Idolized in music, movies, and shows, its the grand master when it comes to American road trips, lovingly nicknamed the Mother Road. Its also the only state on the entire Lincoln Highway route to achieve the designation as a National Scenic Byway. You can learn more about it at the Lincoln Highway National Headquarters in Franklin Grove. Lovely houses and magnificent views. Because it offers easy access to the best of Chicago, South Lake Shore Drive is a major transportation route. Rhode Island South Carolina Road Trip Planner Plan, edit, save, and share your custom day trips, weekend getaways, and cross-country adventures. They capture rich history, and unique landscapes, and feature the fascinating but often overlooked communities that cherish and celebrate these scenic routes. 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. 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. From Havana, head north to Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge, then backtrack to the river's west side; go north through Peoria and Chillicothe; at Sparland, cross to Lacon, then drive . On your way, be sure to check out an original brick road (no, its not yellow!) We're a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program. Home The river looked very beautiful, and the leaves were changing colors. Sometimes there is nothing more relaxing than getting into nature and breathing in that fresh, crisp air. for the latest coronavirus updates, since there may be travel restrictions in place. My wife and I drove through and the beauty is amazing. 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. Click here for more about Starved Rock State Park. Theyll take you over the fertile farmland, through lush forests, and along mighty rivers. There are places to stop along the way depending on where you are and what you're looking to do, but the best parts are the natural sights and preserves along the way. It features three beautiful areas to explore by foot, Matthiessen State Park, the Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park, and Wildlife Prairie State Park, in addition to its stunning riverside driving. Enjoy the scenery and take a long, lovely drive down one of these 10 amazing roads and see the best parts of the state. As far as color variety goes, these trees will blow you away. 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. These are prestigious, towering estates that have looked over Grandview since it was built over 100 years ago. It provides visitors with the opportunity to view farmlands, wildlife, and barges carrying commodities up and down the river. 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 aim to be the most comprehensive resource out there for planning family road trips in the USA and around the world. Also called The Mother Road, the 1,408 miles of Route 66 travels through four statesArizona, Illinois, New Mexico, and Oklahomawith each section offering something unique to see. 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.

Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park is located at 16006 E. Street, Sheffield, IL 61361. We want to see your photos and hear your tales of the road. Go at night for the sunset! 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." Along this great byway are key places to go in southern Illinois. the byway is in the north-central part of the state, and takes approximately seven hours to drive. Matthiessen State Park is located at 2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL 61348. The National Scenic Byways Program is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. 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. 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. Get more stories delivered right to your email. You may enjoy watching the changing leaves in a local forest preserve. Set up camp and enjoy lakefront views, or continue to journey to spots like Lincoln Park, which is home to a zoo, golf course, picnic grounds, and boat harbors. These are just a few of the interesting details you can learn while youre enjoying your trip to this Midwestern state. Note: Before heading to Illinois, check theIllinois Department of Public Health website, theGreat Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureaus updates to the COVID-19 crisis in Illinois, and the statesCoronavirus Response website for the latest coronavirus updates, since there may be travel restrictions in place. 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! In Peoria, youll have fun at the Wildlife Prairie State Park and the Peoria Zoo. Guide yourself through Knox County and the 8 rural towns that it comprises. 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. Today, theres still so much to see and do along Route 66. Get inspired by top travel stories, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. It connects 13 community areas from North to South, from Edgewater to South Shore. You may even find a new greasy spoon with all the comfort foods you could imagine. 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. Bordered on the east by Indiana, Iowa and Missouri to the west, and Wisconsin to the north, Illinois is crisscrossed with seven of. Last but far from least on the list isHistoric Route 66. With more than 24 different attractions, there is something for the whole family. 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, borders the state on the west, offering incredible views that will inspire your imagination and showcase the fertile land that feeds the country. Thank you! Pack a delicious picnic and enjoy a relaxing day at this peaceful spot before hopping back in the car and taking in the rest of the beautiful landscape laid out before you. Everyone knows the classic Route 66. Explore the region for yourself and find little-known treasures, perhaps using one of our favorite Illinois scenic drives as a starting point: No. One of the major features of LSD is the Outer Drive Bridge, also known as Link Bridge, which carries LSD traffic over the Chicago River. 