There are times when we just want to get into the car and drive. Luckily, the Prairie State has several scenic backroads that make a drive incredibly enjoyable. If you’re in the mood to hit the road, take one of these beautiful backroads in Illinois.
- Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway
Great Rivers & Routes/Facebook This 33-mile section of the much larger Great River Road is found in the west-central part of the state. Take one of the most scenic drives in Illinois between Hartford and Grafton! Read our previous coverage to learn more. Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway, 100-298 W Broadway, Alton, IL 62002, USA
- Illinois’ Historic Route 66
Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway/Facebook Start at the beginning of Route 66 in Chicago and head west through the state. Along the way, you will encounter small towns, plenty of quirky roadside attractions and eateries, and some nostalgic fun! Head to the Illinois Route 66 website for more information.
- Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
Shawnee Hills Wine Trail/Facebook Take a drive through the scenic countryside along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail in the Shawnee National Forest. And, of course, you can stop at several wineries along the way! Visit the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail website for more information.
- Giant City State Park
Alvin Cortner/Google Sure there are plenty of hiking trails at Giant City State Park to explore but you also have the option of taking a scenic drive through this 4,000-acre park instead. Visit the web page to learn more. Giant City State Park, 235 Giant City Rd, Makanda, IL 62958, USA
- Grand View Drive in Peoria
Blututh/Wikimedia Commons Grand View Drive is a short and sweet scenic backroad that takes you above the bluffs overlooking the Illinois River Valley. There are overlooks to stop and take in the scenery along the way as well. Read our previous coverage to learn more. Grandview Drive, Grandview Dr, Peoria, IL, USA
- Ohio River Scenic Byway
Nick Jordan/Wikimedia Commons The Ohio River Scenic Byway runs parallel to the Ohio River. It begins in Cairo and travels through the Shawnee National Forest. In all, this scenic route is 188 miles of views and parks to stop at along the way. Read our previous coverage to learn more.
Have you taken one of these beautiful backroads in Illinois? What is your favorite scenic road in the state? Let us know in the comments!
Great Rivers & Routes/Facebook
This 33-mile section of the much larger Great River Road is found in the west-central part of the state. Take one of the most scenic drives in Illinois between Hartford and Grafton! Read our previous coverage to learn more.
Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway, 100-298 W Broadway, Alton, IL 62002, USA
Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway/Facebook
Start at the beginning of Route 66 in Chicago and head west through the state. Along the way, you will encounter small towns, plenty of quirky roadside attractions and eateries, and some nostalgic fun! Head to the Illinois Route 66 website for more information.
Shawnee Hills Wine Trail/Facebook
Take a drive through the scenic countryside along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail in the Shawnee National Forest. And, of course, you can stop at several wineries along the way! Visit the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail website for more information.
Alvin Cortner/Google
Sure there are plenty of hiking trails at Giant City State Park to explore but you also have the option of taking a scenic drive through this 4,000-acre park instead. Visit the web page to learn more.
Giant City State Park, 235 Giant City Rd, Makanda, IL 62958, USA
Blututh/Wikimedia Commons
Grand View Drive is a short and sweet scenic backroad that takes you above the bluffs overlooking the Illinois River Valley. There are overlooks to stop and take in the scenery along the way as well. Read our previous coverage to learn more.
Grandview Drive, Grandview Dr, Peoria, IL, USA
Nick Jordan/Wikimedia Commons
The Ohio River Scenic Byway runs parallel to the Ohio River. It begins in Cairo and travels through the Shawnee National Forest. In all, this scenic route is 188 miles of views and parks to stop at along the way. Read our previous coverage to learn more.
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