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GREAT RIVER
ROAD
Before the days of the interstate expressways, intrepid voyagers paddled the Mississippi River in search of adventure and opportunity. Today, you can follow their trail by driving along the Great River Road, which follows the eastern shore of the Mississippi the entire length of Illinois, from Cairo to the south and East Dubuque to the north. This is your destination for a weekend trip or an extended journey that allows you to explore, play, shop, or simply unwind.
While at the north end of the road make sure that you visit Galena’s Main Street, the U. S. Grant Home, and the DeSoto House Hotel. This luxurious 1855 hotel offers tours and first-class dining. South of Galena on Illinois Route 84, blaze a trail to Mississippi Palisades State Park. Stop here for beautiful views of the river and unique rock formations before continuing south to another photo-op spot, the Savanna-Sabula Bridge in Savanna, a massive steel structure located at U.S. Route 52 and Iowa Route 64.
History and nature are harmoniously paired in nearby Fulton, located south of the bridge along Illinois Route 84. Fulton’s Dutch Windmill is the only authentic Dutch working windmill in Illinois. The Heritage Canyon Historical Park features a 12-acre quarry with a restored mid-1800s settlement. South of Fulton is Albany Mounds State Historic Site where walking trails meander around ancient Indian burial grounds.
Snake your way south to Moline and Rock Island where Illinois Route 84 hits Illinois Route 92. Visit heritage attractions such as the John Deere Pavilion in Moline and the Black Hawk State Historic Site in Rock Island. Continuing through the Quad Cities to Cairo, the 500-plus miles of the byway have many heritage sites to explore, such as the cluster of French Colonial historical sites in Randolph County.
For more information on the Great River Road contact 877-477-7007.
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