 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. Schaumburg's many lush, tree-dense neighborhoods contain an array of apartments, condos, townhomes, and houses available for rent, in an overall peaceful environment. Gary Ennis/Getty Images/iStockphoto. In addition to wine, the drive is filled with trails, creeks and lakes, small cabins, and sprawling orchards. A scenic driving guide to Kentucky state. In 1912, the idea of roads as fast transportation did not exist in America. You've probably worked up an appetite upon completing your hike. About The Byway Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. You will also pass several beautiful state parks including Cave-in-Rock and Fort Massac State Park. 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. Situated about 30 miles northwest of Chicago's Loop, Schaumburg is a scenic suburb with a small-town atmosphere and countless family-friendly amenities. Along your drive, you'll see the convergence of the Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois Rivers, gorgeous limestone river bluffs, glorious trees, and local plants. Here you can find more info about planning a trip to Starved Rock. Another perk to hiking Sheep Lake Trail is that dogs are allowed off-leash in certain areas along the path. Guide yourself through Knox County and the 8 rural towns that it comprises. Use our easy Lodging Search to find exactly the type of accommodation you are looking for at the right price. Ron "Don't Say Gay" DeSantis of . 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. Bird watchers add to their Life Lists at every casual stop along this natural migratory flyway, and the sharp-eyed will spot the telltale white heads of bald eagles soaring above the tree line. If you are a Republican fan, a fan of Reagan's or just love history, this is a wonderful tribute to a great man. You may enjoy watching the changing leaves in a local forest preserve. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! 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. N. Start off your scenic drive on the Illinois River and grape varieties that create wonderfully delicious and unique.. And multi-colored spires historical stops. `` at the right price counted 40 bald on... 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