14 Scenic Weekend Drives Across Illinois That Are Worth The Time Off
Illinois offers some of the most beautiful driving routes in the Midwest, where rolling hills meet charming small towns and stunning river valleys.
Whether you’re looking to escape the city for a day or planning a relaxing weekend getaway, these scenic drives will show you a side of the Prairie State you might not expect.
From historic byways to breathtaking nature trails, each route promises unforgettable views and memorable stops along the way.
1. Great River Road
Following the mighty Mississippi River for over 500 miles through Illinois, this legendary route delivers nonstop natural beauty. You’ll pass towering limestone bluffs, historic river towns, and overlooks that make you want to pull over every few miles. I recommend starting in Galena and working your way south through charming communities like Savanna and Alton.
Wildlife enthusiasts will love spotting bald eagles during winter months, especially near the Quad Cities area.
The changing seasons bring different magic to this drive, with fall colors being particularly spectacular. Pack a picnic and plan to stop at one of the many riverside parks for lunch with a view.
2. Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway
Where three massive rivers converge, you’ll find one of Illinois’ most unique driving experiences. This 33-mile route near Alton takes you through river bluff country that feels worlds away from typical prairie landscapes. Historic sites dot the journey, including places where Lewis and Clark began their famous expedition.
Bird watchers should bring binoculars because the wetlands here attract incredible species year-round.
The route winds through Pere Marquette State Park, where you can hike to breathtaking overlooks if you need to stretch your legs. Small-town cafes along the way serve up homestyle cooking that’s worth the stop alone.
3. Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor
America’s first transcontinental highway cuts right through the heart of Illinois, and driving it feels like stepping back in time. You’ll discover vintage diners, classic roadside attractions, and quirky museums that celebrate automotive history. From Chicago Heights westward, the route tells stories of early American road trips and pioneering spirit.
Did you know this highway was created in 1913 and revolutionized cross-country travel?
Today, restored sections feature original concrete pavement and historic markers that help you imagine what driving was like a century ago. Plan extra time for photo ops at places like the Route 66 Hall of Fame in Pontiac.
4. Shawnee Hills on the Ohio Scenic Byway
Southern Illinois surprises visitors with landscapes that look more like Kentucky or Tennessee than typical prairie country. This 90-mile drive through Shawnee National Forest showcases dramatic rock formations, hidden waterfalls, and forests that explode with color each autumn. Garden of the Gods is the crown jewel, where ancient sandstone creates otherworldly formations.
Hiking opportunities abound if you want to explore beyond your car windows. The byway connects multiple state parks and recreation areas, making it easy to turn a simple drive into a full adventure weekend.
I always pack my camera because the lighting through these hills creates magical photo opportunities.
5. Historic Route 66 Through Illinois
Cruising the Mother Road through Illinois means experiencing the birthplace of American road trip culture. From Chicago to the Chain of Rocks Bridge, this iconic highway stretches 300 miles through the state with countless nostalgic stops. Restored neon signs, vintage motels, and classic diners line the route, each with its own story to share.
Towns like Pontiac, Atlanta, and Springfield have preserved their Route 66 heritage beautifully. You’ll find quirky attractions like the Gemini Giant, a towering spaceman holding a rocket outside a restaurant.
Spring and fall offer the best weather for this journey, though summer brings special festivals celebrating highway history.
6. Illinois River Road: Utica to Starved Rock
When you need a quick escape from Chicago, this relatively short drive packs maximum scenic punch. The route follows the Illinois River to Starved Rock State Park, where 18 canyons carved by glacial meltwater create stunning hiking opportunities. Waterfalls cascade over moss-covered rocks, especially impressive after spring rains or during winter freeze.
Historic canal towns like Utica offer charming downtown areas perfect for browsing antique shops and grabbing lunch.
The drive itself hugs the river valley, providing constant water views and chances to spot eagles soaring overhead. I suggest arriving early on weekends because this popular destination fills up quickly with fellow nature lovers.
7. Apple River Canyon Area
Northwest Illinois hides some of the state’s most dramatic topography, and this drive showcases it perfectly. Apple River Canyon State Park protects a deep ravine carved through ancient limestone, creating scenery you wouldn’t expect in Illinois. The winding roads through Jo Daviess County offer constant elevation changes and sweeping valley views.
It’s a favorite among motorcyclists who appreciate the curvy roads and minimal traffic. Nearby Galena adds historic charm to your trip, with its preserved 19th-century architecture and hillside streets.
