Overall Route Rating
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3.8 out of 5 Rider Rating 3.8
16 Reviews

Blackjack Road (Galena to Savanna)

Motorcycle Route Author

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Jun 30, 2009

Rider Reviews

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Guest
February 13, 2010
Nice scenic ride through the countryside with…
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Vito
August 22, 2015
Fun and exciting road. While not "The Tail of the…
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Written Directions

In Galena, from the Main St/Rt 20 intersection, head east on Rt. 20. As you cross the river, and head up the hill, Blackjack Rd will be a right turn. From Savanna, go north on Rt. 84 (Great River Rd.) Go through the town of Hanover, and Blackjack Road will turn off to the left. .

Scenery

Rural road that twists and undulates for almost 15 miles. A couple of great views of the Mississippi River if you're headed south. Update contributed by Freebird3767: This route takes you through dozens and dozens of twisties and sweepers along the best that northern Illinois has to offer. Many scenic views of the Misssissippi River Valley, many pulloffs for pictures. The elevation is roughly 1000 ft.and you'll be travelling up and down 500-600' constantly. Summer is great, but fall colors in northern Illinois are amazing. A very fun ride but not for the newbies.

Drive Enjoyment

Lots of hills and turns. Very enjoyable ride, even on a trike. Offers the closet thing to "The Dragon" that Illinois offers. Update contributed by Freebird3767: Roads are all good asphalt and well maintained. Lots of blind twisties so watch for deer.

Tourism Opportunities

Nothing commercial on the road itself. Galena is a unique historical town with museums, shopping, vineyards, and a great shopping area. Savanna has Mississippi Palisades State Park, offering incredible views of the river, as well as small town shopping and restaurants. Check out Poopy's, which is a bar/restaurant/biker gear/tattoo parlor all rolled into one location. 1030 Viaduct Rd. Savanna. Update contributed by Freebird3767: The Ironhorse Saloon in Savanna is a great place to meet for a beer. Historic Galena has many restaurants and pubs and was home to General Grant. Mississippi Palisades State Park has many observation decks for pictures also.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .
 

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SoulBait
May 2, 2020
66 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
For IL it's a 5 star. One of the best routes left in IL that isn't flooded with idiots!
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MarkAlsip
August 8, 2020
73 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
I found and rode this one thanks to this website. It was excellent and reminiscent of Tail of the Dragon in terrain and danger at the edge of the roads. Be careful and take it slow. Blind turns and unforgiving if you need the shoulder. Road was closed due to a biker down on my 1st trip down this. Thank you to the adder for this one!
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Illinois_Minion
February 13, 2021
30 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Allow yourself time to stop in Galena for some site seeing on foot. Or a food break.
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