From scenic overlooks to scenic drives, from natural wonders to manmade wonders, the Prairie State has plenty of breathtaking places to explore. If you take our scenic road trip in Illinois, you will get to see some of the most beautiful spots around the state.
This road trip is 418 miles and just over eight hours of drive time, so it's best to do this over the course of two or three days, perfect for a long weekend getaway! Feel free to use our interactive map as your guide and add any stops you want to make along the way.
1. Grandview Drive, Peoria
We begin this road trip with a 2.5-mile drive along Peoria's Grandview Drive. This road is short and sweet and oh so scenic! Constructed back in 1903, it rides alongside bluffs overlooking the Illinois River Valley and is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can read more about Grandview Drive in this article.
2. Old Illinois State Capitol, Springfield
One of the most prominent buildings in the city of Springfield is the Old State Capitol Building, a reconstruction of the building that served as the statehouse from 1840 until 1876. Built in the Greek revival style, this building is a must-visit in Illinois. You can learn more on the webpage.
3. Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway
At 33 miles, the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway is situated at the meeting of the Missouri, Illinois, and Mississippi Rivers. A smaller section of the much longer Great River Road, this byway leads through some of the most scenic parts of the state. You'll pass by bluffs and through charming small towns worthy of exploring. Read more about this gorgeous byway in this post.
4. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Collinsville
Beautiful and mysterious, Cahokia Mounds is what remains of an ancient pre-Columbian Native American settlement. It's a fascinating archeological site filled with earthen mounds, including one that's over 100 feet tall. Find out more on the website.
5. Giant City State Park, Makanda
The massive boulders at Giant City State Park create an otherworldly experience for those who visit. This 4,000-acre park is found within the Shawnee National Forest and is filled with sandstone bluffs and rock formations. Take the Giant City Nature Trail to explore a labrynth of rocks. You can learn more about the trail in this post.
6. Inspiration Point, Wolf Lake
Also found within the expanse that is the Shawnee National Forest is Inspiration Point, an overlook that anyone would find...inspirational! Take the 0.7-mile Inspiration Point Trail to the top of a cliff and take in the breathtaking panoramic views below. Read more in this post.
7. Cache River State Natural Area, Belknap
You may not think that a state like Illinois would have a swamp, but it does! Cache River State Natural Area looks like something you would find in the deep south with its ancient cypress trees rising out of the wetlands. Aside from its beauty, this area is ecologically important providing a habitat to more than 230 bird species. Learn more about this fascinating nature preserve in this article.
8. Garden of the Gods Wilderness, Herod
Last but not least on this scenic road trip in Illinois is Garden of the Gods Wilderness which is known best for its rock formations and scenic views. Also part of the Shawnee National Forest, Garden of the Gods has some of the most fascinating rock formations and bluffs you can find in the state. Read more in our previous article.
Are you ready for a scenic road trip in Illinois? What places do you believe to be the most beautiful around the state? Let us know in the comments.
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