Fall foliage here rivals anything you’d find further east, and the cooler temperatures make hiking the canyon trails absolutely delightful.
8. Tunnel Hill State Trail Scenic Route
Though technically a biking and hiking trail, the roads surrounding Tunnel Hill offer gorgeous driving through southern Illinois wine country. The area features rolling hills covered in vineyards, orchards, and forests that feel surprisingly mountainous. Several wineries welcome visitors for tastings, making this an excellent route for a leisurely weekend exploration.
The historic railroad tunnel itself, built in 1872, is worth seeing even if you’re not hiking the trail. Surrounding communities like Vienna and Elizabethtown maintain small-town charm without feeling touristy.
Spring brings wildflowers and mild temperatures, while autumn delivers spectacular color and harvest festivals at local farms.
9. Chain O’Lakes Scenic Drive
How many states can claim a region where 10 natural lakes connect to form a watery playground? Northern Illinois’ Chain O’Lakes region offers a refreshing change from typical prairie drives. Roads wind between sparkling waters where boats cruise and waterbirds nest in marshy areas. The scenery shifts constantly as you circle different lakes.
Summer brings the area alive with recreation, but I actually prefer visiting during quieter spring or fall months.
Waterfront restaurants serve fresh fish and offer patio dining with lake views. Fox Lake and Antioch provide charming downtown areas for browsing shops and grabbing ice cream after your scenic cruise.
10. Grand Illinois Trail: Galena Territory Section
Are you ready for some of the hilliest, most surprising terrain Illinois has to offer? The Galena Territory section of this longer trail system delivers constant elevation changes and postcard-worthy views. Unlike much of Illinois, this region escaped glacial flattening, leaving behind dramatic ridges and valleys. Century-old barns dot hillsides where cattle graze peacefully.
The drives here feel more like New England than the Midwest, especially when fall colors paint the hillsides.
Galena itself serves as a perfect base, offering excellent restaurants and unique shops in beautifully preserved historic buildings. Pack layers because temperatures can vary significantly between valleys and hilltops.
11. Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive
Central Illinois farmland transforms into something magical along the Spoon River Valley, especially during the famous fall color drive. This region inspired Edgar Lee Masters’ famous poetry collection, and you’ll understand why as you cruise past covered bridges and historic villages. October weekends bring craft fairs and festivals that celebrate rural heritage.
Though autumn steals the show, spring offers equally pleasant driving with wildflowers blooming along country roads.
The pace here is deliberately slow, encouraging you to stop at farm stands for fresh produce and homemade preserves. Small towns like Lewistown and Cuba maintain authentic rural character without pretense or tourist traps.
12. Kaskaskia River Valley Route
Following Illinois’ second-longest river creates a peaceful drive through landscapes that change from farmland to forest. This lesser-known route takes you through communities with French colonial history dating back centuries before Illinois became a state. The river valley provides natural beauty without the crowds you’d find at more famous destinations.
Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with deer, turkey, and various waterfowl commonly spotted from the road. Historic sites include old mills and bridges that tell stories of early settlement. I recommend this drive for anyone seeking solitude and authentic rural scenery rather than tourist attractions and gift shops.
13. Cache River Wetlands Scenic Byway
Where else in Illinois can you drive through genuine swampland with ancient bald cypress trees? The Cache River area in far southern Illinois feels more like Louisiana than the Midwest. Thousand-year-old trees rise from dark waters, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Boardwalk trails let you explore this unique ecosystem up close without getting your feet wet.
Bird enthusiasts travel from across the country to spot rare species in these protected wetlands.
The byway is relatively short but packs incredible biodiversity into a small area. Visit during spring migration or fall colors for the best experience, and bring insect repellent if you plan any walking.
14. Rock River Valley Drive
From Rockford to Dixon, the Rock River carves a beautiful valley through northern Illinois worth exploring at a leisurely pace. Limestone bluffs rise above the water, creating dramatic backdrops for small river towns that have maintained their historic character. Castle Rock State Park offers one of the best overlooks, where you can see for miles across the valley.
The river itself attracts paddlers and anglers, while riverside parks provide perfect picnic spots. Towns like Oregon and Grand Detour feature interesting shops and cafes housed in 19th-century buildings.
This drive works wonderfully as a day trip or weekend escape, with plenty of lodging options in charming inns.
