Illinois' Great River Road

Chicago

Vibrant, friendly Chicago awaits you. Enjoy everything and more this great city has to offer in the next days.

The history of Chicago and Illinois comes alive when you take the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s Architectural River Cruise. Learn why Chicago is known for its innovative architecture. Be sure to take in the Field Museum, Art Institute of Chicago and Shedd Aquarium

Highlights: Explore the Magnificent Mile—a veritable mecca for shoppers. Walk miles of sandy beaches along ocean-like waters. Savor Michelin starred cuisine and browse works of art that begin in museums and spill into city squares and lakeside parks. Visit The John Hancock Observatory for sweeping views of the surrounding 4 states

Springfield

202 miles

Cruise down Route 66 and explore the fun, small towns along the Mother Road on your way to Springfield, Illinois’ capital. You can relive President Abraham Lincoln’s legacy as you explore his home and law office, the Old State Capitol, his tomb and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Also visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Dana-Thomas House

Highlights: Don’t miss Bill Shea’s Route 66 Gas Station Museum, as well as stop for a Cozy Dog and see a movie at Route 66 Twin Drive-In Movie Theater.

Alton/Grafton

85 miles

Continue down Route 66 to the Alton area and see the confluence of three rivers — the Mississippi, Illinois and Missouri along this thirty-three mile stretch that is rich in history: the towns of Elsah and Grafton, the replication of the Piasa bird that explorers Marquette and Joliet discovered in 1673, and the statue to the world’s tallest man — Robert Wadlow.

Highlights: Don‘t miss the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site that tells their story in Illinois at Camp River Dubois.. Stand in awe of the Mississippi River at the National Great Rivers Museum at the Melvin Price Locks and Dam (#26).

Peoria

158 miles

Start your visit at the Riverfront Visitors Center, housed in one of the oldest building in Peoria. Explore the Riverfront, the site of popular festivals, and home to the newly opened Peoria Riverfront Museum, featuring a 3-D theater and planetarium.

Highlight: You’ll want to take a cruise on the Spirit of Peoria and enjoy the scenic views on the Illinois River.

Galena

154 miles

Travel back up the Great River Road to Galena. The Mississippi River played an integral part in Galena’s history and growth. In the early 1800’s this already bustling town grew quickly with the discovery of lead in the surrounding hills. Today over 85 percent of the town is on the National Register of Historic Places and has been noted as one of the Top 10 Most Romantic Small Towns in North America.

Highlights: Don’t miss the Apple River Fort in Elizabeth. Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States, settled here after the Civil War and his home is a State Historic Site.

Rockford

77 miles

A short drive through rolling hills and small towns takes you to Rockford. Don’t miss the Burpee Museum, home to Jane the teenage t-Rex. History also comes to life at the late 19th century village at Midway Village Museum.

For outdoor adventure, go kayaking along the Rock River or biking through Rock Cut State Park. Rockford also has a variety of affordable, high quality golf courses.

Highlight: Stroll through The Anderson Japanese Garden, named “The Best in North America’.

Chicago

89 miles

Another morning at leisure exploring Rockford before you head back to Chicago O’Hare’s International later today.