Forum Discussion

Casinojunkie's avatar
Casinojunkie
Explorer
May 08, 2019

Illinois Hwy's 67 - 125 - 127 - 64 - 14 - 45 - 145

This is just a tentative route on the west side of Illinois.
Heading towards western Florida, mid October.
If any has a better path please let us know, as we are very flexable.
No time constraints and wish to not miss any great attractions or
"must do or shouldn't miss" food stops along this path.
If we have to travel 20-30 miles out of the way, we can do that also.
Thanks to all who reply.
  • Used to live in that area and I don't remember ANY "attractions" along those routes that would make it worth while taking the 2 lane roads.
    There may be some exceptions though.

    The condition of those roads can be "iffy". Or at least that was the case 5 years ago. Some sections real good and some really BAD.....and a lot of them fairly narrow.

    Any towns along your propose path that you thought would be interesting ??
    It might be easier to talk about knowing the towns involved.
  • If it was me I'd take US218 to Missouri 27 to US61 down to Wentzille then down to I270 till it connects with I55 then down to I12 and then pick up I10 and all points East. Up
  • Firefly Grill in Effingham. $$ A bit expensive, but the chef there has a good menu with farm fresh and unique items. Stop at Boos outlet just down the street -- Boos makes butcher blocks, cutting blocks, tables, etc all right there in Effingham IL off 45. Boos are featured in most all the cooking shows.

    Moonshine IL just SE of Casey IL -- population 2. Featured on CBS Sunday Morning show. The general store (only building in "town") is run by a lovely old couple who cook mean burgers. Get 'em early...they close when out of meat. Will be tons of bikers...but no worry...everyone is there for the burgers!

    Lincoln Log Cabin state historic site -- 9 miles south of Charleston IL on the Lincoln Highway. This is the home bought by Abe Lincon's father -- yes, the actual cabin (NOT the one lincoln was born in or grew up in) -- bought after Abe became a lawyer. Just down the street is the Moore home, with more ties to the Lincoln and Hanks family.

    Arcola / Tuscola IL area -- Rockhome Gardens, a unique and fun stop near Arcola created by and run by the Amish. Homes, rocks, blacksmith, more -- foods, canned goods, more.

    Garden of the Gods park in Southern IL -- WOW

    Always more to see and do -- but this should get you started!!!!!
  • mleekamp wrote:

    Moonshine IL just SE of Casey IL -- population 2.



    But....how many of those sites are RV friendly ??
    Moonshine is definitely NOT.....unless you want to park the RV in a DITCH on the side of a country road.
  • mleekamp wrote:
    Firefly Grill in Effingham. $$ A bit expensive, but the chef there has a good menu with farm fresh and unique items. Stop at Boos outlet just down the street -- Boos makes butcher blocks, cutting blocks, tables, etc all right there in Effingham IL off 45. Boos are featured in most all the cooking shows.

    Moonshine IL just SE of Casey IL -- population 2. Featured on CBS Sunday Morning show. The general store (only building in "town") is run by a lovely old couple who cook mean burgers. Get 'em early...they close when out of meat. Will be tons of bikers...but no worry...everyone is there for the burgers!

    Lincoln Log Cabin state historic site -- 9 miles south of Charleston IL on the Lincoln Highway. This is the home bought by Abe Lincon's father -- yes, the actual cabin (NOT the one lincoln was born in or grew up in) -- bought after Abe became a lawyer. Just down the street is the Moore home, with more ties to the Lincoln and Hanks family.

    Arcola / Tuscola IL area -- Rockhome Gardens, a unique and fun stop near Arcola created by and run by the Amish. Homes, rocks, blacksmith, more -- foods, canned goods, more.

    Garden of the Gods park in Southern IL -- WOW

    Always more to see and do -- but this should get you started!!!!!


