scenic driving routes (Chicago, Rockford, Elgin: dangerous, castle, horse)

[noid_1985]

Here's the deal- on Sundays I like to bring out by ol' skool car and just drive- since gas has gone down a bit this seems like a perfect time. So I was wondering if there are some other scenic routes in the Chicagoland area other than Sheridan Road(41) or Wolf Road...thanks

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by noid_1985

Here's the deal- on Sundays I like to bring out by ol' skool car and just drive- since gas has gone down a bit this seems like a perfect time. So I was wondering if there are some other scenic routes in the Chicagoland area other than Sheridan Road(41) or Wolf Road...thanks

What kind of road? Straight roads for cruising, or twisty roads for spirited driving? Not too much scenery around the burbs, but I can recommend some nice roads out near Galena and a few small ones around here.

[noid_1985]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

What kind of road? Straight roads for cruising, or twisty roads for spirited driving? Not too much scenery around the burbs, but I can recommend some nice roads out near Galena and a few small ones around here.

twisty roads

[Bart0415]

Some that come randomly in mind:

1) Algonquin Road between Barrington Road and Route 25. Horse farm country. West of Route 25 it gets commercial but stay on it until you hit downtown Algonquin and then take a right onto N. River Road, which is a scenic Fox river route all the way up to US 14

2) Route 25 (east bank of Fox river) and route 31 (west side of Fox river) between the towns of Batavia and St. Charles.

3) River Road between Yorkville and Plano (Fox river again but now runs east-west)

4) Further out west: Route 6 between Morris and LaSalle (north of the Illinois river) or route 71 (going through Starved Rock) on the south side of the Illinois river

5) Even further out west: Route 2 between Oregon and Byron (along the Rock river). Look for the giant statue of the Indian chief situated on the eastern bank (Lowden state Park).

6) Closer to home: Morton arboretum

7) Just north of Chicago: Sheridan road between Evanston and Highland Park.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by noid_1985

twisty roads

Around Chicagoland? Hmmmm.... I like to cruise Beith Road from Rt. 38 (outside Geneva) out to Rt. 47, there are some decent twists there, nothing crazy though. Just be careful in areas, there are some blind spots to be careful of. I also like to cruise Campton Hills Rd. from Rt. 64 out to Anderson Road (St. Charles), its pretty decent, too. For a short, really twisty, really slow cruise, take the road up Johnson's Mound near Elburn. Its one way, but has some nice, pretty steep inclines and a few 90 degree sharp corners. There is a 10mph speed limit, but if you cruise through and make sure there are no hikers and/or rangers, you can drive up a lot faster. The views up there are pretty decent, too, especially at night and in the winter.

Further out is Highway 2 near Oregon, IL. Take Rt. 64 straight west until you hit downtown Oregon. Make a left at the courthouse and head south. There are some pretty decent twisty sections, right along the river and next to the bluffs. You can also visit Castle Rock State Park while youre there, its got some nice views from on top of the bluff. Head south of there just a ways and you can turn around and head all the way north to Rockford. The drive is decently scenic and hugs the river the entire route. You can also head back into Oregon on Rt. 64 and take the road (I forget its name) that leads to Lowden State Park (where the Blackhawk statue is). Its decently twisty in sections and pretty scenic, too.

The best road Ive cruised around IL is Blackjack Road in Galena. Its long and quite steep in places and very twisty. Be warned though, there are lots of blind corners w/o any signs, so its quite dangerous in spots. Just take Rt. 20 west straight into Galena, then take an immediate left (south) on Blackjack Road once you get into town. Take it as far as you please, its quite a long road, and lots of fun if you know how to drive it fast.

[noid_1985]

thanks fellas

[Transcon]

If you don't want to go too fast you can cruise I-55 from Weber rd. into the city any week day morning! 294 from the 83rd street toll booth up to O'hare can also fun during the weekday morning rush!

[cubssoxfan]

If you don't want to go too fast you can cruise I-55 from Weber rd. into the city any week day morning! 294 from the 83rd street toll booth up to O'hare can also fun during the weekday morning rush!

That's not cruising. That's parking with intermittent speed-ups.

[irish setter girl]

Route 31 (west side of Fox River) is nice. Travel from Elgin to Batavia.

I second Blackjack Road in Galena! Great farm stands along the way too.