
Explore Illinois’ Most Scenic Drive: A Journey Through Unmatched Beauty
Illinois is home to countless picturesque roadways, but one has risen above the rest to earn the title of the state's most scenic drive. From breathtaking landscapes to unforgettable views, this iconic stretch of road is a must-see for locals and visitors alike.
Driving with the windows down around sunset and alongside one of Illinois' rivers as the summer day begins to cool off, sounds like a dream road trip to me.
While everything is green and blossoming or as summer turns to all the gorgeous colors of fall, this stretch of Illinois road is one of the most scenic drives in America.
According to a list compiled by Thrillist, the most scenic drive in all of Illinois is the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway.
Here's what Thrillist had to say about the most scenic drive in the entire state:
"This one is all about twofers. One of the most beautiful destinations in Illinois, the 33-mile Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway celebrates the beauty that lies at—you guessed it—the intersection of two rivers, the Illinois and the Mississippi. (The Missouri River also makes a brief appearance: it joins the other two in Alton, Illinois, just south of Pere Marquette State Park). This trip also covers just one section of a long string of river towns that lie along the Great River Road, a route that winds along the Mississippi and traverses 10 states including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, and beyond."
Great Rivers National Scenic Byway
This portion of the Great River Road that runs through the state of Illinois runs from Hartford to Grafton, Illinois.

As you can see on the map above, this scenic road starts where the two Great Rivers, Illinois, Missouri, and Mississippi meet.
As the roads (Illinois Routes 3, 143, and 100) hug the convergence of these mighty rivers, your eyes will witness some of the Midwest's most beautiful terrain. Plus, some great towns to stop and enjoy along the way.
The kind of terrain that might be just what your soul needs most. Look at some of the beauty others' have found on Great Rivers National Scenic Byway
According to @ilgreatriverroad on Instagram, the Great River Road is home to 3 covered bridges.
Your drive along the Great River Road will take you through Galena, one of the coolest small towns in America to visit. Thunder Bay Falls (ate Eagle Ridge Resort) is a good place to stop
EnjoyIllinois.com is the perfect place to start planning your Great Rivers National Scenic Byway road trip.
LOOK: Best scenic drives in Illinois
Gallery Credit: Stacker