There was a moment in time when Sundays meant that you piled the kids into the car and took a long relaxing drive. It was meant to be a peaceful and fun activity for the whole family. A typical Sunday drive might leave you finding a new general store to stock up on sweets and other treats. You may enjoy watching the changing leaves in a local forest preserve. You may even find a new greasy spoon with all the comfort foods you could imagine. A Sunday drive elicits connotations of happier, simpler Rockwell-esque times. If you’re in the mood for a drive, read on for the best driving roads in Illinois.

You can have these simpler times back. If you’re looking for a long meditative drive through Illinois, there has never been a better time to do it. If you live in the city, take a break from the hustle and bustle and enjoy a leisurely drive through these picturesque country roads in Illinois. You’ll have the best seat in the house while enjoying some of the best scenic drives in Illinois.

1. Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive
Fulton County, IL, USA
Kirk Kittell / Flickr
If you have a day or two to just breathe in all the sites, then take on Spoon River Valley’s scenic 140-mile drive. With more than 24 different attractions, there is something for the whole family. Three hours outside the sprawling metropolis of Chicago, this beautiful region is home to festivals that contain crafters, flea markets, antiques, and even homemade foods. Be sure to check out London Mills and Spoon River Dam along the Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive, one of the most beautiful drives in Illinois.

Check out some of the fun things to do while taking the Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive in Illinois in this video from Drums-n-Strums:
2. Peoria’s Grand View Drive
Grandview Drive, Grandview Dr, Peoria, IL, USA
Tripp / Flickr
If you love the idea of a good old-fashioned Sunday drive then you’ll love getting into the car and heading down Grand View Drive in Peoria. Don’t be fooled by the fact that it’s only 2.52 miles. According to Theodore Roosevelt, it’s the "world’s most beautiful drive." Watch the autumnal leaves sweep over the 180-acre landscape or enjoy a picnic with the family.
3. Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway
Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway, 11304 N Prairie Rd, Lewistown, IL 61542, USA
Amanda / Flickr
If being near water calms your soul then you won’t want to miss out on spending time near the Illinois River. When you travel through one of the most scenic Illinois byways, you are taking the same route the French explorers once did. Bring your fishing rod or your canoe and commune with nature. Even if you just drive right through, you’ll enjoy the serene Illinois woodlands, forests, and wetlands.
4. Illinois Lincoln Highway
Lincoln Highway, Lincoln Hwy, Joliet, IL, USA
Tadson Bussey / Flickr
If you want to take a trip back in time, then pack up the car and head down the historic Lincoln Highway. Whether you prefer to make it a romantic trip or a trip with the kids, there is something for everyone. While enjoying the long, relaxing stretch of highway be sure to make a few pit stops to check out Ronald Reagan’s childhood home in Dixon, the amazing Fabyan Villa (they have their very own windmill!), or the old Rochelle railroad park.
5. Ohio River Scenic Byway
Ohio River Scenic Byway, Cairo, IL 62914, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
This area spans three different states: Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. The Ohio River Scenic Byway boasts 300 miles in Illinois alone, ending where the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers converge near Cairo, IL. Enjoy all that Southern Illinois has to offer. Check out antique shops, artist studios, and local farmers’ markets along the way. Take the weekend and even consider camping out under a blanket of stars. This is truly one of the most remarkable Illinois byways to drive.

One of the best drives in Illinois in the fall is the Ohio River Scenic Byway. Check it out in this video from the Ohio Department of Transportation:

