2 of America’s Top 10 Most Stunning Scenic Drives are in Illinois

You can say what you want about Illinois and you might even be right about your opinions, but you can't deny that the Land of Lincoln is full of great places to take a road trip. That's proven true again as a brand new reader poll has named two scenic drives in America among the top 10 in all of America.

For the past few weeks, the readers of USA Today have been voting on the 10 best scenic drives in America. When all the votes were counted, 2 of the top 10 were drives that are very much signature Illinois experiences.

What Illinois scenic drives were voted the best in the nation?

#5 Route 66

The iconic classic American drive begins in Los Angeles and ends in Chicago (or the other way around if you prefer). Some of the best stops along Route 66 are in Illinois. Classic diners and small towns all along the way.

#1 Great River Road

To be fair, Great River Road extends well beyond Illinois, but some of the best stops along the route are in Illinois. Looking at you Alton and Grafton. The fact that this road that hugs the mighty Mississippi was just named the best scenic drive in America proves that you don't have to travel far for a great adventure. Sometimes, it's in your own backyard.