    Thank you mleekamp, just the things we are searching for.
    Everyone keep your thinking caps on for more places to see and do..
  • stickdog wrote:
    If it was me I'd take US218 to Missouri 27 to US61 down to Wentzille then down to I270 till it connects with I55 then down to I12 and then pick up I10 and all points East. Up

    Thanks for the input stickdog but wish to stay off the super slab as much as possible, not in a big hurry. See some sights and eat some great food.
  • "Illinois Hwy's 67 - 125 - 127 - 64 - 14 - 45 - 145"

    I'm very familiar with 67, 125, and 127 having lived and worked along those routes my entire life. 64, 14, 45, and 145 I travel quite a bit.
    They're all pretty good roads. 67 is partially 4 lane. The 2 lanes are good but you might find farm traffic/implements so be alert for slow vehicles.
    US 67:
    Monmouth is the birthplace of Wyatt Earp. Not much there to mark it. Very small sign, nothing to tour.
    US 67 Beardstown - If you're in to Lincoln history there are several historical markers for Lincoln. If you're familiar with Lincoln there's the case where he represented Duff Armstrong in a murder case. A witness named Allen testified he saw Armstrong kill Metzker from 150 feet away by the light of the moon. Lincoln introduced the Farmer's Almanac which showed there was no moon on the night of the murder so Allen could not have seen anything from 150 feet. The courthouse is still used today. Just signs to read really. Duff is buried north of Virginia IL. Small stone in a small cemetery. I wouldn't do the detour to see it but some might find it interesting.
    IL 125.
    New Salem State Historic Site, Petersburg. This is about 15 minute drive north of IL 125. Well worth the detour and visit. They have a nice shaded campground, electric only hook up but water available, shower/restroom facilities, sewer dump. New Salem is where Lincoln grew up as a young man. There's the reconstructed village of New Salem that is free to visit. The campground and village are open all week but the visitor center is closed on Mondays. Their website will fill you in. Lincoln's New Salem link
    In Petersburg there are several Lincoln historical sites. They claim the grave of Ann Rutledge who was Lincoln's first love and some historians claim Lincoln never got over after she died at an early age. Even tho Lincoln later married Mary Todd many believe it was the sorrow of losing Ann that shaped Lincoln's life. Actually Ann was not buried in the grave in Petersburg. Her actual grave is in a very small cemetery in the middle of a farm field north of Petersburg a few miles. It can be visited and it is maintained but parking is just along the side of a one lane country road and then walking about 1/4 mile back thru a field to the cemetery. Many years after Ann died the people in Petersburg decided to dig up poor Ann and move her to Petersburg. Many think the move was to promote tourism by moving her to town where people could come to visit her. All that they were able to recover was things like buttons from her shoes and dress which is what was buried at the "new" grave.
    IL 97 into Springfield.
    Springfield is full of Lincoln history. I won't list it all as that would take volumes. There are books full. It's worth a couple of days visit. Here are some highlights.
    Lincoln Presidential Museum. Well worth the stop. Plan for the better part of the day to see it all. It's not like any other presidential museum. Disney had input in some of the design and displays. Do not miss the 2 "shows". Very well done.
    Just a couple of blocks from the museum is the old state capital building. Lots of Lincoln history. Also, if it's your thing, it's where Obama first announced he was running for president.
    Just south a few more blocks is Lincoln's Home National Historic Site. There are tours of the only home that Lincoln owned and the restored neighborhood. Very nice tour.
    At Oak Ridge Cemetery is Lincoln's Tomb. There are tours inside the tomb. Do not miss going inside to see where Lincoln and his family are buried. The tour is interesting. They tell about the plot to steal Lincoln's body which might have succeeded had the plotters had a combined IQ greater than 100, weren't drunk, and had kept their mouths shut instead of telling too many what they were going to do. At the time of the plot Lincoln was buried in a small unguarded grave.
