Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway

Story of the Byway

Slow down and get off the beaten path as you experience authentic midwestern America!

The cities and towns that stretch along the Illinois River between Ottawa and Havana form the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway. The historical experiences, scenic habitats, and unique restaurants and shops along this 291-mile stretch are a rich collection of experiences for visitors and residents alike. The possibilities for adventure are endless: 1) Commune with nature as you fish, boat, hike, or bird watch on more than 60,000 acres of public recreation lands 2) Discover the culture and history of the area's earliest people at numerous museums, historical locations, and nature centers 3) Witness the beauty of the Illinois River and its valley from scenic sandstone and limestone bluffs, formed by glacier melt millions of years ago 4) Explore charming, small-town communities and their festivals and concerts 5) Stop in at "mom and pop"- type shops and farmers markets or dine in locally-owned restaurants 6) Overnight in unique bed and breakfasts, inns, hotels 7) The northernmost span of the Illinois River Road allows you to explore mile after mile of trails and towns, each with its own set of surprises.

Climb up towering canyons and hear the rush of amazing waterfalls at Starved Rock State Park. Stroll through the nostalgic streets of Ottawa, a blend of 19th-century buildings and boutique shops and modern eateries. Or just enjoy the small-town charm, history, and memorabilia in places like Streator and Spring Valley. Whether your eyes are trained to the skies in search of a bald eagle or focused on finding one of Illinois' five remaining covered bridges, you're sure to see a land of thrills and history along the northern leg of the Illinois River Road.

Discovery abounds when you visit the middle portion of the Illinois River Road. At Wildlife Prairie Park, observe herds of majestic bison and elk as they graze or wolves, foxes, and bears as they nestle in their wooded surroundings. The giraffes, lions, zebras, and wallabies at Peoria Zoo allow your journey in central Illinois to transcend to other continents. Unwind on the water as Calliope music welcomes you aboard the authentic paddle wheel-driven Spirit of Peoria, or explore the outdoor recreation goods and displays at Bass Pro Shops and dine along the river at unique riverside restaurants in East Peoria. Whether making animal acquaintances or spending a day exploring the planetarium, children's discovery center, galleries, or manufacturing exhibits at one of several local museums, there is much to see and do along the central portion of the Illinois River Road.

A visit to the southern stretch of the Illinois River Road will immerse you inside thousands of acres of The Nature Conservancy's Emiquon Preserve, where birds, fish, and other wildlife are waiting to be discovered. Pull out the binoculars for a glimpse at a majestic bald eagle, osprey, or migrating pelican, or just sit back and listen to the melody of an area songbird. Boaters and anglers alike will find it hard to resist the allure of the many marshes, lakes, and riverfront banks dotted throughout the region. Whether you hunt, canoe, or camp, your commune with the outdoor world can also include time at Dickson Mounds Museum, an attraction that pays tribute to the lives and history of the Native Americans who called this land home for 12,000 years. Of course, be sure to take in Havana's historic downtown, as well as the distinctive downtown shopping and wineries in Canton and Lewistown. Nowhere are the wonders of nature more apparent than in the southern portion of the Illinois River Road.