AWAITS! ADVENTURE

Road Trips

Take your pick of a road trip adventure on four different and iconic roadways that converge in southwest Illinois.

THE

Great River Road

Follow alongside the Mississippi River on the Great River Road – now designated an All American Road – which spans 10 states and covers 3,000 miles. Start your journey in southwest Illinois in the American Bottoms outside of Collinsville and follow the road through charming and scenic river communities including Alton, Grafton and Hardin. This national highway offers sweeping views of river bluffs, rolling hills, farmland and more.

Meeting Of The Great Rivers National Scenic Byway

Thirty-three miles of the Great River Road has been designated the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. The Byway stretches from Hartford in the south to Pere Marquette State Park at the north end. Breathtaking views are the hallmarks of this stretch of road and it is often described as one of the most scenic byways in the Midwest.

ROUTE 66

Experience quirky, quaint Americana at its best along the Last 100 Miles of Route 66 in Illinois. From Virden on the north end to East St. Louis on the south end, check out the small town charm and road side stops including classic diners, museums, antique stores, vintage theaters and giant monuments. Be sure to find the 12 Postcard Murals in Route 66 communities.

THE NATIONAL ROAD

Once this road was the only route for settlers and adventurers and was a link between the east coast and expansion to the western U.S. The road bisected presentday Collinsville and eventually became a plank toll road stretching from Collinsville to East St. Louis. Markers highlight the road’s route from Vandalia to Collinsville.

National Water Trail

Mississippi River Water Trail

Meander down the Mighty Mississippi in a kayak or canoe along the Mississippi River Water Trail – part of the National Water Trail. This 121-mile trail runs from just south of Hannibal, MO and ends south of St. Louis. It includes the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers and the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers – both part of the Great Rivers & Routes region of southwest Illinois. There are plenty of spots to stop and see the sights. The trail includes 62 rest areas and 17 official camping sites and several lock and dams.

CELEBRATE PADDLING AT THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER TRAIL PADDLE FEST ON SATURDAY, JUNE 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary in West Alton, MO. Paddle the calm backwaters of the Mississippi River, test your balance on a stand-up paddle board and get some great paddling tips.

Get In The Loop

Explore over 130 miles of scenic trails around Edwardsville, Collinsville, Troy and Alton.

HIKING/BIKING TRAILS

sunshine and blue skies… paddle your way to serenity.

Want to stretch your legs and see some stunning scenery and wildlife? Put your bike on the car rack and make plans to explore the MCT Trail system in southwest Illinois. For over 130 miles, the trails cover the famed American Bottoms, track the Mississippi River, wind through woodlands and vintage Illinois prairie. The trails feature 48 bridges, 22 tunnels and a few at-grade crossings. Take advantage of the MCT Loop system and ensure you won’t see the same scenery twice. Ride the Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail from Alton to Pere Marquette State Park to enjoy unparalleled views of the Mississippi River. The trail follows the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway and features off road and on road bike paths. The Village of Elsah is the perfect place for a pitstop where you can stock up on snacks and ice-cold sodas at the Elsah General Store Litchfield is home to the Route 66 Hike & Bike Trail an adventurous 6.6 mile stretch of trail set near Lake Lou Yaeger and is perfect for a stroll, hike or challenging mountain bike ride.