    There are several museums of various flavors around town. GAR, telephone, etc. The Illinois State Museum is interesting with lots of native American exhibits. Also, one that is often missed and rarely visited is the State Military Museum at Camp Lincoln. Several very historical pieces on display. If they have it out, as it has been in storage for a while, is Santa Anna's wooden leg. The same Santa Anna who led the Mexican Army at the Battle of the Alamo fame. The IL Militia captured the leg during a raid on Santa Anna's camp. Santa Anna barely escaped leaving so quickly that he did not have time to put on his leg. So now we have his leg.
    If you're into US 66 Mother Road. US 66 runs thru the heart of Springfield. Several displays around town.
    Just of note - Most people have heard of the Donner party that were stranded in the Sierra Nevada mountains in 1846-47. It was actually the Donner-Reed Party. They were from Springfield and this is where their journey started. There's a small plaque at 2nd and Jefferson marking where the party left from.
    Food in Springfield - 2 food items you will only get in Springfield. One is the Cozy Dog which the owner claims to have originated the hot dog on a stick. It's not a corn dog. It's a Cozy Dog. The other Springfield original is the Horseshoe, or Ponyshoe if you're not extremely hungry. Just about every restaurant serves their own variation of the Horseshoe. It's generally Texas toast, a meat of choice or some offer vegetables for those who don't eat meat, covered with French fries, and all of that covered with cheese sauce. The type of cheese sauce varies. Check this link. Horseshoe
    IL 127 - each little town has something or someone they claim to. Nothing I would recommend particularly if you're passing thru. Personally, if I were traveling thru and going to I-64 after leaving Springfield I'd stay on I-55 to IL 4 at milepost 33, take IL 4 to I-64. I take IL 127 and IL 185 to US 51 then 50 if going towards the SE but it's slow and several small towns. It's all mostly farm ground and small towns. Vandalia is probably the most historically significant town. It's the 2nd state capital for IL. The capital building is still there for tours. Nice to visit but I personally wouldn't drive out of my way to just see that.
    If you decide to stay on I-55 to IL 4 and if you're into history at Mt Olive Exit 44 is the grave of Mother Jones. From the late 1800s into the 1940s this area into southern IL was in constant battles with what was known as the Mine Wars. Coal miners, coal companies, the United Mine Workers, the Progressive Mine Workers, and non-union miners brought in from southern states (usually African Americans) all fighting each other. These were open gun battles some times lasting for days. And not talking random shots fired. Actual war type battles. Bombings, people rounded up and executed. Many people were killed. The National Guard was called out many times. It was quite a bloody piece of IL history that few outside of historians and locals know about. Hollywood hasn't covered it so few know about it. Mother Jones was an activist, some say Socialist or Communist, who helped the miners organize. She died in Washington DC but is buried in Mt Olive near the graves of the miners from the 1898 Battle of Virden mine war.
    On the way out of IL if taking US 45 is Metropolis. Home of Superman. It's just another "OK we've been there" places.
    If you're looking for more to do along route let me know. There are books on the area which I don't want this post to become another book.
    One note on mleekamp's post concerning Moonshine. It's off the beaten path and can be hard to find. What signage there is is small and very few. GPS helps. And correction on the closing time. The grill closes at 12:30 PM, not when they run out of meat. If you're not there by 12:30 then you're out of luck for that day. We do a motorcycle ride there at least once a year, usually more often. Just a place to ride to, get a moonburger, and ride home. Big motorcycle ride destination on the weekends. There's nothing else around Moonshine. No restrooms, no running water, just an outhouse across the road. Parking is very limited. Fun to do but after doing it the usual response is "Is that all there is?"
  • Wadcutter wrote:
    "Illinois Hwy's 67 - 125 - 127 - 64 - 14 - 45 - 145"

