Escape to Southwest Illinois

Our first stop will be at the Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center. From local artifacts and the Mother Road nostalgia, the museum offers a fun-filled walk down memory lane. Learn about the past, present and future through ongoing and special exhibits. The Soulsby Service Station was opened in 1926 and is one of the oldest, most original service stations located on historic Route 66. The sunshine yellow pumps and bright Shell Oil sign are a true blast from the past and make a great photo opportunity. Next visit the iconic Henry’s Rabbit Ranch, home of the hopping kind and the VW kind! Explore the classic filling station with highway and trucking memorabilia and pick up a Route 66 collectible. We continue our journey to Alton where we have lunch, on your own. After lunch, we see the life-size statue of Alton’s “Gentle Giant,” still on record as the World’s Largest Man at 8 feet, 11.1 inches. You can also sit in a bronze replica of a chair especially made for Wadlow. Next, visit the National Great Rivers Museum dedicated to telling the story of life on the Mississippi and take a guided tour of the Melvin Price Locks & Dam, one of the largest lock structures on the river. Depart to drive along the Great River Road where you experience the rolling waters of the Mighty Mississippi River coupled with magnificent limestone bluffs during a scenic drive on the Meeting of the Great River Roads National Scenic Byway, recognized in national magazines as one of the most scenic drives in the Midwest. Soar over the Mississippi Bluffs on the Grafton SkyTour aerial lift. Board enclosed gondola cars or open-air chair lifts for a leisurely scenic ride 300 feet high along a 1,500-foot path to Aerie’s Resort and Winery. At the top, enjoy breathtaking views overlooking the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. Set in the rolling bluffs just outside Grafton and overlooking the scenic Illinois River, Pere Marquette State Park is the largest state park in Illinois. The centerpiece of Pere Marquette State Park is the massive lodge featuring a 700-ton fireplace in the Great Room Lobby and the life-size chessboard with pieces. Dinner will consist of 3 pieces of fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable of the day, slaw, hot rolls, butter, dessert, iced tea and coffee. After dinner, it’s time to head home. Included Meal: Dinner