While enjoying the long, relaxing stretch of highway be sure to make a few pit stops to check out Ronald Reagans childhood home in Dixon, the amazing Fabyan Villa (they have their very own windmill! Here are some places in Chicago to enjoy the autumn: Lincoln Park in Autumn Lincoln Park and Lincoln Park Zoo The Ohio River Scenic Byway traverses through southern Illinois for 188 miles and, as the name suggests, runs along the Ohio River. If you have time and love hiking we would advise you to spend one or more days in this amazing state park. A passion for cocktail creation, international travel and decadent foodie experiences, enjoy Stephanie's romp through the Land of Lincoln. It is a rural byway, boasting all the very best views of Illinois, not to mention charming small towns rich in Civil War history such as Marietta, Ripley, and Aberdeen. It all started back in 1926 when the Bureau of Public Roads created a way for goods to travel from Chicago to Los Angeles, California. At least one scenic byway runs through each of the IDOT regions. Anyone, 5 years of age and older, is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. A road trip along this scenic route is a chance to revisit the ol' bucket list, checking off everything from a breathtaking ziplines through the Shawnee National Forest or a revitalizing canoe ride along the glistening Mississippi waters. 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. Check out these 10 Tiny Towns In Illinois That Are Always Worth A Visit. Matthiessen State Park is located at 2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL 61348. Route 66 plays a pretty major part in Americas history. Local Contact: Mr. Roger L. Carmack Macomb, IL E-Mail: [email protected] Phone: 309-837-7460 Related Site(s): Great River Road IL Enjoy Illinois Byways Illinois River Road, Local Contact: Phil Lewis, National Road Interpretive Center, Vandalia, ILE-mail:[email protected] Phone: 217-259-4354Related Site(s): National Road Enjoy Illinois Byways, Local Contact: Casey Claypool 1045 South 5th St. Springfield, IL 62703 E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 217-670-1805Related Site(s): Illinois Route 66 Enjoy Illinois Byways, Local Contact: PendingRelated Site(s): Drive Lincoln Highway Enjoy Illinois Byways, Local Contact: The Nature Conservancy - Illinois River Program OfficeHavana, IL E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 309-547-2730Related Site(s): Illinois River Road Enjoy Illinois Byways, Local Contact: Cory Jobe Great Rivers & Route Tourism Bureau 200 Piasa Stree Alton, IL E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 618-465-6676Related Site(s): Great Rivers Byway Enjoy Illinois Byways, Local Contact: Rhonda Belford, President E-mail:[email protected] Phone: 618-525-1855Related Site(s): Ohio River Scenic Byway Enjoy Illinois Byways. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. It was the very first one laid for Americas Lincoln Highway. Scenic Drives in Illinois: Historic National Road (Mirrored by US Route 40 & Interstate 70) Distance: 167 miles Time needed: 2 hours to 2 days As the first federally funded roadway, the Historic National Road originally ran from Maryland to Illinois. 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. The Great River Road is one of the best-kept secrets in the US, following the Mississippi River along the western border of Illinois for 885 kilometers. 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. Love Illinois? Explore the region for yourself and find little-known treasures, perhaps using one of our favorite Illinois scenic drives as a starting point: No. When we say homes, these arent your typical cozy houses. Accept Everyone in the family will love a visit to the John Deere Pavilion in Milione. Get inspired by top travel stories, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. It's a byway that marks the meeting of three major waterways: the Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois Rivers. Casey is another small town worth a visit, featuring a very unique collection of giant items, including a pencil, a chair, and a golf tee. Learn more about Historic National Road Scenic Byway on the website. Grab your family (or just your own sense of adventure) and spend a Saturday touring this beautiful section of the Illinois River Road! Great Rivers & Routes/Facebook Everyone in the family will love spotting the bison in Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. From Matthiessen State Park, take IL-40 S through charming Princeton and arrive at the Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park. 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. 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. 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. In the past, the Great River Road was also more than a way to travel. Get more details about this byway here. Do you agree with President Roosevelt, or does another spot give Grandview Drive a run for its money? Unlimited stops Plan trips worldwide Divide your trip into days Export to GPS or Print and more handy features! #4 Illinois Ultimate Scenic Rivers Route Illinois Rivers Route is an . This will bring you to Wildlife Prairie State Park. Galena in the north and Cairo to the south. At nearly 179 miles, it takes about, to visit the entire byway, from its eastern portal at Lynwood to its Mississippi crossing at Fulton. In the midst of vast Illinois farmland, weekend travelers discover a topographic Kitsch, awe inspiring, quirky, colorful, beautiful and unforgettable. Thank you! Benjamin Clancy is the Illinois and Indiana writer at Only In Your State, a doctoral candidate at UNC Chapel Hill in Communication, and an artistic type who has attended the Vermont Studio Center residency in poetry writing and makes something like music as "little other." We loved how much we learned at so many of the historical stops. It is also known as "The Old Pike" or "The Road That Built the Nation" and it has existed since 1811, making it one of the oldest backroads in the state. Read this post in which we share the best things to do in Grafton. