Byway Attractions

Indiana • Illinois • Ohio

INDIANA

Angel Mounds State Historic Site: 8215 Pollack Ave., Evansville. 1100-1450 A.D., Mississippian Indian site featuring a museum, interpretive center and reconstructed village site. Telephone: (812) 853-3956

Argosy Casino & Hotel: 777 Argosy Parkway, Lawrenceburg. Three spacious floors with 78,000 square feet of gaming space offering more than 2,200 slot machines and nearly 100 table games. Telephone: (888) ARGOSY-7.

Corydon Capitol State Historic Site: 1816 limestone State Capitol Building, commemorating the history of Indiana's first state capital and the development of Indiana. 202 E. Walnut Street, Corydon. Telephone: (812) 738-4890.

Eleutherian College: Founded in 1848, this college is a monument to people who believed in education, the arts, and equality for everyone regardless of race or gender. Located at 6927 W. S.R. 250 in Madison. Telephone: (812) 273-9434.

Falls of the Ohio: 386-million-year-old fossil beds are among the largest exposed Devonian fossil beds in the world. 201 Riverside Dr., Clarksville. Telephone: (812) 280-9970.

Hillforest Mansion: Begin at Hillforest Mansion in Aurora and sightsee. Travel along Highway 62, and continue on Highway 56 to Madison. This stretch is approximately 60 miles, but it's on very curvy roads and will take longer than you may expect.

Hoosier National Forest: This 200,000-acre forest offers camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, biking, and horse trails. Located on Hwy. 37 in Perry County. Telephone: (812) 547-7051.

Historic New Harmony: Historic tours and exhibits at this site of two early 19th century communal societies. Telephone: (800) 231-2168.

Lanier Mansion State Historic Site: Greek Revival home of J.F.D. Lanier, who supported Indiana's Civil War regiments. National Historic Landmark. 511 W. First St., Madison. Telephone: (812) 265-3526.

Lewis & Clark Expedition Departure Site: Meriwether Lewis and William Clark left Clark's brother's home on Oct. 26, 1803, to begin their legendary exploration of the Louisiana Purchase. Locatad on Harrison Avenue in Clarksville. Telephone (800) 552-3842.

Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial: Visit the site where Abraham Lincoln lived from the ages of 7 to 21. Located on Highway 162 in Lincoln City (812) 853-8470.

Madison Railroad Station: Opened in 1895 and noted for its Octagonal Waiting Room surmounted by stained glass windows. Filled with artifacts and displays devoted to railroad history. 615 W. First Street. Telephone: 812-265-2335.

Newburgh Lock and Dam: 6877 State Road 66, Newburgh. Enjoy a birds-eye view of the Ohio's river traffic and visit the Old Lock and Dam park which includes the site of the original dam house, the lockmaster's homes, and a historic log cabin. Telephone: (812) 853-8470.

Pendleton Art Center: Featuring fine art gallery, gourmet coffee house, and 25 artists' studios. 201 Main St., Rising Sun. Telephone: (812) 438-9900.

St. Meinrad Archabbey: One of only two Archabbey's in the United State and only seven in the world, St. Meinrad offers tours of the church and beautiful grounds. Highway 62, St. Meinrad. Telephone: (812) 357-6585.

Wyandotte Caves: The caves feature immense passageways and huge rooms contrasting with delicate formations and crystals. A National Natural Landmark. 7315 S. Wyandotte Cave Road, Leavenworth. Located in the Harrison-Crawford State Forest. Telephone: (888) 70-CAVES.

ILLINOIS

American Fluorite Museum: Discover the Illinois State Mineral — Fluorspar. Hardin County was the largest fluorspar producing area in the U.S. Located on Main Street in Rosiclare. Telephone: (618) 285-3513.

Buel House: Built in 1837, this log house is the only Illinois structure liked to the tragic Cherokee Trail of Tears. Located on Columbia Street in Golconda. Telephone: (618) 683-9702.

