In southwest Illinois, the Great Rivers & Routes region blends Route 66 nostalgia with sweeping river views, roadside giants, and timeless small-town adventure
There’s only one place in America where the Mother Road of Route 66 meets the Great River Road and that’s in the Great Rivers & Routes region of southwest Illinois.
It’s a land that’s full of adventure, scenic wonders and the classic Americana charm of once famous highways and byways.
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ICONS OF THE LAST 100 MILES OF ROUTE 66
Visit the giants that mark The Last 100 Miles of Route 66 in Illinois including a giant Pink Elephant at the Pink Elephant Antique Mall. Greet the Granite City giants including Earl and Rusty, larger than life Muffler Men who represent the city’s industrial past. Stroll through the It’s Electric Neon Sign Park in downtown Granite City for a look at the ghost neons that once lined Route 66 lighting the way for weary travelers. Edwardsville is home to the newly renovated Route 66 West End Service Station, once a popular stop for travelers. The station now serves as a Route 66 Welcome Center and Museum.
WHERE AMERICA’S RIVERS MEET
Linger along the mighty rivers – the Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois — that come together in a great and scenic confluence along the Great River Road. Travel along the banks of the Mississippi River on the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. Visit the historic Lewis & Clark State Historic Site and nearby Confluence Tower for a step back in history and views of the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. Travel to historic Alton and tour the Melvin Price Locks and Dam. Visit Grafton and see the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers from bluffs soaring 300-feet high at Aerie’s Resort.
Plan your next group getaway to the Great Rivers & Routes region of southwest Illinois and let the adventures begin!
Plan your next adventure with the December Leisure Group Travel edition. Subscribe now to stay inspired!
Contact Info:
- Lindsey Laird, Destination Sales & Events Manager
- 618-465-6676
- llaird@riversandroutes.com
- URL: https://www.riversandroutes.com/
