Back June 22, 2008
Trip Ideas

Discover the Open Roads by Motorcycle

cycle-1.jpg

Anyone who has ridden a motorcycle will tell you that the ritual of wrapping your legs around a motor churning out raw horsepower with the wind in your hair and the sun on your back is one of the most freeing experiences known to man. Without windows and a roof riders are free to soak in the surrounding landscape from plush, hilly vistas to vast rolling plains. Illinois comprises a playground of smooth cement roads that twist and bend through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.

With quiet roads winding through towering pines, straight-shots through the Illinois countryside, and snaking the scenic Rock River, northwest Illinois was made for bikes and is quickly becoming a rider’s paradise, friendly to both Harley fans and the European aficionado.

“You drive cars and you drive trucks; you drive cattle and you drive hogs, you don’t drive a motorcycle…you ride a motorcycle.”
Pat Lendman, Dixon, Illinois.

Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines; we’ve got a lot of ground to cover.

Nine Curves … Lowell Park Road

map lowell park roadtrip

Lowell Park Road winds through rolling green pastures, replete with cattle lowing in the fields, and farmers cultivating on the horizon. The route leads to the small town of Mt. Morris. The road bends from left to right, offering tight curves and twists with ease and tranquility comprising the perfect 7-mile ride on the open road. Become one with the landscape of Northwest Illinois, and let this road guide you to the various other great routes this region has to offer.

In Search of a Great Ride…Illinois Rt. 2

Screen Shot 2020 02 01 at 12.42.31 PM
cycle2.jpg

Illinois Route 2 between Dixon and Rockford is one of the best routes in the state. The road follows the Rock River through heavily wooded areas, rock wall cliffs, and scenic farmland. The #2 was made a Blue Star Memorial Highway on November 4, 1970, as a tribute to the armed forces.

The 42-mile stretch of road goes through quaint country towns, each appealing in their own distinctive way. Grand Detour is home historic John Deere Historic Site.

As the road navigates through Castle Rock State Park, about 3 miles south of Oregon, you will wind through some of Northwest Illinois’ greatest bluff views. The park, located along the west bank of the Rock River in Ogle County, is a sparkling representative of the Rock River Hills area with rock formations, ravines, and unique northern plant associations. A sandstone bluff, adjacent to the river serves as the park’s namesake. It offers a nice place to stop and stretch your legs or take a quick hike up to the top of the bluffs for a spectacular view of the Rock River Valley.

Oregon, Illinois is a charming river town where fishing and antique-hunting are among the local residents’ favorite activities. The Cork & Tap is an upscale place that serves a variety of unique drinks including Moscow mules, craft beers, regional wines, and specialty drinks. Take a break from your ride and enjoy this Oregon favorite. 

Rockford is home to a number of motorcycle shops, a variety of restaurants and endless shopping opportunities. Kegel Motorcycles is one of the oldest Harley-Davidson dealers in the country. 

Mt. Morris to Savanna

map mt morris savanna roadtrip

Route 64/52 (also known to Chicagoans as North Ave.) is another country road that has much to offer, including long stretches of straight highway, lending itself to the biker who really wants to open her up.

Fact: Carroll County has only 1 stoplight — right next to the only McDonalds!

cycle-ravens.jpg

Heading west from Mt. Morris, it leads to the historic town of Mt. Carroll. If you’re looking for a scare, Raven’s Grin is always open for business. Probably the most incredible haunted house in America, it’s at least worth a look around outside at the bizarre metal artwork done by the owner, Jim Warfield. There are also a variety of shops and eateries downtown, not to mention challenging streets, some even paved with original cobblestone.

From the rolling hills of Mt. Carroll, 64 sweeps into the town of Savanna, Illinois.

“It’s excellent,” said Mike O’Malley of Sterling. “One of my favorites is going through to Savanna. Riding along the Mississippi is fantastic.”

O’Malley is the proud owner of a Harley Fat Boy and says that riding a bike around the area is a great way to capture a little bit of Americana, “What we have here is some of the best motorcycle riding available.”

Savanna is located along the Mississippi River and caters to every biker’s whim; from food to tattoos, this town has it all. Poopy’s has been called Illinois Biggest Biker Destination. The area gains in popularity among Illinois bikers every day. Closed during winter months, be sure to visit their website to see all the fun live events that they host during the spring, summer, and fall!

Take a Load Off…Accommodations

cycle-pines.jpg

If camping is your thing, check out Lowden State Park and White Pines Park both have campgrounds surrounded by magnificent pine trees that make the area striking to the eye. White Pines Park also has cozy cabins for rent. These are in high demand, so reservations are strongly recommended. Weekends are normally booked well in advance, but mid-week accommodations are your best bet for last-minute road trips.

In Savanna, Mississippi Palisades State Park is one of the top camping destinations in the area, home to huge campsites and an array of beautiful hiking trails. Visit the Department of Natural Resources website for a complete list of all northwest Illinois parks and discover your own outdoor adventure destination after a day on the road.

Looking for something with more amenities? Don’t fret. There are a number of classy bed & breakfasts and nice hotels with comfy beds and modern luxuries. The Blackhawk Waterways Region gladly caters to every need.

Let’s Meet Some Folks along the way…

For the perfect pick-me-up, Books on First in Dixon, serves fine coffee, espressos, and cappuccinos. It’s a great place to meet up with friends, chat about the newest bestseller, and relax before getting back on the road.

