Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway

06/01/2026

Matthiessen State Park made Midwest Living's list of lesser-known state parks to add to your summer bucket list. Beat the crowds and enjoy the views. ☀🌻

Stay up to date with park happenings: Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks

We've rounded up a list of lesser-known, yet totally worthy state parks to add to your bucket list. There's a park in in every Midwest state, including Banning State Park in Minnesota, Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park in Kansas, Matthiessen State Park in Illinois, Palisades State Park in South D...

05/31/2026

To celebrate America's 250th birthday, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is sharing some of the the incredible wildlife that calls this beautiful country home. Continue along at this link as they highlight different species each week. 🇺🇸

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05/30/2026

Warmer weather means getting out to enjoy riverfront views. ☀

Picture captured in Havana (Historic Havana Illinois)

05/29/2026

The 2026 Illinois Free Fishing Days are June 19-22, 2026. 🐟

During this four-day celebration of fishing in Illinois, anglers can fish without purchasing a fishing license, salmon stamp or inland trout stamp. Get more information at https://ifishillinois.org/.

05/28/2026

A beautiful day along the Illinois River ☀

Picture captured in Lacon by River Friends Photos

05/23/2026

🫛 It is opening day for the Peoria Riverfront Market today, Saturday, May 23. The market will take place each Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. The season runs through Sept. 26.

🍓 Shopping in the Peoria area? Various vendors have also set up shop at the Peoria Farmers Market at Metro Centre. Hours may vary by vendor. (📍4700 N. University St., Peoria)

05/23/2026

Did you know?

Several Illinois River Road locations offer free admission to active-duty military personnel and families through the Blue Star Museums program, running May 16–September 7, 2026. 🇺🇸⭐

Partiicpating locations include Wheels O' Time Museum, Hegeler Carus Mansion, Reddick Mansion Association, Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum and the Peoria Riverfront Museum.

Get a list of participating locations: www.arts.gov/blue-star-museums-map?state=IL.

05/22/2026

Spring is the perfect time to explore the stories, landmarks, and historic towns along the Illinois River Road 🌿 From museums to canal towns and preserved landmarks, history is waiting around every bend in the road.

Plan your next adventure using our historical "Spots to Stop" list on our website.

Discover top historical sites along the Illinois River Road, from canal history and Victorian mansions to museums, Native American heritage, and charm

05/21/2026

Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks top this list of state parks to visit in Illinois this summer. 👏🌞

Full story by: Belleville News-Democrat

A popular metro-east spot made the list for top five best Illinois state parks. Here’s what to know.