Illinois has many great motorcycle roads, but they’re impossible to find. The problem is that there isn’t a single source of information for all the best touring routes in Illinois.
You must go through countless websites and forums, looking at hundreds of threads, just trying to find one or two decent routes. It takes forever!
It’s also hard because you don’t know if people on these sites are posting legitimate recommendations or not. But if you’re looking for a good motorcycle route near Chicago to spend a beautiful day riding, we’ve got you covered.
Leave the Willis Tower (Sears Tower) in downtown Chicago behind to ride along the rolling hills for the sharp curves and small-town destination, taking an Illinois motorcycle trip.
Illinois is fully stocked with tons of motorcycle roads, and there’s no better time than now to start exploring. You’ll find that rides in Illinois offer beautiful roads, pristine views, and plenty of thrills along the way.
The best Illinois motorcycle rides are from the tree-lined roads along Lake Michigan on the scenic route of Lakeshore Drive across the land of Abraham Lincoln to the Illinois Ozarks,
The Prairie State is chock-full of incredible motorcycle routes just waiting for your bike to roar!
There are some fantastic motorcycle touring routes in Illinois for bikers of all interests and skill levels.
Illinois’ Best Motorcycle Routes Near Me
Most people who ride motorcycles don’t know how much fun it can be until they try it out. But finding the perfect road on which to do so can be tricky!
So, we’ve scoured our state for great rides that will allow any rider an unforgettable experience (without breaking the bank).
A Taste of History Along the Great River Road
This bike route is probably the best motorcycle touring route in Illinois. It’s long but has many different routes you can take, so you never have to ride on boring stretches of road on a long motorcycle ride.
This Route takes riders through fantastic scenery, including the Dickson Mounds Museum and Lock 14 Historical Park.
The Great River Road also offers plenty of great places to stop for food and drinks, so make sure you bring your appetite!
The Kankakee-DuPage River Tour
Head north to this route that is a little shorter than the Great River Road but still a lot of fun. It takes riders through some beautiful countryside and offers fantastic views of the rivers. Again, the ride’s not too short, but it won’t make you feel exhausted at the end, either.
The Kankakee-DuPage River Tour is great for motorcycle rides for people who want a quick taste of what Illinois offers while still enjoying themselves. It’s easy to find plenty to do here and in the surrounding areas, so you’ll never be bored!
The Black Diamond Trail
This route is perfect for experienced riders looking for a real challenge of sharp curves, small towns, and an enjoyable trip on the country road. The Black Diamond Trail will take you on a wild ride through some of Illinois’ most dangerous motorcycle roads.
If you’re looking for a heart-pounding, adrenaline-filled journey on long stretches, this is the route for you! Just be warned – it’s not for the faint of heart.
Route 66 – The Mother Road
Illinois offers this route as a classic for a reason! It’s one of the world’s most famous motorcycle touring routes, and it’s easy to see why.
Route 66 takes riders through some gorgeous countryside, offering a little bit of everything. You’ll experience small-town America, amazing views, and plenty of twists and turns.
The Lincoln Highway – America’s First Coast-to-Coast Road
This route is an excellent option for riders who want to explore more of Illinois. In addition, the Lincoln Highway takes you on a journey from Chicago to San Francisco along beautiful roads, so there’s plenty to see!
The ride is long, but it’s worth it. You’ll experience everything Illinois has to offer, from the big city to the open countryside.
No matter what route you choose, we guarantee you will have a great time! So, get out there and explore our great state – you won’t regret it.
The Historic National Road (AKA the “Old National Pike”)
This route is probably one of the best motorcycle touring routes in Illinois.
It’s a little longer than most, but it’ll be worth it when you reach your destination. The
Historic National Road in the Prairie State offers every motorcyclist beautiful scenery and impeccable countryside views!
It’s perfect for those who love seeing as much of the state as possible while still having fun.
Rock River Run Illinois – A Classic Ride
The Rock River route is one of the best motorcycle routes in Illinois because it takes riders through some fantastic scenery. The Rock River Run is not too long, but it still offers a fantastic ride for all kinds of riders.
If you’re new to adventurous motorcycle rides, the Rock River Run route might not suit you. You’ll have to ride through some challenging roads, but this is the perfect route if you’re a skilled rider!
The Pioneer Road – A Historical Journey
This route isn’t exactly a motorcycle touring route, but it’s close enough that we had to include it on the list. The Pioneer Road takes riders through beautiful countryside and offers a unique experience.
No better way to avoid heavy traffic in a congested city than to hit the open road and long-distance motorcycle rides.
If you’re looking for a quick ride where you can take in the scenery, then this is it. You’ll get to experience everything Illinois offers without being too overwhelmed by the journey itself!
Starved Rock State Park Tour
It is a beautiful motorcycle touring route that takes riders to unique places. Starved Rock State Park is one of Illinois’ most famous landmarks and one of the best spots for exploring the state’s many wonders!
