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Plan Your Visit
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Things to Do
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Places to Stay
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Explore Our Past
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Trip Ideas
Trip Ideas
- Eco-Friendly Hotels and Green Getaways in Illinois
- College Football in Illinois
- Journey Along the Lincoln Highway
- Illinois Shopping
- Route 66
- IL ♥ LGBTQ
- Golf Illinois
- Chicago Neighborhoods
- Family Fun in Illinois
- Everybody Outside!
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- Outdoor Adventures in Illinois
- Chicago to Alton
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- Illinois Scenic Byways
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- Fall Road Trips in Illinois
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Events
Events
Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sport and more.
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Getting Here & Getting Around
Getting Here & Getting Around
Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. Getting around Chicago and Illinois is easy with our guide to ways to travel around the state.
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Around Illinois by Amtrak
Around Illinois by Amtrak
Step back in time to the golden age of train travel and settle in for a peaceful ride to discover some of Illinois’ most charming towns and hidden treasures.
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Things to Do
Places to Go
Places to Stay
Explore Our Past
Trip Ideas
Events
Road Trip
Seasonal Adventures
Maps & Visitor Guides
Getting Here & Getting Around
My FavoritesInformation
Running parallel to the Ohio River, this scenic route rolls through Southern Illinois' Ohio River Valley, offering stunning views of the lush Shawnee National Forest, dotted by quaint river towns chock-full of Civil War history.
This National Scenic Byway follows the Ohio River in southern Illinois for 188 miles, ending at the confluence of the Ohio with the Mississippi River in Cairo, Illinois. The Scenic Byway reflects the culture and history of the rolling, hilly land along the Ohio River Valley in Illinois, passing through the eastern portion of the Shawnee National Forest near recreation areas such as Glen O Jones Lake, an Illinois State Conservation Area, and Garden of the Gods, Rim Rock, Pounds Hollow, and Cave-in-Rock State Park. A drive on the Illinois portion of the Byway at any time of year offers spectacular views of the Ohio from several places, including Golconda and historic Fort Massac State Park, as well as refreshing stops at beautiful recreation areas that promise relaxing moments and exciting adventures. Spring, summer and fall wildflowers grace the woodlands associated with each stop, including breath-taking glimpses of cliffs and unique rock formations. Roadside wildflowers are plentiful and are dominated by dogwood and redbud trees in the spring, garden phlox and tall thoroughwort in the summer, and asters, goldenrods and butterfly milkweed in the fall.
Contact Details
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Address:
Southern Illinois
Cairo IL 60212 - Phone: (800) 248-4373
- Website: Visit Website
Video & Images
What's Happening Near Cairo
Stained Glass Retreat
Enjoy a relaxing weekend at Pere Marquette Lodge and end it by making a piece of Stained Glass art!
Read MoreMeditation for Healthy Living: 3 Part Virtual Series
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Read MorePaleofest 2021
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A 100k+ race with an awesome route, great challenge, killer scenery, beer, food and cool people!
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Top-notch comedians traveling the country in crews of 2-4 are performing at The Grafton Winery & Bre...
Read MoreMarvel: Universe of Super Heroes at the Museum of Science & Industry
Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes celebrates Marvel history with more than 300 artifacts including or...
Read MoreIrish Wine Pairing Dinner at Pere Marquette Lodge
This is a gourmet dinner party like no other, hosted in our Lodge Restaurant. You can expect 4 cours...
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