Trip Ideas & Itineraries

Explore weekend and day trip ideas in the Great Rivers and Routes region with adventures across Alton, Edwardsville, and beyond.

Find ideas for your next great adventure in the Great Rivers & Routes region right here. With a variety of unforgettable activities and top-notch places to stay, there's something for everyone in this part of the Midwest. Whether you're an outdoor adventurer, a culinary enthusiast, or a history aficionado, memorable journeys abound in the Great Rivers & Routes. From weekend getaway ideas to a 72-hour itinerary guide, plan every element of your trip with ease.

Great Rivers & Routes Itineraries

Route 66 Road Trip

Get your kicks on the Last 100 Miles of Route 66 in Illinois. The Mother Road in southwest Illinois is full of pure Americana and quirky roadside adventures. What are you waiting for?

72 Hours on The Great River Road

Have a taste for adventure? In the Great Rivers & Routes region of southwest Illinois there are plenty of roads to explore and communities to get to know.

Journey Through Black History in Southwest Illinois

The history of Black Americans in southwest Illinois is vibrant and rich.

Weekend Getaway from Chicago and Beyond

The Alton area is the ideal destination for a long weekend or three-day getaway.

Plan A Quiet Weekend Getaway In Southwest Illinois

Spend a relaxing and fun weekend exploring charming towns and quaint local attractions from the comfort of a lovely B&B or boutique hotel.

Great Girlfriend Getaways

Hey Ladies! Who runs the world? Girls!

Trip Idea: River Connections

Just 25 miles north of St. Louis on the banks of the Mississippi River, the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway is truly a Midwestern treasure with stretches of roadway…

Plan an Eagle-Watching Trip in the Great Rivers & Routes Region

The Great Rivers & Routes region in southwest Illinois is the perfect place for a multiple day eagle-watching trip, especially during the magnificent American Bald Eagle migration, which begins when the winter…

Let’s Take a Trip: 5 Day Trips in Southwest Illinois

Are you feeling adventurous today? Want to catch a glimpse of something great?

Take a Trip on Route 66

The Mother Road is full of classic Americana and pure kitsch. Take a drive along the Last 100 Miles of Route 66 in Illinois and discover the Mother Road at its finest.

Grafton Ferry: Enjoy a Trip to Grafton This Weekend

Catch the Grafton Ferry for your weekend getaway along the Mississippi and Illinois rivers!

Architectural Adventures

Take a tour of the Alton region to discover breathtaking scenery and architectural beauty scattered throughout its historic villages, towns and neighborhoods.

Explore More Trip Planning Tools

Situated in the Midwest the Great Rivers & Routes region has four distinct seasons, all of which come with their own delights.

What’s better than a great adventure in the Great Rivers & Routes region?

Get inspired! The Great Rivers & Routes GO Guide is full of inspirational ideas for your next road trip adventure.

All roads lead to the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway.

Find your way in the Great Rivers & Routes region with a downloadable map.

Things to Do Learn More

Cities & Towns Learn More

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Where to Stay Learn More