around Illinois. A flowing stream to drop a line for trout or crappie is never far with the Noblett Lake Recreation Area, where two streams and a lake reside, being a prime location for fishing and other water fun. Schaumburg's many lush, tree-dense neighborhoods contain an array of apartments, condos, townhomes, and houses available for rent, in an overall peaceful environment. 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. Mliz 2015 ninja 1000, 1975 gl1000, 1972 ct70, 1991 dr650, 1989 gsxr750 Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive - Pass through six beautiful Wisconsin counties and 50,000 acres when you explore the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. The popular soda fountain has been a fixture in town since 1937, and you'll quickly see . 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. Home 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. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Learn more about the Long Hollow Scenic Overlook on the webpage. 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. Use our easy Lodging Search to find exactly the type of accommodation you are looking for at the right price. 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. You are in We'd love to have your business listed on our site. You don't need much time to conquer this route, making it perfect for a day trip. It has nostalgia, nature, and just a good old road trip feel. 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. They capture rich history, and unique landscapes, and feature the fascinating but often overlooked communities that cherish and celebrate these scenic routes. Order a copy of Enjoy Illinois and also receive the Illinois State Park Guide and an Official Highway Map. Youll learn the history of the canal as you enjoy the scenery along the way. list of more small cities in Illinois that are worth a visit. We take your privacy seriously and will never sell your data to anyone. Fabulous views and thrilling curves with the rivers right beside you. The Reagan exhibit is housed in the Cerf Bldg and takes about 30 minutes (or a little more if you read everything). 1. Also referred to as the Road that built the Nation, this byway started in Cumberland, Maryland and ended in Vandalia, Illinois. Travelers keen on getting outside won't have to look far for thrilling . Read our full coverage on the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway to learn more. McHenry County is a picturesque landscape of expansive vistas, fertile farmlands, ancient oak groves, historic homes, and winding waterways. 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 scenic driving guide to Kentucky state. These are prestigious, towering estates that have looked over Grandview since it was built over 100 years ago. See our full, 7 hours to drive the entire Byway, 2 days per loop for each of 7 nature activity loops. From red and yellow trees to roads dusted with vibrant leaves, this is an incredibly scenic fall drive in Northern Illinois. 93 reviews. Start in Murphysboro, south to Anna, and back up north to Carbondale. 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. Routes 127, Old Hwy 51, 51DISTANCE: 46 milesTIME: 1 hour. This byway actually follows the Mississippi River for about 3,000 miles, starting in Minnesota and ending at the Gulf of Mexico. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. Heavenly diningOn the way back to Galena, stop for a steak or seafood dinner in Elizabeth at The Holy Mackerel in a renovated white clapboard church. Along the way, you'll see Ronald Reagan's childhood home, a railroad park, and other historic landmarks and attractions that only backroads can offer. When you travel through one of the most scenic Illinois byways, you are taking the same route the French explorers once did. You are in Thank you! It spans about 10 states and has become one of the most iconic byways in the United States. 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. Along this route, youll learn the fascinating history of Lewis and Clark and other explorers who stopped along this route, as well as the tragic history of the Native Americans and the Trail of Tears that passed through Golconda. Along the way you might just discover that theres more to the road than the river. It was meant to be a peaceful and fun activity for the whole family. 10 - Great River Road Flickr user: Dave Herholz Starting Location: East Dubuque, IL Ending Location: Cairo, IL Length: 543 miles Best Season to Drive: All See this drive on Google Maps Have you ever been up and down these roads? 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. On your drive, youll likely see many of these community members on the land working hard on their harvest. Insider tip: If you enough time we would advise you to spend a weekend in Grafton. Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. Here is a list of more fun stuff to do in Illinois. Download a PDF map of the favorite Fall Color Drives. Read our full coverage on Peorias Grand View Drive to learn more. This is the Badlands Loop scenic drive through the Badlands National Park in South Dakota. The short stretch of the Lake Michigan Circle Tourthrough Illinois travels along Route 137 and then joins Lakeshore Drive (US-41) right at the Lake Michigan coastline through the suburbs of Chicago. These are the 14 most scenic drives in the United States, from sea to shining sea. AMAZING RIVER VIEW, LEAVES TURNING, QUAINT LITTLE TOWN OF Elijah. 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. So beautiful in fall. THINGS TO DO 550 miles packed with adventure! Illinois Tourist Information Centers Youll have the best seat in the house. Route 66 plays a pretty major part in Americas history. The scenic byway is just 33 miles and stretches from Hartford to Grafton. 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. flanked by a lavish residential area in the west and fantastic panoramic views of the. Best enjoyed on a summer evening or when the leaves are changing colors in the fall. Save. Lake Michigan Circle Tour. 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. The Illinois River Road Scenic Byway preserves the natural river country along the banks of the Illinois River, allowing modern visitors to travel the same route as the early French explorers: les Voyageurs. It's known for its cheesy attractions, quirky restaurants, and unique museums. Downtown Chicago on E. Jackson Boulevard and end at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in Granite City. After I came out of the Adler Planetarium the weather changed but even that got a good photo. You can send yourself an email as well. Lake Shore Drive, or Outer Drive, is a multilevel expressway that runs alongside Lake Michigan through the city of Chicago. You can read our complete privacy policy here. This drive will take you through the Spoon River Valley, full of bluffs, rolling hills, and beautiful scenery. Curves twisting through walls of rugged rock pinnacles, buttes, and multi-colored spires. The Tunnel of Trees spans 20 miles, beginning . Here is a list of more places in Illinois where you can spot eagles during winter. 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. 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. Then enjoy the highlights of beautiful South Africa, including wine tours, scenic road trips, wildlife safaris, mountain biking, caving, hikes up Table . Dawn Brandt / Getty Images. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Subscribe to our Newsletter Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. This old two-lane highway is now adorned with delicious restaurants, museums, and other cheesy but fun attractions. The red, yellow, and orange leaves on the trees are straight from a postcard. Glacial Park in northern Illinois is a lesser-known park filled with wetlands formed by a glacier that was once here. 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