Illinois Great River Road National Scenic Byway
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Heritage

www.communitycourier.com/albany_mounds.htm

Stroll along a serene walking trail that leads to Indian burial grounds dating back to 2000 B.C. Picnic Shelter. Trailhead for Great River Trail.

www.mvs.usace.army.mil/Rivers/ngrm.htm

Museum tells the story of the Mississippi River, the history of Locks & Dams, and features exhibits on the Great Floods from 1844 to 1993.  The museum is located on the Great River Road but is a part of the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway.

www.state.il.us/HPA/hs/Courthouse.htm

Built in 1740, this regional courthouse was dismantled in 1901, displayed at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair and then reconstructed on its original site in 1939.

Built in 1799, oldest French "upright" log church in Illinois still in continuous use.

Completed in 1872 after Congress named Cairo a port of delivery, the Custom House held a U.S. post office and federal court, and now serves as a museum. The renovated first floor contains Civil War and other artifacts from the era, including the desk used by General Ulysses S. Grant. Second floor contains historical themes in each room including WWII and a doctor’s office.

Built in 1887, this Italianate-style structure has 14 rooms and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

This working library of the Queen Anne architecture houses a collection of Civil War documents and 19^th Century antiques and paintings.

Founded in 1819 on the banks of the Mississippi River, Chester hosts many historical sites including the Chester Bridge, one of the few remaining U.S. covered bridges.

www.cahokiamounds.com/cahokia.html

A World Heritage Site, Cahokia Mounds contains the remains of an ancient city founded by a Mississippian culture that flourished from 700 to 1400 A.D., and then vanished. It is the only prehistoric Native American city north of Mexico. Enjoy numerous interactive displays, a historical screening in theater seating, or climb the 100-foot tall Monks Mound, which is the largest prehistoric earthen mound in the New World.

www.illinoishistory.gov/hs/Apple.htm

Built to protect a small mining community during the Black Hawk War, this site was reconstructed and tells the story of Elizabeth and the conflict between Black Hawk and the settlers.

www.state.il.us/hpa/hs/Kaskaskia.htm

The fort was built to protect Kaskaskia from British attacks during the American Revolution. All that remains today are fascinating earthworks around the perimeter and a spectacular scenic overlook of the Mississippi and Kaskaskia Rivers as well as the site of Old Kaskaskia.

www.illinoishistory.gov/hs/Menard.htm

The Pierre Menard Home, built in 1802, is the finest example of French colonial architecture in the central Mississippi Valley. Built for Illinois’ first Lt. Governor, the home sits on a hill among lush landscaping, offering visitors a look into a successful entrepreneur and political leader.

211 S. Bench Street

(815) 777-9129

www.galenahistorymuseum.org

The Galena History Museum is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with exhibits featuring the Civil War, Lead Mining, Steamboating, Geology, Agriculture and early Galena life.  Special current exhibits relating to the Grand Excursion.

www.galena.org

Tucked away in the picturesque, hilly corner of Illinois, 85 percent of Galena’s fine old mansions and commercial buildings are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Stroll down Main Street and take in the historic buildings that now serve as antique stores, shops and restaurants.

www.granthome.com

General U.S. Grant was presented this home upon his return to Galena in 1865. The home has been restored as it appeared during the post-Civil War period and the Grant Presidency. Individual tours available, group tours by appointment only.

www.campdubois.com/index.html

Lewis, Clark and their men went up the Missouri River and crossed the Rockies, following the great Columbia River reaching the Pacific in late 1805. The monument is located on the banks of the Mississippi River. Visit the new Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center featuring a 12-minute film, exhibits, a 55-foot full-scale replica of the expedition’s keelboat, and a gift shop. May 14, 2004 is the 200^th anniversary of the beginning of the famous expedition.  This site is located on the Great River Road but is a part of the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway.

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

A world-class destination, the John Deere Pavilion features fascinating interactive displays that offer a look back on the history of farming and food. Climbable exhibits of agricultural equipment and a retail store filled with collectables and souvenirs are offered.

Step back in time at the new John Deere Collectors Center, just a short walk away from the John Deere Pavilion. Experience the heritage of agriculture represented by a working 1950’s-era John Deere dealership. Visitors will see vintage John Deere equipment and memorabilia as well as interactive exhibits.

www.mission2mormons.org/rlds.html

Tour the family properties of Joseph Smith, founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Sites include the homestead, mansion house and red-brick store.

Visitors step back into the past and view over 25 restored homes and shops furnished with 1840’s-era Mormon life.

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, this 1833 home was built for Alexis Phelps, a longstanding friend of Judge Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln.

Built in 1866, the bridge is one of five left in Illinois, and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

This building, circa 1842, is the second oldest courthouse in Illinois and is still in use.

www.illinoishistory.gov/hs/DeChartres.htm

This great stone fort, formerly one of the strongest in North America, was built in 1753 and became the seat of government for the French colony. The fort offers a glimpse into life in the 18^th-century, including a museum, guard building, barracks, commandant’s house, and a great wall. Special events include Kid’s Day, 18^th-century games, contests and crafts, and a two-day Rendezvous.

Quincy is located on the banks of the Mississippi River, and is filled with architectural landmarks including the John Wood Mansion. The entire East End Historic District, consisting of a grand collection of homes from the 1850’s, has been restored and brought back to life. A popular stop among visitors is the Dr. Richard Eell’s House. Built in 1835, it is the oldest standing two-story brick home in Quincy and was once a stopping point on the Underground Railroad. Open to the public by appointment only.

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