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! TheIllinois portion covers 300 miles, beginning in downtown Chicago, progressing on to Joliet, Bloomington, Springfield, and Litchfield until it ends in Collinsville. Six Romantic Spots Along the Great River Road in Illinois, Explore the Regions: Colorful Fall Getaways, Eco-Friendly Hotels and GreenGetaways in Illinois, Five Champaign Restaurants Perfect for a Romantic Outing, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives Locations in Illinois, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Read our full coverage on Peorias Grand View Drive to learn more. It may be only 33 miles in length, but youll want to allow two days to enjoy the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Routean environmental treasure named one of the Seven Wonders of Illinois that includes 18th Century river towns, islands, and forest-covered limestone bluffs. Dont be fooled by the fact that its only 2.52 miles. and S. Michigan Ave, steps from the Art Institute of Chicago and Millenium Park. The Lincoln Highway has a historic past. 10 Tiny Towns In Illinois That Are Always Worth A Visit. It connects 13 community areas from North to South, from Edgewater to South Shore. Although this wonderful farming community is not technically a byway, its still a great place to explore. The wildlife and foliage on the drive is absolutely beautiful and the wine is a plus! Click Here to Enter. Illinois Scenic Drives Byways, Backways, Historic Routes,. Grandview Drive State Park is located at 3615 N Grandview Dr, Peoria, IL 61614. Nature, agriculture Get your kitsch on the Illinois stretch of Route 66. You can do the stunning drive outlined here in one day. These are just a few of the interesting details you can learn while youre enjoying your trip to this Midwestern state. The Wolf Covered Bridge in rural Gilson is a great place to fish, go tubing, or kayak. Order a copy of Enjoy Illinois and also receive the Illinois State Park Guide and an Official Highway Map. There are also many festivals as well as flea markets and farmers markets that take place along this remote road. I was wondering if someone can suggest some nice day trips out of town with beautiful scenic views. A 300-mile stretch of American roadway, steeped in legend and packed full with e Drive some of Illinois oldest and greatest roads for classic Midwestern culture Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. Check out antique shops, artist studios, and local farmers markets along the way. Not only will you connect with these stories, but youll have the opportunity to do so while enjoying great food, fun attractions, and lively festivals. we live around the great river road near alton illinois, this drive is alot better than ours for sure. We're a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program. It provides visitors with the opportunity to view farmlands, wildlife, and barges carrying commodities up and down the river. There are plenty of hiking trails for every level and the 14 waterfalls in the park are a great reward. A Sunday drive elicits connotations of happier, simpler Rockwell-esque times. Located at the convergence of the Mighty Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois Rivers, the byway winds west and north, with. What you wont get from just the name is that this is one of the best Illinois scenic byways. Not to mention, these towns feature enchanting scenery untouched by skyscrapers and a plethora of lakes for water recreation and family-friendly activities. Published in: History and Heritage. Experience what the American Dream really felt like while driving along legendary Route 66. the byway is in the north-central part of the state, and takes approximately seven hours to drive. This post may contain affiliate links. Covered bridges are a delightful sight, like the Jackson Truss covered bridge in Greenup. You'll have your camera out almost all the time for this one. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Buy Tours & Tickets People interested +25 Something wrong? Encounter these quirky relics, from a giant Muffler Man to a towering bottle of catsup. 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. Along this great byway are key places to go in southern Illinois. It parallels the 18-mile Chicago Lakefront Trail, a multi-use path that runs through city parks and is popular with joggers and cyclists. The views of the Ohio River feature the beautiful backdrop of the Shawnee National Forest. This zoological park is home to bears, bison, cougars, and wolves, making it a standout for brave travelers. Though it is an expressway, South Lake Shore Drive runs along the shoreline of Lake Michigan, and leads to a long list of parks, beaches, and small towns. The preservation of the village of Elsah feels like youve stepped back in time. Route 66 doesn't exist anymore, except in history. Youre welcome to visit the Spoon River Valley any time. 