Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway

Where is the Illinois River Road?
Traversing both east and west sides of the Illinois River from Ottawa, 150 miles south to Havana, the Illinois River Road has spurs to the communities of Princeton and Canton. The Illinois River Road corridor has over 100 natural and historic sites and numerous unique communities located throughout its 10-county region.

The Scenic Byway is conveniently located between Chicago and St. Louis, but just far enough to get away from it all. So get off the beaten path and see what the Illinois River Road has in store for you!

Amur Tiger Cubs Born at Peoria Zoo

River Stories Cruise

Peoria Riverfront Museum Now Open

Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge
State Rt. 78/97 , Lewistown, IL

This recent (1993) addition to the Illinois River National Wildlife and Fish Refuges Complex is still in the developmental stage, though it already boasts a diverse population of wading birds, waterfowl, and riparian songbirds. Also know that it is adjacent to several other preserves adding acreage to one of the most expansive wetland restoration efforts in the Midwest. The best opportunity to explore Emiquon NWR is along the Frank Bellerose Trail, which transects the maple-elm riparian forest of the lower Spoon River. In this lush stretch of Spoon River, the Wood Duck is king, careening through the timber and constantly uttering its hoarse "Weet! Weet! Weet!" The many natural tree cavities along the trail are used by Prothonotary Warblers and Red-headed Woodpeckers, as well as mammals such as Mink, Raccoon, Squirrel, and Opossum. With a canoe launch this is also a great place to put in for a float trip down the Spoon River and into the Illinois, (leave a car in Downtown Havana.)

Other Information: -Birding by Boat -Hiking -Hunting

GPS: 40.30547, -90.08533
Seasons: -Winter -Spring -Summer -Fall
Checklist: Download

Phone: 3095352290

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