    I'm very familiar with 67, 125, and 127 having lived and worked along those routes my entire life. 64, 14, 45, and 145 I travel quite a bit.
    They're all pretty good roads. 67 is partially 4 lane. The 2 lanes are good but you might find farm traffic/implements so be alert for slow vehicles.
    US 67:
    Monmouth is the birthplace of Wyatt Earp. Not much there to mark it. Very small sign, nothing to tour.
    US 67 Beardstown - If you're in to Lincoln history there are several historical markers for Lincoln. If you're familiar with Lincoln there's the case where he represented Duff Armstrong in a murder case. A witness named Allen testified he saw Armstrong kill Metzker from 150 feet away by the light of the moon. Lincoln introduced the Farmer's Almanac which showed there was no moon on the night of the murder so Allen could not have seen anything from 150 feet. The courthouse is still used today. Just signs to read really. Duff is buried north of Virginia IL. Small stone in a small cemetery. I wouldn't do the detour to see it but some might find it interesting.
    IL 125.
    New Salem State Historic Site, Petersburg. This is about 15 minute drive north of IL 125. Well worth the detour and visit. They have a nice shaded campground, electric only hook up but water available, shower/restroom facilities, sewer dump. New Salem is where Lincoln grew up as a young man. There's the reconstructed village of New Salem that is free to visit. The campground and village are open all week but the visitor center is closed on Mondays. Their website will fill you in. Lincoln's New Salem link
    In Petersburg there are several Lincoln historical sites. They claim the grave of Ann Rutledge who was Lincoln's first love and some historians claim Lincoln never got over after she died at an early age. Even tho Lincoln later married Mary Todd many believe it was the sorrow of losing Ann that shaped Lincoln's life. Actually Ann was not buried in the grave in Petersburg. Her actual grave is in a very small cemetery in the middle of a farm field north of Petersburg a few miles. It can be visited and it is maintained but parking is just along the side of a one lane country road and then walking about 1/4 mile back thru a field to the cemetery. Many years after Ann died the people in Petersburg decided to dig up poor Ann and move her to Petersburg. Many think the move was to promote tourism by moving her to town where people could come to visit her. All that they were able to recover was things like buttons from her shoes and dress which is what was buried at the "new" grave.
    IL 97 into Springfield.
    Springfield is full of Lincoln history. I won't list it all as that would take volumes. There are books full. It's worth a couple of days visit. Here are some highlights.
    Lincoln Presidential Museum. Well worth the stop. Plan for the better part of the day to see it all. It's not like any other presidential museum. Disney had input in some of the design and displays. Do not miss the 2 "shows". Very well done.
    Just a couple of blocks from the museum is the old state capital building. Lots of Lincoln history. Also, if it's your thing, it's where Obama first announced he was running for president.
    Just south a few more blocks is Lincoln's Home National Historic Site. There are tours of the only home that Lincoln owned and the restored neighborhood. Very nice tour.
    At Oak Ridge Cemetery is Lincoln's Tomb. There are tours inside the tomb. Do not miss going inside to see where Lincoln and his family are buried. The tour is interesting. They tell about the plot to steal Lincoln's body which might have succeeded had the plotters had a combined IQ greater than 100, weren't drunk, and had kept their mouths shut instead of telling too many what they were going to do. At the time of the plot Lincoln was buried in a small unguarded grave.
    There are several museums of various flavors around town. GAR, telephone, etc. The Illinois State Museum is interesting with lots of native American exhibits. Also, one that is often missed and rarely visited is the State Military Museum at Camp Lincoln. Several very historical pieces on display. If they have it out, as it has been in storage for a while, is Santa Anna's wooden leg. The same Santa Anna who led the Mexican Army at the Battle of the Alamo fame. The IL Militia captured the leg during a raid on Santa Anna's camp. Santa Anna barely escaped leaving so quickly that he did not have time to put on his leg. So now we have his leg.
    If you're into US 66 Mother Road. US 66 runs thru the heart of Springfield. Several displays around town.
    Just of note - Most people have heard of the Donner party that were stranded in the Sierra Nevada mountains in 1846-47. It was actually the Donner-Reed Party. They were from Springfield and this is where their journey started. There's a small plaque at 2nd and Jefferson marking where the party left from.
    Food in Springfield - 2 food items you will only get in Springfield. One is the Cozy Dog which the owner claims to have originated the hot dog on a stick. It's not a corn dog. It's a Cozy Dog. The other Springfield original is the Horseshoe, or Ponyshoe if you're not extremely hungry. Just about every restaurant serves their own variation of the Horseshoe. It's generally Texas toast, a meat of choice or some offer vegetables for those who don't eat meat, covered with French fries, and all of that covered with cheese sauce. The type of cheese sauce varies. Check this link. Horseshoe
    IL 127 - each little town has something or someone they claim to. Nothing I would recommend particularly if you're passing thru. Personally, if I were traveling thru and going to I-64 after leaving Springfield I'd stay on I-55 to IL 4 at milepost 33, take IL 4 to I-64. I take IL 127 and IL 185 to US 51 then 50 if going towards the SE but it's slow and several small towns. It's all mostly farm ground and small towns. Vandalia is probably the most historically significant town. It's the 2nd state capital for IL. The capital building is still there for tours. Nice to visit but I personally wouldn't drive out of my way to just see that.
    If you decide to stay on I-55 to IL 4 and if you're into history at Mt Olive Exit 44 is the grave of Mother Jones. From the late 1800s into the 1940s this area into southern IL was in constant battles with what was known as the Mine Wars. Coal miners, coal companies, the United Mine Workers, the Progressive Mine Workers, and non-union miners brought in from southern states (usually African Americans) all fighting each other. These were open gun battles some times lasting for days. And not talking random shots fired. Actual war type battles. Bombings, people rounded up and executed. Many people were killed. The National Guard was called out many times. It was quite a bloody piece of IL history that few outside of historians and locals know about. Hollywood hasn't covered it so few know about it. Mother Jones was an activist, some say Socialist or Communist, who helped the miners organize. She died in Washington DC but is buried in Mt Olive near the graves of the miners from the 1898 Battle of Virden mine war.
    On the way out of IL if taking US 45 is Metropolis. Home of Superman. It's just another "OK we've been there" places.
    If you're looking for more to do along route let me know. There are books on the area which I don't want this post to become another book.
    One note on mleekamp's post concerning Moonshine. It's off the beaten path and can be hard to find. What signage there is is small and very few. GPS helps. And correction on the closing time. The grill closes at 12:30 PM, not when they run out of meat. If you're not there by 12:30 then you're out of luck for that day. We do a motorcycle ride there at least once a year, usually more often. Just a place to ride to, get a moonburger, and ride home. Big motorcycle ride destination on the weekends. There's nothing else around Moonshine. No restrooms, no running water, just an outhouse across the road. Parking is very limited. Fun to do but after doing it the usual response is "Is that all there is?"


