great rivers scenic route

Great day trip drive with awesome views of the river and limestone bluffs. I went the 1st weekend in march, the river was pretty frozen with huge areas completely covered in slabs of ice. But there was still lots of seagulls, geese, ducks and eagles to be seen on the water and over the bluffs. There are a couple of neat stop's along the rd going north of Alton. I will definitely be making a second trip.

Nothing like the sun glistening off the water and the rock wall on the other side of the road in some areas. This is definitely a must do scenic drive!

Always a great drive to Grafton from Alton. The Piasa bird just outside of Alton is an interesting historic site and the view driving along the river is spectacular, especially in the fall. Ending in Grafton with its quaint eateries, novelty shops and wineries makes for a fun day trip.

I love this drive, beautiful views between the rock cliffs and the river. Watch the eagles, and the boaters, stop at the waterpark, visit Grafton. Great day trip!

Our favorite ride on the Harley is this.Beautiful,clean,eagles flying above us.Head to Grafton for drinks and eats-very fun!

This is a scenic drive best enjoyed on days when the weather is nice. During the winter months you can often find eagles soaring above. There are many places to stop along the route.

Very nice drive and Eagles to watch at the right time of year. The drive is very relaxing with lots to see and do in the area.

This is a beautiful, scenic drive in all 4 seasons and very popular when the eagles arrive, usually after New Years. At times it looks like a major coastal drive. We usually take turns driving so everyone gets to take it in. There are artisans and shops and a variety of restaurants open mist of the year. The Brussels ferry offers rides across the Illinois River and not far away from The Great River Road are activities associated with thw Lewis and Clark ecpedition and eady access to Missouri

Beautiful scenic drive at all times of the year. Mississippi river on one side the limestone cliffs on the other. In the winter go watch the Eagles flying high in the sky or on a perch. And best of all the drive is free

We love the ride along the great river road. All times of the year are good. Love to watch the two boats and the ducks.

Even on a gray rainy day in December this is a sight to enjoy. Pull off to see the Piasa Bird painted on the cliff, read the story behind it and let your imagination take you back in time with the early explorers hearing the story. We had learned of this at Cahokia mounds at a visit there and also around Starved Rock State Park in Utica. It is amazing how close the highway is to the river in spots, and very nice are the bike lanes here too. Many places to eat or shop, we enjoyed the ironworks in Grafton. Lunch in Grafton at the Microbrewery and Winery was very good, but I can only imagine how busy it is in peak season. Don't miss the Audobon Center just across the bridge in Missouri. We saw bald eagles, herons and countless other species of birds in breathtaking surroundings. Nature at one of her finest areas.

One of the most interesting roads in our nation. The Great River Road is first a good surface that's well maintained and follows the Mississippi River at water level for miles and miles. You have the Mississippi River on one side and fabulous limestone cliffs on the other. Eagles soaring overhead and boats steaming by beside you. Good food abounds in Grafton Illinois, check out the Fin Inn with it's thousands of gallons of aquariums filled with river fish right at your table. The Arie Winery gives views of the river valley for many miles--get above the eagles!

I love driving this road, especially in fall when the leaves are changing. It's truly magnificent! I wish the Piasa Bird painting was still clear but the the replacement is still good. If you have some time- take this drive! You won't be disappointed!

Take highway 3 up the river. First Alton and Fast Eddies...99 cent 1/2 lb. Burgers, 30 Cent shrimp the coldest beer in the State. Check out the Piasa Bird...o bmp cave wall. Then Grafton, the Loading Dock, great place to enjoy eats and river view. The Iron Works...great stuff for the home and yard, ask for Big John. Then about 8miles to Pere Marquette lodge. Great place to stay....rooms and cottages. The largest chess set in Midwest. Great weekend trip or even the day.

The river hwy is so beautiful and historic! We went along the highway and stopped to take pics of the foliage and the Piasa bird! Gorgeous country and full of history! Stopped by to see the circle of life there. Nice drive for the old and young!