Cairo Custom House Museum: A rare example of Romanesque architecture, this structure houses the flagpole from Gen. Grant's flagship that carried Grant into the Battle of Shiloh in 1862. Located at 1400 Washington Avenue, Cairo. Telephone: (618) 734-1019.

Cave-in-Rock State Park: Once the headquarters to outlaw gangs of river pirates. Visitors can enjoy lodging, trails, picnic facilities, and aferry across the river. Located on State Route 1 in Hardin County. Telephone: (618) 289-4325.

Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge: Observe wildife in natural habitats and 1,000 year-old cypress-tupelo trees or try hiking, canoeing, or fishing. Take the Shawnee College Road exit at I-57. Telephone: (618) 634-2231.

Duncan Cannon: In 1864, the Confederacy seized this cannon to protect southern commerce.  Union forces. Recaptured it at Ft. Morgan, AL in August, 1864. 1400 Washington Ave. Cairo.

Fort Defiance Park: Located right on the byway. Stop and view the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, an area the fort once guarded. Telephone: (618) 524-9321.

Fort Massac State Park: The museum, believed to be used by Hernando de Soto, houses a scale replica of the French fort and original artifacts. Located at 1308 East 5th St., Metropolis. Telephone: (618) 524-4712.

Garden of the Gods Wilderness Area: North of Cave-in-Rock State Park, you can stop by Garden of the Gods Wilderness Area in the Shawnee National Forest to explore rock formations and cliffs, including Camel Rock, Anvil Rock, and Devil's Smokestack. Enjoy the hiking trails and picnic tables. Telephone: (800) 699-6637.

Harrah's Metropolis Casino: Gaming rooms, restaurants, entertainment. On the Ohio Riverfront, Metropois. Telephone: (618) 524-5518.

Hogg Hollow Winery: Glendale. From Hwy 147, go south ½ mile on Rt. 145 to Glendale, ¼ mile east of Rt. 145. Telephone: (618) 695-WINE.

John Marshall House Museum: Known as the first bank in Illinois Territory and the third oldest brick building in the state. This 2-story museum, only steps away from the Ohio River, displays pioneer furnishings, documents, photos and historic memorabilia.  Open as a museum Friday-Sunday starting Mother’s Day weekend to the end of October. First St., Old Shawneetown. Telephone: (618) 272-7038 or (618) 559-9040.

Mound City National Cemetery: Started in 1864, this cemetery is one of 12 orignal natioanl cemeteries. Located at the junction of Hwys. 37 and 51 in Mound City, Confederate and Union soldiers are buried side by side here. Telephone: (800) 248-4373.

Shawneetown Bank: The Greek Revival structure is the oldest bank in Illinois, built in 1840 during the town's commercial heyday. Located on Main Street in Old Shawneetown. Telephone: (618) 269-3303.

Shawnee National Forest: Explore the Ozark Hills, rock formations, trails, recreational opportunities and more. Located in southern Illinois off Hwy. 50. Telephone: (800) MY-WOODS.

Shawnee Queen River Taxi: Get a real feel for the river, offering scenic trips along the Ohio River, with stops at river towns of Golconda, Elizabethtown, Cave-in-Rock and Rosiclare. Open May 8 – November 1, Tuesday-Saturday. Rosiclare. Telephone: (618) 285-3342 or (877) 667-6123.

Superman Square: Visit the museum, see the statue commemorating Metropolis' favorite, self-proclaimed son and check their annual celebration. Located at 517 Market Street, Metropolis. Telephone (618) 524-5518. A riverside casino also is located in Metropolis.

Tecumseh Bronze Statue: See the great Shawnee chief who tried to unite the tribe. The park offers a lake, hiking, and camping. Saline County Conservation Area, 85 Glen Jones Road, Equality. Telephone: (618) 252-6789.

The Cave: Looks onto the Ohio River and is reached at the Cave in Rock State Park. This cavern of crime is steeped in history and has a lodge and restaurant on the premise. New State Park Rd., Cave-In-Rock. Telephone: (618) 289-4545.

