Overall Route Rating
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4 out of 5 Rider Rating 4
15 Reviews

Motorcycle Route Author

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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.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

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

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JFeezy
November 3, 2016
15 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Enduro
This route is a nice alternative to slabbing endlessly through the corn fields of IL. I chose this route as a more scenic means of getting from Chi to StL (over I55). It dumps you out not far from Fast Eddy's which is an absolute must!
When we came through it was an absolute monsoon! By the time we got to the Grafton BP I could feel water sloshing around in my boots. (We stayed on 100 through Pere Marquette State Park)
There wasn't many opportunities to stop though. There was one 2 pump gas station a half hour or so before Grafton, but it didn't have an awning or any coverage so I kept going. There are a few parks along the way with pavilions, we probably should have stopped there and waited the storm out.

I've done I55 many of times and it's tiring. You just drone on and on, and on. With this route you at least get some trees, state parks, the IL river, and some turns in to break the monotony. Going north IL 24 to Peoria and 26 will get you close to I80 & Starved Rock. Something to consider. Great alternative if you have the time.
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3 riders found this road review useful
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Guest
April 9, 2014
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
A buddy and I rode this route in August. Chilly in the morning but turned out to be a beautiful day. This ride was great. We took all day but stopped a lot along the way. I would recommend this to anyone. Plan it so you can stop in Grafton for a while. You will see lots of other motorcycles there as well.
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2 riders found this road review useful
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Guest
December 30, 2010
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
Nice road but the Missouri side of the river is better.
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2 riders found this road review useful