Great River Road: Discover Charming Illinois Towns & Majestic Mississippi Views
It's easy to forget how much greater seeing something in person can be. A sunset over the mighty Mississippi River. A cobblestone street surrounded by historic homes. The ruins of an ancient civilization. Designated a National Scenic Byway, the Great River Road’s striking vistas are something you have to see to believe.
1
Day 1: Galena
Galena – Historic Charm & Alpine Thrills
Explore charming Galena
Galena is a popular getaway with rich history and tons of local flavor. Start off easy by browsing the Historic Main Street. Want to get your adrenaline pumping instead? Try Chestnut Mountain’sone-of-a-kind alpine slide. Afterwards, take a breather and dive into the varied past of the region and our nation with a tour of theUlysses S. Grant Home State Historic Siteor kick back on one of Galena’s popular Trolley Tours.
2
Day 2: Galena, Elizabeth
Galena & Elizabeth – Wine, Dine & Artisan Finds
Wine & dine
Galena is also home to many beautiful wineries and recognized distilleries, each offering their own tastings and tours. From Galena Cellars Winery to the Rocky Waters Vineyard in nearby Hanover, you're sure to find a unique bottle of wine to take home with you. Extend your drive out to Elizabeth, and you can find two other incredibly popular Illinois Made Maker destinations. At Dittmar Farms, enjoy scenic hayrides, u-pick apples and pumpkins, and a corn maze. Stop by Eshelman Pottery for practical, bold and innovative stoneware sure to catch the eye.
Lace up your hiking boots, it's time to hit the trails! Start with the Mississippi Palisades State Parkin Savanna, a 2,500-acre park with rich Native American history and beautiful vistas. Your third day ends with a dealer's choice of activities in the Quad Cities, from trying to hit it big at Bally’s Casino or relaxing with a river cruise on the Celebration Bellein Moline.
4
Day 4: Nauvoo, Quincy & Nebo
Nauvoo, Quincy & Nebo – Stroll Through History & Art
At your own pace
Today is all about taking a relaxing stroll through three Illinois towns. First, you’ll stop in Nauvoo where you can take a leisurely walk through the Joseph Smith Historic Site, or a ride on the Walking Tour of Old Nauvoo. In Quincy, visit Villa Kathrine, the Quincy Museum, or bike around town to discover some of the 24 colorful public murals. If visiting in June, the annual Midsummer Arts Faire is a celebration of visual, musical and culinary arts in Quincy that shouldn't be missed. In nearby Nebo, relax at the Orvis-endorsed Harpole's Heartland Lodge, a hunting lodge and outfitter in Pike County that offers activities for all interests including horseback riding and wild berry picking.
Chester & Cairo – Popeye, History & the Mighty Confluence
The southernmost tip
Your last day starts in Chester, where you can see the famous cartoon character Popeye up close with the Popeye Character Trail in Seger Park. End your road trip in Cairo, where the Mississippi and Ohio rivers converge. At this confluence of two great American rivers, you’ll find Fort Defiance Park and the very southernmost tip of Illinois itself. For the best views of the confluence visit the old observation tower.
Great River Road: Discover Charming Illinois Towns & Majestic Mississippi Views
It's easy to forget how much greater seeing something in person can be. A sunset over the mighty Mississippi River. A cobblestone street surrounded by historic homes. The ruins of an ancient civilization. Designated a National Scenic Byway, the Great River Road’s striking vistas are something you have to see to believe.