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. Originally, the Illinois portion was an attempt to make it easier for farmers to get their crops to the markets but then began to draw in travelers in automobiles. Historic Route 66 Like most National Scenic Byways, Route 66 today carries travelers more interested in the going than the getting there. Many campsites, hotels, and inns are available along the way in case visitors desire to extend their stay whenever they may land! From red and yellow trees to roads dusted with vibrant leaves, this is an incredibly scenic fall drive in Northern Illinois. Illinois River Road is an absolutely lovely drive that goes from Ottawa in the north down to Havana in the south. Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway, The Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Route. The state is also one of the best locations for a road trip, comprising seven scenic byways and many more beautiful highways and roads, boasting gorgeous and exciting stops along the way. Where can I take a scenic boat ride in Illinois? Read More Upcoming Events . The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. If being near water calms your soul then you wont want to miss out on spending time near the Illinois River. Meet The Farm Animal That Inspired An Iconic Restaurant Chain In Illinois, Youll Never Forget Your Stay At This Charming Vintage Home In Illinois With Its Very Own Heated Pool, You Could Spend Forever Exploring This Illinois Small Town, But Well Settle For A Weekend, Eat Asian-Fusion And Be Serenaded By Celebrity Impersonators At This Family-Owned Tiki-Themed Illinois Restaurant, This Butterfly Garden In Berwyn, Illinois Is So Little-Known, You Just Might Have It All To Yourself, 15 Waterparks In Illinois That Are Pure Bliss, Here Are The 12 Absolute Best Places To Stay In Illinois, If You Didnt Know About These 10 Swimming Holes In Illinois, Youve Been Missing Out, Friends of Hennipen Canal / Friends-Hennepin-Canal.org. As far as color variety goes, these trees will blow you away. After you do, begin your travels on a historical note and check out Washington Square, where the first of famous Senatorial debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas took place. Robyne Stevenson. We had the best afternoon exploring and even came home with some beautiful handicrafts. Eureka College, Reagan's alma mater, is a very small college with not much to see. The Teutopolis Monastery Museum is a popular spot, housing religious artifacts, as well as the 198-foot cross in Effingham, and the Cahokia Mounds state historic site in Collinsville. , some of which begin and end within the state borders and others that continue on to other states. Also referred to as the "Road that built the Nation," this byway started in Cumberland, Maryland and ended in Vandalia, Illinois. The Reagan exhibit is housed in the Cerf Bldg and takes about 30 minutes (or a little more if you read everything). 2023 - Family Road Trip. 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. Theres so much to explore on scenic drives in Illinois that everyone in the family will have fun on the road. There is a piece of the Berlin wall outside the building as well. Read our full coverage on the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway to learn more. Youll be treated to the beautiful landscape that defines the southern border of the state along this magnificent river. You can learn more about it at the Lincoln Highway National Headquarters in Franklin Grove. We welcome you to visit our Community Involvement webpage for more information on how to get involved in building a more positive transportation environment for you and your community. Bring your fishing rod or your canoe and commune with nature. Because it offers easy access to the best of Chicago, South Lake Shore Drive is a major transportation route. Glacial Park in northern Illinois is a lesser-known park filled with wetlands formed by a glacier that was once here. In the forest dont miss the Garden of the Gods or the Pomona Natural Bridge. Whether you prefer to make it a romantic trip or a trip with the kids, there is something for everyone. Download the Byway Guide for more information about exploring the byway. ), or the old Rochelle railroad park. 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. You are in Theyll take you over the fertile farmland, through lush forests, and along mighty rivers. nuCamp RV, TAB, TAG, and Cirrus Copyright 2023, Are you ready to rally? Scenic drives to consider in Illinois are listed below. The Ohio River Scenic Byway is a history-rich byway that hugs the banks of the Ohio River, offers an almost continuous view of the water, and includes three states on its route: Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. So many of our happiest childhood memories were made on the road. Definitely make time for Horseshoe Lake and hiking to Inspiration Point in LaRue Pine Hills. This byway actually follows the Mississippi River for about 3,000 miles, starting in Minnesota and ending at the Gulf of Mexico. Visit the Lovejoy Homestead to learn about its significance in the Underground Railroad. Thank you! Lovely houses and magnificent views. If youve been looking for a chance to gather with other members of the nuCamp family, then you , If you have a disability, you might think that visiting a national park would be more of a challenge than you want to undert , While youre traveling, its only common sense to keep your eyes focused on the road. Here