Road Trip Worthy Scenic Highways and Byways in Illinois and Wisconsin

Nov 22, 2021

Just because Autumn is winding down doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an exciting road trip filled with scenic views and breathtaking sites on winding highways and byways! We’ve gathered a list of 8 different roadways worthy of a visit in both Wisconsin and Illinois that are beautiful year round. Explore the unique people and places in the historic towns that dot the mapways, or immerse yourself in the beauty of nature along trails and waterways. If we’ve left your favourite off the list, just let us know in a comment and it may make its way into a future travel guide!

Illinois

Grandview Drive Peoria

This might be the shortest drive on our list, but it’s certainly not short on gorgeous views. Winding its way along the Illinois River and through the valley from PRospect Road to Route 29, you’ll find a plethora of historic homes as well as beautiful landscape photo ops. If you’re looking for outdoor activities, this will also hit the spot as it’s got plenty of options to get out and walk, hike, or bike the trails along the route. Prime time to visit is during Autumn, but this winding roadway is still picturesque year round. Learn more about the area here from Heroes of Adventure blog.

The Morton Arboretum Lisle IL

A versatile stop for those who prefer driving or those who prefer hiking, with 9 miles of paved roadways and 16 miles of hiking trailways. Families can enjoy a stroll through the Children’s Garden and Maze Garden, or enjoy an active day of exploring in the woods. From blossoms and blooms in springtime and summer, to bright fiery foliage in the autumn, to picturesque snow-covered statues in winter, the Arboretum is an essential scenic stop all year round. Check out the special events and park highlights here.

Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive Canton

With over 140 scenic miles of roadway in the valley, you’ll find plenty of stops for photo ops, scenic views, markets to shop, and special events. The highlight of the region is its yearly fall festival in October, featuring open air markets, vendor tables, artisan goods and crafts, and plenty of family fun. Take a self guided tour of the valley through several Illinois towns and along the Illinois river and make some family road trip memories. You’ll make your way through 17 historic villages and sites along the way. Learn more about it and download a map of the route here.

Illinois River Road Scenic National Byway Peoria

This iconic 140 mile stretch of roadway cuts through 10 counties and connects 100 different nature sites, trails, and parks in the Illinois River Valley; a portion of it includes the Great River Road which follows the Mississippi. Prime time to visit is autumn for the fall foliage and leaf peeping season, but it’s gorgeous year round to be sure. Including gorgeous waterfront views, cliff bluffs, and forest landscapes, you’ll have plenty of choices for family photo op backdrops. If you’re looking to experience the great outdoors, you’ll find lots of spots for hiking, swimming, fishing, kayaking, and other fun activities. If you enjoy shopping and strolling, you can visit any of the region’s picturesque towns and main streets for shopping, cultural events, art, and then some. Create a family travel itinerary via the official website here.

Wisconsin

Highway 35 and The Wisconsin Great River Road

Bordering the Northern end of Mississippi River up and down the western coast of Wisconsin, this 250 mile road connects a whopping 33 historic river towns. This is a great trip to explore historic architecture, historic downtowns and main streets with local shops and businesses, and take a short step back in time. It’s a fantastic route to explore the glacial path that shapes so much of Wiscons’s geological landscape. Click here to view the northern half of the roadmap, and click here to view the southern half of the roadmap. Looking for some amazing ideas for stopping points? Look no further than the State Trunk Tour blog.

Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive

Spanning 115 miles through six different Wisconsin counties, it connects the two halves of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. It’s perfect for those who love the great outdoors, with lots of options for fishing, swimming, visiting state parks, hiking, camping, and scenic views for picnicking. Travel through many of Wisconsin’s impressive state parks and explore all of the lakes, wetlands, mountain trails, and natural vistas. Click here to download driving directions by region.

Highway 33 Scenic Drive

This spans coast to coast stretching between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River along the southern end of Wisconsin. From beautiful port cities with picturesque harbors, fishing and boating activities, to beautiful marshes and wildlife refuges, to historic downtowns with vintage architecture and postcard worthy scenic stop-offs, it’s the total package when it comes to road trip options. You’ll find a great list of recommended places to explore on State Trunk Tour’s blog!

Cranberry Highway

One of the shorter routes on our list, this 50 mile section of roadway crosses Highway 54, Highway 173, Highway 13, and roads in 3 different counties. You’ll want to bring your camera for this one, because you’ll be traveling through centuries old cranberry beds, with visuals of beautiful swathes of scarlet red! The prime time to hit the cranberry marshes for these stunning views is September and October, but other notable events such as bloom season occur in June and July. The route is still worthy of a trip year round with such site stops as Sandhill Wildlife Area, Necedah National Wildlife Area, Meadow Valley Wildlife Area, and then some! You can take cranberry marsh tours, visit Rubi Reds cranberry market, and more. Plan your trip with some helpful hints here.