Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway

06/12/2026

Whether you're a seasoned camper or someone looking to try it out for the first time, the Illinois River Road invites you to experience the great outdoors. From peaceful riverside retreats to rustic camping adventures, this scenic byway has something for everyone to enjoy amidst the beauty of Illinois' natural landscapes. ⛺

Whether you're a seasoned camper, an RV enthusiast, or someone looking to try glamping for the first time, the Illinois River Road invites you to expe

06/09/2026

Kayak Starved Rock Campground, recognized by USA TODAY as a Top 10 Urban Campground, is now offering dog friendly guided kayak tours and rentals alongside its waterfront camping facilities. 🐶🌞

Just another WordPress site

06/06/2026

Whether artistic, historical, cultural or scientific, museums feed our minds and souls. Here are a few spots to stop along the Byway that are brimming with history, collections and displays. ⭐

Whether artistic, historical, cultural or scientific, museums feed our minds and souls! Here are a few spots to stop along the Byway that are brimming

06/05/2026

Tomorrow, June 5, is National Donut Day! 🍩 From classic glazed to maple long johns and apple fritters, there’s no shortage of sweet stops along the Illinois River Road.

In the Peoria area, locals love Tadoughs in Peoria and Pekin, Carl’s Bakery in East Peoria, and Trefzger’s Bakery for pastries and treats.

Heading toward Starved Rock? Make a donut stop at Steve's Bakery in Ottawa or the Spring Valley Bakery in Spring Valley.

Nothing pairs better with a summer road trip than coffee, donuts, and small-town charm. 🚲☕🍩

06/04/2026

Looking for your next scenic ride? Celebrate World Bicycle Day by exploring the natural beauty, quiet backroads, and riverfront views found along the Illinois River Road. 🚴‍♀️🌾

Great places to ride along the way:
🔵 Peoria area:
Rock Island Greenway
Peoria RiverFront Trail
Farmdale Reservoir, East Peoria

🟡 Starved Rock area:
Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail
Starved Rock State Park
Matthiessen State Park

06/02/2026

Call all yogis and outdoor adventurers! The University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists will offer a beginner yoga class outdoors on June 20 at Matthiessen State Park. Get the full details from Shaw Local.

📍Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks

The University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists will offer a beginner yoga class outdoors on June 20 at Matthiessen State Park.

06/01/2026

Explore and enjoy LaSalle County this summer! ☀

Visit stops along the Illinois River Road including:
Ottawa: Ottawa Visitors Center The Middle of Everywhere
North Utica: Utica, Il
Streator: Streator Tourism and Events
Oglesby: City of Oglesby, Illinois

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...