Illinois Ultimate Scenic Rivers Route

Motorcycle Roads & Rides > Routes > United States > Illinois

Average Rating - This road has been rated by 9 visitors

State: Illinois
Date Submitted: August 1, 2007
Submitted by: Steve C.
Motorcycle Road Length: 140 Miles

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

Road Quality

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

Roadside Amenities

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.

Additional Info

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

Nickname (optional) Steve C.

Add a Photo Add a Video


Reviewed by Guest on December 30, 2010 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: ron
motorcycle_year: 2009
motorcycle_make: BMW
motorcycle_type: Sport-Touring
Comment: Nice road but the Missouri side of the river is better.
Was this review helpful? Yes \| No

Reviewed by Guest on October 1, 2010 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Karen D
motorcycle_year: 1999
motorcycle_make: Harley-Davidson
motorcycle_type: Cruiser
Comment: Alton established a 'low noise zone' so keep it down while passing through. Beautiful ride along the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. Great food stops along the way. Plenty of fuel stops also. Roadway is in pretty good condition. Cross over the Hardin lift bridge and head south to Brussels. Stop at the Inn for FABULOUS family style home cooked food. Back over the Brussels Ferry to the Great River Road and back to Alton. LOVE THIS RIDE!!!
Was this review helpful? Yes \| No

Reviewed by Guest on August 14, 2010 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Paul
motorcycle_year: 2003
motorcycle_make: Moto Guzzi
motorcycle_type: Touring
Comment: This is a nice ride indeed! Prefer the fall colors myself...gorgeous then. Some nice county roads also that you can take as a variation. One I like is from is from Detroit north that comes out just east of Griggsville, then right to Valley City, then left to Chambersburg, then right again on IL RT 104 to 100. Fast Eddies is one of my wife's favorite places to relax to nice music and get some good cheap grub!!
Was this review helpful? Yes \| No

Reviewed by Guest on May 27, 2010 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Gert
motorcycle_year: 2008
motorcycle_make: OTHER
motorcycle_type: Other
Comment: After crossing the Kampsville Ferry, if you go into Hardin, Illinois (10 miles from Ferry) and go 2 0r 3 blocks past the bridge (rte 100) there is "The Riverdock Resturant" on the left. They have very good food and the pies are fabulous.
Was this review helpful? Yes \| No

Reviewed by Guest on May 24, 2010 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Bobby
motorcycle_year: 2005
motorcycle_make: Harley-Davidson
motorcycle_type: Touring
Comment: As you enter Gafton turn left at first road and go down to the river to a place called the Loading Dock. Has great food, drinks, and is right on the water. It also has a fea market on most weekends.
Was this review helpful? Yes \| No

Reviewed by Guest on July 12, 2009 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Steve Leisure
motorcycle_year: 2008
motorcycle_make: Harley-Davidson
motorcycle_type: Touring
Comment: Great ride.........thanks for sharing
Was this review helpful? Yes \| No

Reviewed by Guest on December 6, 2008 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Andy
motorcycle_year: 2000
motorcycle_make: Honda
motorcycle_type: Touring
Comment: I've ridden most of this route, it's everything Steve says it is. Fast Eddies is a must do kinda place.
Was this review helpful? Yes \| No

Reviewed by Guest on May 8, 2008 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Tom (Pumper54)
motorcycle_year: 1977
motorcycle_make: Harley-Davidson
motorcycle_type: Other
Comment: Fast Eddies rocks! Great food ice cold beer, great crowd.
Was this review helpful? Yes \| No

Reviewed by Guest on December 21, 2007 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Rob
motorcycle_year: 1996
motorcycle_make: Harley-Davidson
motorcycle_type: Touring
Comment: Another great day trip!!!
Was this review helpful? Yes \| No