Video Tours
Enjoy viewing our video tours of the Illinois River Road. Select a tour segment from the available videos below.
Byway Community Snapshot
A brief video overview of the communities along the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway.
Illinois River Road Nature Sites
Featuring the sparkle of the Illinois River at sunrise, the cliffs of Starved Rock State Park, wetlands full of waterfowl, the emerald fields of cropland, the calm of the forest, and ribbons of birds in flight. The unique nature of the river valley offers a diversity of natural settings for those who stop, see, listen, and feel the natural beauty along the Illinois River Road.
Experience the History and Scenery of Ottawa Illinois
The charming town of Ottawa, Illinois is located along the northern part of the Illinois River Road, where the Illinois River meets the Fox River. Ottawa is packed full of historic buildings, specialty shops, unique dining and scenic parks.
Kuchies On The River
Kuchies on the River restaurant offers great food with indoor or outdoor seating. Enjoy your meal with a view of the Illinois River.
Discover Canton, Illinois
Highlights from the Illinois River Road city of Canton, Illinois
Sweet Shoppe in Canton, Illinois
The Sweet Shoppe in Canton, Illinois offers delicious home made ice cream and much more to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Emiquon River Cutting
The grand opening of the Emiquon Nature Preserve along the Byway.
Dickson Mounds Museum
One of the major on-site archeological museums in the country, Dickson Mounds Museum also interprets the ecology of the Illinois River's Emiquon region. The site itself lies where two major ecosystems meet: the upper Mississippi River (Illinois River Bottomlands), and the Western Forest-Prairie complex.
Lewistown
A unique town along the Byway, full of rich Illinois history. Located in Fulton County.
East Peoria Holiday Festivities
Lights, food, and fun in East Peoria during the holidays!
Illinois River Road - Introduction
The Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway unites more than 100 nature-based destinations and numerous unique communities throughout the Illinois River Valley. This video is the introduction into the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway video tour series.
Ottawa, Illinois
Ottawa, Illinois is part 2 of our video tour. Bordering legendary Starved Rock State Park's wooded cliffs and soaring bluffs, Ottawa sits at the confluence of the Illinois and Fox Rivers. Derived from the Native American word "adawe" meaning "to trade," Ottawa is accustomed to welcoming new visitors in search of adventure. See where Abraham Lincoln's presidential career and the Boy Scouts of America began. For an adventure in nature, Ottawa's parks and recreational outlets provide amusements 365 days a year. Canoeing, bicycling, skydiving and horseback riding are just a few of the activities you'll enjoy while surrounded by the areas of diverse natural beauty.
Princeton, Illinois
Princeton, Illinois is part 3 of our video tour. Located on Interstate 80 and served by AMTRAK, Princeton is the place to start your customized trip back to the things that matter. Experience the Lovejoy Homestead, an important site on the Underground Railroad network to freedom and National Historic Landmark; cross one of Illinois' five remaining covered bridges; explore the Bureau County Historical Museum; venture in any direction to enjoy nature; or visit the unique shops and stately homes that line Princeton's brick streets. Princeton has numerous festivals including their newest month-long Festival 56 Summer Theater. Visitors can explore one of Illinois' first wind farms, or the state's first "wind powered" high school in nearby Manlius.
Peoria, Illinois
Peoria, Illinois is part 4 of our video tour. As the first European settlement in Illinois, Peoria is rich in history and even richer in natural beauty. Standing atop Peoria's world-famous Grandview Drive and looking out into the beautiful river valley, Peoria is a natural fit for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether it's a scenic drive overlooking the bluffs of the Illinois River, fishing on a tranquil pond, hiking or biking a woodland trail, watching for bald eagles, observing animals at Wildlife Prairie State Park or Peoria Zoo, or relaxing on a riverboat cruise, visitors will find endless ways to enjoy their stay.
Pekin, Illinois
Pekin, Illinois is part 5 of our video tour. The city of Pekin is located in west central Illinois, along the eastern bank of the Illinois River. Robert DeLaSalle is believed to be one of the first European explorers to visit the area in 1680. In 1829, County Surveyor, William Hodge laid out what was to become Pekin. He called it "Town Site," indicating the land was suitable for settlement. The town was named Pekin, after China's City of the Sun - Pekin(g). Today, visitors can enjoy swimming, horseback riding, golf, a one-of-a-kind park system, and for those interested in politics, the Dirksen Congressional Center. Pekin also offers numerous community festivals, a nearby zoo and entertainment center, unique restaurants and various shops.
