Peoria is located right in the heart of the beautiful Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway. This area is a treat for anyone who loves the outdoors and wants to see some of the best things that the region has to offer. If you're visiting from working in Sterling Edmonton or want a more interesting way to get to work everyday than this is certainly something you shouldn't pass up. It connects more than one hundred different destinations and allows you to experience everything that nature has to offer here in Illinois.

The Byway starts in Ottawa, which is part of Starved Rock Country. Some people coming from luxury Toronto homes might think of the city of this name as the capital of Canada but here in Illinois it is the place where the Fox and Illinois Rivers meet. This is where Abraham Lincoln started his life in politics and is now a place where you will find outdoor adventures throughout the year. The River Road National Scenic Byway ends in another city that is known for being a famous country capital. Havana is in Mason County and this is where two thirds of the pumpkins in America are grown. Come here and explore Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge.

This is not the only byway that you will encounter if you're doing a drive across America. There are about 120 of them throughout the country and this is a great way to see what the country has to offer. If you're traveling by a car service from JFK to NJ than you might take some extra time to visit the Delaware River Scenic Byway. Or, those in California need to check out the Death Valley Scenic Byway. There are only four states that do not have at least one scenic byway and they are Hawaii, Nebraska, Texas, and Rhode Island.

There are six different requirements that a road must have one or more of to be recognized as a scenic byway. There must be a heightened visual experience, natural elements, some historic significance, cultural features, archaeological quality, and recreational opportunities. These are the sort of places that inspired Group of Seven art one hundred years ago and are still just as beautiful and undisturbed by urban development today. All scenic byways must also allow for bicycles and pedestrians. So, if you're planning to spend the summer biking from Plano TX townhouses to Lake Michigan than you might want to add some of these roads to your route.

Those that are living in Peoria are lucky to have such a great attraction right in their backyard. As the first European settlement in the state, it is nice that there is a way to see so much of the history of the area in one drive.