Are you able to bear in mind the final time you drove for the sake of exploration? Or took the great distance residence on function? It’s a releasing expertise to drive down the interstate, onto rural routes, and thru the tree-lined backroads of the countryside.
Fortunately, Illinois is residence to many roads and byways which are excellent on your subsequent scenic drive; chances are you’ll even need to discover and discover some diversions alongside the best way! To make your life simpler, now we have constructed an inventory of our high 5 scenic drives in Illinois. It’s time to pack some snacks, queue your favourite playlist and get misplaced within the pure great thing about your environment.
For a secure and stress-free drive, be sure you have the precise auto insurance coverage to guard the car that makes all of it doable.
The Nice River Highway
If waterside surroundings brings a smile to your face, you’ll love driving alongside the good River Highway. This street traces the Mississippi River as you journey the size of Illinois’ western border. All through the drive your eyes might be drawn from left to proper with majestic waters on one aspect and vibrant woodlands on the opposite.
Because the Nice River Highway spans your entire state, it affords various stops alongside the best way. Discover the towering bluffs, trek to the highest of the biggest prehistoric settlement in North America, expertise the Abraham Lincoln Nationwide Heritage Space or canoe by means of the mighty Mississippi.
Ohio River Scenic Byway
Spring blooms, summer season wildflowers, falls colours and winter adventures – expertise the Ohio Scenic Byway in each season.
Within the southernmost tip of Illinois, this route runs parallel to the Ohio River for 188 miles, ending in Cairo, Illinois. This Nationwide Scenic Byway displays on wealthy historical past because it passes by means of many historic websites that inform the tales of Native People, river pirates, miners, presidents, Civil Warfare heroes and extra. The route can be dotted by quaint riverside cities which are residence to various individuals and customs.
Along with historical past and tradition, the byway is filled with pure splendor. It affords exceptional views of Shawnee Nationwide Forest and close by recreation areas such because the Backyard of the Gods, Kilos Hole, Excessive Knob, Rim Rock and Tower Rock. Alongside your route, additionally, you will discover plentiful agriculture: farm operations, roadside vegetable stands, wineries, pick-your-own produce farms and extra.
The Historic Nationwide Highway in Illinois
The Historic Nationwide Highway in Illinois is stuffed with historical past and buzzing with an environment of old school journey. Actually, it was the primary federally funded street within the U.S.
This 164-mile street stretches from Marshall to East St. Louise, tracing prehistoric cities, Victorian structure and Midwest small city America. Amongst its many gems is Cahokia Mounds State Historic Website, which options the biggest mound buildings constructed by Native People on the North American continent.
Alongside your drive, don’t neglect to marvel on the big ketchup bottle simply south of Collinsville. Sure, you heard proper. This well-known water tower is trademarked “The World’s Largest Catsup Bottle” at 170 toes.
Morton Arboretum
How a few brief drive by means of nature’s utopia? Generally there may be nothing higher than rolling the home windows all the best way down, feeling the crisp air at your fingertips and witnessing the handiwork of Mom Nature. On the Morton Arboretum, you’ll be able to drive 9 miles by means of 1,700 acres of woodlands, wetlands and prairies.
The flowers, timber and animals that change with the season, make the Arboretum a paradise for nature lovers. Whereas the drive will showcase a lot of the realm’s magnificence, there may be a lot to discover past the roads. Take a detour and hike Arboretum’s many trails, get misplaced within the maze backyard or take pictures on the Floor Cowl Backyard.
Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive
Calling all fall lovers and competition fanatics: Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive affords a self-guided tour well-known for its annual fall competition. The family-friendly competition options crafts, meals, flea markets, antiques, demonstrations and extra.
Spoon River Valley winds by means of Fulton County from London Mills to the Illinois River, overlaying 140 miles of scenic roads. Go to as much as 17 villages and lots of historic websites alongside your drive!
Inquisitive about a number of the route highlights? Drive to Bernadotte the place you’ll be able to admire the dam on Spoon River which was constructed by troops and was part of Camp Ellis throughout World Warfare II. At Bernadotte, you may also summon your interior youngster and take pleasure in a deep-fried peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Then, head to Smithfield for the chicken-and-noodle dinner that’s hosted within the historic Purple Brick Faculty (as a result of you’ll be able to by no means have an excessive amount of meals and historical past in a day).
Have enjoyable and keep secure
Now that you’ve the within scoop, you’re able to discover Illinois’ vibrant allure. Among the finest reminiscences are made on the street and we don’t need you to overlook a second of it. See how auto insurance coverage from ERIE will help guarantee your leisurely drives proceed by defending you and your family members as you go the gap.