Illinois Great River Road Trip

The Illinois Great River Road Trip is a scenic drive that takes you from Dubuque, Illinois to Cairo, Illinois and covers a distance of about 965 km. This trip is best taken over the course of seven days, and the best time of year to drive is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the scenery is vibrant. The road conditions are generally good, making it suitable for all drivers. This road trip is full of attractions and adventures that will make your experience unforgettable. Start your journey in Moline, where you can explore the Quad Cities and the Mississippi River. Then head to Quincy and take in the sights of the city, such as the John Wood Mansion and the All Wars Museum. From there, make your way to St. Louis and visit the iconic Gateway Arch, the Missouri Botanical Garden, and the St. Louis Zoo. Finally, end your trip in Cairo, where you can explore the town's rich history. The Illinois Great River Road Trip offers an amazing experience that can be managed on a moderate budget. So, get ready to take in the sights, sounds, and memories of this incredible journey.

Dubuque, located in the U.S. state of Iowa, is an ideal starting point for the Illinois Great River Road Trip. This charming city, established in 1833, is known for its scenic views of the Mississippi River and its rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the city's numerous attractions, such as the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, and the Grand River Center. There are also several wineries and breweries in the area, and an array of restaurants offering diverse cuisines. For those flying in, the closest international airport is the Eastern Iowa Airport (CID). There are several car rental companies at the airport, making it easy to start your road trip. From Dubuque, you can explore the many scenic routes along the Great River Road, including the Galena-Dubuque Great River Road, which takes you along the Mississippi River. You can also take in the breathtaking views of the Mississippi River Valley and the numerous historic sites, such as the Julien Dubuque Monument, the Mines of Spain Recreation Area, and the Dubuque County Courthouse. Dubuque is an ideal starting point for an epic journey along the Illinois Great River Road Trip. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning views of the Mississippi River, and numerous attractions, it's sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

Embark on an exciting road trip from Dubuque to Moline! This 107mi stretch of the journey will take you fewer than 3 hours of driving time. You will be able to explore the beauty of the Mississippi River, the stunning views of the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens and the unique cuisine of the area. In Dubuque, visit the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium and the majestic Fenelon Place Elevator, the world’s steepest and shortest railway. Don’t forget to take a stroll along the mesmerizing Mississippi Riverwalk. As you drive towards Moline, you can explore the Quad City Botanical Center, the John Deere Pavilion, the Quad City Arts Center, and the Figge Art Museum. You can also take a break at the Black Hawk State Historic Site, the oldest state park in Illinois. This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, get ready for an amazing road trip from Dubuque to Moline!

Welcome road-trippers! Let us take you on an exciting journey from Moline to Nauvoo, a 127mi drive that can be completed in less than three hours. Start your adventure in Moline, a vibrant city known for its historic architecture, numerous parks, and the John Deere Pavilion. Don't forget to visit the iconic I-74 Bridge, the largest cable-stayed bridge in the United States! Continue your journey to the charming town of Milan, where you can explore the historic downtown area and the numerous art galleries and boutiques. As you make your way to your final destination, Nauvoo, make sure to stop at the historic site of Montrose, the oldest settlement in Lee County. Finally, reach Nauvoo, a city with a rich history and a great variety of attractions. Visit the Nauvoo State Park and the Nauvoo Temple, a beautiful building with a fascinating story. There are also plenty of shops, restaurants, and galleries to explore. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

Welcome to this exciting stage of your road trip! Starting in Nauvoo, United States, you will be travelling 49 miles in less than an hour to reach Quincy. In Nauvoo, you can visit the Historic Nauvoo, the beautiful Nauvoo Temple, and the Joseph Smith Historic Site. While in Quincy, you can explore the Quincy Museum, the Gardner Museum of Architecture and Design, and the John Wood Mansion. This is only one of the stages of your road trip, so make sure to check out the "Itinerary" section for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your journey!

Welcome, road-trippers! This stage of your tour will take you from Quincy, United States, to Louisiana, and it's a 53-mile journey that can be completed in less than two hours. Your first stop should be in Quincy, where you can visit the John Wood Mansion, a beautiful building built in the Greek Revival style. Then, you can explore the Quincy Art Center, which houses a variety of artworks, and the Quincy Museum, which showcases the city's history. The next stop is Louisiana, where you can explore the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site, which tells the story of the famous explorers' journey. You should also check out the Mark Twain Cave Complex, which features a variety of caves, and the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum, which offers a glimpse into the author's life. Finally, you can explore the Cuivre River State Park, which offers a variety of outdoor activities, and the Missouri State Capitol, which is a beautiful building with a rich history. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

Are you ready for a thrilling road trip from Louisiana to St. Louis? This 105mi journey will take you less than 3 hours and you will get to explore some of the most interesting places in the US! Start your journey in Louisiana and head to the Louisiana State Capitol, a beautiful building that is worth a visit. You can also explore the nearby Old State Capitol, a beautiful building that was built in the mid-1800s. As you make your way to St. Louis, you can visit the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, an ancient Native American city that was inhabited from 700-1400 AD. The site is home to ancient mounds and archaeological artifacts that provide insight into the lives of those who lived there. Your journey will end in St. Louis, where you can visit the iconic Gateway Arch, the tallest monument in the US. You can also explore the nearby Citygarden, a beautiful park with stunning sculptures and lush gardens. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have an amazing road trip!

