6 Motorcycle Rides to Enjoy in Illinois in the Summertime

Illinois—also known as the Prairie State (or the Land of Lincoln)—has a rich history, scenic backroads, and ideal summer weather for some of the most iconic rides to get your motor running. Venture beyond the city limits and immerse yourself in the Prairie State’s tall grasses and farmlands. These six rides are a thrilling invitation to your next open-road adventure.

The Galena Loop

One of the most beautiful towns in northwest Illinois is Galena, located on the border of Wisconsin, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. From here, you’ll follow US Route 20 for stunning countryside views. Brace yourself for the Stagecoach Trail, a rollercoaster of winding roads and hilly terrain. Swing through Apple River Canyon State Park for a peaceful stop. The Galena Loop is about 50 miles, but the combination of curves and rolling hills makes it a favorite for riders seeking a bit of a challenge.

The Shawnee Hills Scenic Byway

Down in southern Illinois, this 100-mile loop runs through Shawnee National Forest. Start in Harrisburg and head toward Elizabethtown, following Illinois Route 146. Take your hog through Garden of the Gods, a natural wonder with sandstone cliffs and rock formations located in the tiny town of Herod. From there, you’ll finish off your ride at Cave-In-Rock State Park along the Ohio River. 

The Great River Road (Alton to Nauvoo)

Start in Alton and follow Illinois Route 100 along the Mississippi River. This stretch of the Great River Road is a masterpiece of rolling hills, lush greenery, and breathtaking river views. Stop in Grafton to explore charming shops or grab a bite. Continue through Quincy and end in Nauvoo, a historic town full of character. The ride is about 200 miles, so plan a full day of adventure.

Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway

For a 150-mile road into Heaven on Earth, follow the Illinois River Road from Ottawa to Havana. As you’re meandering through Peoria and Starved Rock Country, make sure to stop at the latter for some breathtaking canyons and waterfalls for perfectly Instagrammable moments. 

Historic Route 66 (Chicago to Springfield)

Kick off your ride in downtown Chicago, heading south on Mother Road. Historic Route 66 takes you past small towns like Wilmington, home to the iconic Gemini Giant statue. Stop in Pontiac to see vintage murals and the Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum. The ride is approximately 200 miles and ends in Springfield, where you can visit Abraham Lincoln’s home.

Rock River Ride

Rockford, the state’s fifth biggest city, is a charming large town with a historic downtown and . Baseball fans may know it as the home of the Rockford Peaches, made famous in the film A League of Their Own. Travel from Rockford along the Rock River, a tributary of the Mississippi, heading southwest along US-20 toward Dixon, an easy 40 miles away.

Ride Stress-Free with The Law Tigers 

At The Law Tigers, our goal is to keep the motorcycle community informed, safe, and protected in the event of a motorcycle accident. That’s because riding is in our blood – our team of legal experts are riders just like you.

If you are looking to go on an Illinois motorcycle adventure (or any riding adventure for that matter), make sure you’ve got the right team by your side. The best step is to sign up for our free rider benefit card today – you’ll be in good hands from there on out.