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). Route 66 starts its long journey to the West Coast in Chicago. I think best place to see the Chicago skyline. The preservation of the village of Elsah feels like youve stepped back in time. This byway actually follows the Mississippi River for about 3,000 miles, starting in Minnesota and ending at the Gulf of Mexico. The first stop along the road is Marshall, which boasts a rich history and even the oldest standing house within the state. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Wildlife Prairie Park is located at 3826 N Taylor Rd, Hanna City, IL 61536. Besides the great views youll have throughout the entire trip, youll be entertained nearly every mile of this trip. According to Theodore Roosevelt its the "worlds most beautiful drive." Grandview Drive is only 2.52 miles long, making it a quick but scenic drive. A must-see for everyone. In the midst of vast Illinois farmland, weekend travelers discover a topographic Kitsch, awe inspiring, quirky, colorful, beautiful and unforgettable. , some of which begin and end within the state borders and others that continue on to other states. Get more stories delivered right to your email. A typical Sunday drive might leave you finding a new general store to stock up on sweets and other treats. The coast is punctuated by quaint towns - Lexington and Ports Sanilac, Hope and Austin . Along the way, you'll pass many historic places including an old railroad depot, a log cabin from 1832, and a couple one-room schoolhouses. Some of the best photo opportunities along the way include the Pig Hip Sign, Bunyon's Statue, and OBrien Tire & Auto Care Giant Tire. , including the Land of Lincoln (also its state slogan) and The Prairie State, but did you also know that popcorn is its official snack food, the eastern tiger salamander the state amphibian, and the monarch butterfly the state insect? All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions 2023 worldatlas.com, Enjoy the 8 Most Beautiful Cities in Illinois, These Towns in Illinois Have the Best Main Streets, 7 Most Scenic Road Trips to Take in Alaska, 9 Most Scenic Road Trips to take in Maine, 8 Ideal Destinations For A 3-Day Weekend In Wisconsin, 9 Ideal Destinations For A 3-Day Weekend In Utah, 11 Most Charming Central California Coast Towns. Simply a refreshing, beautiful drive no matter the time of the year. 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. What are some of the most beautiful parks to visit in Illinois? Read more about these and other Southern Illinois State Parks here. Getting around Chicago and Illinois is easy with our guide to ways to travel around the state. Everyone in the family will love spotting the bison in Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Whether you prefer to make it a romantic trip or a trip with the kids, there is something for everyone. 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. What are some of the best small towns in Illinois? The endpoint is in Cairo, an abandoned town that is packed with history. 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. Algarve Itinerary: the best itinerary for 3-10 days, 19 Illinois breweries that are worth a visit, Globetrotters in heart and soul. Youll learn the history of the canal as you enjoy the scenery along the way. For one of the best scenic drives in northern Illinois, set your navigation for the Lincoln Highway. Follow the Mother Road to discover a myriad of quirky roadside attractions, or hit one of the scenic highways crisscrossing the state. You dont have to go to Napa to enjoy great wine, scenic beauty, musical entertainment, and a friendly atmosphere. I was there in the morning and had a beautiful blue sky. 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. If you have a day or two to just breathe in all the sites, then take on Spoon River Valleys scenic 140-mile drive. In Illinois, the highway begins in Chicago and cuts through the suburbs before heading straight to Fulton. Other must-dos on this beautiful scenic drive in Illinois are visiting the Cave-in-Rock State Park and the historic town of Golconda. 1. It has nostalgia, nature, and just a good old road trip feel. . Check it out: If you love road trips, check out these seven places in Illinois boonies that are so worth the drive. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. The Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway is a 33-mile section of the much longer 550-mile Great River Road in west-central Illinois. Kids can even see what it feels like to take the wheel in the drivers seat. This scenic drive on the Illinois River is the perfect place to park and immerse yourself in the surrounding natural beauty. Ive traveled much of the U.S. and Ill rank this drive as one of the more scenic Ive ever taken. At least one scenic byway runs through each of the IDOT regions. TheGreat River Road, which travels along the Mississippi River, has countless o Fall is when many of the states best qualities truly shine. The whole family will love hiking the oak-hickory forest with its incredible geological formations. If being near water calms your soul then you wont want to miss out on spending time near the Illinois River. Bordered on the east by Indiana, Iowa and Missouri to the west, and Wisconsin to the north, Illinois is crisscrossed with seven ofAmericas Byways, some of which begin and end within the state borders and others that continue on to other states. The National Road Association of Illinois website has. 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. 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.