Are you ready for a road trip from St. Louis to Chester? This 69mi journey will take you fewer than 2 hours and will be full of interesting places to visit! In St. Louis, you can start your trip with a visit to the iconic Gateway Arch, the world's tallest arch, and the Mississippi Riverfront, known for its spectacular views. Don't forget to explore the City Museum, an interactive children's museum that features a giant playground, surrealistic environment, and several art installations. When you reach Chester, you can explore the historic Chester Courthouse, built in 1839, and the Chester City Park, where you can find a playground, picnic area, and an outdoor amphitheater. You can also take a walk along the Chester Riverwalk, which offers spectacular views of the Mississippi River. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your trip!

Welcome to the Chester-Cairo road trip stage! This is one of the most interesting stages of your larger tour, and it will take you from Chester to Cairo in less than 2 hours, a distance of 89mi. Start your journey in Chester, where you can visit the Chester County Historical Society and the Chester County Library. Both attractions offer a great insight into the history of the area and its people. Continue to Cairo, where you can explore the Cairo Public Library, the Cairo Historical Museum, and the Cairo Railway Station. All of these attractions provide a great opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of the area. Finally, take a break in the Cairo Park and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the beautiful scenery. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. We hope you enjoy your road trip!

Cairo, Illinois is a great place to end the Illinois Great River Road Trip. It is the southernmost city in the state, located on the banks of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. It is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and many attractions. The National Cemetery in Cairo is a must-see for those interested in the Civil War. The nearby Cairo Historic District has numerous sites of interest, including the Old Customs House and the Cairo Public Library. The Cairo Museum of History and Art has exhibits that detail the history of the city, as well as a variety of artwork. The nearby Fort Defiance State Park is home to a variety of recreational activities, such as fishing, boating, and hiking. The park also offers a great view of the Mississippi River. For those looking for a bit of adventure, the Cache River State Natural Area has a variety of trails to explore. Cairo is also home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and other attractions. The Downtown Cairo Historic District is full of shops and restaurants, as well as the Cairo Opera House and the Cairo Courthouse. There are also several unique museums, such as the Cairo Masonic Temple and the Cairo Museum of African American History. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport (CGI), located about 50 miles away. Cairo, Illinois is an ideal place to end the Illinois Great River Road Trip, offering plenty of attractions, recreational activities, and delicious cuisine to explore.

We hope that the presented road trip idea has become a superb inspiration for your future travels.
The itinerary we’ve suggested can be used as a template that you can recreate in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with interesting tourist attractions.
If travelling by car is your plan when exploring highlights around Illinois, there are a number of essential traffic regulations to follow and a number of things to remember to turn your journey into pleasure. The following road rules will surely become useful for all tourists who are considering car hire or camper hire.
When on a tour around Illinois, there are numerous traffic regulations to be remembered. When moving around Illinois in a car, try to avoid alcohol at all costs. Travellers should remember that the allowed blood alcohol level is rather low and equals only 0.5‰. Exceeding the maximum allowed speed limit, which is 40km/h, in urban areas may result in a speeding ticket. Outside the cities, holidaymakers can travel at the maximum car speed of 72km/h. Avoid driving faster than the maximum speed of 129km/h when on highways. It is best to equip your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit and drive with your headlights on at daytime for safety reasons.
How about the costs of the trip? The final cost of the whole adventure can vary depending on the budget option that you choose. A wide range of budget configurations is described below.
We estimate that the budget option when it comes to fuel to cover the planned 8 stages across Illinois may equal as much as 125 EUR. Holidaymakers will have to pay the average of up to 550 EUR for economy accommodation options. Those who want to benefit from this option will spend approximately 504 EUR on restaurants and food. Travellers will have to pay about 315 EUR if they choose the budget car rental option as well. Thus, the estimated travel expenses amount to more or less 1,179 EUR without car hire and 1,494 EUR with vehicle rental.
Holidayers who are looking for greater comfort and the standard option will pay about 175 EUR for the fuel needed to cover the itinerary. If you are into standard accommodation options, you should remember that the expenses may amount up to about 836 EUR. When choosing this option, take into consideration that the food and restaurants within this range will cost around 756 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard rental car should expect a cost of roughly 378 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total more or less 2,145 EUR for drivers who would like to try vehicle hire and 1,767 EUR for those who are not interested in renting.
The highest level of comfort of the premium option will live up to the expectations of the most demanding holidayers. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay around 3,262 EUR for the whole itinerary, whereas those who are not interested in car rental will spend roughly 2,632 EUR. Travellers who would like to cover the trip in a premium hire car can expect a cost of roughly 630 EUR. In the premium version of the adventure, you have to spend the maximum of 238 EUR on the gasoline needed to cover the trip. You should expect to pay around 1,008 EUR for food and restaurants and roughly 1,386 EUR for overnight stays if you are searching for the top standard of services during your tour.
Our adventure will also be ideal for all camper enthusiasts, as it can be easily adjusted to their expectations. If you choose this travel means, the expenses are around 1,575 EUR. Travel costs connected with camper travel will be roughly 263 EUR – especially if you would like to cover all the stages around Illinois. Holidayers who are interested in camper hire should expect to pay about 385 EUR for overnight stays and around 504 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The section Road Trip Costs shows all the above-mentioned expenses in detail.
The best travel opportunity when exploring the part of Illinois described in our Illinois Great River Road Trip is between May and October. There are plenty of picturesque road trips and scenic drives that we offer on our website if you like Illinois Great River Road Trip. We hope that the great diversity of road trips will surely live up to the expectations of the most demanding holidaymakers.