Top 7 Scenic Drives in Springfield, IL

As the capital of Illinois and home to President Abraham Lincoln, Springfield sits in the middle of the state and offers stunning views of the countryside outside of the city center. Venturing out during fall when the leaves change colors allows you to look at the arrays of reds, oranges, and yellows that take over the landscape. You don’t have to wait for one season, though, to experience these seven scenic drives near Springfield. Just give yourself plenty of time to enjoy all that Mother Nature has to offer.

Historic Route 66

Image via Flickr by aka Kath

Also known as the “Main Street of America,” Route 66 is perhaps the most popular roadway in Illinois and even the entire country. Illinois has a 300-mile section of this road meandering through various towns, and today’s travelers oftentimes find themselves on Route 66 not with a destination in mind but rather the experience. 

As a National Scenic Byway, Route 66 runs just a few yards from Interstate 55 traffic, but unlike its busier neighbor, this two-lane roadway stops at many towns along the way. Springfield was part of the original 1926 alignment, and you can visit parts of the original road near Lake Springfield, Carpenter Park, and about a 1-mile stretch of historic brick road near Auburn. Stops on Route 66 in Springfield include the Route 66 Drive-In Theater, the Cozy Dog Drive-In, Mahan’s Filling Station, and the Lauterbach Giant.

Downtown Historic Sites Loop

To learn more about Springfield’s deep history and its downtown area, travel along East Washington Street and South Second Street and go to East Capitol Avenue. Head north on North Seventh Street and go west on West Madison Street until you circle back to South Second Street. Within this loop, you will find the Old State Capitol, which is the former state capitol, as well as the Presidential Libraries and the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. 

Grandview Drive

Although this location is about an hour north in Peoria and only 2.52 miles long, don’t let either distance deter you from checking it out. In 1910, President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed that Grandview Drive was the “world’s most beautiful drive,” and it later was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Constructed in 1903, the road offers numerous panoramic scenic views of the Illinois River Valley.

Stop along the way and look at many historic and remarkable homes lining the drive. You can also check out the 180-acre park and stretch your legs for a bit. One of the best-known landmarks on this drive is The Castle, which is regarded for its architecture and Halloween traditions. It was believed the castle was commissioned by the father of a bride who spent her honeymoon sketching castles in Europe. Its previous owners would play eerie music on Halloween and offer lavish treats. 

Historic National Road Scenic Byway

Known as the Road That Built the Nation, the Historic National Road Scenic Byway began in Cumberland, Maryland, and ended in Vandalia, Illinois, which is about an hour southeast of Springfield. Today, the roadway stretches 164 miles in Illinois, and it is mirrored by U.S. Route 40 and Interstate 70. When traveling along the byway, you can follow the life and political career of Lincoln. The byway isn’t all about history, though, as it also has a giant ketchup bottle alongside it. 

Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway

Stretching from Ottawa south to Havana, the Illinois River Road Scenic Byway is about an hour northwest of Springfield. Along the roadway, you can explore 100 historic and natural sites as well as several unique communities scattered throughout its 10-county region. It spans 291 miles, ensuring that you experience a little bit of Americana at every stop.

Winding along the Illinois River, the byway highlights biodiversity. Look to the sky and see the raptors and songbirds that flock to the area. Keep an eye out for deer that call the prairies and forests home. Long rows of soybeans and corn dot the landscape and barges carry commodities upstream and downstream. Stop at one of the many roadside stands and purchase fresh fruit and vegetables.

Great River Road Byway

There’s no greater way to explore the western part of Illinois than by traveling the Great River Road Byway. Head west toward the Mississippi River and follow the byway for 30,000 miles through 10 states. Along the route, you’ll find that it’s clearly marked with signs emblazoned with a green pilot’s wheel logo. The byway actually starts in Lake Itasca in Minnesota and ends in Louisiana at the Gulf of Mexico.

In Illinois, the byway follows the bluffs and banks nestled among quaint river towns as it hugs the state’s western border. Stop at one of the many wineries, breweries, U-pick farms, local restaurants, and state parks. Some of the state’s most historic sites are along the byway, including the birthplace of jazz legend Miles Davis and the largest prehistoric city in North America at Cahokia Mounds.

Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway

The Great Rivers Scenic Byway is where the Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois rivers converge. Recently named one of the “Seven Wonders of Illinois,” the 33-mile byway begins in Hartford, which is south of Springfield, at the intersection of Illinois Route 3 and New Poag Road, winding west and north via Illinois Routes 3, 100, and 143. Route 100 takes you through Alton and along forested river bluffs for about 25 miles to Grafton at Pere Marquette State Park.

Along the byway, you can stop at 18 unique historic and memorable locations to learn more about the area. The National Great Rivers Museum includes information about the rivers that define the byway, while the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site highlights the explorers’ time in the area. 

Are you ready to gas up your Chevy or Buick and hit the road near Springfield? If you need your vehicle serviced before you do, don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly at United Chevrolet Buick GMC. Our dealership and our skilled staff members can help you get back on the road safely so you can check out these amazing scenic drives.