Illinois Great River Road National Scenic Byway
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Agriculture & Wineries

©10/99. Dan Marriott

www.cityoffulton.us/windmill.php

The 90-foot Dutch Windmill is the only authentic Dutch working windmill in Illinois and only the second in the United States. Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, the fully functional windmill provides a rare look at a by-gone era of developing and processing agricultural products, such as buckwheat, corn, rye and wheat flours.

www.deere.com/en_US/attractions/pavilion/index.html

What began as a one-man blacksmith shop is now a Fortune 100 corporation with business in more than 160 countries. The John Deere Pavilion celebrates his inventive spirit in a 14,000 sq. ft. exhibition hall featuring new and antique farm equipment, interactive displays and exhibits that trace agriculture’s development and impact on the world. It is the largest agricultural exhibit in the world. A short walk away is the John Deere Collectors Center, which houses a 1950’s era John Deere dealership. It includes vintage equipment and memorabilia as well as interactive exhibits. Within the same complex is the John Deere Store and Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse.

www.mvr.usace.army.mil/missriver/VC Page/Mississippi River Vistor.htm

The Mississippi River Visitor Center is located on the west end of Rock Island Arsenal Museum. Visitors can watch a locking procedure and view exhibits all about navigation on the river. From early April though mid-December visitors from around the world come to the center to watch boats pass through the lock. The Rock Island Arsenal is an active U.S. Army factory, which manufactures ordnance and equipment for the Armed Forces. Call prior to visiting for access information and hours of operation.

Wineries

www.galenacellars.com

This restored 1840’s granary is home to a family-owned winery located in downtown Galena. Over twenty-five varieties of wine are available for sampling at the store and the vineyard. A 60-minute tour of the winery is available and includes a bottling area, sensory program and tasting.

Nestled in the bluffs with our vineyard nearby, wine-tasting estate wines available by appointment. Located just off the Great River Road. Opened in 2003.

www.nauvoowinery.com

Sample the spirits at Illinois’ oldest winery, established in 1857. Tours, tasting and a gift shop are also offered.

Enjoy choice selection of national and regional wines on an outdoor deck with spectacular panoramic views of the Mississippi River. Aerie’s Winery offers food and one of the best views of the Mississippi river along Illinois’ Scenic Byway.

www.piasawinery.com

Where the Illinois River winds gently in the broad Mississippi River, Grafton’s Piasa Winery specializes in the finest wines in the region, offering wine tasting and great gifts.

All wines at Schorr Lake are estate grown and produced. Visitors are welcomed to try their hand at picking grapes, making wine, bottling or any other chores involved in producing the final product.  Located on the Great River Road but is not part of the National Scenic Byway.

www.shawneewinetrail.com/pomona.htm

Pomona Winery offers some of the country’s finest fruit and apple wines, racking up numerous national and international awards. The winery tasting room, garden picnic areas and spectacular covered decks are open April through December.

www.vonjakobvineyard.com

Nestled in the Shawnee Forest hills south of Murphysboro, Von Jakob Vineyards invites you to tempt you taste buds with fruity, dry and sweet wines that agree with any meal or palette.

www.lau-naewinery.com

Lau-Nae Winery is a family vineyard with a fruit orchard, blackberry and elderberry fields, and a nut grove of pecans and walnuts. Come and enjoy the tasting room.

www.altovineyards.net

Just a mile from Bald Knob Cross in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest is Alto Vineyard, where you can watch winemaking, sample award winning wines and stroll through a gift shop. Walk along rows of French and American hybrid grape vines. Tours of the winery operation are available.

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