It's known for its cheesy attractions, quirky restaurants, and unique museums. Scenic Drives Carroll County Carroll County Barn Quilt Trail Various locations Carroll County, IL Barn quilts enhance the beauty of the countryside and are enjoyed by those who pass by. A typical Sunday drive might leave you finding a new general store to stock up on sweets and other treats. Interested in historic sites? With more than 24 different attractions, there is something for the whole family. A must-see for everyone. Learn more about the Long Hollow Scenic Overlook on the webpage. For an overview of amazing wineries in Grafton, click here. You may even find a new greasy spoon with all the comfort foods you could imagine. Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine. Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. 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. Situated about 30 miles northwest of Chicago's Loop, Schaumburg is a scenic suburb with a small-town atmosphere and countless family-friendly amenities. 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. 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. In the midst of vast Illinois farmland, weekend travelers discover a topographic Kitsch, awe inspiring, quirky, colorful, beautiful and unforgettable. Dawn Brandt / Getty Images. You will find many small towns with food marts and fuel stations in this route. Whether you are looking for a day trip, weekend getaway or planning a road trip, our guides provide you with the perfect scenic drive. Beginning in the town of Cumberland in Maryland, this road ends in the wonderful Illinois town of Vandalia. If you are looking for interesting cities in northern Illinois, click here. Be an explorer as you climb the stairs to the top of the largest prehistoric settlement in North America, or rent a canoe and spend an hour or two on the waters of the mighty Mississippi, where Lewis and Clark began their famed expedition. Noah Clayton/Getty Images. 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. 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. A couple drive in an open top car along the Great River Road, Illinois. A Sunday drive elicits connotations of happier, simpler Rockwell-esque times. 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. 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 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. In this travel magazine we share our best tips and adventures. This scenic drive on the Illinois River is the perfect place to park and immerse yourself in the surrounding natural beauty. You pass by famous landmarks such as Navy Pier, Soldier Field, Lincoln Park Zoo and Calumet Park. On your drive, youll likely see many of these community members on the land working hard on their harvest. Re: Fall Foliage Scenic Drive. The Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Festival is a must-see every October. In The News Keep an eye out for the Great River Road logo on signsa green icon of a riverboat pilots wheelto keep you on the designated scenic byway. The smooth blacktop curves gracefully through countryside gradually getting nearer the Mississippi River. the Shawnee Hills Wine trail? 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. 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. If youre unfamiliar with this period in history, we suggest you do a little digging to have the full immersive experience. And thats where Patricia always brings it back to basics, one hand out the window, playing airplane just like a kid. Its no secret that the area around Galena is packed with adventure, but who knew getting from one great activity to another could turn into a fun-packed Illinois getaway? The northern end begins near Elkhart Lake in northern Sheboygan County and the southern end begins at Whitewater Lake in southeastern Walworth County. Run by Veterans, youll board a historic fireboat for one of the most memorable tours in the state. ), or the old Rochelle railroad park. 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. It spans about 10 states and has become one of the most iconic byways in the United States. Downtown Chicago on E. Jackson Boulevard and end at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in Granite City. 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. This incredible route is the iconic American road trip. You can have these simpler times back. Check out these cozy cabins. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. There is just nothing like the breathtaking views of Americas surging central artery of a river from the wooded bluffs and banks above it, and sometimes rolling right along just above the waterline. All Rights Reserved and. 1. The . Places To Stay Click here to view all the guides avialable for Illinois. Along the way you might just discover that there's more to the road than the river. Follow the Mother Road to discover a myriad of quirky roadside attractions, or hit one of the scenic highways crisscrossing the state. Make sure to check out the event calendar to see what kind of special activities are happening along this beautiful drive in Illinois. All Rights Reserved. list of more small cities in Illinois that are worth a visit. Get ready for a packed three-week adventure to some of the greatest locales in Africa. This area spans three different states: Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. This is truly one of the most remarkable Illinois byways to drive. The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail features 11 family-owned wineries and vineyards surrounded by the lush splendor of the Southern Illinois landscape. 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!). Schaumburg's many lush, tree-dense neighborhoods contain an array of apartments, condos, townhomes, and houses available for rent, in an overall peaceful environment. 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 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. From red and yellow trees to roads dusted with vibrant leaves, this is an incredibly scenic fall drive in Northern Illinois. Site Map, Copyright 2023 Great Rivers Country. It parallels the 18-mile Chicago Lakefront Trail, a multi-use path that runs through city parks and is popular with joggers and cyclists. You don't need much time to conquer this route, making it perfect for a day trip. Head west and drive the Great River Road along the Mississippi, with its bluff-top views, river sights, charming B&Bs and sprawling vineyards. This is a winding with a great view. One of Chicago's most attractive attractions. 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. By the editors of MidwestLiving.com 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. This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Best Rated Motorcycle Roads & Rides Please be patient. My wife and I drove through and the beauty is amazing. Plan Your Visit Why you should go: The ultimate great lakes drive when you have a few days to spare. 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. Mliz | June 6, 2019 | America > United States > Illinois Motorcycle Roads > IL - Daviess/Stephenson/W. 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. 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. You are in Color Key: top-5 ranked routes in the state #1#2#3#4#5 Routes ranked below the top-5 are drawn in gray Newest Motorcycle Roads & Rides in Illinois After I came out of the Adler Planetarium the weather changed but even that got a good photo. Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive. Learn more about the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway on the website. The route offers loads of recreational activities such as biking, hiking, camping, and picnicking as well as activities like fishing, horseback riding, and boating. 1. Love Illinois? Stop in Fulton, IL to check out the working windmill imported from Holland. 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