Are you ready for a journey that will amaze you and take you back in time? Welcome to the Great River Road in Illinois. This scenic byway follows the mighty Mississippi River. It shows the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of America’s heartland.
As you travel this 550-mile stretch along Illinois’ western border, you’ll see stunning views. You’ll pass through quaint river towns and the Mississippi River’s flow. You can explore historic sites, taste local cuisine, and enjoy artisanal wines. The Great River Road offers an unforgettable experience that will make you fall in love with the Midwest.
Key Takeaways
- The Great River Road in Illinois is a 550-mile scenic byway that follows the mighty Mississippi River.
- Discover a wealth of historic sites, ancient civilizations, and outdoor adventures along this iconic route.
- Immerse yourself in the French colonial heritage and culinary delights that define the region.
- Witness the awe-inspiring natural beauty that lines the banks of the Mississippi River.
- Uncover the rich history and cultural legacy of the Great River Road in Illinois.
So, what secrets and hidden gems await you along the Great River Road? Get ready for an unforgettable journey. It will leave you captivated by the timeless allure of this remarkable region.
Exploring the Historic Mississippi River Towns
Travel the southern end of the Great River Road in Illinois. You’ll find a land filled with Civil War history and charming river towns. Begin at Fort Defiance State Park, the state’s lowest point. Then, visit Cairo, a key Union Army base during the Civil War.
Heading north, you’ll reach Thebes. Here, the Thebes Courthouse stands, where Abraham Lincoln worked as a lawyer. Nearby, the Kaskaskia Bell State Historic Site marks Illinois’ former capital, the only town west of the Mississippi River.
| Destination | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Fort Defiance State Park | The lowest point in Illinois, with a rich Civil War history |
| Cairo | A strategic Union Army location during the Civil War |
| Thebes Courthouse | Where Abraham Lincoln practiced law |
| Kaskaskia Bell State Historic Site | Commemorates the former capital of Illinois, the only town west of the Mississippi River |
These historic river towns along the Great River Road in Illinois show the area’s interesting past. From the Civil War history to the Dred Scott case at the Thebes Courthouse. Discover these places and learn about the historic river towns along the Illinois section of the Great River Road.
Discovering French Colonial Heritage
Visitors to the Great River Road in Illinois can explore the area’s rich French colonial history. Two historic sites stand out, filled with history and intrigue. They give a peek into the early days of European settlement along the Mississippi River Valley.
Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site
Fort Kaskaskia was built around 1759. It was a key spot during the Revolutionary War. George Rogers Clark, a famous American military leader, took the fort from the British in 1778.
Today, the site shows what’s left of the fort. It connects visitors to the French colonial era and the fight for control of the area.
Fort de Chartres State Historic Site
The Fort de Chartres State Historic Site is by the Mississippi River. It’s a rebuild of the last French fort in the area. The site has the oldest building in Illinois, a restored powder magazine from 1751.
Walking through the fort’s ruins and rebuilt parts is fascinating. It shows the French colonial life that once was in Illinois.
These two sites along the Great River Road in Illinois let visitors dive into the area’s French colonial history. It’s a chance to learn about the early European settlement of the Midwest.
Marveling at the Ancient Cahokia Mounds
Along the Great River Road in Illinois, you must see the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. It was once the largest city in North America before Columbus. The site has over 120 man-made earthen mounds, including the largest in the Americas. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site that shows us the ancient civilizations along the Mississippi River.
The Monks Mound is the site’s highlight. It’s the largest pre-Columbian earthwork in North America. Standing over 100 feet tall, it’s bigger than the Great Pyramid of Giza’s base. Climbing to the top offers a stunning view of the area, once home to 20,000 people.
The Cahokia Mounds site also has a museum and interpretive center. These offer a deeper look into the site’s cultural and historical importance. You can see replicas of ancient homes, learn about the Cahokians’ farming, and understand their society’s structure.
If you love history, archaeology, or just the natural world, visiting the Cahokia Mounds is essential. This pre-Columbian city and its Monks Mound show the Cahokian people’s ingenuity and resilience. They remind us of the rich cultural heritage along the Mississippi River.
“The Cahokia Mounds are a remarkable testament to the engineering and architectural prowess of the pre-Columbian civilizations that once thrived along the Great River Road.”
Tracing the Footsteps of Lewis and Clark
Travelers on the Great River Road in Illinois can follow the path of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. The Lewis and Clark State Historic Site marks where they set up Camp Dubois. This was their base before they headed west in 1804.
Not far from there, the Confluence Tower and the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway highlight the meeting of the Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois Rivers. This was a key spot for Lewis and Clark’s journey. Visitors can climb the tower for stunning views of where these rivers come together.
These sites keep the spirit of Lewis and Clark’s journey alive. They let today’s explorers follow in their footsteps. This way, they can understand and admire their groundbreaking achievements.
Great River Road, Illinois: Best Things to Do - Top Picks
Start an unforgettable journey along the Great River Road in Illinois. This scenic byway runs along the Mississippi River. It offers many experiences, from outdoor fun and historic sites to local food and quaint towns.
Begin by visiting Fort Defiance State Park in Cairo. Here, you can see amazing views of the river. Don’t miss the Thebes Courthouse and the Kaskaskia Bell State Historic Site to learn about the area’s history.
Discover French colonial history at Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site and Fort de Chartres State Historic Site. These places let you step back in time and explore the region’s past.
