Grab your family (or just your own sense of adventure) and spend a Saturday touring this beautiful section of the Illinois River Road!
This scenic drive through Illinois begins in historic Ottawa. The Illinois River Road spans 150 miles. You could spend months following it south to Havana where it meets the Shawnee National Forest and trying to take in the hundreds of natural, historical, and cultural attractions along the way.
For those looking for a quick trip, however, The Central/Northern Byway of the Illinois River Road offers a lovely sample of that experience. This scenic drive through Illinois will take your breath away without you needing to take time off of work.
You can do the stunning drive outlined here in one day. It features three beautiful areas to explore by foot, Matthiessen State Park, the Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park, and Wildlife Prairie State Park, in addition to its stunning riverside driving.
Ottawa is a town with a rich history and an even richer view of the Illinois River. Arrive early and grab a bite to eat in the charming Historic Downtown to fortify you for the day ahead. After you do, begin your travels on a historical note and check out Washington Square, where the first of famous Senatorial debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas took place. Even if you're not a history buff, the park is a lovely place to digest breakfast before beginning your drive. Washington Square Park is Located at Washington Square Park, 101 E Lafayette St, Ottawa, IL 61350.
2. Cascade Falls, Matthiessen State Park (Utica, IL)
From Ottawa, pass through the Illinois Waterway Visitors Center that overlooks the Illinois River Basin. From there, it’s only a twenty minute drive to Matthiessen State Park — a well-loved, but lesser known cousin of nearby Starved Rock State Park. Home to the remarkable Cascade Falls and Giant’s Bathtub Falls, this park is an ideal place to stretch your legs before you start the longer part of the drive and contains some of the most inspiring nature in Northern Illinois.
Matthiessen State Park is located at 2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL 61348.
From Matthiessen State Park, take IL-40 S through charming Princeton and arrive at the Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park. This area is known for recreational bird watching, hiking, and even cross-country skiing. The canal itself runs 105 miles, so you if you’re feeling athletic, this is an ideal location for biking and horseback riding, as well. Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park is located at 16006 E. Street, Sheffield, IL 61361.
Continuing down Il-40 S, you’ll pass through the Osceola and Kickapoo townships, each worth visiting for their culture, dining, and wineries after the pandemic. This will bring you to Wildlife Prairie State Park. This zoological park is home to bears, bison, cougars, and wolves, making it a standout for brave travelers. One of the less threatening wild specimens is pictured here. Wildlife Prairie Park is located at 3826 N Taylor Rd, Hanna City, IL 61536.
Wildlife Prairie State Park is just outside of Peoria, so stop into the city for dinner. Then conclude your trip by taking Grandview Drive north through the Peoria Bluffs as sunset begins— this puts you back on the beaten track, but it’s worth it to see what Theodore Roosevelt famously called "the world’s most beautiful drive." Grandview Drive State Park is located at 3615 N Grandview Dr, Peoria, IL 61614.
From Grandview Drive, rejoin Il-26 N to travel alongside Illinois River and Billsbach Lake as the sunset lights up the water. Finally, complete the loop and return to Ottawa via IL-18 E, depart for wherever home is, or stay the night in Peoria, which has lots of attractions for travelers looking for another day of adventures.
What scenic drives through Illinois do you take to get away from it all? Do you agree with President Roosevelt, or does another spot give Grandview Drive a run for its money?
Get in touch! We want to see your photos and hear your tales of the road.
If you’re interested in a trip to Europe but want to skip the overseas flight, just head to the little town of Galena. This riverside hamlet is like a place that time forgot – it’s filled with picture-perfect streets lined by homes and businesses built by European immigrants long ago. I enjoyed a short trip to Galena, which was even better than I imagined. I explored downtown Galena, Galena’s attractions, and more and found this little city has a lot to offer. Looking for things to do in Galena? Here’s a quick Galena travel guide.
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From the coast of Oregon to the mountains of Pennsylvania and everywhere in between, there are countless charming and captivating small towns across America worthy of a weekend getaway. Curated by our team of local travel experts, you’ll love our 2024 Small Town Getaways.
This area has been inhabited for a very long time. Long before Europeans arrived, the area was home to Native American tribes. The French began exploring the region in the 1600s, but the town really started to boom when a lead mining exploded around here in the 1800s, drawing scores of immigrant miners. The town was officially established in 1826 and it quickly became a hub for lead mining and steamboat traffic on the Mississippi River.
In the latter half of the 1800s, the lead mining industry in Galena went into a serious decline. The rise of railroads diminished the importance of river traffic, the river began to fill with sediment, and Galena went into an economic decline. But there was an upside – new development did not replace the beautiful old buildings, and they still stand proudly today. The Galena Historic District now encompasses about 85 percent of the town and includes more than 800 properties!
