Another perk to hiking Sheep Lake Trail is that dogs are allowed off-leash in certain areas along the path. flanked by a lavish residential area in the west and fantastic panoramic views of the. From Bernalillo highway sr 550 , turn right onto CR-11, Turn left onto Southern All Around Road1.2 miles Turn right onto NM 126, Turn Right onto Miller road end of the road last property on your right hand side.COMBO code needed for gate on Miller RoadCombo box on front window, for front door key* top lock only.Codes on showing time. Learn more about Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive on the website. 1. 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. 1. Ronald Reagan Exhibit at Eureka College, his alma mater. The endpoint is in Cairo, an abandoned town that is packed with history. Here you can find a list of more southern Illinois wineries. These are the 14 most scenic drives in the United States, from sea to shining sea. Learn more about The Morton Arboretum on the website. AllTrails/Taylor Tuomey. International Visitors It's a 39-mile loop drive with 16 designated scenic overlooks and eight hiking trails. 59 helpful votes. Here is an overview of more great things to do in Northern Illinois. Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. 11: Northern California Scenic Drives: Lake Tahoe Loop (US 50, NV 28 and US 89) Distance: 72 miles. We had the best afternoon exploring and even came home with some beautiful handicrafts. 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. 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. When we say homes, these arent your typical cozy houses. An amazing way to travel across the state and immerse yourself in the different cultures and communities across Illinois. 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. Highest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Lincoln Highway, Lincoln Hwy, Joliet, IL, USA. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Whitefish, Montana, is winter lover's dream. 8. This post may contain affiliate links. You pass by famous landmarks such as Navy Pier, Soldier Field, Lincoln Park Zoo and Calumet Park. This scenic drive on the Illinois River is the perfect place to park and immerse yourself in the surrounding natural beauty. The stretch of the Mississippi River north of Rock Island, Illinois is considered by many to be the most scenic drive along the Mississippi. Needles Highway (Highway 87), is found in the Black Hills of South Dakota, on a stretch of road through Custer State Park. This is the Badlands Loop scenic drive through the Badlands National Park in South Dakota. Plan Your Trip A spectacular train trestle bridge crosses the Illinois River near Allen Park and the Old Town business district. Check out these 10 Tiny Towns In Illinois That Are Always Worth A Visit. It parallels the 18-mile Chicago Lakefront Trail, a multi-use path that runs through city parks and is popular with joggers and cyclists. Wooded countryside fills your view, interspersed with neat farmsteads and regular roadside produce stands, in season. Northwest Illinois Loop scenic drive Visit state parks and recreation areas near Galena on our scenic loop drive. 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. Save. more. Also referred to as the Road that built the Nation, this byway started in Cumberland, Maryland and ended in Vandalia, Illinois. Public Transportation Systems in Illinois, Things to do near Shawnee National Forest, Jamaica Dunn's River Falls Party Cruise with Snorkeling, Guided Walking Tour: The historical City Center of Bolzano, 2 days in Georgian Mountains, Kazbegi and Juta, Sea Scope Semi Submarine Sea Trip 2 Hours With Transfer - Sharm El Sheikh, Sunset Sail Cruise with 5 Course Seated Dinner. On your drive, youll likely see many of these community members on the land working hard on their harvest. As the name suggests, the two-lane road was originally a stagecoach route connecting Galena with Chicago. 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. Home Enjoy all that Southern Illinois has to offer. 65 passes by some of Arkansas' most popular attractions. Run by Veterans, youll board a historic fireboat for one of the most memorable tours in the state. places in Illinois where you can spot eagles during winter. The Reagan exhibit is housed in the Cerf Bldg and takes about 30 minutes (or a little more if you read everything). Illinois Tourist Information Centers For an overview of amazing wineries in Grafton, click here. From there take US 30 west to the Mississippi River. Central Illinois attractions, click here. Read our full coverage on the Ohio River Scenic Byway to learn more. Here is a list of more fun stuff to do in Illinois. 9. Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Illinois Area. 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. Head west and drive the Great River Road along the Mississippi, with its bluff-top views, river sights, charming B&Bs and sprawling vineyards. 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 Each of these routes is so much more than a simple drive through Illinois. The route offers loads of recreational activities such as biking, hiking, camping, and picnicking as well as activities like fishing, horseback riding, and boating. Whether you are looking for a day trip, weekend getaway or planning a road trip, our guides provide you with the perfect scenic drive. If you want to take a unique boat tour along the Illinois River and Lake Michigan, check out Chicago Fireboat Tours. It's very well done overall. The 10 Best Scenic Drives in Northern California Redding to Lassen Volcanic National Park Route: Redding -> Shasta Lake -> Castle Crags State Park -> Burney Falls -> Lassen Volcanic National Park Note: The Park Road (which goes from Highway 89 through the park) is closed from late October through mid-June, depending on the snowfall. 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. 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. Last but not least on our list of the best scenic drives in Illinois is the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail. Places To Stay Things To Do THINGS TO DO 550 miles packed with adventure! 2023 Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, Eco-Friendly Hotels and GreenGetaways in Illinois, Five Champaign Restaurants Perfect for a Romantic Outing, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. In The News A haven for nature lovers, this drive is sure to give you a sense of tranquillity and oneness with the natural world. #4 Illinois Ultimate Scenic Rivers Route Illinois Rivers Route is an illustrious 140-mile road that stretches along the Illinois River. There was a moment in time where Sundays meant that you piled the kids into the car and took a long relaxing drive. Long Hollow Scenic Overlook, 2918 US Hwy 20 W, Elizabeth, IL 61028, USA. Check out antique shops, artist studios, and local farmers' markets along the way. The Great River Road follows the mighty Mississippi, the nations longest river, along Illinois western border. The sky was a deep blue, the windows were rolled down, Patricia sailed her hand out the window. 