---
template: byway.jade
id: "58611"
name: Illinois River Road
distance: "291"
duration: "Seven hours to drive the entire byway, two days per loop for each of seven nature activity loops"
description: "The Illinois River Valley imparts feelings of awe at the power of the river winding its way through a land form carved by glacial melt water. Experience the seasonal colors and rhythms of the forests, wetlands, bluffs, and prairies on your own or follow one of seven different nature activity guides."
contact: "**Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau**  \r\n 309-676-0303  \r\n 866-896-6853  \r\n\r\n"
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websites: 
  - url: "http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=33650"
    name: Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge
  - url: "http://dnr.state.il.us/Lands/Landmgt/PARKS/R1/HENNPIN.HTM"
    name: Hennepin Canal State Trail
  - url: "http://www.illinoisriverroad.org"
    name: Illinois River Road
  - url: "http://www.recreation.gov/recAreaDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&facilityId=202035&agencyCode=130"
    name: Illinois Waterway Visitor Center
  - url: "http://www.nps.gov/ilmi/"
    name: "National Park Service: I&M Canal"
  - url: "http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/i&m/east/starve/park.htm"
    name: Starved Rock State Park
designations: 
  - National Scenic Byway
states: 
  - IL
ll: 
  - -90.06504778272898
  - 40.29405658794116
bounds: 
  - - -90.08831000020632
    - 40.29404099999215
  - - -88.84018700022983
    - 41.39545800018652

---

The Illinois River Valley imparts feelings of awe at the power of the river winding its way through a land form carved by glacial melt water. Experience the seasonal colors and rhythms of the forests, wetlands, bluffs, and prairies on your own or follow one of seven different nature activity guides.