Illinois' Top Ten Road Trips-- Part 3

Illinois' travel logo is a great road one, "Mile After Magnificent Mile," Can't get more road than that. Mine is "Cruising on Down That Two-Lane Road." And, we have cruised all of these top tens on a few and a lot on the others.

3. OHIO RIVER NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY

Runs parallel to the Ohio River at the southern edge of the state. Skirts along Shawnee National Forest, a destination in itself.

*** GARDEN OF THE GODS-- (Is this REALLY Illinois?

*** CAVE-IN-THE-ROCK-- famous 55-foot-wide cave used in movies and by river pirates.

*** ELIZABETHTOWN-- The old Rose Hotel (1812 and you can stay there) and a river view.

*** METROPOLIS-- real town and home of Superman. Also, Fort Massaic.

*** CAIRO-- sad, but very historical. Meeting of Mississippi and Ohio rivers.

We have driven the whole length of this.


4. ROUTE 66

Keeping the spirit of the Mother Road alive across central Illinois, or, as they like to say around here, "Where it All Begins." From Chicago to St. Louis by way of Springfield.

Being a Big Time 66er, I will list all the places they list to see.

*** JOLIET-- Route 66 Raceway/Chicagoland Speedway, Route 66 Welcome Center. A town that loves its Route 66 heritage.

*** WILMINGTON-- 28-foot tall Gemini Giant at the Launching Pad Drive-In.

*** SHIRLEY-- Funks Grove Pure Maple Sirup. The guide calls it Shirley (Don't call me Shirley), but we know better.

*** McLEAN-- Dixie Trucker's Home-- The Route 66 Association's Museum and Hall of Fame is no longer there, however. Someone's not doing their homework.

*** SPRINGFIELD-- Cozy Dog Drive In and Bill Shea's Gas Station. Hey, what about the Lincoln stuff?

*** STAUNTON-- Henry's Rabbit Ranch

*** MADISON-- Old Chain of Rocks Bridge

Of course, we know there are lots and lots and lots more to see and do along this great stretch of road.

We've been the whole stretch except a ten or so mile one between Chicago and Berwyn. Just too afraid to drive it.

And, We've Still Got Six More Drives to Go. --RoadDog