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Nothing
compares to the fall foliage views along the Great River Road in
October. The 25-mile drive from
Alton to Pere Marquette State Park offers a remarkable showcase of
changing fall colors and majestic river views. Historic landmarks,
antiquing, apple orchards, river ferry rides, along with hiking and
biking trails are added benefits. And, an abundance of bed & breakfast
choices provide a comfortable overnight stay. Our children love this
trip.
The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River on Route 100 for
25 miles from Alton, through Elsah and Grafton to Pere Marquette State
Park. Each village has historical significance with unique sites to
visit. This getaway could last for a week.
ALTON
Be sure to drive across the Clark Bridge, a cable stay bridge, and the
only one of its kind in the world. A stop at the Melvin Price Locks & Dam
provides a glimpse into the liveliness of river travel. Water levels
constantly rise and fall to allow the passing of hundreds of barges
through its gates.
Many of the 22 area orchards offer the chance to hunt for apples
and taste some local cider. Harvesting starts in early September and
runs until all the apples are picked-usually in late October. On weekends,
most have music, haunted houses, hayrides and pumpkin patches for children's
play.
When leaving Alton, take Rt. 67 to Rt. 100. Drive west on Route 100
(The Great River Road) and look for the massive painting of the Piasa
Bird (pronounced Pee-a-saw) on the river bluffs. The large painting
is a replica of the mythical creative feared by Native Americans hundreds
of years ago. Continue west on Rt. 100 beside the river bluffs for
about 12 miles to the quiet village of Elsah.
ELSAH
The entire village is listed on the National Historic Register with examples
of historical architecture and antique shops. Try a homecooked meal
at Elsah Landing Restaurant and choose from several bed & breakfasts
for your overnight stay. The Corner Nest, Green Tree Inn, and Maple
Leaf Cottage Inn resembles the architecture of the late 1800's.
Leaving Elsah, follow Route 100 west for about 5 miles to Grafton.
GRAFTON
Be sure to take a ride on the Brussels Ferry, located between Grafton
and Pere Marquette State Park. The ferry is free and may offer a glimpse
of returning American Bald Eagles. The birds return each year in late
fall and stay for the winter. The best locations for up-close sightings
of the eagles in winter are the River Wetlands, below the Melvin Price
Lock & Dam in Alton, and from the Brussels Ferry.
Grafton also offers several choices for overnight stays. The Ruebel
Hotel, a two-story building in the downtown historic district, houses
an 1800's Wild West saloon atmosphere. Tara Point Inn and Cottages
located high on the bluffs overlooking the river, offers suites and
rustic cottages.
PERE MARQUETTE STATE PARK
Located 5 miles north of Grafton, Pere Marquette State Park is an 8000-acre
preservation area named for Father Jacques Marquette, a French missionary
who was one of the first Europeans to arrive in 1673. The park offers
horseback riding, hiking and biking trails and scenic river views.
The best views require good shoes-McAdams Peak and Twin Mounds are
within the forest region of the park. Reservations are required for
eagle watching along the bluffs of the Illinois River from December-January.
The park houses a lodge and conference center along with primitive
camping for hearty souls.
DIRECTIONS (About 90 Miles)
The Scenic Route from Decatur: Take I-72 west to I-55 south in Springfield.
Exit at Litchfield and take Rt. 16 west through Gillespie, Shipman,
and Piasa to US. 67 south. Take US. 67 south to Alton.
The Direct Route from Decatur: Take I-72 west to I-55 south in Springfield.
Take Alton/Greenville Rt. 140 west exit to US 67 north to Alton.
Ralph Henry, a
travel writer from St. Louis, MO, is in search of the perfect weekend
getaway in Illinois. He can be reached by calling 217-423-0422.
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER
Calendar of Events
The Great Godfrey Maze
The maze, which is cut from a seven-acre field of corn 213 rows wide
by 184 rows long, is a replica of the Piasa Bird painted on the cliffs
west of Alton.
Godfrey, Sept. 1 - Oct. 31
Grafton Flea Market
Oct. 14 & 15, 28 & 29
Challenge of the Bluffs Run
Alton, Oct. 7
The Great Godfrey Maze Fall Festival
Godfrey, Oct. 7
Gathering of the Waters Rendezvous
Grafton, Oct. 20-22
Bluegrass Festival
Grafton, Oct. 27-29
Great River Road Run
Great River Road, Nov. 25
RESOURCES
The Alton Convention & Visitors Bureau has information on scenic
tours, recreation, events, and accommodations for the area.
Website: altoncvb.org
Phone: 800-258-6645
Elsah Information
Website: elsah.org (Site includes links to local B & B's)
APPLE ORCHARDS
Alton/Grafton Illinois Area
Apple Kingdom
Antiques & Produce
618-576-2495
5 miles north of Hardin Bridge on Rt. 100
Eckert's Orchard
618-786-3445
RR1 Otterville Rd., Grafton
Hagen Family Orchard
618-883-2385
RR1 Box 112A, Golden Eagle
Hidden Valley
618-576-9036
3.5 miles north of Hardin off Rt. 100
Krueger's Orchard
618-466-3576
2914 Airport Rd., Godfrey
Losch's Farm & Garden
Center
618-254-4244
4262 Hedge Rd., Roxana
Joe Ringhausen
Orchards
618-498-6951
2.5 miles south of Jerseyville/Rt. 267 &
3 miles west & north of Fieldon
Tom Ringhausen
Orchards
618-576-2311
Rt. 16 & 100 east of Hardin Bridge
Summerfield Farm
618-466-2678
Godfrey
Uncle Andy's Produce
Ranch
618-786-3305
Grafton
Yate's Orchard
618-498-3752
RR1 Box 59A, Grafton
This
article originally appeared in the October/November 2000
issue of Decatur Magazine.
It may not be reproduced or redistributed in whole or in part without
the publisher's consent.
© Copyright
2000 Decatur Magazine - First String Productions. All rights reserved.
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