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Lagomarcino's Homemade Sweets
Jun 21, 2018
Enjoy ice cream, candy, chocolate, and sandwiches at a family-owned old-fashioned ice-cream parlor. Read more about Lagomarcino's Homemade Sweets
Western Illinois along the Mississippi River
Western Illinois follows the Mississippi's curves, with river towns that celebrate the past and dramatic bluffs from which you can look to the future. This is Great Rivers Country, where morning means coffee on a Galena porch, lunch happens at a riverside winery, and evening brings riverboat music drifting upstream.
From Galena's brick-and-limestone Main Street down to where three rivers meet at Alton, historic houses hang onto hillsides, artists create amazing things, and Mississippi sunsets paint the waters golden.
Western Illinois towns and cities
The river towns here feel timeless because they were built to last, from the 1850s-mining boom brick of Galena, to the ancient mounds of Cahokia. But they've evolved, too. Those brick buildings in Galena now hold cheese shops and art galleries, Moline shows off John Deere's latest technology, and Rock Island's casino boats and concert venues keep the nights lively. Peoria balances everytown America with a trendy warehouse district and thought-provoking museums, Alton watches three rivers meet (as well as a wintering bald eagle or two), and Elsah nestles into a riverside valley with charm to spare. Grafton strings out along the road with more wineries than gas stations, and Collinsville may just be the only place on the planet where you can find both a giant catsup bottle and an ancient indigenous city...
Collinsville
Other Western Illinois towns
Western Illinois holds surprises at every river bend. In Quincy, you'll find Victorian mansions lining the bluffs. Nauvoo preserves both Mormon and Icarian history in its restored 1840s buildings. Follow the Great River Road to find Warsaw's historic fort and Hamilton's riverside parks. Every town adds its own flavor to the river story, from Carthage's historic jail to Monmouth's Wyatt Earp connections. Even the smallest dots on the map, like Golden Eagle with its ferry crossing, give you areasons to slow down and explore...
Western Illinois Road Trips
Western Illinois was just made for meandering. The Great River Road hugs the Mississippi for 500+ miles of pure scenic pleasure, so pull over for riverside picnics, antique malls, and pie shops that serve up slices the way they ought to. Wine trails connect family vineyards where you can sip Norton and Chambourcin while watching barges drift past. History buffs can trace Mormon trails, Lincoln sites, and Native American heritage through towns that time forgot (but that you never will). For pure adventure, string together state parks, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks.
Illinois Made: Shop for Western Illinois' Best Local Products
The rivers create a sense of timelessness, and maybe that's why people in these parts make things the way they always have: with their hands, and with plenty of patience. Stop by these local favorites on your travels through Great Rivers Country.
Show more in category of Art, Pottery & Jewelry
Mississippi Mud Pottery
Apr 01, 2016
It might be a treat to put your feet in the Mississippi Mud - but at Mississippi Mud Pottery, this mud works best when it's used to create functional stoneware... Read more about Mississippi Mud Pottery
Show more in category of Handmade Goods
Rock Island's Handcrafted Canoes
Sep 22, 2023
When Bruce and Sue Peterson relaunched one of America's most revered handcrafted canoe companies, they found the perfect spot in Rock Island, Illinois. Read more about Rock Island's Handcrafted Canoes
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Scratch Brewing Company
Apr 18, 2016
Taste foraged, farm-crafted beer and the homegrown dining options that await you at Scratch Brewing Company. Read more about Scratch Brewing Company
Show more in category of Food & Beverage
Old Bakery Beer
Nov 08, 2016
Every year, wintering bald eagles migrate to Alton, a riverside city nestled along the meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. With the opening of the region's only 100%... Read more about Old Bakery Beer
Show more in category of Handmade Goods
David Stine's Handcrafted Wood Furniture
May 16, 2016
Handcrafted designs and techniques stand the test of time as they remind us of the way things used to be will always be. Read more about David Stine's Handcrafted Wood FurnitureTravel Inspiration for Western Illinois
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Where the River Meets the Road
Experience breathtaking views, quaint towns, and more. From a sunset over the mighty Mississippi River to the ruins of an ancient civilization, the Great River Road’s striking vistas are something... Read more about Where the River Meets the Road -
Show more in category of Inspiration
Meeting of the Great Rivers
Meet America’s mighty rivers along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway in southwest Illinois. This 33-mile stretch of roadway is the only place in the country where... Read more about Meeting of the Great Rivers -
Show more in category of Inspiration
Quad Cities River Adventure
Be the captain on your own boat. Explore the Mississippi river and discover history and family communities along the way. Read more about Quad Cities River Adventure -
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Galena Getaway
Enjoy a romantic getaway to Galena. Experience a charming historic town with shopping boutiques, cozy bed and breakfasts and a thrilling balloon festival. Read more about Galena Getaway -
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Six Romantic Spots Along the Great River Road in Illinois
Bluff-top views, river sights, charming B&Bs and sprawling vineyards sprinkle the Illinois portion of the road on the western boarder of the state. We rounded up six spots along the... Read more about Six Romantic Spots Along the Great River Road in Illinois -
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Zero Emissions on the Great River Road
Great River Road Illinois, where zero emissions meet breathtaking beauty. Explore our curated guide to zero emissions. Read more about Zero Emissions on the Great River Road
Travel Inspiration for Great Rivers Country
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Show more in category of Inspiration
Galena Getaway
Enjoy a romantic getaway to Galena. Experience a charming historic town with shopping boutiques, cozy bed and breakfasts and a thrilling balloon festival. Read more about Galena Getaway -
Show more in category of Inspiration
Zero Emissions on the Great River Road
Great River Road Illinois, where zero emissions meet breathtaking beauty. Explore our curated guide to zero emissions. Read more about Zero Emissions on the Great River Road -
Show more in category of Inspiration
Where the River Meets the Road
Experience breathtaking views, quaint towns, and more. From a sunset over the mighty Mississippi River to the ruins of an ancient civilization, the Great River Road’s striking vistas are something... Read more about Where the River Meets the Road -
Show more in category of Inspiration
Quad Cities River Adventure
Be the captain on your own boat. Explore the Mississippi river and discover history and family communities along the way. Read more about Quad Cities River Adventure -
Show more in category of Inspiration
Meeting of the Great Rivers
Meet America’s mighty rivers along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway in southwest Illinois. This 33-mile stretch of roadway is the only place in the country where... Read more about Meeting of the Great Rivers -
Show more in category of Inspiration
Six Romantic Spots Along the Great River Road in Illinois
Bluff-top views, river sights, charming B&Bs and sprawling vineyards sprinkle the Illinois portion of the road on the western boarder of the state. We rounded up six spots along the... Read more about Six Romantic Spots Along the Great River Road in Illinois