There’s only one place in America where the Great River Road meets the Mother Road of Route 66. And that is the Great Rivers & Routes region of southwest Illinois. 

The six-county region, located just outside St. Louis in Illinois, is full of sweeping scenic views and nationally-recognized hiking and biking trails. With treetop ziplining, river cruises, kayaking, and epic rides on a 1500-foot gondola/open air chair lift to the top of the river bluffs, experience outdoor fun at its finest.

Great Rivers & Routes region

Take a drive along the last 100 miles of Route 66 in Illinois – home to giant pink elephants, a rabbit ranch, the World’s Tallest Catsup Bottle and one of the few drive-in movie theaters left on the Mother Road – and enjoy kitsch melded with classic Americana. 

Or take the road less traveled and check out the jaw dropping year round views of the Mighty Mississippi River as it gentle curves beside the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. This 33-mile stretch of roadway is arguably one of the most scenic drives in the U.S. and captures the essence of America’s three great rivers – the Mississippi, the Missouri and Illinois – which come together alongside the highway. 

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Great Rivers & Routes region

Meet the local makers who create locally crafted wines, beers and spirits. Sip a glass of wine perfected by Grafton Winery or enjoy a pint of locally crafted beer from Old Bakery Beer Company alongside the waters of the Mississippi River. Take a tour of David Stine Furniture and see how locally harvested hardwoods are transformed in to tables, bed frames and chairs. Sip on a cocktail concocted from horseradish infused vodka in a former newspaper print shop at Old Herald Brewery & Distillery in Collinsville. 

Discover greatness around every turn in southwest Illinois.