7 Great Road Trips to Take in Illinois

So long as Illinois has Starved Rock State Park, the Shawnee National Forest, and the Driftless Area, any avid road tripper will give it serious consideration. From farm roads that rise and fall like roller coasters to wooded cliffs that rise sharply from the Illinois River Valley, Illinois has stretches that feel far removed from the flatland stereotype. You can cruise through the tree-lined backroads of the countryside or wind along the water on the famous Lake Shore Drive, arguably urban America's most beautiful roadway.

Now it’s time to pack some snacks, queue your favorite playlist, and explore what Illinois offers. Continue reading to discover 7 great road trips to take in Illinois.

Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Route

Regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of Illinois, the Meeting of the Great Rivers snakes through the floodplain of the Mississippi and is a breathtaking 33-mile section of the Great River Road, where the great Mississippi, Illinois, and Missouri rivers come together. The drive begins in Hartford at the intersection of Illinois Route 3 and New Poag Road, right on the edge of Lewis and Clark (Camp River Dubois) State Historic Site, which displays portions of a log cabin, a replica of the large boat used for the expedition, and various other supplies and equipment needed in the early 1800s.

This drive then winds west and north via Illinois Routes 3, 143, and 100, hugging beautiful river bluffs and passing small waterfront communities where life is simple and authentic. From the state historic site, stop at Casey’s to fill your tank or grab a filling pizza, then aim for the National Great Rivers Museum near Alton. The museum features a scale hydraulic model depicting how the locks work and a barge-piloting simulator. Stretch your legs in Grafton, then head to the phenomenal Pere Marquette State Park, which offers scenic drives through several memorable overlooks.

Galena to Savanna

The Galena to Savanna road trip is also part of the Great River Road in Illinois. The signed scenic route is basically the same as Illinois Route 84, especially for that part of the drive. You follow U.S. 20 from East Dubuque through Galena, then turn south onto Illinois Route 84, continuing through Hanover and down through Savanna. Expect rugged bluff landscapes and significant elevation changes, especially around the Mississippi Palisades, due to the unique unglaciated (driftless) topography. If driving from Galena, start by strolling along the town’s historic Main Street, a lovely stretch lined with Victorian-era architecture. If you have enough time on your hands, you may want to tour the Belvedere Mansion and Gardens, an imposing 22-room residence built in 1857, and featuring artifacts belonging to Marie Antoinette.

Now, start your road trip adventure, keeping an eye out for Long Hollow Scenic Overlook, which offers breathtaking views and convenient picnic tables. Stop for a quick burger at L & J Bootlegger Saloon in Hanover, then aim for what many consider to be the best attraction on the route: the Mississippi Palisades State Park. After enjoying the panoramic overlooks and admiring the beautiful wildflowers, hit the road to Savanna, a sportsman’s paradise with epic hiking and biking opportunities.

The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail

Unlike several scenic routes that follow rivers and soaring bluffs, the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail winds through the rolling hills of the Shawnee National Forest, offering woodland views, peaceful valleys, and transitions through farmland. Start your driving experience in Murphysboro, acclaimed as Illinois’ BBQ capital. It could be the only town in the United States with two Barbecue Hall of Famers. After celebrating the legacy of a celebrated Civil War general at the General John A. Logan Museum, hit the asphalt on the rolling hills of Highway 127, advancing through an area with many wineries and the scenery of the Shawnee National Forest. Expect decent elevation changes, peaceful woodlands, and rural southern Illinois charm.

Farther ahead, relax with a glass of sparkling wine at Alto Vineyards, then cruise down to Jonesboro, where one of the historic Lincoln and Douglas debates was held. Stretch your legs at the Lincoln Memorial Picnic Grounds, where the famous debates took place. Afterwards, snake your way back north through the countryside on Highway 51, eventually crossing over to Makanda Road, which leads into the village of Makanda, the gateway into Giant City State Park.

