If You Like Historical Sites
Following the path of the Illinois River, The Illinois River Road Scenic Byways winds through a landscape rich in natural beauty and cultural history. The route connects several towns and offers a glimpse into both Native American heritage and early American pioneer life.
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Take the Illinois River Road Historical Sites Guide with You
We've gathered some of our favorite historic landmarks, buildings, and significant sites into a convenient Apple Maps Guide(opens in new tab). Take this collection of Illinois River Road historical destinations with you wherever you travel!
✓ Save locations
✓ Navigate easily
✓ Discover fascinating stories from the past
We recommend calling or visiting each website for up-to-date information on hours of operation, etc.
Northern Leg of the Byway
LaSalle
The Hegeler Carus Mansion is an architectural masterpiece and a key to the rich history of the Illinois Valley, the Midwest and the nation. Located near Starved Rock State Park, the mansion has remained virtually unaltered since its completion more than a century ago. The grounds were developed shortly after the mansion was built in 1874 and features many unique plants, trees and architectural marvels.
LaSalle
LaSalle County Historical Society Museum showcases the rich history and heritage of the region. Housed in a historic 19th-century stone warehouse along the Illinois and Michigan Canal, the museum features exhibits on Native American culture, pioneer life, and the canal's significance to the area’s development. Artifacts, photographs, and documents tell the story of LaSalle County’s role in Illinois' history, from its agricultural roots to its contributions to industry and transportation.
LaSalle
Illinois and Michigan Canal Lock 16 Visitors Center serves as a gateway to exploring the history of the I&M Canal, a vital transportation route in the 19th century that linked the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River. The center offers exhibits on the canal’s construction, its role in the economic development of Illinois, and the life of the canal workers. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, boat rides on a replica canal boat, and access to the scenic canal towpath for walking or biking. The Lock 16 Visitors Center also features a café and gift shop, making it a welcoming stop for tourists exploring the canal's legacy.
Central Leg of the Byway
Peoria
Peoria Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of the Peoria area. Through its museums, archives, and special events, the society offers insights into the region’s cultural, industrial, and social heritage. The society manages two historic homes, the Pettengill-Morron House and the John C. Flanagan House, which feature period artifacts and exhibits that highlight Peoria’s past. Additionally, the Peoria Historical Society organizes educational programs, walking tours, and lectures to engage the community and visitors in local history. Visit their website for more information.
Chillicothe
Chillicothe Historical Society collects, preserves, and displays articles relating to the history of Chillicothe and the immediate area. The group works to promote continuing interest in the history of Chillicothe by operating out of two sites, the Chillicothe Area History Museum and the Rock Island/Santa Fe Railroad Museum. Visit their website for more information on events.
Henry
The Charles Perdew Museum is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Charles Perdew, a renowned craftsman and decoy carver. Known for his intricately hand-carved and painted duck decoys, Perdew became a significant figure in American folk art and waterfowl hunting culture. The museum, situated in Perdew’s former home and workshop, showcases his tools, decoys, and other artifacts, offering visitors insight into his craftsmanship and the traditional decoy-making process. It celebrates both his artistry and the local heritage of Henry, a town deeply connected to the Illinois River and its hunting traditions.
Southern Leg of the Byway
Havana
Havana’s Downtown Historic District features well-preserved 19th and early 20th-century architecture, reflecting the town's riverboat and railroad-era prosperity. Visitors today can enjoy numerous dining, shopping, and lodging options.
Lewistown
The Dickson Mounds Museum is archaeological museum that focuses on the Native American history and culture of the Illinois River Valley. The museum is built on the site of one of the largest burial mound complexes in the Midwest, originally created by the Mississippian and other early indigenous cultures. Through exhibits on prehistoric Native American life, the excavation of the mounds, and regional archaeology, visitors gain insight into the area's ancient civilizations.
Fulton County
Canton Area Heritage Center is a museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history and culture of the Canton area and Fulton County. The center features exhibits that highlight the region's industrial past, including the influence of manufacturing giants like the International Harvester, as well as local history, agriculture, and community life.