    Now "wadcutter" that's what I am talking about!!! things to see and do. What book titles are you refering to? Might shed more ite on ur trip. Thanks for posting.
  • Casinojunkie wrote:

    Now "wadcutter" that's what I am talking about!!! things to see and do. What book titles are you refering to? Might shed more ite on ur trip. Thanks for posting.


    Yes. Excellent post.

    BUT....in your enthusiasm for avoiding the "super slabs", you can get yourself on some REALLY bad roads.....and I think some of the ones you mentioned might qualify.

    Many of the things that have been suggested have better ways to get there. Sometimes the Interstate really IS the best way......and in the rural midwest the scenery really isn't that much different.

    So....when you get down to actual route planning, it might be a good idea to post your actual proposed routes and get a current "status report". Or not, if you are really adventurous.
  • mleekamp wrote:
    Firefly Grill in Effingham. $$ A bit expensive, but the chef there has a good menu with farm fresh and unique items. Stop at Boos outlet just down the street -- Boos makes butcher blocks, cutting blocks, tables, etc all right there in Effingham IL off 45. Boos are featured in most all the cooking shows.

    Moonshine IL just SE of Casey IL -- population 2. Featured on CBS Sunday Morning show. The general store (only building in "town") is run by a lovely old couple who cook mean burgers. Get 'em early...they close when out of meat. Will be tons of bikers...but no worry...everyone is there for the burgers!

    Lincoln Log Cabin state historic site -- 9 miles south of Charleston IL on the Lincoln Highway. This is the home bought by Abe Lincon's father -- yes, the actual cabin (NOT the one lincoln was born in or grew up in) -- bought after Abe became a lawyer. Just down the street is the Moore home, with more ties to the Lincoln and Hanks family. I have been there, its nice. The cabin is a 1930 Civilian Conservation Corp re-creation of the original (using detailed documentation and photos of the original), which was disassembled and transported to the 1893 Chicago Worlds Fair, only to have its display blocked by Todd Lincoln, and was allowed to rot to nothing as a pile of logs and timbers.

    Arcola / Tuscola IL area -- Rockhome Gardens, a unique and fun stop near Arcola created by and run by the Amish. Homes, rocks, blacksmith, more -- foods, canned goods, more. A little weird but worth a couple of hours of your time

    Garden of the Gods park in Southern IL -- WOW

    Always more to see and do -- but this should get you started!!!!!


    I have criss crossed the state a number of ways going to Clinton Iowa over the years (annual Cessna 150-152 national fly-in) and have found much of southern Illinois is very scenic. State 3 from Prairie Du Rocher south, is a very enjoyable ride just below the bluffs that form the valley. Between Carbondale and Marion is Crab Orchard Lake Nat Wildlife Refuge campground, right off of State 13. Very nice right on the lake.

    Southbound I usually am making my way over to I-24 to Paducah. If going that way, be sure and stop in Metropolis and see Superman (yes, very large statue in front of the court house and stuff all around town like phone booths with Clark Kent in them, etc, Oldest state park in Illinois is Ft Massac State Park adjacent to the town of Metropolis. Nice museum and info center (very large) and other buildings, and nice campground also).

    Charles