You’ll experience everything from breathtaking views to incredible wildlife along the way. Just be careful – you might fall in love with this place!
Don’t forget to enjoy the park’s most exciting features, including the 18 canyons, the miles of trails, and the beautiful waterfalls.
The Illinois River Road
This route is one of the most popular motorcycle touring routes in Illinois. It offers a bit of everything, from small-town charm to exciting twists and turns.
The Illinois River Road is perfect for riders who want to experience everything Illinois offers. You’ll get to see the state’s beautiful countryside, and you’ll also get to experience its many notable landmarks.
Take your time and enjoy the journey – you won’t regret it!
Shawnee National Forest
Shawnee National Forest is situated in southern Illinois, and it’s a fantastic spot for motorcycle touring. The routes are challenging and provide an excellent experience for bikers.
From Chicago, ride your motorcycle along I-57 south to the exit marked Carbondale. Turn east on IL-3 and ride about 35 miles to the Murphysboro exit.
Turn south on IL-146 and ride about 15 miles to the Welcome Center in the heart of Shawnee National Forest.
Giant City State Park is on the east side of the forest, with its unique sandstone bluffs and rock formations. The park also offers several trails for exploring the beauty of Shawnee National Forest on foot or by bike.
The Historic Ohio River Road (AKA Route 66)
This route is one of the best motorcycle tours in Illinois, and it’s just about as classic as they get. The route travels along the Ohio River and offers riders a unique state perspective.
You’ll get to see everything from small-town charm to exciting city life along the way, and you’ll also get to experience some of Illinois’ most famous landmarks.
This is the route if you’re looking for an adventure that takes you through the state’s best landmarks! You’ll be able to experience all the best things Illinois has to offer along this legendary highway.
Rock State Park Tour
It is another of Illinois’s best motorcycle touring routes, offering everything that motorcyclists want to see. The park has beautiful trails for bikers who love the great outdoors and plenty of exciting roads to ride on.
You’ll get to experience fantastic scenery along the way, and you’ll even cross paths with some incredible wildlife. You’ll undoubtedly love the great outdoors at Rock State Park, so be sure to bring your camera!
To get to National Park from Chicago, take I-55 South to I-80 West. Follow I-80 until it ends, becomes IL-9, and travel north for 20 miles. The park will be on the east side of the road.
Elizabeth to Scales Mound
Motorcycle rides in Illinois would not be complete without enjoying the rolling Hills, Bluffs, and ravines on the road from Elizabeth to Scales Mound.
This stretch of trees, rock formations, and long country roads passes to small towns with enjoyable restaurants, shopping, and sightseeing on every quaint two-lane road.
LaSalle County
Some touring routes in Illinois take riders through some exciting areas.
You’ll get to see everything from small-town charm to exciting city life along the way, and you’ll also get to experience some of Illinois’ most famous landmarks.
This is the route if you’re looking for an adventure that takes you through the state’s most significant landmarks! You’ll be able to experience all the best things Illinois has to offer along this legendary highway.
Illinois Ozarks and the Mississippi River
This Mississippi River route is perfect for riders looking to escape the city but still want to experience all of Illinois’ best landmarks. The motorcycle ride might belong, but it’s worth it!
Travel along the Mississippi River and stop at Lock and Dam #15 in Illinois, which is usually open to the public on the weekends. There’s a viewing platform where motorcyclists can see barges and commercial vessels moving through the lock system.
Once you’re finished checking out Lock and Dam #15 along the motorcycle route, continue your ride along IL-141 South into Magnolia, AR. This route offers everything that a rider could want, and it’s one of the best motorcycle touring routes in Illinois.
You’ll get to see some incredible landscapes along the way and cross paths with lots of breathtaking wildlife on some of the most adventurous motorcycle roads the land of Abraham Lincoln offers.
Lake Shelbyville Tour
If you’re looking for exciting motorcycle touring routes in Illinois, look no further than Lake Shelbyville. It is one of the state’s most beautiful natural wonders and rolling hills worth visiting.
The route offers something for everyone, with challenging trails and beautiful scenery around every corner.
So, there you have it – some of the best motorcycle touring routes in Illinois!
Take your time and enjoy the journey – you won’t regret it! These routes will provide a great experience and show you some of the best Illinois offers.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the best motorcycle touring routes in Illinois – there are plenty more to explore! The best motorcycle rides from Illinois to Wisconsin take motorcyclists along the best roads in Illinois.
The state may not be home to the Grand Canyon or Yosemite National Park, but that doesn’t mean it lacks natural beauty or the best twisty roads in Illinois.
Many motorcycle riders enjoyed the summer and autumn months of riding along the best touring routes in Illinois.
Take your time and enjoy the journey – you won’t regret it! Stay safe by always wearing a helmet to avoid severe injury should you be involved in an accident.
If you want information on accident law, visit our motorcycle accident lawyer practice page.
Resources:
- Illinois.gov: Motorcycle M Classification Safe Riding
- What is Lane Splitting on a Motorcycle?