Run by Veterans, youll board a historic fireboat for one of the most memorable tours in the state. Insider tip: Ottawa is considered as being the heart of Starved Rock county. We loved how much we learned at so many of the historical stops. Day spas in Illinois that are worh visiting. Historic Route 66 Like most National Scenic Byways, Route 66 today carries travelers more interested in the going than the getting there. Theres nothing quite like driving the scenic roads in Illinois. Not to mention, these towns feature enchanting scenery untouched by skyscrapers and a plethora of lakes for water recreation and family-friendly activities. Encounter these quirky relics, from a giant Muffler Man to a towering bottle of catsup. Scenic drives to consider in Illinois are listed below. The town of Casey is a super interesting place to visit as its home to record-breaking objects including the worlds largest pitchfork, rocking chair, mailbox, and wooden shoes. Each of these routes is so much more than a simple drive through Illinois. One of the best aspects of the Ohio River Scenic Byway is that it takes you through the Shawnee National Forest, one of the best places to go in southern Illinois. Bring your fishing rod or your canoe and commune with nature. Lunar Pier has some of Lake Erie's most popular breaks. So many of our happiest childhood memories were made on the road. Get to know us better on our about us page. covers 2,069 miles and travels south from Minnesota, through Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Now sharing this passion with our own family - and yours! And if you are looking for some fresh from picking produce, the numerous roadside stands are bound to have whatever fruit or vegetable you are craving. Learn more about the Long Hollow Scenic Overlook on the webpage. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. 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. You are in 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. Interested in historic sites? places in Illinois where you can spot eagles during winter. If you want to take a trip back in time, then pack up the car and head down the historic Lincoln Highway. Not only does it span the entire state, but this famous road actually begins at Lake Itasca in Northern Minnesota and winds the length of the country as it follows the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico. Take the weekend and even consider camping out under a blanket of stars. Now visitors traversing theIllinois section of the Great River Road can explore history, enjoy festivals, and spend time outdoors thanks to a wide range of recreational opportunities. We're giving away an Otterbox Trooper LT 30 cooler to one lucky winner every month. Perfect for a short, fun trip, this scenic backroad is only 2.5 miles long. Each event showcases the unique history or culture of the hosting town. There is so much history and pride in the locals here. No matter which Illinois scenic byway you choose, youll be welcomed by quaint Midwest towns with their charm and hospitality. Now visitors traversing the. Fabulous views and thrilling curves with the rivers right beside you. Read Enjoy Illinois magazine online or download the PDF and start exploring trip ideas You cannot print contents of this website.
And if you want more interesting Illinois facts and figures, you can find themhere! Today, those wishing to drive one of the most scenic roads in Illinois should seriously consider the Historic National Road. Dont be fooled by the fact that its only 2.52 miles. Do you agree with President Roosevelt, or does another spot give Grandview Drive a run for its money? In the forest dont miss the Garden of the Gods or the Pomona Natural Bridge. 37 reviews 25 helpful votes Day trips with scenic drives 12 years ago Save Good day everyone, I am visiting Chicago for work but will have a couple of days free. Learn more about Historic National Road Scenic Byway on the website. The National Road Association of Illinois website hastour ideas, along with alist of communities youll travel through andvideos on YouTube highlighting hidden towns along the Illinois National Road. was the nations first federally funded interstate highway, opening the nation to the west and becoming a corridor for the movement of goods and people. 15 Best Hakone RyokansYou Need To Stay At, Top 9 of best Garmin watches for hiking + buying tips (2023 edition), Island hopping in the Azores (2023 guide), How to choose the best Benagil cave tour ( 2023 guide), 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. Scenic overlooks provide plenty of opportunities to see this park in all its fall glory. Covered bridges are a delightful sight, like the Jackson Truss covered bridge in Greenup. Then conclude your trip by taking Grandview Drive north through the Peoria Bluffs as sunset begins this puts you back on the beaten track, but its worth it to see what Theodore Roosevelt famously called "the worlds most beautiful drive." There are also loads of other historical tidbits along the route ranging from Civil War heroes, river pirates, and more. Many campsites, hotels, and inns are available along the way in case visitors desire to extend their stay whenever they may land! Considered the most beautiful state park, Starved Rock State Park is home to a surreal landscape of rock formations, canyons, forests, and waterfalls. Even if you just drive right through, youll enjoy the serene Illinois woodlands, forests, and wetlands. Enjoyed our drive up the east side of the Mississippi. Also called The Mother Road, the 1,408 miles of Route 66 travels through four statesArizona, Illinois, New Mexico, and Oklahomawith each section offering something unique to see. The Great American River National Scenic Byway extends north through Illinois and Wisconsin giving travelers an up-close-and-personal view of the river over many miles. to explore: the northwest, the northeast, the southwest, and southeast. 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. Take aim at these camera-ready sights along Illinois seven scenic byways. This road really holds some of Americas most fascinating history. Points of Interest & Landmarks Scenic Drives. With over 13 miles of hiking trails as well as areas for fishing, boating, photography, and more, Starved Rock is full of possibilities for fun and interesting activities. Notable sites along the route are Burnham Park, Chicago Yacht Club, Drake Hotel, Du Sable Park, Grant Park, Jackson Park, Lake Point Tower, Lincoln Park, Montrose Beach, Adler Planetarium, Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Museum of Science and Industry, Promontory Point, Navy Pier, Soldier Field, North Avenue Beach, Oak Street Beach, Belmont Harbor and Temple Sholom. At just over 153 miles, this road spans the Illinois section of U.S. 30 which connects Iowa and Indiana. 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. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Long Hollow Scenic Overlook, 2918 US Hwy 20 W, Elizabeth, IL 61028, USA. 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. 1. 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 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. Route 66 plays a pretty major part in Americas history. 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. 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.

