See lush rolling hills, small sleepy towns, winding roads, great golf, historic Galena–home of President Ulysses S. Grant, and slurp soft-serve ice cream.
If you live in the Chicagoland area, a famous day trip is to Illinois’ second largest city, Rockford. But if you want some truly picturesque roads and a unique and quaint destination town, head west from Rockford to Galena, near the Mississippi River. Take U.S. 20 west from Rockford through Freeport, where you can see the area of the popular second Lincoln-Douglas debate at Taylor Park. Proceed west on U.S. 20 to Rte. 73. Take Rte. 73 north 1 mile into the town of Lena, where you must rest at Lena’s Drive-In and enjoy the best soft-serve ice cream you’ve ever eaten.
Heading west out of Lena is the Historic Stagecoach Trail, marked along the route with Historic Trail road signs. Now you’re on one of the most scenic 40 miles of road in the entire state. The normally flat topography of Illinois changes into beautiful lush rolling hills, with barns and farmhouses that look like a scene from the 1850s. You will pass through small, sleepy, all-American towns with names like Apple River, Scales Mound, and Waddams Grove. The winding 2-lane road, with tight turns and switchbacks is perfect for enthusiastic top-down sports car driving, or better yet, in the saddle of a nimble motorcycle.
The end of the trail brings you right to the peak of Main Street in historic Galena, where 85 percent of the town is included in the national Register of Historic Places. There you can go wine tasting at the Galena Cellars Winery, tour the home of President Ulysses S. Grant, or browse the quaint Main Street shops featuring crafts, antiques, and unique art galleries and eateries. If you are a golfer, stay at the Eagle Ridge Inn and Resort, where you can choose from a host of luxury amenities and three outstanding golf courses.
Starting Point:
Rockford, IL
Distance of Drive:
87 miles
Must Eat:
Lena Drive-In
304 N. Freedom St., Lena, IL 61048
Phone: 815-369-4317
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Spring to fall
Points of Interest on Drive:
Home of President Ulysses S. Grant
Tagged with: best time:spring and fall • Illinois
Filed under: Best Road Trips