 "Illinois' scenic byways help connect travelers to the past while
they discover the present," said Illinois Transportation Secretary
Ann L. Schneider. "These byways are found in every region of the
state and are a true testament to the network of beautiful roadways
from east to west and downstate to upstate."Visitors can now plan
their byway trips and explore what each scenic route holds through
the new interactive website feature on
EnjoyIllinois.com. From
quirky roadside attractions and photo opportunities to historical
sites and natural wonders, the new website feature will help
visitors discover the unique culture found along each of Illinois'
seven byways.
"Scenic byways are more than just roads, they tell the story of
America's development," said David Vaught, director of the Illinois
Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. "We encourage
people to experience our Lincoln history, our diverse culture and
attractions along these great roads and rivers."
Established by Congress in 1991, a National Scenic Byway is a
road recognized by the United States Department of Transportation
for its archeological, cultural, historic, natural recreational or
scenic qualities. Illinois' seven byways are found in all regions of
the state.
To enjoy Illinois' scenic byways throughout the year, visit
EnjoyIllinois.com for
events and activity information. The seven national scenic byways in
Illinois are as follows:
Great River Road
Spanning 550 miles along Illinois' western border, the Great
River Road National Scenic Byway offers breathtaking views of the
banks and bluffs surrounding the mighty Mississippi River. Passing
through Galena, Moline, Quincy, Alton and Cairo, the Great River
Road is perfect for a weekend trip or an extended journey to
explore, play, shop or simply unwind in Illinois' Great Rivers
Country. The Illinois Great River Road was included in National
Geographic's "500 Drives of a Lifetime." To learn more, visit
greatriverroad-illinois.org.
Illinois Lincoln Highway
The Illinois Lincoln Highway National Scenic Byway pays homage to
Illinois' most famous resident, Abraham Lincoln. Passing through
Joliet, Geneva, DeKalb and Dixon, the highway stretches along a
179-mile path from Chicago's south suburbs, then west toward Fulton
on the Mississippi River. Travelers will discover the unique
cultures of each community along the way, finding a past era woven
together with the present. To learn more, visit
drivelincolnhighway.com.
Historic National Road in Illinois
Known as "the road that built the nation," the National Road was
created in 1806 by President Thomas Jefferson and opened the state
up to settlement. Today, the road in Illinois stretches 164 miles
from Marshall to East St. Louis. Travelers can journey along the
road to see where Lincoln's political career began and take in the
local color of communities throughout the Land of Lincoln. To learn
more, visit nationalroad.org.
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 Historic Route 66
America's most famous road, the historic Route 66, originates in
Chicago and stretches across America. In Illinois, travelers can get
their kicks along the 436-mile Historic Route 66 from Chicago to
East St. Louis, soaking in kitschy roadside attractions, iconic
classic American diners, museums and heartwarming Americana along
the way. A drive along Historic Route 66 in Illinois is a trip back
in time to one of America's most iconic eras. To learn more, visit
illinoisroute66.org.
Illinois River Road
The Illinois River Road meanders along the Illinois River from
Havana to Ottawa. Natural areas like Peoria Wildlife Prairie State
Park, Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge and Starved Rock State Park
provide a beautiful setting, allowing travelers to experience
Illinois' natural resources and countless species of birds, plants,
fish and other wildlife that symbolize the American Midwest prairie,
in the heart of the state. The byway region has nearly 100 connected
nature sites that offer outdoor recreation in the Illinois River
Valley. To learn more, visit
illinoisriverroad.org.
Meeting of the Great Rivers
The Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway offers one of the
most breathtaking road trips in the Midwest, through the majestic
landscape where the Missouri and Illinois Rivers meet the
Mississippi. The road winds along a 33-mile path, following the
Mississippi on the western edge of the state, from Hartford to
Grafton. The byway passes through Elsah, Alton and Godfrey, offering
plenty of opportunities for travelers to discover spectacular
landscapes, archeological finds, historic happenings, cultural
destinations and countless recreation options. To learn more, visit
greatriversbyway.com.
Ohio River Scenic Byway
Southern Illinois is home to gems like the Shawnee National
Forest, Garden of the Gods and the Ohio River Scenic Byway. The
byway is a 188-mile journey along the majestic Ohio River, from the
Indiana border to the Mississippi River at Cairo. Passing through
towns like Golconda and Elizabethtown, the Ohio River Scenic Byway
offers a glimpse into an area of Illinois rich with Civil War
history, outdoor adventure, geological wonders and more. To learn
more, visit
ohioriverscenicbyway.net.
Travelers can download the Enjoy Illinois travel application or
request a free 2012 Illinois Travel Guide at
EnjoyIllinois.com.
[Text from file received from the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information] |
