This Illinois Prairieland All-American Road Is the Ultimate US Road Trip

Illinois is one of the states that was originally part of a highway network designed to help settle the United States. It was realized early in the country's history that a road would need to connect eastern states with territories to the west. The Historic National Road was first approved in 1806 as a means to facilitate the westward movement of settlers. Also known as The Cumberland Trail, this road passed through Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. Settlers and travelers used it, and it fueled the growth of several towns and cities along the route until the arrival of the steam locomotive and railroad, and then the interstate highway system, spelled its demise. Revived at the turn of the century and designated an All-American Road by the US Secretary of Transportation in 2002, today, what remains of it can be used as a road trip through some of the most attractive small towns in the country.

Small Towns With Big Sites

In Illinois, the town of Marshall is the first stop along your road trip as you head west. This town has the quirky honor of being in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the largest gavel in the world. Also downtown, you will find Harlan Hall, a former opera house and now home to the official interpretive center for the National Road, with photographs, displays, and a mini-museum of local artifacts. Marshall is also near popular outdoor destinations, such as the Lincoln Trail State Park, where you can get a good dose of fresh air or even camp along the lake shore before starting the drive.

Just about 20 minutes from Marshall is the charming town of Casey, with more big surprises in store. Here, you can embark on a self-directed scavenger hunt to find the world's largest wind chime, the world's largest mailbox, the world's largest rocking chair, and many other unusually oversized objects that decorate the town. Road trippers should not miss this place if they are looking for unique photo opportunities.

Relaxation and Contemplation

Heading further down the road will bring you to Greenup, where you can stop in at award-winning Cameo Vineyards for a flight or a glass in their tasting room. The vineyards were first planted in 1991, and from humble beginnings, they expanded to encompass 4,000 French-American hybrid grapevines across seven acres of land. Those who want a brief window into the town's history can stop at the Greenup Depot. The depot began operations in 1870 and today features the original waiting room, various original office fixtures, and a model of the railroad as it existed at the time.

The journey along the Historic National Road continues to Teutopolis. This unique destination boasts a rich history. The town was founded by German immigrants, and today, the Teutopolis Monastery Museum features 38 rooms open for viewing, showcasing a collection of artifacts that reflect the lives of the friars who once made the area their home, as well as the only Franciscan Mausoleum in the Midwest.

From Teutopolis, you will pass through Effingham. Whether religious or not, visitors to the area will want to see the colossal Cross at the Crossroads. rising nearly 200 feet into the sky. There are also events to enjoy throughout the year, depending on when you visit. Wonderland in Lights brings the local Community Park to life with a drive-through holiday light experience you can experience without even parking the car.

History Comes Alive

Vandalia is the next stop, about 30 minutes down the road. This was Illinois' second capital from 1819 to 1839. Today, visitors can get a glimpse of that history at the Vandalia State House. This structure is the oldest surviving capitol building in the state. The nearby National Road Interpretive Center is another destination that preserves the history of the National Road and exhibits details of the road's use throughout the centuries.

Another half-hour's drive brings you to Greenville, a town that has an extensive history dating back to the early years of the United States. First founded in 1815, its first post office was erected in 1819, and it was officially incorporated as a city in 1872. History enthusiasts can learn more about this rich history at the Bond County Museum in the U.S. DeMoulin Mansion. The Victorian home was built in 1900 and was donated to the Historical Society in 2018. It has since become both an archive and a community gathering place, hosting events such as annual band concerts, pie and ice cream socials, and Heritage Day activities.

Winding Down The Roadtrip

Pocahontas is just a short trip from Greenville and the penultimate stop on this itinerary. You can get out and stretch your legs at Gretchen Wilson Park, named after the country music sensation and hometown heroine. Visitors passing through the area may instead want to stop just north of town at the Copper Dock Winery. This lovely destination serves up locally produced wine, as well as charcuterie boards and pretzel bites. Live entertainment awaits on the weekend, while guests enjoy drinks and take in the scenery beside the water.

The final stop on this Illinois heritage trip is Collinsville, where you can get one last selfie with another larger-than-life roadside attraction. The town's water tower is a giant bottle of catsup, and Collinsville is also home to one of the largest pre-Columbian Native American settlements in North America. Here, you can explore Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before settling in for the night, continuing on to St. Louis, Missouri, or getting back behind the wheel for another iconic drive on the Mother Road, Route 66.

A Great Day On The Road

The Historic National Road dates back to the earliest days of the United States, when the government sought to expedite the movement of settlers west. Although those days are long gone, the road laid the groundwork for the creation of many towns and cities that developed along its path. These are diverse destinations where one can delve into the region's history or simply unwind over a glass of wine. If you are taking an all-American road trip, then think about driving down the Historic National Road and stopping at any of these historic and culturally unique small towns.