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Illinois River Road
Catering to both nature lovers and history buffs, this 150-mile scenic byway has plenty of sights and attractions for all types of visitors.
Plan Around Illinois River Road
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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Illinois River Road Details
Catering to both nature lovers and history buffs, this 150-mile scenic byway has plenty of sights and attractions for all types of visitors. The landscape along this 291-mile route is shaped by the powerful Illinois River, with wetlands, forests, and lush valleys covering a large portion of the land. Starved Rock State Park, the Wildlife Prairie State Park, and the Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge are a few stops where you can go hiking, cycling, or wildlife viewing. If you are more interested in exploring historic towns, then you will be spoiled for choice between several fascinating places. Take a ride on a canal boat from the mid-1800s, visit the Underground Railroad town of Princeton, or see where Lincoln made some of his earliest speeches in Havana.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
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Region
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Nearby Parks Around Illinois River Road
Compare nearby parks around Illinois River Road when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Illinois River Road
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Illinois River Road while the map context is still fresh.
0.4 mi away
Hennepin Canal Parkway
This canal-turned-bike path was built in 1907 to connect the Illinois River with the Mississippi.
5.6 mi away
Dixon Waterfowl Refuge
This natural area was recently restored in 2001 after the lakes and floodplains spent several decades completely drained.
17.7 mi away
Matthiessen State Park
Located a few miles south of Starved Rock State Park, Matthiessen State Park, in Deer Park, Illinois, is situated on 1,700 acres and was established in 1943.
17.8 mi away
Cascade Falls
Out of all the waterfalls in Matthiessen State Park, this one has to be the most stunning.
17.9 mi away
Bluff Trail
This 2-mile loop through the heart of Matthiessen State Park is a moderate but fun trek with tons of exciting natural sights along the way.
