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The Great River Road Country |
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 Truly a national treasure! Running alongside the Mississippi to the west and the great limestone bluffs to the east is so much more than a pleasant Sunday drive in the country. The area, tretching north from Alton to Grafton and Elsah, is chock full of historical significance and natural beauty. It's a superb day trip for an historical lesson and taking in nature's wonders. The area was first viewed in the late 17th century by Father Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet. Marquette recorded seeing the Piasa Bird, an indian creation of a bird-like monster painted on a cliff. The historic village of Elsah is an important stop, and in the winter especially, you need to look for eagles who winter here, fishing for food in the river...one of their dives for fish is memorable! There are several bed and breakfasts along the way...one in Elsah and one high on the bluffs overlooking simply everything! Antique shops are found in Alton, Elsah and Grafton. The Alton Marine hosts hundreds of pleasure boats that ply Alton Lake, created by Lock and Dam #27, a marvel in itself. Across the lake you'll see "Our Lady of the Rivers Shrine", where an annual blessing of the boats place in spring. Paralleling the river road is a paved bike trail, (Vadabalence Bike Trail"...a name pointedly significant to the author...ask Merrill about it.) At the road's north end is a ferry across the Illinois River to Brussels and Hardin and beautifully remote Calhoun County. At Alton is the just-opened Clark Bridge, featuring a one-of-a-kind suspension system where cables are suspended from just two concrete pilons...gorgeous! At the north end is Pere Marquette State Park...a lodge on 8000 rustic acres with views of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, a great restaurant featuring a 700 stone fireplace and the world's largest chess set. The area also offers commercial and private fishing of all kinds, and the area is on the Mississippi flyway...geese and ducks abound near round...and all kinds of wildlife! The following are related:
State Parks...of Missouri and Illinois are all available...lots of woods and trails and lots of water. There are probably 30 within easy driving distance.
 Sailing & Boating... Southern Illinois has several lakes, all within driving distance, including Carlyle, Alton, Lake of the Ozarks, Crab Orchard and others.
Cycling...There are many places to go besides Vadabalene Trail, obviously, but country roads everywhere. The Katy Trail in nearby Missouri is super. So are "Bluff Roads" near Columbia, and in front of SIUE, and they are flat.
Bridges...Two bridges you must see: The old Eads Bridge, (walk below it and on it, if possible...) and the new Clark Bridge at Alton, (one of a kind design...incredible!) The supports for the Eads Bridge are made of cut stone and absolutely massive! They go to bedrock, (deeper on the Illinois side), and the story of construction (using cassons far below the water line) is incredible. Steel was also new! And it's still used. It played a part in history, too, focusing the railroads east instead of northeast ... bypassing Alton for the moment. Also of interest to bridge lovers, the Lock and Dam # 26...offering tours of the single biggest Corps of Engineers project ever! Brand new and awesome! Eagles look for fish below the dam in the winter. |