are 15 of the best scenic drives in Illinois for you to take on your next road trip. The endpoint is in Cairo, an abandoned town that is packed with history. You can plan to spend a week or simply take a day trip from Chicago. The route offers loads of recreational activities such as biking, hiking, camping, and picnicking as well as activities like fishing, horseback riding, and boating. See our web stories that accompany this post. Illinois is a popular travel destination, housing some of the most beautiful cities and charming small towns in the country. Read Enjoy Illinois magazine online or download the PDF and start exploring trip ideas Take aim at these camera-ready sights along Illinois seven scenic byways. When to go: Summertime brings events and festivals to the Great River Road including Great Galena Balloon Race, Floatzilla, and Fort Chartres Rendezvous. 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 Rights Reserved. Whenever you plan to hit the road in Illinois, here are some essential tips to help you with your journey: Drive from Seattle to Vancouver The Scenic Way! Starting in this great city, Route 66 is an easy day trip from Chicago. Enjoy the scenery and take a long, lovely drive down one of these 10 amazing roads and see the best parts of the state. Hit the Road Great River Road Head west and drive the Great River Road along the Mississippi, with its bluff-top views, river sights, charming B&Bs and sprawling vineyards. We were most recently there and counted 40 bald eagles on our drive. As you may have imagined, there are a ton of river-related activities and attractions in which to partake. 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. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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 vast history of the state is amazing and easy to discover along the way. Kids can even see what it feels like to take the wheel in the drivers seat. The Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Festival. Although the formation of the road began in 1913, lack of funding made it impossible to pave the full road. Now visitors traversing the. For this trip, we're going to concentrate on the Illinois portion. For one of the best scenic drives in northern Illinois, set your navigation for the Lincoln Highway. Originally from the quaint beach town of Fenwick Island, Delaware, Stephanie has called Chicago home for nearly a decade. Our route. The Lincoln Highway Association has an, to allow you to browse every mile of the Lincoln Highway, information about, It may be only 33 miles in length, but youll want to allow two days to enjoy the, an environmental treasure named one of the Seven Wonders of Illinois that includes 18th Century river towns, islands, and forest-covered limestone bluffs. The coast is punctuated by quaint towns - Lexington and Ports Sanilac, Hope and Austin . 16 Best Midwest Road Trips - Scenic Routes You Can't Miss Published: May 25, 2020 - Last updated: May 5, 2022 22 Comments Ahhh, the Midwest. The roadside attractions along Route 66 were designed to attract travelers to local towns and businesses. Follow the Mother Road to discover a myriad of quirky roadside attractions, or hit one of the scenic highways crisscrossing the state. In Illinois, this historic roadway does not disappoint. 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. A circus performer, stuntwoman, professed travel buff and lover of Tom Waits, Stephanie is looking forward to sharing her favorite Chicago haunts with both adventurous locals and curious travelers. For more about Route 66, visit theIllinois Route 66 Scenic Byway website. Last but not least on our list of the best scenic drives in Illinois is the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail. Check it out: If you love road trips, check out these seven places in Illinois boonies that are so worth the drive. 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. Its easy to get out of the car and into nature at places like Carlyle Lake and Lincoln Trail State Park. The Great River Road covers 2,069 miles and travels south from Minnesota, through Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Definitely make a visit to the Lewis & Clark National Trail Site in Hartford. for the latest coronavirus updates, since there may be travel restrictions in place. Home Yes, this drive will take you to the place where the great Illinois River and Missouri River meet the great Mississippi River. The Illinois River Road spans 150 miles. Its a road trip into the past, with plenty of kitsch and nostalgia to go around. Plan Your Visit 2023 Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. Learn more about The Morton Arboretum on the website. You may even find a new greasy spoon with all the comfort foods you could imagine. Learn more about Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive on the website. Illinois is well-loved for its vast landscape and endless attractions, making it the ideal spot for a road trip. The canal itself runs 105 miles, so you if youre feeling athletic, this is an ideal location for biking and horseback riding, as well. Ottawa is a town with a rich history and an even richer view of the Illinois River. Make sure to check out the event calendar to see what kind of special activities are happening along this beautiful drive in Illinois. A must-see for everyone. In the last century, this corridor has seen a lot of change including the building up of communities and the development of larger roadways. 