Illinois Ultimate Scenic Rivers Route

Motorcycle Route Author

By Guest (0 McR Points) on Jul 31, 2007

Rider Reviews

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JFeezy

15 McR Points

November 3, 2016

This route is a nice alternative to slabbing…

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Guest

April 9, 2014

A buddy and I rode this route in August. Chilly…

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Written Directions

From Alton, IL, take Illinois Rte 100 for over 130 miles north until it meets up with Rt 136 4 miles west of Havana, IL. First 16 miles along Mississippi River has amazing views of bluffs along north side of river. At Grafton route leaves Mississippi and follows Illinois river north through small towns and river countryside ending at US Rte 136. Optional loop; 13 miles north of Pere-Marquette State Park take Eldred Rd north to town of Eldred then west on IL-108 to Kampsville Ferry. Cross river on free ferry and resume north on Rte 100.

Scenery

Scenic river road. Mississippi River views and bluffs at south end. Then mostly farm and river countryside north of Grafton. A beautiful combination of the Great River Road scenic byway and part of the Illinois River Scenic Byway roads. Fast Eddies Bon Air in Alton

Drive Enjoyment

Smooth road surface, gentle sweeping corners and mostly flat. Some interesting elevation changes here and there. Low traffic volume after Grafton.

The Famous Ruebel Hotel in Grafton, IL

Tourism Opportunities

Plenty of small town s with typical fuel/food marts along route. Full amenities at both ends in AltonHavana. In Alton, IL, you'll want to start out with a stop at Fast Eddies ... been there since 1921 ... caters to the motorcycle crowd ... live bands ever weekend and great/inexpensive food like 29 cent shrimp and 1/2 pound burger for only 99 cents. Along the way you may want to consider what was reported in the Chicago Tribune as the "best small hotel" by their travel writer Alan Solomon - The Ruebel Hotel in Grafton, IL. He lists the hotel as it one of his favorite destinations in the world.