Illinois Byways and Scenic Routes (Peoria, Quincy: credit, homes, camp)

[linicx]

Illinois is very fortunate to have well placed interstate routes, and major highways, from top to bottom and from side to side. Illinois also has byways and two lane roads that meander through some of the most scenic areas of the state. My particular area of exploration is around central Illinois.

I would like to see everyone post a favorite route and destination. Things to do in the area is a bonus.

One of the areas I really enjoy driving through is the Purple Martin bird town called Griggsville (Pike County) which is located between Mt. Sterling on US 24 and Pittsfield on US 54. From the north at Mt. Sterling follow IL 104 South to IL 107. From the south at Pittsfield follow IL 107 North to IL 104. US 54 ends at IL 107.

Things to do: Camp at Pittsfield. Explore the Mississipi River area from Mark Twain's Hannibal to Quincy.

[Orwelleaut]

I look forward to traveling to central IL and driving the scenic byways you have talked about, linicx. As far as NW Illinois, IL 26 from Freeport to the WI line is a very beautiful drive. Nice rolling hills, WI style dairy country. You pass through three villages on this drive that are very cute: Cedarville, Orangeville, and Oneco. Oneco is right near the border, and sits tucked away amongst the hills, a very scenic spot.

[Drover]

Route 20 from Freeport to Galena.

[linicx]

Originally Posted by Orwelleaut

I look forward to traveling to central IL and driving the scenic byways you have talked about, linicx. As far as NW Illinois, IL 26 from Freeport to the WI line is a very beautiful drive. Nice rolling hills, WI style dairy country. You pass through three villages on this drive that are very cute: Cedarville, Orangeville, and Oneco. Oneco is right near the border, and sits tucked away amongst the hills, a very scenic spot.

When I traveled between Peoria and OK I wanted to see what America had to offer. I began to explore other routes that mixed two and four lanes, avoided heavy traffic and large towns, while maintaining a basic SW direction. I was surprised to find I was less stressed when I arrived.

[linicx]

Originally Posted by Drover

Route 20 from Freeport to Galena.

I know little about northern Illinois except the interstates. I would like to learn. Can you tell me more about this route?

[Drover]

Originally Posted by linicx

I know little about northern Illinois except the interstates. I would like to learn. Can you tell me more about this route?

The summary version is this: the very northwest corner of Illinois was not glaciated in the last ice age, so as you move west from Freeport toward Galena, flat terrain gradually gives way to rolling hills, which gradually give way to something that looks like the outer edges of the Appalachian Foothills:

[cubssoxfan]

Originally Posted by linicx

I know little about northern Illinois except the interstates. I would like to learn. Can you tell me more about this route?

Here's a suggested route from Peoria. Head north on IL 29. Nice drive along the river, you probably know that since it's your backyard. Take IL 26 through Princeton and up into Dixon. Then take IL 2 north along Rock River. Beautiful drive! Stop at the state parks and picnic areas. Then take this to rte 20 or north of Byron, take the county road to Winnebago to cut off the angle. Then head west on US 20. THis becomes scenic west of Freeport. Between Elizabeth and Galena is an observation tower to stop at and admire the hills. Galena is wonderful town to browse, shop, dine and has many old (19th century) homes. Some nice bed & breakfasts. Then head to Dubuque, IA and visit the Mississippi River museum. Then if you head home, stop by Mississippi Palisades State PArk for an enjoyable hike and view of the river bluffs. Its located on IL 84. If you want an extended trip, head north from Dubuque along the Mississippi- it's very pretty all the way up into & through Minnesota.
Enjoy.

[cubssoxfan]

Nice photo Drover! It would be fun to post in the general US forum under "Guess which state this is", since no one would probably guess correctly.

[linicx]

Originally Posted by Drover

The summary version is this: the very northwest corner of Illinois was not glaciated in the last ice age, so as you move west from Freeport toward Galena, flat terrain gradually gives way to rolling hills, which gradually give way to something that looks like the outer edges of the Appalachian Foothills:

Thanks! Awesine picture.

[Drover]

Well I wish I could take credit for that picture but it was yanked straight from Wikimedia Commons.