OHIO

Museum of Ceramics - Ohio Historical Society: The East Liverpool Museum of Ceramics houses an extensive collection of utilitarian and artistic wares produced by America's Crockery City. Located at 400 East 5th Street, East Liverpool. Telephone: (330) 386-6001.

Historic Fort Steuben: Originally built in 1787, Fort Steuben opened the door to the Northwest Territory as it protected government surveyors plotting the first Seven Ranges. Located on Third Street in Steubenville. Telephone: (740) 264-6304.

Great Western Schoolhouse: Built in 1870 and known as the "Little Red Schoolhouse," it was used until 1952. Located on the Ohio University's Eastern Campus off U.S. Rte. 40, west of St. Clairsville. Telephone: (800) 356-5082.

Hannibal Locks and Dam: The Visitor's Center features a unique wicket dam and maneuver boat that depict the history of navigation on the Ohio River. Located on S.R. 7 in Monroe County. Telephone: (740) 483-2305.

Campus Martius Museum: The Ohio Homestead Society's Northwest Territory and Ohio River museums with the only surviving steam powered towboat. Located at 601 Second Street in Marietta. Telephone: (800) 860-0145.

Hocking Valley Scenic Railway: Climb aboard an old-time passenger train for a leisurely ride in the beautiful Hocking Hills. The trains run on weekends (Memorial Day weekend - October). Located at the Canal Street Depot on S.R. 33 in Nelsonville. Telephone: (800) 967-7834.

Meigs County Courthouse: This unique three-story courthouse was built on a hillside with a ground entrance on each level. Located in downtown Pomeroy. Telephone: (740) 992-2239.

Bob Evans Farm: A beautiful country setting of nearly 1,000 rolling acres awaits visitors here. Visit the Homestead museum, craft barn and restaurant. Located on S.R. 588 west of Gallipolis. Telephone: (740) 245-5305.

Historic Home Tour: The iron industry created great wealth in the Ironton areas as shown in the attractive homes and churches on this tour. Tour perimeter is 4th St., 7th St., Lawrence St., and Jefferson St. in Ironton. Telephone: (740) 377-4550.

Lawrence County Museum: Col. George N. Gray House, built 1870, Ironton.

Portsmouth Murals: Walk the 2,000 feet of amazing artwork along the floodwall on Front Street. Located in the historic Boneyfiddle District of downtown Portsmouth. Telephone: (740) 353-1116.

Serpent Mound: View the largest serpent mound effigy in the world. Located 36 miles northeast of Portsmouth on S.R. 73. Telephone: (937) 587-2796.

Rankin House: This landmark was the home of minister John Rankin, one of Ohio's first and most active Underground Railroad "conductors." Located on Rankin Road atop Liberty Hill in Ripley. Telephone: (937) 392-1627.

U.S. Grant's Birthplace: Ulysses S. Grant, 18th President of the United States and Union General, was born on April 27, 1822, in beautiful Point Pleasant. The cottage has been restored. Located on S.R. 232 in Pt. Pleasant. Telephone: (513) 553-4911.

Cincinnati Reds: Tickets for Reds games at Great American Ball Park are available by calling their toll-free number: (877) 647-REDS.

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden: Exhibits more than 500 animal species and 3,000 types of plants on 75 acres. 3400 Vine St., Avondale Telephone: 513-281-4700.

Coney Island: More than 50 classic rides and attractions. 6201 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati. Telephone: 513-232-8230.

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center: Stands as a monument to freedom. It brings to life the importance, and relevance, of struggles for freedom around the world and throughout history. Located at 50 East Freedom Way, Cincinnati. Telephone: (877) 648-4838.

Paramount's Kings Island: This 364-acre theme and water park is located just north of Cincinnati, Ohio on I-71. The largest theme and water park in the Midwest. Telephone: (513) 754-5725.