Most beautiful scenic drives to take around Marion, IL

There’s nothing quite like a leisurely Sunday drive through a scenic landscape to harken back to the days of simpler times. If you enjoy long drives, exploring local wonders, and gazing at regional landscapes, then taking the scenic route might be right for you. There are so many interesting sights and places to visit that are not along the interstate. So, fill up the gas tank, grab your sunglasses, hop in the car, and let the road take you on an adventure. Whether you want a fun afternoon or multi-day road trip, you’ll enjoy these scenic drives across Southern Illinois land.

Shawnee Hills Wine Trail

Start: Murphysboro, Illinois

End: Makanda, Illinois

Length: 50 miles

If you love barbecue and wine, the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail is just what you need. Start in Murphysboro, the barbecue capital of Illinois, where you can eat amazing barbecue and learn about local barbecue history at shops and museums. Then take Highway 127 and explore your choice of six different wineries along the route. You may also want to stop at interesting places like the Pomona Natural Bridge, Little Grand Canyon, Bald Knob Mountain, or Alto Pass. When you get to Highway 146, take it to Lincoln Memorial Park for a walk or stop in Anna to shop.

Next, take Old Highway 51 through the countryside, where you’ll find five more wineries to check out. Eventually, Old Highway 51 will turn into the new Highway 51, which will lead you to Makanda Road and the unusual village of Makanda. See if you can find the secret gardens and grotto near the Rainmaker shop, visit the Giant City Skate Park full of massive sandstone structures, or stop by the Visitor Center to see interpretive displays. You might consider staying at the historic Giant City Lodge for a night to give yourself more time to explore this unique area.

Shawnee Forest Country

Start: Harrisburg, Illinois

End: Golconda, Illinois

Length: 118 miles

In Southern Illinois, you’ll find the Shawnee Forest Country region, which includes the Shawnee National Forest and surrounding area. This scenic route is a beautiful drive during all four seasons, but especially in the fall when the leaves are changing color. Along the way, you can stop at multiple scenic overlooks or go hiking along trails. 

You begin this scenic drive in Harrisburg on Route 13 and follow the road east to Route 142, where you can stop and explore the town of Equality. From there, take Shawnee Forest Road to the Garden of the Gods recreational area so you can see unusual rock formations and spectacular views. Continue to Cave In Rock State Park on Route 1 and spend some time exploring the cave and nearby Elizabethtown. Finish your drive along Highway 146 to the historic towns of Rosiclare and Golconda, where you take a self-guided tour. Return to Harrisburg along Route 145.  

Historic National Road

Start: Marshal, Illinois

End: St. Louis, Missouri

Length: 164 miles

President Thomas Jefferson built the historic National Road, nicknamed the “Road That Built the Nation,” with federal funds in 1806. Originally, the road opened Illinois to pioneers and settlements. Today, instead of taking Interstate 70, you can travel this scenic and historic road, which is U.S. Route 40. The National Road meanders through farm towns and open fields, making it a relaxing drive with panoramic views of the countryside. As you soak in the views, slow down around the small towns to see their unique features, like the Collinsville water tower, which might be the world’s biggest ketchup bottle.  

Ohio River Scenic Byway

“The Long Road Ahead”  licensed under CC BY 2.0 by G. Lamar

Start: Indiana/Illinois border

End: Cairo

Length: 188 miles

The Ohio River Scenic Byway runs the full length of the Ohio River for 943 miles. In Illinois, it begins where the Ohio River enters from the Indiana border, winds through Southern Illinois, and ends where the Ohio River and Mississippi River meet in Cairo. Showcasing one of the nation’s greatest rivers and the best of Southern Illinois, this scenic byway offers a wide variety of sights and attractions. You’ll see wooded landscapes, rolling hills, and river views. There’s no shortage of charming towns to stop and visit with historic sites, local festivals, unique shops, local food, and outdoor activities. 

Historic Route 66

Start: Chicago, Illinois

End: St. Louis, Missouri

Length: 300 miles

Possibly the most iconic highway in American history, the historic Route 66 runs southwest through Illinois for about 300 miles, or 435 miles, if you explore the original side roads. Although most of Route 66 is mere yards from Interstate 55 traffic, you’ll soon discover that the folks on Route 66 focus on enjoying the drive, not getting to their destination in a hurry. It’s best to travel “The Mother Road” over several days, so you can casually explore all the museums, statues, diners, restaurants, and motor inns. Fellow travelers along the route often offer tips about must-see attractions.

Great River Road

Start: East Dubuque, Illinois

End: Cairo, Illinois

Length: 570 miles

The Great River Road stretches across the entire western border of Illinois, wandering alongside the Mississippi River. You’ll have beautiful river views and you can watch the landscape change from cypress swamps to limestone bluffs, dense forests, and upland meadows. You may notice eagles soaring above the river and other wildlife along the river’s edge. There are lots of places to stop and explore on the route, like the steamboats in Moline or small towns with hiking trails. Three interesting towns to visit are Galena with its unique shops, Nauvoo with its Mormon history, and Marion with its entertainment.

Well, there you have it. We shared some of the most scenic drives in Illinois. Here at Volkswagen of Marion, we love exploring our prairie state. While we enjoy seeing the diverse landscapes and wonderful scenery throughout the entire state of Illinois, we think Marion is one of the most beautiful areas of all. You’ll just have to come to visit us in Marion and see for yourself the stunning landscape and “The Hub of the Universe.” Contact us and let us know about your favorite scenic drives in and around Marion so we can give them a try.