Great River Road

Motorcycle Roads & Rides > Routes > United States > Illinois

Average Rating - This road has been rated by 5 visitors

State: Illinois
Date Submitted: September 1, 2003
Submitted by: Jim W.
Motorcycle Road Length: 58895 Miles

Written Directions

Start
this ride in Alton
Illinois. From Alton its pretty easy as you just stay
on IL 100 heading North past the towns of Elsah, Grafton
and on to Pere Marquette State Park. Keep in mind that the
Park itself has some GREAT twisty roads within it however
the speed limits are pretty slow. The distance from Alton
to the state park is only about 20 miles so if you want
to continue riding you can head up IL 100 which will cross
the Illinois River and put you in the town of Hardin, IL.
From there take Route 1 South (take a left) and follow that
as it takes you down south and eventually heads northeast
and leads you across the Illinois River by way of a FREE
FERRY and puts you back at Pere
Marquette State Park.

Scenery

The Mississippi river is on one side, and typically there are bluffs, caves, beautiful farm fields, wetlands or something beautiful on the other side to see. The road is all paved and it takes you through a lot of small river towns. You'll see LOTS of bikes along the way as well as boats on the river. As far as wild life, you'll see plenty of birds and even bald eagles at the right time of year! At several places there are ferries that you can take west across the river if you are heading back to St. Louis.

Road Quality

Nice sweeping curves but not too many twisties and no big hills yet the whole way is in good condition. NOTE - there are LOTS of side roads that connect to the River Road, there you will find a lot of twisties! You'll just have to explore the side roads if you like twisties - YOU'LL BE GLAD YOU DID!!!

Roadside Amenities

Plenty of bars and restaurants along the way and a good share of small town antiques stores and such. A bike path also runs along the road, so its great you those without motors too! Be sure and stop by Pere Marquette State Park as it has some great roads too. Although be careful of the park traffic as many of the tourists are focusing on the scenery and not the road.

Additional Info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather . - Check out the Great River Road - Grafton IL info - Alton IL info - Guide to the River Road

Nickname (optional) Jim W.

Add a Photo Add a Video


Reviewed by Guest on April 26, 2009 (1 out of 1 members found this review useful.)
Creator: John (ultraman) Archer
motorcycle_year: 2005
motorcycle_make: Harley-Davidson
motorcycle_type: Touring
Comment: I have been down there and rode the free ferries-it is a beautiful part of our state and I can't wait to do it again! Come on down, you won't be sorry!-ultraman05
Was this review helpful? Yes \| No

Reviewed by Guest on October 11, 2010 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: dissertation writing
Comment: You seem to be so cool and your outcome about this good topic supposes to be hot. Would you continue your search? We would like purchase some thesis example and thesis from you.
Was this review helpful? Yes \| No

Reviewed by Guest on May 27, 2010 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Mccall24Kathie
Comment: Sometimes different people do know how to perform the online term paper. But when you�re not experienced essays writer, you should seek the reliable write essays service to purchase your pre-written research papers with the purpose to have a success.
Was this review helpful? Yes \| No

Reviewed by Guest on May 24, 2010 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: HarveyMarsha19
Comment: You should waste lots of time to perform your essays, however a distinguished essay for sale service will be able to do that more faster. What for create research papers? Essays writing organizations will do that for you.
Was this review helpful? Yes \| No

Reviewed by Guest on May 17, 2010 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Pearson18Nita
Comment: All people deserve wealthy life and credit loans or student loan will make it better. Because freedom relies on money state.
Was this review helpful? Yes \| No