Canton, Illinois
Canton, Illinois is part 6 of our video tour. Canton is rich with history and has been home to citizens of great character and ambition, including Charles Duryea, inventor of the first practical automobile, Elizabeth Magie, who developed the game of Monopoly, and William Parlin, an agricultural equipment innovator during the 1800's. Parlin's legacy lives on through a generous endowment supporting Canton's exceptional park district. The Canton Park District manages more than 1600 acres of park and open space that enhance the quality of life within the community, including: Wallace Park, the par district's operational hub; Big Creek Park; Athletic Park; and Lakeland Park.
Havana, Illinois
Havana, Illinois is part 7 of our video tour. Named for the capitol of the Isle of Cuba, Havana is the county seat of Mason County. Located on the banks of the Illinois River, Havana is primarily a rural, agricultural community. In fact, sixty-five percent of the United States' pumpkins are grown in the region making Havana a hot spot for tourists in the fall. Visitors to New Salem State Park can see where Abraham Lincoln lived for several years. More nature-oriented tourists can take the Spoon River Drive in fall for a display of colors unlike anything in the west or go hiking at Riverfront Park or explore the 4,500 acres of nearby Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge.
Conservation in Action
Restoring and preserving the natural wetlands and floodplains along the Illinois River Road is a huge commitment made by many dedicated organizations and individuals. Thanks to organizations like The Wetlands Initiative, Ducks Unlimited, The Nature Conservancy, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a real impact is made on the Illinois River ecosystem. We invite you to personally get in touch with the natural world and enjoy the beauty of these restored wetlands and floodplains along the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway.
Drive the Illinois River Road and discover Chillicothe, IL!
The central leg of the Illinois River Road includes the quaint town of Chillicothe. Founded in 1834, the town has served as a rail line crossing point of the Illinois River since the late 1800s, which easily explains the town’s motto. “Where the Rails Cross the River”. This history is detailed at the Rock Island Railroad Museum, complete with running trains and a furnished caboose. Climb up the observation tower at Eagle Landing, which provides a must-see river view! Chillicothe also boasts disc golf, an outdoor pool, a skate park, and numerous nature trails at Coal Hollow Park. Chillicothe’s downtown is filled with nostalgic architecture, shops filled with antiques, home décor, accessories, clothing , gifts and other unique treasures. The local coffee house, locally-owned restaurants and nostalgic candy store round out the experience. Make plans to visit Chillicothe - one town you won't want to miss along the river - the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway.
Henry, IL is a Town You Don't Want to Miss Along the Byway
At the heart of the IL River Road, lays the quaint city of Henry, home to the first lock and dam system on the river. Visit Henry and walk the original walls of the dam or see the steel truss bridge connecting East and West river routes. It's park and boat ramp is a popular destination for boating, fishing, water skiing & more! Henry is full of rich history and culture. Don't miss out on visiting museums, learning about artists, seeing a massive display of flags honoring war heroes, or driving through historic neighborhoods. The Marshall Putnam fair is a highlight to include in your visit. See the very grounds where ESPN filmed the Lucas Oil Professional Truck and Tractor Pull. Henry IL has so much to offer for all visitors! It's definitely worth adding to your Bucket List.
The Byway Town of Utica, Illinois
The Village of North Utica is rich in history and tradition. Built along the Illinois and Michigan (I&M) Canal, the community flourished with diversity. Today, that diversity is reflected in annual festivals and traditions such as the Craft Beer Festival, St. Patrick’s Day parade, Vintage Wine Festival, Winter Wine Walk, Car Shows, Octoberfest and the largest Veteran’s Parade in the State. For over 50 years, the Village of North Utica has been home to the Burgoo Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors to the village each fall.
Discover Peoria Heights
Peoria Heights is famous for Tower Park, home to the one-of-a-kind 200 ft. observation tower that provides gorgeous panoramic views of the Illinois River Valley and surrounding areas. Its thriving downtown business district hosts over seventy-five eclectic and independently owned retail stores and restaurants. More recently, the village has benefited from private investments in its riverfront acreage and historical, Midwestern landmarks that have been re-envisioned for modern day – most notably The Betty Jayne Brimmer Center for the Performing Arts which is housed in the old public library.
