Have you planned any summer road trips to Southern Illinois yet this year? Well, if not, we have one you do not want to miss.
Just three hours northwest of Chicago lies a 475-mile driving route that feels like a complete outdoor reset: the Great River Road.
This scenic route meanders along the Mississippi River, which forms the western border of Illinois, taking you through historic river towns, past state parks, and alongside towering bluffs.
It’s one of Illinois’ most picturesque experiences, with beloved scenic gems situated along its path between Galena and Cairo.
Start your trip in Galena
Galena remains one of the best towns to visit in Illinois, which is why it should be the first stop on the Great River Road.
This charming town, reminiscent of a bygone era, is filled with beautiful natural escapes, including the Linmar Gardens. Built on the site of a disused stone quarry and perched above Galena’s Main Street, these private gardens offer guided tours from mid-May through October.
Spanning three acres, the gardens feature shady woodland areas, a waterfall tumbling from a bluff, creeks, wildflower meadows, koi carp-filled ponds, and charming sculptures and gazebos.
Stop by the Mississippi Palisades State Park
As you drive south along the Great River Road to Mississippi Palisades State Park, you’ll come across the Sentinel Rock loop trail.
This short, one-mile walk features narrow, rocky paths that run close to the bluffs, offering beautiful views of the river—a quintessential pit stop along the Great River Road.
Take in the Quad Cities
If you haven’t visited the Quad Cities—the Great River Road will take you right through (and trust us, it does not disappoint). The single region located on the Iowa-Illinois border comprises five main cities: Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa, and Rock Island, Moline, and East Moline in Illinois.
Be sure to take a quick trip to the Quad City Botanical Center, where you’ll find a Tropical Sun Garden featuring a 14-foot waterfall and the Garden Glass exhibit, which showcases over 350 individual pieces of glass.
The Center is situated right by the Mississippi River, so once you’ve enjoyed the beautiful flowers and trees, you can take a lovely riverside stroll before continuing on your journey.
Quincy Time & the Abbey
Want to stop for a late lunch or early dinner? The Abbey is a perfect stop. It has a lovely, rustic feel and exudes an old-fashioned atmosphere.
After you’ve enjoyed your meal, take some time to walk it off and admire Quincy’s historic architecture. The entire downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As you head towards the East End Historic District, the street widens, and you’ll find historic mansions replacing the quaint shops.
Onwards to Elsah
Next, continue the journey to Elsah, stopping in the historic town of Nauvoo along the way. This drive features the most scenic section so far: the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway.
Elsah is a small, historic village nestled in a valley between the bluffs. Known for its charming old stone houses and a population of fewer than 100 permanent residents, the village gives the impression of stepping back in time.
End at the Cahokia Mounds
The drive along the Great River Road will end at the Cahokia Mounds—which might even be your favorite spot. This UNESCO World Heritage Site holds 1,300 years of history and is considered the largest and most complex archaeological site north of the great pre-Columbian cities in Mexico.