Tom Prendergast of Dixon, owns a 1965 BSA, complete with a fully restored, and incredibly rare, original British sidecar. Along with his friend, Pat Lendman, who rides a 1968 Triumph, they make it a point to find all the blacktop roads they’ve never been on before. In the tradition of London’s famous Ace Café, they sport the European attitude and make every ride an exciting one.

cycle-triumph-sm.jpg

“These were the bikes we wanted when we were kids,” Lendman said.

“…the ones we lusted for,” Prendergast added.

With no shortage of places to go and bikes to see in northwest Illinois. All those miles ready to give that perfect ride.

There’s a map

Scour additional routes by downloading the Blackhawk Waterways Region map and find the road that seems to be begging for rubber. Northwest Illinois has hundreds of paved miles, ready to be taken hold of by two wheels for the cruise of a lifetime.

“There are so many scenic drives; you can smell the evergreens, the alfalfa, the fresh earth that’s been turned, it’s just magnificent,” O’Malley said.

Don't miss the 🦅❄️ 5th 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗰𝗸 on Sat, Feb 8! Start your day with 🦅🦅 eagle viewing at the Lower Dam (300 West 1st Street, #RockFallsIL) before 10 AM. Then, from 10 AM to 2 PM, head to the Rock Falls American Legion (712 4th Avenue) for live birds of prey, Native American storytelling, ice sculpting, and more! This f𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲, 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆-𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗹𝗹. 

𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗡 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘 👉 at link in bio, under "EVENTS."

#visitnwillinois #enjoyillinois
@enjoyillinois #middleofeverything @visitrockfalls #FlockToTheRock #EagleWatching #RockFallsIL #FamilyFun #NatureLovers
#nailtech #nail #nailart -#nwillinoisirl #nailsnailsnails #naildesign #nqilsofinstagram #nailaddict #nwilashtech #nailporn #nails #naillove #nails #nailjunkie
💌 February fun is here! From artful portraits to shopping sprees, eagle watching, and Galentine’s celebrations—there’s something for everyone. 🛍️🦅💖 https://swiy.co/OTAe

📍 Windows to the Soul – Experience breathtaking portraits in Oregon.
🛍️ Cupid Shop & Shuffle – Shop ‘til you drop in Dixon.
🦅 Flock to the Rock – Witness majestic eagles in Rock Falls.
💖 Galentine’s Day in Savanna – Celebrate with your besties in style!
#VisitNWillinois @enjoyillinois Enjoy Illinois  #enjoyillinois #valentinesday #middleofeverything @visitrockfalls Visit Rock Falls @discoverdixon Discover Dixon CMAAA Oregon IL Area Chamber of Commerce
💘 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆, 𝘀𝗲𝘁, 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗣 & 𝗦𝗛𝗨𝗙𝗙𝗟𝗘🏹✨

On Tuesday, 𝗙𝗲𝗯 𝟲 (𝟯-𝟴 𝗣𝗠), Downtown #DixonIL is THE place to be! Snag exclusive deals, sip on specialty drinks, and treat yourself (or your boo) to something sweet! 🍷🍫

🎁 Shop local & be entered to 𝗪𝗜𝗡 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗶𝘅𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀!

Who’s coming with you? Tag your Valentine’s shopping squad! ⬇️

@discoverdixon @visitleecountyil 

#CupidShopAndShuffle #DixonIL #ValentinesVibes #ShopSmall #FoodieDate #RetailTherapy #visitnwillinois
It’s the one day a year when a groundhog becomes the ultimate weather influencer. Will we get six more weeks of winter, or is spring ready to make its grand entrance? Either way, we’re just here for the drama (and the adorable rodent).

Shadow or no shadow… let’s make the most of it!

#GroundhogsDay #WeatherPredictionsAreHard #ShadowOrNotWeExplore #VisitNWIllinois
🎶✨ Live music is calling in #SavannaIL! 🎤🎸 Catch #SophiCoyote at Music at the Museum for a night filled with soulful folk, Americana, and original tunes. 🌟

📅 Jan. 31
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
📍 Savanna Museum and Cultural Center

#MusicAtTheMuseum #SophiCoyote #LiveMusic #SavannaIL #VisitNWIL #visitnwillinois @enjoyillinois #enjoyillinois #middleofeverything #livemusic @visitcarrollcounty @exploresavanna
🎭 Lights, stage, action! At @TimberLakePlayhouse, every seat is the best seat in the house. ✨ Come for the performances, stay for the memories. 🖤🌟 It's going to be a fantastic Summer!

#VisitNWillinois @enjoyillinois #middleofeverything @visitcarrollcountyil #enjoyillinois #MountCarrollIL #LiveTheatre #TimberLakePlayhouse
Our Expedition Guide arrived yesterday. Order your #FREE 56-page guide online at https://www.visitnorthwestillinois.com/get-our-travel-guide/. 
#VisitNWillinois #enjoyillinois Enjoy Illinois @enjoyillinois Oregon IL Area Chamber of Commerce Visit Rock Falls @visitrockfalls Explore Savanna @exploresavana Visit Carroll County IL @visitcarrollcountyil Visit Lee County  @visitleecountyil #middleofeverything See less

TRAVEL GUIDE

Request a free copy or view our latest guide online.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Ideas and resources to help plan your next real getaway in NW Illinois.