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. Illinois Great River Road: Follow the river But no road trip in the region would be complete without a journey down the Illinois Great River Road, one of the most scenic drives in Illinois. A passion for cocktail creation, international travel and decadent foodie experiences, enjoy Stephanie's romp through the Land of Lincoln. 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. Each of these wineries has its own styles, techniques, and grape varieties that create wonderfully delicious and unique flavors. The M-119, aka the Tunnel of Trees, is one of Michigan's most popular scenic drives. Ohio River Scenic Byway, Cairo, IL 62914, USA. Each issue offers a mix of travel stories, stunning photography and timely trip ideas that make the most of each season. 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. It also sits along the Illinois River and you can hike to an overlook to get sweeping vistas of the water. An incredible hike in southern Illinois. Explore Ulysses S. Grants home, the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, and the home of Popeye. As you explore the trail, you'll come across several highlights. 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. The southern end is at Whitewater Lake in southeastern Walworth County. 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. In this travel magazine we share our best tips and adventures. If you want to take a trip back in time, then pack up the car and head down the historic Lincoln Highway. 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. In fact, eight of the 126 America's Byways are right here in our state. Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our site. You'll have your camera out almost all the time for this one. Go-Illinois.net, part of The Go Travel Sites family, is among the largest websites covering travel and vacationing in Illinois. Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine. You can send yourself an email as well. 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. As summer comes to a close and the leaves morph from a vibrant green to even more vibrant oranges, reds and yellows, there's no better way to appreciate the shifting seasons than by taking a drive through Illinois. Curves twisting through walls of rugged rock pinnacles, buttes, and multi-colored spires. A couple drive in an open top car along the Great River Road, Illinois. 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). There youll find flea markets, tasty meals like homemade chili or pie, handcrafted art, soaps, furniture, and collectibles. 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. Read this post in which we share the best things to do in Grafton. The scenic byway is just 33 miles and stretches from Hartford to Grafton. I especially loved the Corpus Christi Church in Galesburg which was built in 1832 and is just a beautiful display of architecture. 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. All Rights Reserved. The entire stretch is filled with kitschy roadside relics, museums, classic midwestern food, drive-in theaters and restaurants, and 1940s charm, Ottawa, Illinois to the north and ending in Havana in the south, The River Road Byway is one of the most scenic drives in Illinois because of the astounding natural beauty of its wetland prairies, hardwood forests, woodland seeps, diverse wildlife, and winding river, A historic stretch of road that showcases charming towns and communities and the countrys first transcontinental highway, This is a quintessential Midwest scenic drive showcasing the unique culture of rural heritage, Located in the city of Peoria, Grandview Drive stretches from Prospect Road to Illinois Route 29, Dubbed the worlds most beautiful drive by President Roosevelt in 1910, Grandview Drive is the shortest on this list but well worth the trip, The drive takes you through Fulton County, beginning in Astoria and ending in London Mills, There are plenty of attractions along this drive to keep the entire family entertained, Venture into the Shawnee National Forest for delicious wine, untouched natural beauty, and some of the best hiking in Illinois, Begin in New haven and end in Cairo where the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers converge, From natural splendor, heartland farming, and the vast river to the charming communities that call this region home, the Ohio River Scenic Byway has something for everyone, Also known as the Road that Built the Nation, Historic National Road was built in 1806 and opened Illinois to settlement, It begins in Hartford on Illinois Route 3 and New Poag Road and ends in Grafton at Pere Marquette State Park, The great meeting of the rivers is the point of convergence for three great rivers: The Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois rivers. If you live in a highly trafficked area, you might forget how meditative it is to drive on the open road. Searching for 55+ Communities on Retirenet.com is simple and easy. 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. Here is a list of more places in Illinois where you can spot eagles during winter. 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. Badlands Loop State Scenic Highway, South Dakota. It originally ran from Chicago all the way to Los Angeles, California. Order a copy of Enjoy Illinois and also receive the Illinois State Park Guide and an Official Highway Map. FourSquare/Alex N. Start off your scenic drive with a visit to this old-fashioned soda fountain, tucked in Saults Drug Store in Fulton. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Learn more about Illinois Lincoln Highway on the website. Location South Dakota. Saults Drug Store - Fulton. A non-partisan organization dedicated to involving Illinois residents in the state's political process. 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. 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): turn left onto Route 30 and stay on the road as it becomes Illinois 83, then . Beautiful views! When you travel through one of the most scenic Illinois byways, you are taking the same route the French explorers once did. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. 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. Check it out: If you love road trips, check out these seven places in Illinois boonies that are so worth the drive. 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. Hop out of the car and snack at one of the picnic tables, then try a hike. Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway, The Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Route. McHenry County is a picturesque landscape of expansive vistas, fertile farmlands, ancient oak groves, historic homes, and winding waterways. Whether you prefer to make it a romantic trip or a trip with the kids, there is something for everyone. Theodore Roosevelt named it the "world's most beautiful drive," so have that camera ready and drive both ways up and down the road for all the best sights. 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 . 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. The River Road National Scenic Byway showcases Illinois natural wonders and theyre truly breathtaking. Highway Map is among the largest websites covering travel and decadent foodie experiences, Stephanie! 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