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6. Long Hollow Scenic Overlook
Long Hollow Scenic Overlook, 2918 US Hwy 20 W, Elizabeth, IL 61028, USA
Soumit Nandi / Flickr
There is no better place to take a selfie than at the Long Hollow Scenic Overlook in Galena, with its picturesque rolling countryside that will make you feel like you are in rural England (no passport needed!). Pack a delicious picnic and enjoy a relaxing day at this peaceful spot before hopping back in the car and taking in the rest of the beautiful landscape laid out before you.
7. Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway
Historic Route 66, Old Rte 66, McLean, IL 61754, USA
HHLtDave5 / iStock via Getty Images Plus
Route 66 plays a pretty major part in America’s history. This old two-lane highway is now adorned with delicious restaurants, museums, and other cheesy but fun attractions. Experience what the American Dream really felt like while driving along legendary Route 66. On your way, be sure to check out an original brick road (no, it’s not yellow!) hand laid back in the 1930s and Harry’s Rabbit Ranch, which contains old Route 66 memorabilia and other kitschy items that made this one of the most renowned Illinois byways.
8. The Morton Arboretum
The Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532, USA
Anna Miller / Flickr
Sometimes there is nothing more relaxing than getting into nature and breathing in that fresh, crisp air. While the Morton Arboretum doesn’t boast an intimidating amount of driving miles (only nine miles, to be exact) you will still enjoy driving through about 1,700 lush acres of bountiful gardens and trees. On a nice day, you can also park the car, put on your hiking boots, and enjoy 16 miles of glorious trails.
9. Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway
Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway
Jon K. / Flickr
The Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway actually follows the Mississippi River for about 3,000 miles, starting in Minnesota and ending at the Gulf of Mexico. It spans about 10 states and has become one of the most iconic byways in the United States. As you may have imagined, there are a ton of river-related activities and attractions in which to partake. Also, be sure to check out the famous Cahokia mounds and visit the Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower where you can experience breathtaking 150-foot views of "Ol’ Man River." As one of the most scenic drives in Illinois, there's nothing else quite like it.
10. Historic National Road Scenic Byway
Vandalia, IL 62471, USA
OZinOH / Flickr
Also referred to as the "Road that Built the Nation," this byway started in Cumberland, Maryland, and ended in Vandalia, Illinois. With 164 miles to travel in the Land of Lincoln, the Illinois National Road makes it possible to follow the life and political career of Abraham Lincoln, as well as enjoy amazingly old and rare automobiles at MY Garage Museum, just to name a few.
11. Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail
Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail, 401 Ottawa St, Morris, IL 60450, USA
haselton68 / Flickr
Last but not least on our list of the best scenic drives in Illinois are the many backroads along the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail near Channahon State Park. The I&M trail is a scenic multi-use trail used for biking, walking, and hiking. Whether you are a professed history buff, a lover of nature, or a boatman you will enjoy all that these sweeping 96 miles of the Illinois and Michigan canals have to offer. Enjoy observing wildlife in their natural habitat or pull out the trusty snowmobile during the winter and check out 61.5 miles of pristine, snowy trails.

Take a biking tour of the I & M Canal State Trail in this video from Seize The Moment With Marty:

Who doesn’t love an adventure along some of the best driving roads in Illinois? It really helps take your mind off all the stressors in life. If you love a good, old-fashioned drive through beautiful rural Illinois and have a spot that’s your favorite we certainly want to hear about it in the comments.

Then, check out RVShare to learn how you can rent an RV and take that Illinois road trip you’ve been dreaming about.

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Best Scenic Drives In Illinois

Melissa M. | August 16, 2021

What are some of the most beautiful parks to visit in Illinois?

Some of the most beautiful parks to visit in Illinois include:

 

Considered the most beautiful state park, Starved Rock State Park is home to a surreal landscape of rock formations, canyons, forests, and waterfalls. It also sits along the Illinois River and you can hike to an overlook to get sweeping vistas of the water. Glacial Park in northern Illinois is a lesser-known park filled with wetlands formed by a glacier that was once here.

What are some of the best small towns in Illinois?

Some of the best small towns in Illinois include:

 

It’s no secret that the small towns of the Prairie State are charming, to say the least, and provide the perfect escape from daily life. Check out these 10 tiny towns in Illinois that are always worth a visit. There are sure to be scenic drives near you in each of these small towns.

Where can I take a scenic boat ride in Illinois?

Some places to take a scenic boat ride in Illinois include:

 

If you want to take a unique boat tour along the Illinois River and Lake Michigan, check out Chicago Fireboat Tours. Run by Veterans, you’ll board a historic fireboat for one of the most memorable tours in the state. Although there is a trail that runs along the I & M Canal, you can also take a tour of the canal on a riverboat that’s pulled by a mule! You’ll learn the history of the canal as you enjoy the scenery along the way.

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