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." Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park is located at 16006 E. Street, Sheffield, IL 61361. Ohio River Scenic Byway, Cairo, IL 62914, USA. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Fabulous views and thrilling curves with the rivers right beside you. Sprawling through 33 miles of southwestern Illinois, this gorgeous road travels through the Mississippi flood plain and coincides with a portion of the Great River Road. Each event showcases the unique history or culture of the hosting town. The Knox County Scenic Drive is one visitors can enjoy all year, but special events offer a little extra fun on the first two full weekends of each October. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Share your experiences and photos with us! Enjoy observing wildlife in their natural habitat or pull out the trusty snowmobile during the winter and check out 61.5 miles of pristine, snowy trails. Its also the only state on the entire Lincoln Highway route to achieve the designation as a National Scenic Byway. This expansive route spans the entire length of the state, hugging the Mississippi River to the West as it winds past limestone bluffs and rushing waters. Youll find historic destinations, UNESCO World Heritage sites, awe-inspiring views, and quaint towns spread throughout the journey. Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. Run by Veterans, youll board a historic fireboat for one of the most memorable tours in the state. Matthiessen State Park is quite close to Starved Rock and is perfect for adding into . Youll find it at the corner of E. Jackson Blvd. Its really one of the most delightful drives in Illinois. While in Peoria, enjoy the historic homes and year-round festivals, including Shorty's Strictly Bluegrass Festival, Peoria Heights Fine Art Fair, and a weekly farmer's markets in summer. We're giving away an Otterbox Trooper LT 30 cooler to one lucky winner every month. Our one-way route hits our favorite spots. Spots like the Navy Pier, Buckingham Fountain, and beautiful beaches are all along the way and definitely deserve a spot on the itinerary! 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. This scenic drive through Illinois begins in historic Ottawa. However, many of the houses are incredible some even look like a castle on a hilltop. Meet The Farm Animal That Inspired An Iconic Restaurant Chain In Illinois, Youll Never Forget Your Stay At This Charming Vintage Home In Illinois With Its Very Own Heated Pool, You Could Spend Forever Exploring This Illinois Small Town, But Well Settle For A Weekend, Eat Asian-Fusion And Be Serenaded By Celebrity Impersonators At This Family-Owned Tiki-Themed Illinois Restaurant, 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. Located at the convergence of the Mighty Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois Rivers, the byway winds west and north, withfour regions to explore: the northwest, the northeast, the southwest, and southeast. Check out this list of historic places in Illinois. 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. You may already know that Illinois has several. With Ottawa just over an hour from downtown, the Illinois River Road is a perfect day trip from Chicago. Get more stories delivered right to your email. And if you want more interesting Illinois facts and figures, you can find themhere! . The state has a landmass of 57,918 square miles, which includes 186 public use areas, such as state parks, memorials, forests, and conservation areas. Scenic overlooks provide plenty of opportunities to see this park in all its fall glory. Interested in historic sites? This scenic drive on the Illinois River is the perfect place to park and immerse yourself in the surrounding natural beauty. Road Trip. No matter which Illinois scenic byway you choose, youll be welcomed by quaint Midwest towns with their charm and hospitality. 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. You may enjoy watching the changing leaves in a local forest preserve. TheGreat River Road, which travels along the Mississippi River, has countless o Fall is when many of the states best qualities truly shine. Head west and drive the Great River Road along the Mississippi, with its bluff-top views, river sights, charming B&Bs and sprawling vineyards. In the heart of Illinois is Fulton County and the Spoon River Valley. With more than 24 different attractions, there is something for the whole family. This is truly one of the most remarkable Illinois byways to drive. Each issue offers a mix of travel stories, stunning photography and timely trip ideas that make the most of each season. Today, those wishing to drive one of the most scenic roads in Illinois should seriously consider the Historic National Road. Cutting through Illinois is a 300-mile stretch of the mythical Route 66. In history may even find a new greasy Spoon with all the comfort foods you could imagine does! Byway are key places to go around it impossible to pave the full road Tiny towns in Illinois that Always. The entire Lincoln Highway National Headquarters in Franklin Grove Michigan Ave, steps the. This zoological Park is located at 2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL 61614 your next road trip State... Wolf covered Bridge in rural Gilson is a major transportation Route a plethora of for. And is popular with joggers and cyclists photography and timely trip ideas that make the most of each.... 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