The secret is out on Galena. Today, Galena is a vibrant community that attracts visitors from all over the world. Its historic downtown is filled with boutiques, restaurants, art galleries, and antique shops. If you’re looking for a place that feels like a true escape, Galena could be the perfect destination.
Galena is a small town with about 3,200 residents, but that’s part of the charm. It’s a bustling place but it’s far from urban traffic jams, and it’s easy to explore – one cobblestone at a time. I’ve traveled to more Midwest destinations than I can count, but this was one spot where I really felt that I was somewhere else – it reminded me a little bit of Europe, but it’s truly its own place. If you are considering a trip to Galena, you won’t be disappointed.
You’ll probably want to take a car to get to Galena, although there are also motor coach tours that stop here. It’s a pretty easy drive from the major destinations. It’s less than a three-hour drive from Chicago - you’ll take US 20 west out of Rockford. Galena is only about 90 minutes from the Quad Cities. You’ll head up to Dubuque, then take US 20 east into Galena.
While it’s easy to find parking anywhere in town, this city is best explored on foot. It was a good thing my pedometer was charged. I logged a few miles strolling up and down downtown and through the historic sights. It gave me an excuse to enjoy a few sweet treats along the way – I burned a lot of calories on this trip!
One thing that sets Galena apart from other destinations is that there is really no bad time to visit. While there are some seasonal recreation options nearby, the town is always beautiful and it’s always a pleasant escape, whether the trees are ablaze in fall color or dusted in snow.
There are some seasonal events you might not want to miss. The Great Galena Balloon Race takes place each June and there are other festivals that celebrate everything from beer to garlic. There’s always something happening – see upcoming Galena Events on the Visit Galena website. Plan your trip when you have time to travel. Galena will be waiting for you, and there will be plenty to do.
Galena is filled with a ton of historic and charming places to stay, including vacation homes and hotels, but you’ll still want to book early for the best options.
This incredible property was built in 1855 – notable visitors include Abraham Lincoln. The DeSoto House is just as beautiful as it was in the 1850s, and the location is perfect for exploring Galena. If you want to immerse yourself in the history of Galena, there’s no better hotel. I wasn’t able to stay in the hotel, but I couldn’t resist peeking into their lobby – next time I’m in Galena, I’ll have to book a room.
Airbnb Pick: Beautiful Miner's Cottage in a Garden
Want to experience a getaway that will take you back to old Galena? This 1840s miner's cottage could be perfect. It’s just three blocks from Main Street, and the house has a corner lot in the Galena National Historic District. The home has been nicely updated to make it comfortable for today, but it still has plenty of old Galena charm.
If you love exploring historic sites and architecture, you’ll love Galena – there’s so much to experience. In a sense, the whole town feels like a landmark, and many of the buildings certainly are. You might consider a walking tour of the town, but be sure to allow plenty of time to stroll, as there’s a lot to see here. I found myself taking a ton of photos as I walked.
Galena residents gave Grant this beautiful home in 1865 as a gift for his war service. Since 1904, it has served as a memorial to the famous Civil War General and American president. I missed the tour of the Ulysses S. Grant Home but I still hiked up to see the home’s exterior and grounds. It’s an impressive property on a hill above the city, and it feels very presidential!
I next hiked over to a home that’s considered the finest in Galena. The Belvedere Mansion is a lavish Italianate-style mansion built in 1857. It has 22 rooms and was once the home of one of Galena’s most prominent residents, J. Russell Jones. It’s incredible – I spent a lot of time just taking in the ornate exterior.
This local history museum is pretty amazing. The U.S. Grant History Museum has over 6,000 feet of exhibit space and it’s a great place to learn about lead mining – you can look down into an actual mine! The building itself is pretty cool – it’s a mansion that was built in 1858 for a Galena Merchant named Daniel Barrows.
One of the best Galena attractions will take you all over town. Galena Trolley Tours has tours that will take you through the history and architecture of the town. You can buy tickets right at the depo on Main Street - look for the big red parked trolleys! Get a ticket and enjoy a ride like no other up and down Galena’s historic streets.
Galena is a city for shoppers. The downtown is filled with unique and eclectic shops and galleries – whether you’re looking for a special gift or a souvenir, you’ll find it. There are shops everywhere, with a big selection in and around Main Street.
I’m from Wisconsin, so I would not have guessed I would be impressed by an Illinois Cheese shop. I was wrong – the selection at Galena River Wine & Cheese is fantastic. You can buy great cheeses from around the world and, of course, from Wisconsin!
If you love root beer, you’ll feel like you’re in heaven here. Root Beer Revelry has an enormous selection of root beer on hand, and you can even do a tasting. Kids of all ages will enjoy this place. I tried some great varieties and left with some bottles for the road!
