Driving from Chicago to St Louis....Points of Interest?

In late June we will be driving with 2 other couples from the Chicago area to St Louis. We plan to take I55, stop overnight in Springfield to check out Lincoln Birthplace %26amp; Museum, maybe Route 66 Drive-in (read about it on your forum, sounds interesting..is it?). Any suggestions for points of interest between Chicago and Springfield or Springfield and St Louis? The interests of people in our group include scenic areas, nature, parks, museums, unique shopping, food, %26amp; military or unusual attractions.

Also, on the first leg of the trip from St Louis to Chicago, we will detour to visit Galena. On the way we will stay overnight in the QC area. Are there opinions about which might be the best place to stay %26amp; why? Davenport? Moline? Bettendorf %26amp; Rock Island don%26#39;t appear to have many lodging choices, correct? I%26#39;ve never been to this area so don%26#39;t know if one town is more scenic, quaint, interesting, reasonably priced, less traffic,....any advice?

Appreciate your suggestions.

Driving from Chicago to St Louis....Points of Interest?

QC info - http://www.visitquadcities.com/site/index.php

Illinois stuff - http://www.roadsideamerica.com/location/il

http://www.enjoyillinois.com/home.aspx

Driving from Chicago to St Louis....Points of Interest?

Dave, Thanks for the references, Roadside America very interesting.

Make a stop at Palisades State Park on your way south from Galena. The views from the cliffs over the Mississippi River are breathtaking! If you like to hike, there are also some nice trails in the park.

Meant to say that the name of the state park is Mississippi Palisades State Park.

Funcampin, Thanks for your suggestion. I also posted in the Iowa forum because of our initial route and Mississippi Palisades SP was recommended there too, so we put it in our itinerary. I checked out several websites, the park looks great, read about trails, etc. but I haven%26#39;t been able to find a park map online to see the roads and trails. If you know of a site with a park map, or have specific trail suggestions (moderate to lightly strenuous), please pass the information along. Appreciate your advice.

Happy trails.

Goneagain,

Shame on IL DNR for not having their trail maps on their web site. I have a map that I can mail you if you PM me with your address. It is not as detailed a map as the park map that you can get either at the campground, or online at:

https:/…DNRtitles.asp

If this link doesn%26#39;t work, you can access it from the publications link at the IL DNR website. I think there might be a charge for the map if you order online, but I%26#39;m not sure. You might contact the park directly and see if they can mail you one. 815-273-2731 or e-mail: dnr.Mississippipalisades@illinois.gov

Have a great trip!

goneagain,

Woohoo, I found it! Please disregard the last post.

dnr.state.il.us/publications/pdf/00000538.pdf

Funcampin,

Thanks exactly what I need, and I could not find it!Thanks a million. MPSP looks like a great park, I%26#39;m looking forward to our visit.

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