A visit to the Great River Road isn’t complete without seeing the Cahokia Mounds. This UNESCO World Heritage site gives a peek into the ancient Mississippian civilization.
For those who love adventure, check out the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site and the Confluence Tower. These spots follow the path of Lewis and Clark and offer great views.
Don’t miss trying the local food and wines, and exploring the charming towns. Whether you’re into outdoor fun, history, or just a relaxing drive, the Great River Road in Illinois has it all.
Start planning your trip and see the top things to do on the Great River Road in Illinois today!
Experiencing the Mighty Mississippi River
No visit to the Great River Road in Illinois is complete without seeing the Mississippi River. The National Great Rivers Museum, run by the US Army Corps of Engineers, shows the river’s history and importance. It’s a key transportation route.
Interactive exhibits at the museum let you learn about the river’s cycles and barge traffic. You can see the engineering of locks and dams. These help with river history and navigation.
Watching barges and vessels go through the locks is amazing. It shows the Mississippi River’s role as a key transportation route.
“The National Great Rivers Museum offers a captivating window into the river’s rich geological and cultural history, as well as its crucial role as a vital transportation thoroughfare.”
The National Great Rivers Museum is a must-see on the Great River Road in Illinois. It teaches about the river’s natural and historical sides. Get ready to be amazed by the Mississippi River’s power and beauty.
Admiring the Natural Beauty Along the Byway
The Great River Road in Illinois is more than just history and culture. It’s a chance to see the region’s natural beauty. You’ll find peaceful parks and wildlife sanctuaries along the mighty Mississippi.
Don’t miss the Wings Over Alma Nature Center. Here, you can see bald eagles flying high. The center has exhibits and tours to teach you about the area’s wildlife and why it’s important to protect it.
For a great view, visit the Prescott Visitor Center. It has decks and trails that show off the Mississippi River and its surroundings. It’s perfect for enjoying the river’s calm and spotting wildlife, including bald eagles.
| Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Wings Over Alma Nature Center | Bald eagle viewing, educational exhibits, guided tours |
| Prescott Visitor Center | Scenic river overlooks, hiking trails, wildlife spotting |
Looking for a quiet day of wildlife viewing or just to enjoy the natural beauty? These spots on the Great River Road are perfect. They let you connect with the peaceful and beautiful landscapes of this special byway.
Indulging in Local Cuisine and Wineries
Traveling the Great River Road in Illinois is more than just seeing sights. It’s a chance to enjoy the area’s tasty local cuisine and visit many wineries. You’ll find cozy eateries with Memphis-style barbecue, potpies and quiches, and sweet pies and fudge. These Mississippi River towns give you a taste of Midwestern food and drink and their small-town charm.
Wine lovers will find a paradise on the Great River Road in Southern Illinois. Places like Galena Cellars Vineyard and Winery, Massbach Ridge Winery, and Rocky Waters Vineyard and Winery offer a wide range of wines. You can try dry red and white, late-harvest, and award-winning wines. Join a Galena Wine Tour to taste the best wines and learn about the winemaking process.
Looking for a Midwestern meal or wanting to check out local wineries? The Great River Road in Illinois has a lot to offer. It’s a unique culinary adventure that honors the region’s agricultural heritage and small-town charm.
“The Great River Road is not just a journey through history and natural beauty, but also a celebration of the region’s vibrant food and drink culture.”
Staying at Historic Accommodations
Exploring the Great River Road in Illinois reveals historic places to stay. The Charmant Hotel, a 1898 candy factory in La Crosse, is one example. You’ll also find charming inns and bed and breakfasts in 19th-century buildings. These places let you dive into the area’s history while enjoying today’s comforts.
In Illinois, the Great Rivers & Routes area has many places to stay. Alton has nine options, from big hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts like The Beall Mansion. Grafton, meanwhile, has 40 bed and breakfast inns, guest houses, lodges, and resorts. Many offer beautiful river views and are close to shops and restaurants.
In Grafton, Tara Point Inn & Cottages and Aerie’s Resort stand out. They have amazing river views and offer activities like wineries, restaurants, and ziplining. The Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center in Pere Marquette State Park is also historic. It has a huge 700-ton stone fireplace, taking guests back in time.
| Accommodation | Location | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|
| Charmant Hotel | La Crosse, IL | Restored 1898 candy factory with modern amenities |
| The Beall Mansion | Alton, IL | Elegant bed & breakfast inn in a historic building |
| Tara Point Inn & Cottages | Grafton, IL | Stunning river views and on-site winery |
| Aerie’s Resort | Grafton, IL | Breathtaking river views and outdoor activities |
| Pere Marquette Lodge & Conference Center | Grafton, IL | Historic lodge with a 700-ton stone fireplace |
Looking for a fancy stay in a historic place or a cozy inn? The Great River Road in Illinois has it all. You can enjoy the area’s history and natural beauty while having today’s comforts.
Conclusion
The Great River Road in Illinois is a must-see for adventure lovers and history buffs. It offers a wide range of experiences. You can explore historic towns, ancient sites, and enjoy local food and wine.
This scenic route along the Mississippi River highlights the area’s rich history, natural beauty, and quaint towns. It’s a journey that will make a lasting impression. You’ll see everything from Lewis and Clark’s path to the stunning Cahokia Mounds.
Ready for an adventure? The Great River Road in Illinois is waiting. You’ll be amazed by the natural beauty, dive into the area’s history, and taste the local cuisine. It’s a journey that will leave you wanting more.
