Along the River in Illinois

The Great River Road in Illinois:
There is a place located in the heart of America, sometimes referred to as THE heart of America.  It represents four centuries of history and heritage, a compilation of thousands of stories that paints the picture of America's evolution.  Its 550-mile route on Illinois' western border offers breathtaking views and majestic landscapes that inspire and soothe the soul.  Nature has been kind to the banks and bluffs, attracting thousands of species that travel thousands of miles for a visit or to make themselves a home. 

Length:  550 miles

State Scenic Byway:  Yes
National Scenic Byway:  Yes
National Scenic Byways 

What Mississippi River experiences await along Illinois' Great River Road:
Our nation's largest river offers the perfect setting for nature and wildlife enthusiasts to admire and enjoy our rich landscape through four spectacular seasons.  You can bring your canoe, load up the horse trailer or pack the tent through shaded forests to the rolling grasslands.  A variety of agricultural experiences along the river can be appreciated from John Deere's modern complex in the Quad Cities to the many Illinois wineries located along the Great River Road.  Along the winding route, you will find a multitude of meaningful historic sites that contributed to the freedon, success and prosperity that we continue to enjoy to this day.  From Civil War heroes to an inventor that brought a faster way to feed our nations; from Native American Indians to French explorers; from miners to religious leaders, the Great River Road in Illinois is a destination that tells the story of American history and the people and places that helped shape our nation. 

Attractions and Events Along the River in Illinois

Illinois' Great River Road Interpretive Centers & Museums

State Parks along Illinois' Great River Road:  
          -   Mississippi Palisades State Park - Savanna
          -   Morrison Rockwood State Park - Morrison
          -   Big River State Forest - Keithsburg
          -   Delabar State Park - Oquawka
          -   Nauvoo State Park - Nauvoo
          -   Pere Marquette State Park - Grafton
          -   Horseshoe Lake State Park - Granite City        


Add these ideas to your byway journey:        
         -   Loud Thunder Forest Preserve - Andalusia
         -   Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site - Collinsville
         -   Long Hollow Scenic Overlook - Elizabeth 
         -   Fulton’s Dutch Windmill "De Immigrant" - Fulton
         -   John Deere Pavilion - Moline 
         -   Fort de Chartres State Historic Site - Prairie du Rocher
         -   Black Hawk State Historic Site - Rock Island


Other Key Links: 

Illinois Great River Road Web site
Illinois Department of Transportation Travel Info
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Illinois Historical Society
Enjoy Illinois Travel Information
Audubon Society - Illinois Chapter (birding)
Mississippi River Trail (biking)

Click here for Travel Information Beyond the River in Illinois

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See more Along the River Travel information in these Mississippi River states:

Minnesota
Wisconsin 
Iowa
Missouri
Kentucky
Tennessee
Arkansas
Mississippi
Louisiana