If You Like Sweet Treats
Discover a delicious side of the Illinois River Road, perfect for anyone craving handcrafted candies, creamy ice cream, warm pastries, and more. From family-owned ice cream stands to bakery gems tucked along the route, indulge your sweet tooth while soaking in charming riverfront views and small-town hospitality.
We recommend calling or visiting each website for up-to-date information on hours of operation, etc.
Northern Leg of the Byway
Ottawa
The Ottawa Bakery is a small batch, made from scratch bakery with a variety of delicious pastries, pies and cakes.
Ottawa & Streator
Established in 1984, Steve’s Bakery is known for their light, airy doughnuts. Customers also love their cakes, cookies, breads and pastries.
Ottawa
Tone’s Cones specializes in premier sundaes, shakes, malts, flurries, and waffle and cake cones. With over 40 different topping to choose from, you are sure to find something to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Utica
Located in the heart of Starved Rock Country, Bruce & Ollie's serves ice cream, coffee, craft brews, wine, sandwiches and more.
Utica
Nonie’s Bakery & Café serves up fresh-baked pastries and desserts Thursday through Sunday.
Central Leg of the Byway
Peoria
Located near the riverfront, Ice Cream Shack is a seasonal ice cream stand serving cool and tasty treats.
Peoria
Stop by the bakery at Ardor Bread and Provisions for unique and artisan pastries, breads and desserts.
Bartonville
Dream Hut Ice Cream offers sweet treats and a grill menu to get you both your sweet and salty fix.
Southern Leg of the Byway
Pekin
Double D’s Ice Cream is a “Midwest must,” offering playful and tasty ice cream creations.
Pekin
Tadough’s is known for their distinctive and crave-worthy donuts. They have a second location in Peoria.
Havana
Peaches Ice Cream is a walk-up soft serve ice cream, hot dog and sandwich shop.
Canton
The Sweet Shoppe is an old-fashioned sweet shoppe with hand-dipped malts and phosphates and sodas made to order, not to mention tons of candy and homemade caramel corn.