The Breathtaking Scenic Drive Through Illinois That Runs Along The Ohio River
By Andrea Verschuyl|Published May 22, 2024
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Andrea Verschuyl
Author
Having grown up in Washington, Andrea is a self-admitted Pacific Northwest snob. In their opinion, there's simply nowhere else in the country with the Evergreen State's beauty. After attending university, Andrea devoted themselves to writing full-time. They're thrilled to represent Washington for Only In Your State while pursuing other professional and personal projects. They currently reside in Olympia, where they enjoy leaf-blowing their yard, perfecting homemade ramen, cuddling with their three tiny dogs, and feeding their pufferfish, Sea Biscuit.
If you’re planning a road trip this summer, consider checking out the Illinois leg of the Ohio River Scenic Byway. Easily one of the best scenic drives in Illinois, this gorgeous trip hugs close to the rugged Ohio, the second-largest river in the United States by volume. With charming pull-offs and gorgeous vistas, all you need are the right snacks to help fuel your adventure!
Running along the state's southern end, the Ohio River isn't only beautiful. It also played a crucial role in American history, facilitating Western expansion in the 1800s and the economic development of the Midwest.
Because of this long history, many of the coolest spots along the Ohio River Scenic Byway are also sites of past events. Cave-In-Rock, for instance, isn't just an incredible geologic formation. For many years, it also served as a hideout for a notorious gang of river pirates who terrorized river commerce for two years!
Other attractions, like Elizabethtown, have less exciting histories but remain gorgeous places to pull off and take in the water. Park your car and hop out to explore this charming area, dotted with diverting shops and great cafes!
If you're lucky, you might even catch an old steamship on the river. This old form of river transport may have gone the way of the dodo bird, but it's a charming reminder of how getting around the Ohio looked before the advent of more efficient forms of travel.
Because the Ohio River Scenic Byway is so popular, you'll find dozens of lovely murals sprinkled along your route. Each was painted by a local artist, and they often pay homage to the history of the river and the surrounding communities.
For laidback road trippers who want wind-in-their-hair adventure without spending exorbitantly on gas or investing too much time, the Illinois leg of the Ohio River Scenic Byway is the ideal route for summer fun!
Offering stunning water views and endless opportunities for exploration, the Prairie State’s portion of the Ohio River Scenic Byway is one of the best scenic drives in Illinois, bar none. This famous river was the site of some of our state’s most intriguing historical events. Traveling alongside it promises a day of beauty and learning that won’t break the bank.
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