Illinois River Road is one of seven scenic routes in Illinois. Scenic routes and backroads have been my jam lately, and I rarely take the most direct path anymore. I have wanted to do this scenic drive from start to finish since I moved to Illinois. This was a VERY last-minute trip with pretty much no itinerary. This was the trip I needed for myself both physically and mentally. It was a go with the flow type of trip.
Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway
Illinois River Scenic Byway is 291 miles from Ottawa in the North to Havana in the South. From Ottawa take Highway 24 all the way around. There are a few turnoffs, but they are labeled really well. I mostly noticed this around Canton and Havana.
Personally, I don’t think there it matters which direction you go because of all the stuff to do and see you’ll have to get out of the car.
My Route on Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway
I started in Peoria, IL, and drove to Canton, IL. Downtown Peoria has Riverwalk Museum, Caterpillar Visitors Center, and Riverwalk Trails. There is a spot downtown that has things to do in the area for the Illinois River Road.
These are not on the route for Illinois River Road but Wildlife Prairie Park is a great way to spend an afternoon or a few hours to stretch your legs. Grandview Drive in Peoria Heights has amazing views, and is close to ONE of my favorite places in Peoria – Forest Park Nature Center. Grandview Drive was named Prettiest Drive In America by Theodore Roosevelt.
Canton
Canton was my first stop on my trip. There are several shops around the area that have some of the cutest shops. The next stop was in Lewistown for the Emiquon Preserve. I spent most of my time at the Dickson Mounds Museum. I didn’t know how much Native American history was in Illinois until the Dickson Mounds. They have a very detailed exhibit.
Havana
Havana Riverfront Park
Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge has several trail options. When I got here, it was close to sunset so I only did the nature trail. it’s a .5 mile trail, but it’s one of the prettiest and most scenic trails I have done. My goal is to go back sometime this year to explore more.
Manito
Spring Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area
Pekin/ East Peoria
Ottawa
Starved Rock
Mathassian State park
Things to do on Illinois River Road
Geocaching is an option for things to do. I have tried it a few times, but it’s just not my thing. I really wanted it to work but all the ones I was near were hard to find or didn’t exist anymore.
Atlas Obscura is my go to on trips for seeing new and different things.
Roadside America is another one that I use from time to time.