It’s easy to work up an appetite in Galena, and fortunately, you're in a very good place to dine out. From casual cafes to formal restaurants, there’s something for every diner, and on nice days, there are some spots with outdoor patios.
But first, start your day with a perfect pastry at Galena Bakehouse. You may have a hard time choosing, but it’s all delicious. The owners took very good care of me when I was in Galena. They gave me a lot of great tips that helped me explore the town, and I left with what I needed for an impromptu picnic!
This cozy Galena dining spot on a cobblestone street is the perfect place to tuck in for a relaxing lunch or dinner. Vinny Vanucchi's has plenty of delicious Italian fare, and it’s a welcoming spot - you’ll feel like you’re part of the familia! For lunch, you might try one of Vinny’s “Neighborhood Sangwiches” like the Italian Meatball. On nice days, look for a table outside.
Located on Diagonal Street, this is another good bet for lunch or dinner. Galena Taphouse serves a variety of casual options like sandwiches and salads as well as upscale dinner options like duck risotto. And, of course, the beer selection is pretty outstanding – they feature a large number of craft beers that are produced within 200 miles of Galena.
This bistro is a little bit French and a little bit German – and it gets great reviews. Fritz and Frites is a great spot for dinner – if you like traditional German food, try the sauerbraten. My parents love German food and this is one of their favorite Galena restaurants!
You’re never far from a beautiful natural area when you’re in Galena. From walking paths in the heart of town to wild paths along the nearby Mississippi River, there’s plenty of natural beauty in and around Galena.
For a short but pleasant stroll, consider walking along the town’s levee. It was built from 1948-51 to protect downtown from flooding but now it’s a nice place for a walk by the river. I took my morning coffee along for the walk and it was fantastic! There were a lot of people strolling here, and no one seemed to be in much of a hurry as they enjoyed the river view. I could see why!
There are some beautiful trails that are just a short drive from the heart of Galena. The Casper Bluff Trails wind through some gorgeous prairies on land that overlooks the Mississippi. I hiked only part of the trails and found them really beautiful – I bet they are gorgeous during the late summer when the wildflowers are in full bloom.
I loved my time in Galena! There’s so much to explore in this little town. If you visit Galena, I recommend you plan at least a weekend to explore the town. I visited in the spring but hope to catch Galena in different seasons – from what I hear, it’s magical to see the seasons turn! Learn more about things to see and do in Galena on the Visit Galena website. If you’re planning a road trip to Galena, here is an ultimate packing list to make your travels even easier!
What's not to love about taking a break and soaking in a change of scenery? While heading to a city or a large, popular town is almost always a good time, why not go on an adventure and explore one of the many small towns around Illinois instead? One of these small towns, Lebanon, may not be one you've considered visiting (at least not yet) but it's perfect for a weekend getaway in Illinois. If your interest has been piqued, read on to learn about things to do in Lebanon, IL.
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Based in the southern part of the state, Lebanon, Illinois is a small town that was established in 1814. Today it has a population of just under 4,500 residents. It is also home to McKendree University which is the oldest Methodist college in the state, a vibrant arts community, and a lovely main street filled with restaurants, antique shops, and boutiques.
If you haven't yet considered spending some time in Lebanon, IL, you should put it on your radar. It's a place that is worthwhile to explore on a day or weekend trip.
St. Louis Street, also known as "The Brick Street," is the heart and soul of this charming town. Here you'll find several restaurants, locally-owned boutiques, and antique shops like Tiadaghton House (pictured here). These are just some of the many things to do in Lebanon, Illinois.
If you're hungry while in town, several eateries await your arrival. Perhaps you'll want to try The Cobblestone Eatery and Drinker, where you can enjoy a variety of sandwiches, burgers, and more when you're touring around Lebanon, IL.
Not too far from The Brick Street is the historic Mermaid House Inn. Built in 1830 by a retired sea captain, it once served as a hotel and then a residence from 1845-1964. Its main claim to fame is that Charles Dickens once made a visit in 1842 and commemorated his stay in his book, American Notes.
Today, visitors can take a tour of the Mermaid House Inn if they're looking for things to do in Lebanon, Illinois.
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Since a thriving arts community also exists in Lebanon, it's certainly something to check out while you're here. Perhaps you can enjoy a live performance and take in a play at
Another place to consider visiting when you're in Lebanon, Illinois is the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts. This is a performing arts center located on the McKendree University campus.
And, if you need a nature fix while spending time in Lebanon, IL, plan to stop at the 58-acre Horner Park where you can take a stroll on a pathway and fish at its five-acre lake. As you can see, it's a truly lovely and relaxing place to be!
If you've already been to this charming town, have you been to the places we mentioned? If you have more suggestions for things to do in Lebanon, IL, feel free to share your thoughts in the following comments section too.
