Illinois

America's Byways®

  • Great River Road

    Throughout history, the Mississippi River influenced many lives: the Dakota, Chippewa and Hopewell cultures; early French voyagers; African-Americans seeking freedom on the Underground Railroad; and many more. Through its charming river towns and metropolitan cities, historic sites and cultural artifacts, today's Great River Road still links resources, people and history.

  • Historic National Road - Illinois (part of Historic National Road)

    On Illinois' National Historic Road, rolling countryside, prairie fields, and small towns whisper of an earlier time. Main street stores speak of small town U.S.A. where soda fountains, museums and antiques showcase days gone by. Hayfields, cattle and old barns intermingled with small towns all beckon you to stay awhile.

  • Historic Route 66

    The charm, the history, and the atmosphere that make up "The Mother Road" brings travelers from all over the world to experience America the way it should be experienced - down a stretch of highway where "anything goes" is literal.

  • Illinois River Road

    The Illinois River valley imparts feelings of awe at the power of the river winding its way through a land form carved by glacial melt water. Experience the seasonal colors and rhythms of the forests, wetlands, bluffs, and prairies on your own or follow one of 7 different nature activity guides.

  • Lincoln Highway

    Follow the original alignment of Lincoln Highway, the United States' first paved transcontinental highway. Begin at the Indiana border on the east and head west towards the Mississippi River. Shop, dine, and spend the night while exploring the heartland and culture the many Illinois Lincoln Highway communities have to offer.

  • Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Route

    Here, the Missouri, Mississippi and Illinois Rivers meet to form a 35,000-acre floodplain. The Mississippi, a working river, is also an environmental treasure. Historic 18th Century river towns, islands, bars, points and bends create beautiful scenery beneath limestone bluffs that are covered by forests extending over nearly 20,000 acres.

  • Ohio River Scenic Byway

    This history-rich byway meanders along the Ohio River banks, hugging its shoreline and offering almost continuous views of the river. The history of the Ohio is found both in rural landscapes and quaint river communities, covering periods from Native American habitation through western settlement, affecting transportation patterns and industrialization.

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