If you asked a Jeopardy champion or your local trivia night guru the following question, what response do you think you would receive? Where in the United States can you find all of the following in one location: one of the world’s largest rivers choked with fast moving ice, soaring ivory cliffs and hundreds of bald eagles? You’d probably guess: What is somewhere in Alaska? False. I’d also venture to guess that Illinois would not come to mind as a response. Illinois? You must be joking???
That’s right Ken Jennings, if you were lucky enough to guess Illinois, you would have won! Just tell them what they would have won! Well Johnny, our winners would be the proud owners of a tour of Southwest Illinois. Their tour would begin with the most scenic drive in the midwest on the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway. Our champions can drive or pedal for miles along America’s largest river, all while enjoying slow moving barge traffic and breathtaking limestone bluffs! And that’s not all! We would organize this prize winning adventure during the winter season. Winter?!?! Who wants to visit the midwest in the winter? Well boys and girls, this area of the world is especially popular with birds, and I’m not talking about the Piasa! No, I mean the granddaddy of them all, Bald Eagles! These fine feathered friends soar south in January and February as they migrate to find food in the abundant waters of the Mississippi for the winter season. And if that’s not enough, let’s tell them about the park! Your final destination on the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway is Pere Marquette State Park. This state park may only play second fiddle to Starved Rock State Park in Illinois. C’mon, what other state park has its own winery? Not to mention, majestic forests and high bluffs accentuated by cozy campgrounds, 12 miles of rolling trails and an artfully crafted, hand-built CCC era lodge.
The river. The bluffs. The eagles. The park! Just one of these examples would make for a crown jewel experience in Illinois. Stop questioning your visit, you’ve already got the correct answer!
Visit: Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway & Pere Marquette State Park: 13112 Visitor Center Ln, Grafton, IL 62037
https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/parks/pages/peremarquette.aspx
Consider: One could spend days listing the tourist attractions, places to stay and fine dining in this area. Begin by booking your stay at the Beall Mansion or Jackson House. It is easy to find Lincoln in this region, but I’d suggest searching for the history of Elijah P. Lovejoy, of whom Lincoln himself stated, “Lovejoy’s tragic death for freedom in every sense marked his sad ending as the most important single event that ever happened in the new world.” If all of the pie I have eaten in my life would be placed end to end, it might measure up to the height of Robert Wadlow (hint: tourist attraction). The top of the stack of pie tower would be overwhelmingly filled with pie from My Just Desserts. Hands down: best pie in Illinois. Order your slice when you arrive, because when it is erased from the chalkboard, it’s gone for the day! Finish your day with a fun time at Fast Eddies Bon Air. The food is super cheap, but super good. Don’t forget to buy your beer first or they won’t let you purchase food. Sorry kiddos, must be 21 to enter.
2 Comments
Latarsha Hendershott · March 13, 2018 at 7:29 am
Thank you so much for the great article, it was fluent and to the point. Cheers.
Terry Barlak · March 13, 2018 at 7:30 am
Thank you so much for the great article, it was fluent and to the point. Cheers.
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