Grandview Drive

Grandview Drive (notice the word “Grand”) is a picturesque drive and park offering scenic views of the Illinois River while walking, biking, or hiking one of the many stunning trails. Theodore Roosevelt, perhaps the president who best appreciated the meaning of outdoor beauty, once called it “the world’s most beautiful drive.” It is short, spanning just about 2.5 miles. However, what it lacks in length it makes up for in scenery. Grandview Drive offers numerous panoramic views of the Illinois River Valley and the chance to see several historic and remarkable homes lining it.

Although trippers can experience it in any season, it is especially beautiful in autumn, with the ever-changing colors of fall leaves. This road stretches from Prospect Road near Heights Tower, where you can soak up awesome views of the Peoria metro area, and ultimately connects to Illinois Route 29. It is generally a winding stretch with incredible sightseeing opportunities. There is a large park called Grandview Park, and on the opposite side, another mind-calming space known as Upper Grandview Drive Park, which features lots of picnic tables and barbecues.

Ohio River Scenic Byway

The Ohio River Scenic Byway is a formidable drive spanning more than 940 miles and traversing 13 Appalachian counties. The Illinois portion starts at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers near Fort Defiance State Park. It then follows the Ohio River into Indiana across southern Illinois. Peaceful river views, rolling hills, and lush, forested sections are the hallmarks of this drive. From Fort Defiance, head north to Mound City, Olmsted, and Grand Chain, a small, laid-back town named for a chain of rocks stretching six miles along the Ohio River.

From Grand Chain, turn east and aim for Joppa, Unionville, and New Liberty, then face north to Bay City and Golconda, where a plate of delicious catfish at Diver Down will come in handy. Back on the road, hit Illinois-146, before turning north near Cave-in Rock State Park in Hardin County. This drive ends in New Haven and covers about 72 miles in Illinois.

Route 66

Route 66 in Illinois may not have hairpin turns and atmospheric heights, but in other respects, it is culturally irreplaceable. No other Illinois drive has influenced global travel culture as much as Route 66 has. In essence, it is not just a road; it is American mythology. Route 66 begins in front of the Art Institute of Chicago and runs for about 300 miles, amid cultivated fields and pastures, occasionally separated by hedgerows; open views that stretch to the horizon, and a wide, expansive sky. It terminates at Chain of Rocks Bridge near Granite City. Joliet Area Historical Museum, about 40 miles from Chicago, has interesting Route 66 memorabilia that any history nerd will want to check out.

Farther along is the Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum in Pontiac, which celebrates the "Mother Road" with thousands of vintage artifacts, photos, and memorabilia. Keep an eye out for the town of Lincoln, reputed to be the only town in the US named for Abraham Lincoln before he became president, and for Ariston Cafe in Litchfield, one of the oldest continually operating Route 66 restaurants.

Lake Shore Drive

Lake Shore Drive delivers what few other drives in the United States do: a dramatic urban-nature contrast. On one side is the wavy blue of Lake Michigan, vast and almost oceanic. On the other side is one of the world's most iconic skylines. Take note that Lake Shore Drive begins at the junction of Marquette Drive and Jeffery Drive (around 6600 S) on Chicago’s South Side and terminates at Hollywood Avenue (around 5700 N) in the Edgewater neighborhood on Chicago’s North Side. Keep your eyes peeled for McCormick Place, a massive convention centre featuring four linked buildings with exhibit halls, meeting rooms, and theatres. It holds the distinction of being the largest convention center in the Western hemisphere.

The Museum Campus, just about 5 minutes farther, houses three of the city's leading institutions all in one place. These include the Field Museum of Natural History, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium, reputed to be America's first planetarium. Continuing north, the refreshing atmosphere at Lakefront Park is always ideal for walking and jogging, while the International Museum of Surgical Science documents the history of surgery from ancient times right up to the present.

The truth is, Illinois is one of America's most underrated road trip states. However, beyond the familiar image of endless plains lies a state stitched together by rolling farm roads, forested river valleys, and striking limestone bluffs. From backroads that dip and rise through quiet countryside to the sweeping curves of Lake Shore Drive tracing Lake Michigan’s edge, Illinois offers drives that feel scenic, immersive, and distinctly memorable. It’s upon you to prove it. So fuel up, cue the soundtrack, and admire another face of the Prairie State from behind the wheel.