Explore Great River Road and Route 66 in Southern Illinois

This one-of-a-kind region showcases historic Route 66 and the extraordinary Great River Road in Southern Illinois

Southern Illinois is home to a myriad of unique roadside attractions and charming towns. Additionally, it’s also the only location in America where two of our nation’s legendary roadways merge alongside the confluence of three great rivers: Great River Road and Route 66.

Attractions Along Great River Road and Historic Route 66 in Southern Illinois

Road trippers seeking to savor one of the most scenic drives in the country can journey down historic Route 66 from Virden to just outside St. Louis. Here they will encounter a slew of attractions from the classic to the quirky that make Route 66 famous. Adventurers can also shift gears and merge onto the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway, otherwise known as Great River Road. Travelers will experience the shimmering brilliance of the junction of the Missouri, Mississippi and Illinois rivers. Pack your bags and gas up because here are some memorable stops travelers can make along Great River Road and Route 66.

Must-See Sites On Route 66, America’s Main Street

Historic Route 66 was first known as the Main Street of America. It was later named the Mother Road by novelist John Steinbeck in 1939. Accordingly, it is a road filled with nostalgic eats, unconventional museums and an abundance of attractions.

Authentic Eateries on Route 66

Ariston Café in Southern Illinois is one of the oldest restaurants in America. When you’re cruising down legendary Route 66 and hunger strikes, visit the Ariston Café in Litchfield. It opened its doors in 1924 and is one of the oldest continually-operational Route 66 restaurants. Another venerable stop is Doc’s Soda Fountain in Girard, which was established in 1884. The original soda fountain was added in 1929 and today, Doc’s offers old-fashioned sodas, breakfast, lunch, dinner, pies and ice cream.

Uniquely Southern Illinois Roadside Americana

The Pink Elephant Antique Mall in Livingston is a must-experience Route 66 pitstop. This unique mall boasts larger than life sculptures including a pink elephant, the iconic Muffler Man, Uniroyal Gal and even the Twistee Treat, which is also an antique diner. In addition, the mall features two floors of antiques with a wide range of merchandise from more than 50 vendors. Included upstairs are a retro ice cream shop and a fudge and candy shop.

Pink Elephant Antique Mall

Another must-visit is Henry’s Rabbit Ranch in Staunton, a roadside wonder that lets travelers take a trip back to yesteryear. It features a collection of highway and trucking memorabilia and historic vehicles including a collection of Volkswagen Rabbits. Henry’s is also home to actual rabbits, some of who have been trained to perform tricks.

For an Instagram-worthy group photo, the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle in Collinsville provides a perfect backdrop. The 170-foot-tall refurbished water tower Catsup Bottle was built in 1949. In fact, it is recognized the world over as an excellent example of 20^th century roadside Americana.

For a delicious meal, the Old Herald Brewery & Distillery in Collinsville is the former site of the Collinsville Herald newspaper and has been transformed into a full-service restaurant, production brewery and craft distillery.

Fine Southern Illinois Dining and Theatre Tour

The historic Wildey Theatre in Edwardsville opened in 1909 as an opera house and a second-floor meeting hall for the Independent Order of Oddfellows. Having undergone renovations over the years, the Wildey is open for guided tours where guests can see its memorabilia and artifacts. In addition, the theater is also a live events venue for concerts, films and performances. Those seeking a fine dinner can visit Bella Milano in Edwardsville. While there, savor exceptional dishes with artistic presentation in a modern, inviting atmosphere.

Great River Road Scenic Drive

In the same way that Route 66 stirs nostalgia through iconic stops, the Great River Road represents four centuries of history and heritage. In fact, it’s sometimes referred to as the Heart of America, and rightfully so. Its route on Illinois’ western border offers breathtaking views and magnificent landscapes that inspire. Here are some stops groups can make on their Great River Road and Southern Illinois adventure.

Lewis and Clark History Revealed Along Great River Road

On a guided tour at the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site in Hartford, travelers can follow the trail taken by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. The two explorers ventured into the western United States from 1803 to 1804. Accordingly, this location is National Trail Site No. 1 on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. Important to note is the location at the southern end of the meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Route.

For a spectacular view of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers and the surrounding village of Hartford, visitors can ascend the Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower. It stands 180 feet tall and has three viewing platforms at 50, 100 and 150 feet offering dramatic scenery.

Breathtaking Views By Sky and By Sea

Not to be outdone, the new Grafton Sky Tour aerial lift at Aerie’s Resort and Winery enables guests to soar over the Mississippi bluffs and enjoy awe-inspiring views. At the resort, visitors can tour the winery and enjoy wine tastings, fine dining and live entertainment.

Those who want a closer view of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers should board the Hakuna Matata in Grafton Harbor. The 49-passenger tour boat features an enclosed lower deck and an open-air upper deck that offers 360-degree views of the river, bluffs and islands. In fact, this all-weather boat contains a tiki bar and is available to rent for private parties.

Outdoor Activities Along Great River Road

Another outstanding stop near Grafton is Pere Marquette State Park, an 8,050-acre protected area along the Illinois River. In fact, it’s the largest state park in Illinois and a hub of recreational activities. Visitors can hike, bike, fish and enjoy a picnic amid a picturesque natural setting. After a day of exploring, travelers can visit the Pere Marquette Lodge Restaurant, which is renowned for its family-style chicken dinner and seasonal Sunday brunch buffets.

Village of Elsah Must-See Attractions

Visiting the historic Village of Elsah is akin to taking a journey back in time. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Elsah’s impeccably preserved buildings and quiet surroundings give visitors a glimpse of the past. Take a stroll and marvel at its quaint stone houses, lush gardens, cozy inns and homestyle eateries. Interestingly, Elsah has the distinction of being the first village in its entirety to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Another must-see stop in Elsah is Principia College, where sightseers can take a narrated self-guided driving campus tour of this National Historic Landmark. Designed by architect Bernard Maybeck, the college includes stately buildings like the Chapel, which features American colonial architecture. In addition to the Chapel, the cottage-like Mistake House is an experimental building that illustrates an assortment of construction techniques.

Southern Illinois is full of hidden gems and many of them are hidden in plain sight along the Great River Road and Route 66. Discover more incredible group trip ideas when you subscribe to the current issue of Leisure Group Travel today.

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