The 10 Best Backroads In Illinois For A Long Scenic Drive
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
If you live in a highly trafficked area, you might forget how meditative it is to drive on the open road. As a state of mostly small towns, Illinois has plenty of scenic roads you can take to get away from it all and have space to look around instead of just staring at the bumper in front of you. Enjoy the scenery and take a long, lovely drive down one of these 10 amazing roads and see the best parts of the state. Let’s take a tour of some of the best backroads near Chicago.
Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway, 100-298 W Broadway, Alton, IL 62002, USA
Sprawling through 33 miles of southwestern Illinois, this gorgeous road travels through the Mississippi floodplain and coincides with a portion of the Great River Road. It begins at the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, at Pere Marquette State Park, and it ends at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers at Lewis and Clark State Historic Site.
Let's head to Alton for one of the most scenic drives in Illinois - the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway in this video from American Leaves:
Let's head to Alton for one of the most scenic drives in Illinois - the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway in this video from American Leaves:
Historic National Road Scenic Byway, Vandalia, IL, USA
Beginning in the town of Cumberland in Maryland, this road ends in the wonderful Illinois town of Vandalia. Our section is about 166 miles long. It is also known as "The Old Pike" or "The Road That Built the Nation" and it has existed since 1811, making it one of the oldest backroads in the state.
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Ohio River Scenic Byway, Metropolis, IL, USA
This gorgeous road spans three states: Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. Many use it to visit antique shops, farmers markets, and other attractions, but you can also drive the whole thing and see the best parts of Southern Illinois. With about 300 miles of highway in Illinois alone, you could make a whole day of sightseeing along the Ohio River Scenic Byway.
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Great River Road, Great River Rd, Grafton, IL, USA
Following the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles and spanning 10 states, this amazing road starts in Minnesota and extends to the Gulf of Mexico. There are many riverside attractions in Illinois along the road such as Cahokia Mounds, an ancient Native American settlement that is a must-see for all.
Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway, 11304 N Prairie Rd, Lewistown, IL 61542, USA
Traveling along its namesake, this road is partially an old route marked by French explorers and other immigrants who were drawn to Illinois. The Illinois River Road national byway preserves nature along the river, providing amazing views of serene Illinois woodlands and wetlands as well as prairies and lakes, which makes it perfect for nature lovers.
Another one of the best scenic drives near you in Ottawail is the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway. Let's take a drive with Robby Chiramel in this video:
Another one of the best scenic drives near you in Ottawail is the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway. Let's take a drive with Robby Chiramel in this video:
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Knox County Scenic Drive, 1636 Knox Rd 1550 N, Dahinda, IL 61428, USA
Navigate the charming small towns of Knox County on this self-guided car tour. Along the way, you'll pass many historic places including an old railroad depot, a log cabin from 1832, historic covered bridges, and a couple of one-room schoolhouses. You'll have your camera out almost all the time for this one.
Spoon River Road, Spoon River Rd, Millbrook Township, IL 61451, USA
Wind through this 140-mile backroad, and you'll find more than 20 amazing Illinois attractions that everyone must visit. There are also many festivals as well as flea markets and farmers markets that take place along this remote road. It is most popular during fall events, but you'll find lovely sights any time of year.
Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway, 1045 S 5th St, Springfield, IL 62703, USA
This incredible route is the iconic American road trip. It's known for its cheesy attractions, quirky restaurants, and unique museums. Beginning in Chicago and ending in St. Louis, you'll find an old, hand-laid brick road, a rabbit ranch, fried chicken, strange statues, and much more on this Illinois byway.
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Lincoln Highway, Lincoln Hwy, Joliet, IL, USA
At just over 153 miles, this road spans the Illinois section of U.S. 30 which connects Iowa and Indiana. Along the way, you'll see Ronald Reagan's childhood home, a railroad park, and other historic landmarks and attractions that only backroads can offer. In Illinois, the highway begins in Chicago and cuts through the suburbs before heading straight to Fulton.
Grand View Drive, 3210 N Grandview Dr, Peoria, IL 61614, USA
Perfect for a short, fun trip, this scenic backroad is only 2.5 miles long. Theodore Roosevelt named it the "world's most beautiful drive," so have that camera ready and drive both ways up and down the road for all the best sights.
Rick Stone Travels takes us on an adventure along Peoria’s Grand View Drive in this quick video:
Rick Stone Travels takes us on an adventure along Peoria’s Grand View Drive in this quick video:
There are always more places to explore in our great state of Illinois, so this list of the best back roads near Chicago will never be complete. Have you ever been up and down these roads? Share your experiences and photos with us! And let us know if there are any we missed.
If you love road trips, check out these seven places in Illinois’ boonies that are so worth the drive. One of the best ways to do so is by renting an RV and making it a road trip to remember.
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More to Explore
More Illinois scenic drives
What are the best backroads near me in Illinois?
Illinois has plenty of scenic highways and charming backroads to explore. There is bound to be one near you too. Here are a few of the best backroads in Illinois for your next peaceful drive:
- Dawson Lake Scenic Drive: Some of the best scenic drives in Illinois are short and sweet. Such is the case with this 3.3-mile loop around Dawson Lake. It is a popular lake for fishing, boating, and hiking, with plenty of wildlife to catch unaware. The drive is a gentle trek with fantastic views of the 158-acre lake.
- U.S. Route 50: Often called "The Loneliest Road in America," the four-hour stretch of this 3,000-mile transcontinental highway that travels from St. Louis to Allison Township, Illinois is mostly small towns and farmland. Be sure you make a pitstop in Olney, known for its unusual population of white squirrels.
- Fall colors road trip: This 77-mile drive will take you to see some of the most beautiful fall colors in Illinois. We'll start out at the Long Hollow Scenic Overlook in Elizabeth on a section of the Great River Road. Our final destination is Lowden State Park. Between those two points, you'll be treated to amazing views of fall foliage along the Mississippi River.
- Shawnee Hills Wine Trail: The Shawnee National Forest is a beautiful 289,000-acre area comprised of lakes, forests, and rolling hills between the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. There are nearly a dozen wineries tucked away in this stunning stretch of land, so a wine country drive is one of the best backroads drives you can take if you enjoy a full-bodied spring, summer, or fall tour.