Illinois Great River Road National Scenic Byway
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Sightseeing

www.cahokiamounds.com/cahokia.html

A designated World Heritage Site, Cahokia Mounds features a 2,200-acre tract, punctuated by 68 man-made mounds that hold the remains of the most sophisticated pre-historic Indian civilization north of Mexico. Approximately 20,000 inhabitants lived in the Mounds’ extensive residential sections. Tours, trails, picnic facilities, playgrounds and an Interpretive Center are available. Gift shop. Group Tours.

The tower stands over 100 feet and provides a spectacular 360 degree view of Jo Daviess County countryside. Stand at any one of the three platforms and imagine some of the first settlers to inhabit "God’s Country," such as Chief Black Hawk, the lead miners, steam captains and early farmers. Great photo opportunities.

 ©10/99. Dan Marriott

Enjoy 19^th-century charm and picturesque stone cottages in this historic river town offering stunning views of the Mississippi.  Elsah is located on the Great River Road but is part of the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway.

www.cityoffulton.us/canyon.php

This 12-acre quarry located on the Mississippi River has been restored and features a furnished mid-1800 settlement.

www.cityoffulton.us/windmill.php

A rare find along the Great River Road Scenic Byway, this authentic Dutch windmill was designed, manufactured and assembled in the Netherlands, and transported to Fulton and reassembled by Dutch craftsmen. The 90-foot tall windmill stands proudly along the Mississippi River and is fully operational, where visitors can enjoy touring the interior. The Dutch Windmill standing along the banks of the Mississippi River offers a beautiful sightseeing opportunity.

www.galena.org

Step back in time and stroll down Main Street among 19^th-century architecture where you’ll find many buildings representing the Civil War era. Shops, stores and restaurants comprise most of Main Street, but you’ll find historic and architectural treasures within walking distance of Main Street including the Dowling House, Galena Post Office & Customs House, the Old Market House and more. Wonderful guided tours such as Galena Trolley Tours (314 S. Main Street), Galena/Jo Daviess County History Museum tour (downtown Galena) and Brill’s Trolley Tours (102 N. Main Street).

http://www.confluencegreenway.org/locations/ocorb.php

Part of the original Route 66, the bridge is now the world’s longest biking/pedestrian bridge. Great views of the Mississippi River.

(800) 458-6020  This German heritage village has more than 60 significant buildings dating back to the 1800’s. Stroll through an entire village listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

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

From a small blacksmith shop in the 1830’s in Grand Detour, Illinois, to one of the largest manufacturers in the world of agricultural equipment, the John Deere Pavilion provides an awesome display of towering modern-day farming machinery as well as a historical depiction of agriculture through interactive kiosks. Climb aboard a massive modern-day combine or stroll among the interactive kiosks that not only tell the story of farming, but the history of America. The John Deere Store is steps from the Pavilion, and offers a unique blend of American memorabilia including toys, clothing, artwork, antiques and more. The John Deere Collectors Center is located a few blocks from the Pavilion and offers a nostalgic look at Deere’s early collection of tractors, equipment and memorabilia. Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse offers tasty specialty dishes and is located next to the John Deere Store.

Part of the Great River Trail running through the heart of Moline, along the Mississippi River, this beautiful 2.2 mile parkway offers spectacular sightseeing. Three playgrounds, a marina, restaurants, two boat launches, bike paths and a picnic area are available for your enjoyment.

www.beautifulnauvoo.com

Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, Nauvoo is often considered to be the most accurately restored and intact historic town in the entire country, offering an exciting and educational opportunity for sightseers. Visitors can see the richness of the "utopia on the prairie," with its vineyards, antiquing and B&Bs. Stroll to the old post office, the 1840’s print shop and the delicious bakery making gingerbread cookies and more.

www.illinoishistory.gov/hs/DeChartres.htm

Stroll among one of the oldest buildings still standing in Illinois. Experience a great stone fort built in 1753, complete with bastions and gatehouse, musket ports, cannon embrasures, guard’s house and king’s storehouse. The storehouse is home to the fort’s museum and research library.

Enjoy a beautiful scenic view of the Mississippi River amongst two acres of green grass, flowers, a gazebo and fountains. A boat launch is available to anyone who wants to enjoy the scenic beauty from the Mississippi.

The East End Historic District features a grand collection of houses of every period and style since 1850. The corner of 16^th and Maine Streets was once described by National Geographic Magazine as one of the ten most architecturally significant corners of the U.S.

This was the popular location to build large mansions in the late 19^th and 20^th centuries, with most of the homes located on the bluffs with magnificent views of the Mississippi River. The former Heidbreder-Hagemann Drug Store at 100 North 5^th Street is a wonderful example of 20^th century commercial and residential structures.

The Mississippi Rapids Welcome Center sits on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River and offers travel information for your trip down the Great River Road in Illinois Scenic Byway. Restrooms and picnic areas are available.

www.state.il.us/hpa/Blackhawk.htm

This site features a 200-acre nature preserve and trails, as well as the Hauberg Indian Museum.

2525 Fourth Avenue

(309) 794-0991

This conservatory features tropical plants, gardens, waterfalls and is kid friendly.

The 250 acres of wooded parkland offers the perfect vantage point for bald eagle watching. A symbol of freedom, the bald eagles awe visitors who visit Sunset Park on winter mornings. An overlook tower, picnic area, playground and bike path are available to enjoy during spring, summer and fall.

www.southernmostillinois.com/Attractions/sites_Alexander_ThebesCourthouse.html

A hand-hewn stone courthouse built in 1845; the courthouse crowns a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River.

www.mississippirivermuseum.com

Just across the river from Galena, meet explorers, pilots and riverboat gamblers in life-sized exhibits covering 300 years of river history. See the sidewheeler William M. Black, a 277-foot dredge boat that is now a National Landmark.

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