With four of the country’s most famous scenic highways, Illinois is a road tripper’s dream. Route 66 begins its storied adventure in downtown Chicago. The National Road has been bringing travelers all the way from Maryland to the Mississippi River since the early nineteenth century. Speaking of the Big Muddy, an explorer can get a taste of that nautical thoroughfare with a drive along the Great River Road. And if you’re going to follow one river that borders the state, why not both? The Ohio River Scenic Byway is a winding trail of history and scenic views. In this story, I’ll introduce you to these historic routes and point out the best places to stay, eat, and play along the way. We’ll visit one of the most important archaeological sites in North America, see lots of “World’s Biggest” attractions, and stand where Lewis & Clark began their journey. From booming metropolis to tiny Metropolis, from land that feeds the world to innovation that changed it, you’ll get a taste of the state’s complexity, variety, and good ol’ Midwestern heart.
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