Fantastic day or weekend trip. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Dont miss the history present in Princeton. This post may contain affiliate links. It originally ran from Chicago all the way to Los Angeles, California. 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. Great Rivers & Routes/Facebook Check out these cozy cabins. TheLincoln Highway, dedicated in 1913, has the distinction of being the first transcontinental road for automobiles in the United States. Youll be treated to one of the best scenic drives in Illinois, passing beautiful farmlands and natural landscapes. When it comes to dining, foodies will be delighted to find famous spots such as Lou Mitchell's Restaurant, Nelly's Restaurant, and Luna Cafe. 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. Check out these, If you want to take a unique boat tour along the Illinois River and Lake Michigan, check out, 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, 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. 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!). is the shortest section of the entire 943-mile byway, following the southeast border of the state and ending where the Ohio River meets the Mississippi, but even that stretch has plenty to view and enjoy. Everyone in the family will love exploring the Starved Rock State Park. They grew up in Austin, Texas and currently live in Chicago, IL with their partner, two dogs, and a cat. It parallels the 18-mile Chicago Lakefront Trail, a multi-use path that runs through city parks and is popular with joggers and cyclists. I visited in summer and the temperatures were very comfortable. In Illinois, this historic roadway does not disappoint. Finally, there is the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, where tourists can hunt, fish, and canoe. Where can I take a scenic boat ride in Illinois? If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you. for information about the visitors centers serving the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway and the Illinois River Valley region. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Navigate the charming small towns of Knox County on this self-guided car tour. 2023 Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. For a more relaxed accomodatiion, Walnut Grove Farm in Knoxville is home to a beautiful bed and breakfast and Prairie Moon Farm is the perfect spot for picking pumpkins just before Thanksgiving and Halloween. 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Seven hours to drive one of the much longer 550-mile Great River road scenic... General store to stock up scenic drives northern illinois sweets and other southern Illinois attractions or... Scenic backroad is only 2.52 miles long the Coast is punctuated by quaint Midwest with... Wood River, Alton, and inns are available along the road is Marshall, which a... Illinois and Wisconsin giving travelers an up-close-and-personal view of the Gods or the Pomona natural.! You wont want to see the Chicago skyline Ottawa is considered as being the first transcontinental for. Ideal spot for a short, fun trip, youll enjoy the serene woodlands... S most popular breaks most fascinating history stay whenever they may land tidbits along the in! Coronavirus updates, since there may be travel restrictions in place may enjoy watching changing. Fun trip, this road spans the Illinois River road in west-central Illinois hear your tales of the road long! 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The canal itself runs 105 miles, so you if youre feeling athletic, this is an ideal location for biking and horseback riding, as well. It really helps take your mind off all the stressors in life. Its a road trip into the past, with plenty of kitsch and nostalgia to go around. 2668 E 875th Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA 5. Visit the Lovejoy Homestead to learn about its significance in the Underground Railroad. Route 66 requires no introduction, famed for its significance as a gateway into the West and the shortest route between Chicago and Los Angeles. Its really one of the most delightful drives in Illinois. If visitors are looking for a longer road trip, consider beginning your jaunt in Peoria and making your way to Jefferson City, Missouri, which is four hours away. Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway, The Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Route. Love Illinois? There youll find flea markets, tasty meals like homemade chili or pie, handcrafted art, soaps, furniture, and collectibles. more. Youll have the best seat in the house. Keyword Destination Bloomington/Normal Chicago Joliet Marion Quad Cities Rockford Springfield Utica Length Under 30 miles 30 to 75 miles Over 75 miles Everyone in the family will love a visit to the John Deere Pavilion in Milione. The Illinois River Road spans 150 miles. And while you may be traveling in a modern vehicle, the trip will take you back into history, from when Native Americans inhabited the land through the time of western settlement and onward through times of industrialization. Youll love traveling north from Hartford through quaint towns like Elsah, Wood River, Alton, and Grafton. 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. 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. Continuing down Il-40 S, youll pass through the Osceola and Kickapoo townships, each worth visiting for their culture, dining, and wineries after the pandemic. But once your camper is parked and , You parked your camper during the cold winter months, but now as the new season approaches, you cant wait to hit the road . Forming a gigantic loop, half of the road hugs the east side of the river bank and the other the west. Illinois is well-loved for its vast landscape and endless attractions, making it the ideal spot for a road trip.