IDOT, DCEO Encourage Public Use of National Historic Routes During Annual Scenic Byway Week
New Interactive Website Showcases Illinois’ Seven Scenic Byways; Celebrations Scheduled for October 6-13
CHICAGO– The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO),
Office of Tourism (IOT) today announced that the 2012 Illinois
Scenic Byway Week will take place October 6-13. Byways Week
encourages public use of the state’s seven historic routes. In
recognition of Illinois Byways Week, IOT launched a new
interactive website feature to help travelers plan their trips.
The seven scenic byways of Illinois are nationally recognized
and are full of natural beauty and nostalgia.
"Illinois’ scenic byways help connect travelers to the past
while they discover the present,” said Illinois Transportation
Secretary Ann L. Schneider. “These byways are found in every
region of the state, and are a true testament to the network of
beautiful roadways from east to west and downstate to upstate.”
Visitors can now plan their byway trips and explore what each
scenic route holds through the new interactive website feature
on EnjoyIllinois.com. From quirky roadside attractions and photo
opportunities to historical sites and natural wonders, the new
website feature will help visitors discover the unique culture
found along each of Illinois’ seven byways.
“Scenic byways are more than just roads, they tell the story
of America’s development,” said David Vaught, director of the
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. “We
encourage people to experience our Lincoln history, our diverse
culture and attractions along these great roads and rivers.”
Established by Congress in 1991, a National Scenic Byway is a
road recognized by the United States Department of
Transportation for its archeological, cultural, historic,
natural recreational and/or scenic qualities. Illinois’ seven
byways are found in all regions of the state.
To enjoy Illinois’ scenic byways throughout the year, visit
Enjoyillinois.com
for events and activity information. The seven national scenic
byways in Illinois are as follows:
Great River Road
Spanning 550 miles along Illinois’ Western border, the Great
River Road National Scenic Byway offers breathtaking views of
the banks and bluffs surrounding the mighty Mississippi River.
Passing through towns like Galena, Moline, Quincy, Alton and
Cairo, the Great River Road is perfect for a weekend trip or an
extended journey to explore, play, shop or simply unwind in
Illinois’ Great Rivers Country. The Illinois Great River Road
was included in National Geographic’s “500 Drives of a
Lifetime.” To learn more, visit
greatriverroad-illinois.org.
Illinois Lincoln Highway
The Illinois Lincoln Highway National Scenic Byway pays homage
to Illinois’ most famous resident, Abraham Lincoln. Passing
through communities like Joliet, Geneva, DeKalb and Dixon, the
highway stretches along a 179 mile path from Chicago’s south
suburbs, then west toward Fulton on the Mississippi River.
Travelers will discover the unique cultures of each community
along the way, finding a past era woven together with the
present. To learn more, visit
drivelincolnhighway.com.
Historic National Road in Illinois
Known as ‘the road that built the nation,’ The National Historic
Road was created in 1806 by President Thomas Jefferson and
opened the state up to settlement. Today, the road in Illinois
stretches 164 miles from Marshall to East St. Louis. Travelers
can journey along the road to see where Lincoln’s political
career began and take in the local color of communities
throughout the Land of Lincoln. To learn more, visit
nationalroad.org.
Historic Route 66
America’s most famous road, the historic Route 66 originates in
Chicago and stretches across America. In Illinois, travelers can
get their kicks along the 436 mile historic Route 66 from
Chicago to East St. Louis, soaking in kitschy roadside
attractions, iconic classic American diners, museums and
heartwarming Americana along the way. A drive along Historic
Route 66 in Illinois is a trip back in time to one of America’s
most iconic eras. To learn more, visit
illinoisroute66.org.
Illinois River Road
The Illinois River Road meanders along the Illinois River from
Havana to Ottawa. Natural areas like Peoria Wildlife Prairie
State Park, Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge and Starved Rock
State Park provide a beautiful setting, allowing travelers to
experience Illinois’ natural resources and countless species of
birds, plants, fish and other wildlife that symbolize the
American Midwest prairie, in the heart of the state. The Byway
region has nearly 100 connected nature sites that offer outdoor
recreation in the Illinois River Valley. To learn more, visit
illinoisriverroad.org.
Meeting of the Great Rivers
The Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway offers one of the
most breathtaking road trips in the Midwest, through the
majestic landscape where the Missouri and Illinois Rivers meet
the Mississippi. The road winds along a 33 mile path, following
the Mississippi on the western edge of the state, from Hartford
to Grafton. The byway passes through towns like Elsah, Alton and
Godfrey, offering plenty of opportunities for travelers to
discover spectacular landscapes, archeological finds, historic
happenings, cultural destinations and countless recreation
options. To learn more, visit
greatriversbyway.com.
Ohio River Scenic Byway
Southern Illinois is home to gems like the Shawnee National
Forest, Garden of the Gods and the Ohio River Scenic Byway. The
byway is a 188 mile journey along the majestic Ohio River, from
the Indiana border to the Mississippi River at Cairo. Passing
through towns like Golconda and Elizabethtown, the Ohio River
Scenic Byway offers a glimpse into an area of Illinois rich with
Civil War history, outdoor adventure, geological wonders and
more. To learn more, visit
ohioriverscenicbyway.net.
Travelers can download the Enjoy Illinois travel application
or request a free 2012 Illinois Travel Guide at
EnjoyIllinois.com.
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