Basics
- Length:
- 33 miles (53 km)
- Time:
- Two days to enjoy the entire Byway.
- Fees:
- There are no fees along the Byway proper and ferries on the Byway are free.
Description
The Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Route provides an expansive view of the floodplain where the Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois River join together to flow to the ocean. Rich in historic significance and natural beauty, the junction of these mighty rivers demonstrates both American river culture and American pioneer spirit.
Rivers were the main transportation arteries for both Native Americans and early European settlers, and the historic town of Alton contains a record of both of these groups. Early French explorer Father Jacques Marquette discovered a large pictograph on the bluffs along the Mississippi that represented the Piasa bird, a monster in Native American folklore. Learn the legend of the Piasa bird at the Alton Museum of History and Art, and then follow the Route southward to see a modern artist's rendition of the pictograph on the side of the cliff.
The Wood River Region at the north end of the Route commemorates the beginning of Lewis and Clark's famous expedition to the Pacific. The Camp River Dubois State Historic Site has several exhibits, including a restored campsite of the Corps of Discovery and a cross-section replica of the expedition's keelboat, allowing you to experience the expedition first-hand.
Alton played a pivotal part in events leading up to and during the Civil War. Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas held their final debate in the race for U.S. Senate here in Alton, with the entire nation watching as they contended over the issue of slavery. Life-size bronze statues now stand in Lincoln-Douglas Square to commemorate the event. Just outside of Alton lie the remains of a federal prison, as well as a sobering monument marking the mass grave of Confederate prisoners that died there during the Civil War.
Cyclists will find challenge and beautiful scenery along the Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail. The trail parallels the Mississippi, running past rocky bluffs and through several historic towns. The town of Elsah is one of the only towns to be put on the National Historic Register in its entirety, as it has remained virtually unchanged since the 19th Century.
The Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Route allows visitors to discover the natural and historical heritage of southern Illinois.
Tourism Resources
Helpful Links
Tourism Resources
Points of Interest
Points of Interest Along The Way
Alton (IL)
The city of Alton was first plotted on January 1, 1818, and was incorporated in 1837 when its population had reached 4,000 people. The city has played a significant role in the history of ourcountry, but the community's history actually precedes Rufus Easton by centuries. In 1673, Father Jacques Marquette, recording his famous journey down the Mississippi River with Louis Joliet,recorded a description of the "Piasa," a bird-like monster paintedon the bluffs along the river where Alton now stands.
A hundred years later in 1783, Jean Baptiste Cardinal selected the site of Alton for his settlement where he remained until being taken prisoner by Indians. It was just south of Alton at the mouth of Wood River Creek that Lewis and Clark built their first camp and spent the winter of 1803-1804 before making their historicexpedition into the Great Northwest. Today, Alton is a stop on both the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway and the Great River Road. Travelers will be able to find a visitor center and a town full of riverside attractions.
Alton was built on the bluffs, and one neighborhood called"Christian Hill" is a miniature San Francisco where Victorian-stylehomes climb steep and winding streets. The Middletown neighborhood is elegant and stately, with Federal and Victorian-style homes. Downtown Alton is dotted with antique districts, restaurants, and shops. Wonderful parks and memorials accent the residential and business areas. Visitors come to the city's riverside park to watch the steady stream of river traffic pass by.
Alton Cemetery (IL)
Scenic and historic Alton Cemetery is the final resting placefor generations of leaders and residents from all walks of life.Buried here are soldiers and explorers, editors and educators,bankers and industrialists, politicians, workers, wives and theirfamilies. The Lovejoy monument, in the cemetery, is viewed as asymbol of freedom. The 93-foot monument, topped by the WingedVictory, is at the end of Monument Avenue in the cemetery. Thismonument memorializes the Editor Reverend Elijah P. Lovejoy.Lovejoy's work and death in Alton gave him a place in history, forthe abolition of slavery.
Bluffs (IL)
Without question, the most spectacular view anywhere along this route is just outside of Alton. The bluffs tower above the river with the byway roadsurface immediately between the peaks and the river bank. The ever-flowing Mississippi is alive with commercial traffic, sailboats and wildlife, in contrast to the majestic bluffs soaring overhead. Anytime is good viewing but late afternoon and sunset are very rewarding. As the river runs west to east, the sun illuminates the geologic structures creating a vista unlike anywhere else on the Mississippi. Allow ten minutes to drive from Grafton to Elsah.
Be careful: many people stop along the highway to take pictures of the bluffs and river. Exercise caution as there are many bicyclists and fast-moving traffic at all times. Try to remain in your car to photograph the scenery.
Directions
Outside Grafton, approximately 15 miles southeast to Alton.
Brussels Ferry (IL)
Take a free ride across the Illinois River (it is okay to turn around and come right back!) Get a feel of the river under the wheels of your vehicle. Nearby is the Mark Twain Wildlife Refuge, the seasonal home for hundreds of thousands of migratory birds on the Mississippi Flyway. (American Bald Eagles, herons, owls, pelicans, geese, duck including many unusually rare species). Free of charge, restrooms available. About 45 minutes round-trip, but note that on sunny weekends the wait can be up to two hours.
Byway Information Pullout (IL)
Get byway information just south of Grafton.
Civil War Prison and Memorial (IL)
With a very involved Civil War History, Alton has plenty of stories to share, one being told by the old Federal prison where Confederate prisoners were held. Today, visitors will be able to see a portion of the prison that is still standing, as well as the Memorial that was erected for the hundreds of Confederate soldiers who were buried in a mass grave nearby.
Clark Bridge (IL)
Constructed in 1993, the Clark Bridge has become a landmark in this part of Illinois. The award winning 4,500 foot cable bridge to Alton on the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Route from Missouri, was the subject of the documentary, "Superbridge," an unprecedented two-hour Nova episode on PBS.
East St. Louis (IL)
Just across the river from the bustling city of St. Louis,Missouri is East St. Louis of Illinois. This city is a stoppingpoint on two of Illinois' National Scenic Byways. The Great RiverRoad and the National Road pass through the area allowing visitorsa glimpse of the famous Gateway to the West across the MightyMississippi.
Directions
East St. Louis lies south of Wood River and the southern terminus of the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Route
Elsah (IL)
It has been observed by many travel editors that the Village ofElsah is the town that time forgot. This quaint and tiny villageupriver from Alton is filled with several dozen homes, most builtin the mid to late-1800's. Unlike most American towns, Elsah seemedto freeze in time. No true modern buildings have been erected, sodriving through Elsah is like stepping back 100 years. Thechurches, homes, and buildings are all authentic, and the entirevillage is on the National Historic Register. Be sure to save somefilm or videotape for Elsah.
Grafton (IL)
Continuing upriver is the town of Grafton. As the oldest town in the county, historic buildings are located throughout the city. The Scenic Byway is "main street" for this bustling little community. Shops, restaurants, and an authentic 1800s hotel provide visitors with things to do, see, and enjoy. Grafton also offers a variety of family entertainment, including a nearby water park and evening outdoor musical amphitheater. Grafton offers boat rides, parasailing, and horseback riding, too. It is at Grafton that the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers meet. Islands punctuate the twin river confluence. Large pleasure crafts can be seen making the transit from Chicago and Michigan downriver to the Caribbean.
