The Great River Road
-- On the Mississippi River in Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri

What can I say, I went to college near the Mississippi River in Illinois, and it is just a beautiful drive. If you can, take time to stop in the historic towns of Nauvoo, IL, and Hannibal, MO. And be careful if you drive here during Mayfly mating season. The billions of bugs get squished and make the roads really slick. Watch out for spring flooding too. The road has gone underwater.

Part One
If you do the Great River Road, you may want to make a weekend out of it. Thereis a lot to see along the way, on both sides of the river. The map to the left shows the first leg from the Quad Cities down to Keokuk Iowa. Along this route is the historic town of Nauvoo. You could almost spend a weekend there if you are a history buff. Also along this route is a small town called Dallas City. If you are really hungry, stop at the RiverView Supper Club on the north sideof Dallas City. Its an all you can eat buffet 5 nights per week, with someof the best food I have ever had, all under $10. It may be closed now. The last time I was in the area, their phone was disconnected.

You may also want to stop off across the river in Burlington, Ft. Madison, or Keokuk. They are all intersting places to see.

Part Two
To the right is the second leg of the journey, from Keokuk down to Hannibal, MO. Here you have your choice of driving down the Illinois side, or the Missouri side. You may wish to stop off in Quincy along the way. To the south of Quincy on the Illinois side, there are a lot of underground storage areas. You may see semi-trucks driving in and out of the bottom of the cliffs here. Its just an interesting thing to see. Once you get to Hannibal, MO, there is a lot to see and do, since this was the home to Mark Twain. Just south of Hannibal is a scenic lookout over the river. If you go by, you should stop. The view is incredible.

Part Three
The last leg is from Hannibal down to St. Louis. As you can see, from Hannibal on south, there are 3 routes you could go. One on the Illinois side, and two on the Missouri side. Rt. 61 is a 4 lane quick trip. The other roads are two lane, and may be prone to flooding. The choice is yours. Once you get to St. Louis, there are many things to do, including the Arch, Laclede's Landing, and Union Station.