Illinois

The Ohio River National Scenic Byway, a 967-mile tri-state byway, is the only one in the nation to link together three national forests – Wayne in Ohio, Hoosier in Indiana, and Shawnee in Illinois. Illinois is home to 188-miles of this magnificent byway.

Motorists who seek a more relaxing pace, away from the crowded highways and interstates, need to exit off the fast lane and merge onto the Ohio River Scenic Byway, where they will find a relaxing drive across some of southern Illinois’ most picturesque scenery. This corridor is a mecca of historical and architectural sites, festivals, fall foliage, beautiful scenery, adventure and outdoor recreation.

The Illinois portion of the byway is home to many of nature’s architectural wonders. Garden of the Gods features 320 million year old sandstone rock formations, and inspiring views that will leave you with lasting memories. Visitors will find many interesting rock formations with names such as Camel Rock, Anvil Rock and Devil’s Smokestack. Cave in Rock State Park features a 55-foot-wide cave that was carved out of the limestone rock by water thousands of years ago. History boasts this cave was home to river pirates, and still today, in the deep, dark recesses you can immediately conjure up images of mystery, adventure and pirates. It is now a great vantage point from which to watch today's river traffic.

The terminus of the byway features the Confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, at Ft. Defiance Park in Cairo. The park is a beautiful place to watch the constant meeting of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers that refuse to merge. The Ohio River waters become a blue ribbon, rippling far down the brown Mississippi currents. Boatmen’s Memorial, dedicated to those who died on the rivers, provides a vantage point to observe the constant meeting and appreciate the vastness of these two great rivers.

History abounds throughout the byway corridor. Many forts from the Civil War and the French and Indian War were placed strategically along this route, and the Underground Railroad had many stops along this byway. Ft. Massac State Park and Museum features a replica of the 1802 American Fort and displays items from the fort’s French and American period, plus Native American and other artifacts. The third weekend of October each year is designated for the Ft. Massac Encampment. Highlights of this event include mock battles and tactical demonstrations, voyagers, traders, craftsman, music and period food and dress.

Cairo, positioned at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, was a thriving port city and an important strategic site during the Civil War, a history that's alive today in Cairo's many old houses and buildings. Historic Cairo houses many landmarks of its once important Civil War role. Many Civil War and historical artifacts can be found at the Cairo Custom House Museum. The Safford Memorial Library is Queen Anne architecture and houses a valuable collection of Civil War documents. There are even turn-of-the century mansions that can still be toured today, such as Magnolia Manor and Riverlore, both located along Millionaire's Row. Mound City National Cemetery, one of twelve original National Cemeteries, was designated in 1864 as a burial place for both Union and Confederate Soldiers. The cemetery contains over 2,400 “unknown” graves and one simply marked “Confederate Spy”.

The Mound City National Cemetery Caretakers House houses many civil war artifacts and is open to the public as a visitor center. In Mound City, there is still evidence of the shipyards, where ironclad gun ships were built during the Civil War era. Kincaid Mounds is a nationally significant Native-American archeological treasure. This is a site of a sizeable prehistoric settlement and was once the capitol of a chiefdom, dating back nearly 1,000 years. An observation viewing platform allows you to see the Mounds first-hand, and interpretive panels detail the historical significance of the Mounds and allow visitors to gain an understanding and appreciation of this Native American resource.

For those who prefer to enjoy the Ohio River first hand, bring your pontoon or boat and visit the Golconda Marina. Travel up river to Elizabethtown and grab a bite to eat at the E-Town Restaurant, located right on the river. What an experience! While in Elizabethtown, visit the Historic Rose Hotel and Gift Shop. If you travel further north, you can stop at Old Shawneetown, home of Illinois first bank built in 1839, and still standing!

On the way back south, dock your boat at Rosiclare and take a short walk to the downtown area and enjoy some shopping at the antique mall. Visit the Fluorspar Museum in Rosiclare, which highlights the town’s history of the productive Fluorspar industry. Grab some snacks, journey back to the riverfront, sit at a picnic table and just relax for a while to enjoy the serenity of the river. When you arrive back in Golconda, walk the foot-bridge from the marina to the downtown area. Downtown Golconda has many historic buildings, unique shoppes, great dining, and several festivals each year.

After an exhausting day of playing on the river and shopping, plan to spend the night in the renovated Lock and Dam Houses, located right on the Ohio. If you prefer, a short nine mile drive from Golconda will land you at the Bay City Store and Lodging. Originally built in 1915, this building has been restored and now serves as an antique store on the lower level and lodging rooms in the upstairs. Adjacent to the store is the Bay City Cabin, built in 1952 and is ideal for fisherman or hunters.

Along the byway corridor, outdoor recreation opportunities are unlimited. Southern Illinois is home to the Shawnee National Forest, providing visitors with a vast number of locations to picnic, camp, boat, fish, and hike. Pounds Hollow Recreation Area and Rim Rock are great places to spend the day with the kids and spend the night camping.

Now if you’re looking for Superman, look only as far as Metropolis, which is home to Superman. This 15-foot bronze statue overlooks the uptown area of the city. Visitors enjoy having their photo made with this famed ‘Man of Steel’. Be sure and visit the Superman Museum and Americana Hollywood, filled with memorabilia from movies and television shows. While in Metropolis, be sure to stop and look at the painted murals along Ferry and Market Streets.

Harrah’s Metropolis Casino in Metropolis features a casino, restaurants, and a seven-story hotel. The 12,000-square foot events center will seat 1200 for concerts and up to 800 for banquets. Stop by and try your luck at the slot machines! Just a short drive from Metropolis, enjoy a relaxing evening with a spectacular view of Ohio River, from the deck of the Grand Chain Lodge and Restaurant. Visitors of all ages enjoy great food, lodging, fishing, boating and so much more.

The Ohio River Visitor Center, in Equality, is one of the Byway’s newest sites. This tourist and information center serves as an entry into Illinois along the three-state Byway. The visitor center displays a wall mural painting of the Byway, historical displays, local exhibits, a variety of tourist brochures and you can view a short video of the area.

Anytime is a great time to visit the Ohio River Scenic Byway corridor, but autumn is especially beautiful. With abounding fall foliage throughout the area, don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the beauty and breathtaking scenery. And if you are looking to get away for a fun-filled, relaxing weekend, there are several festivals throughout the fall. Whether you are interested in shrimp festivals, popcorn days, bluegrass and bbq, a cemetery tour or a fluorspar festival, there truly is something for everyone.

So, if you are looking for a great time and making memories, for a weekend getaway or simply a leisurely drive, the Ohio River Scenic Byway offers visitors a variety of opportunities of things to see and do! The Illinois portion is 188-miles of beautiful scenery and lots of fun and is well marked with the ‘Ohio River Scenic Byway’ signage. Hope to see you soon.