Northwest Illinois Loop scenic drive | Midwest Living

Northwest Illinois Loop scenic drive

Visit state parks and recreation areas near Galena on our scenic loop drive.
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    Mississippi Palisades State Park.
  • 2
    The Eternal Indian Statue.
  • 3
    White Pines Forest State Park.
  • 4
    Ogle County Courthouse.
  • 5
    Nachusa Grasslands.
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If your fall plans include a shopping weekend in Galena, make time for a fresh-air escape to the state parks and recreation areas outside town: Mississippi Palisades for river views, White Pines Forest for thick groves, Lowden Memorial for The Eternal Indian (aka Black Hawk) statue and Lake Le-Aqua-Na for trail rides. Pick up a fall driving tour brochure in Freeport, and eat ice cream at Union Dairy, next to the site of a Lincoln-Douglas debate. Picnic at a scenic overlook for lunch.

Heavenly dining On the way back to Galena, stop for a steak or seafood dinner in Elizabeth at The Holy Mackerel in a renovated white clapboard church. 

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Romantic getaway to Galena

For maps and trip planning

View map

Illinois DNR

 

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