It's easy to forget how much greater seeing something in person can be. A sunset over the mighty Mississippi River. A cobblestone street surrounded by historic homes. The ruins of an ancient civilization. Designated a National Scenic Byway, the Great River Road’s striking vistas are something you have to see to believe.
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Day 1:
Galena
Explore charming Galena
Galena is a popular getaway with rich history and tons of local flavor. Start off easy by browsing the Historic Main Street. Want to get your adrenaline pumping instead? Try Chestnut Mountain’sone-of-a-kind alpine slide. Afterwards, take a breather and dive into the varied past of the region and our nation with a tour of theUlysses S. Grant Home State Historic Siteor kick back on one of Galena’s popular Trolley Tours.
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Day 2:
Galena, Elizabeth
Wine & dine
Galena is also home to many beautiful wineries and recognized distilleries, each offering their own tastings and tours. From Galena Cellars Winery to the Rocky Waters Vineyard in nearby Hanover, you're sure to find a unique bottle of wine to take home with you. Extend your drive out to Elizabeth, and you can find two other incredibly popular Illinois Made Maker destinations. At Dittmar Farms, enjoy scenic hayrides, u-pick apples and pumpkins, and a corn maze. Stop by Eshelman Pottery for practical, bold and innovative stoneware sure to catch the eye.
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Day 3:
Savanna, Fulton, Quad Cities
Hit the trails
Lace up your hiking boots, it's time to hit the trails! Start with the Mississippi Palisades State Parkin Savanna, a 2,500-acre park with rich Native American history and beautiful vistas. Your third day ends with a dealer's choice of activities in the Quad Cities, from trying to hit it big at Bally’s Casino or relaxing with a river cruise on the Celebration Belle.
Your last day starts in Chester, where you can see the famous cartoon character Popeye up close with the Popeye Character Trail in Seger Park. End your road trip in Cairo, where the Mississippi and Ohio rivers converge. At this confluence of two great American rivers you’ll find Fort Defiance Park and the very southernmost tip of Illinois itself.
It's easy to forget how much greater seeing something in person can be. A sunset over the mighty Mississippi River. A cobblestone street surrounded by historic homes. The ruins of an ancient civilization. Designated a National Scenic Byway, the Great River Road’s striking vistas are something you have to see to believe.
Take a trip along the banks of the Illinois and discover natural beauties along the way. Historic homes, breweries, cozy cabins and wineries along the way! Read more about The Illinois River Runs Through It
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