Ohio River Scenic Byway
Places to Visit
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It was in Golconda where the Trail of Tears crossed the Ohio River. At the Buel House, built in 1837, the Cherokee were offered food and hospitality.
Location: Madison and Columbus Streets in Golconda.
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On August 3, 1854, Congress made Cairo a Port of Delivery. Cairo's Custom House was built a few years later, in 1872, by the noted government architect A.B. Mullet, for a very costly $225,000. It is in the Romanesque style.
Location: 1400 Washington Avenue, Cairo
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Cave-in-Rock State Park is a great limestone cavern on the Ohio River. It was once the headquarters to outlaw gangs of river pirates. Visitors can enjoy lodging, trails, picnic facilities, and a ferry across the river.
Location: On State Route 1 just north of Cave in Rock city.
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Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge (IL)
A total of 700 plant species, 245 bird species, 33 mammal species, 63 fish species, and 44 reptile and amphibian species have been documented on the refuge.
Location: Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is located five miles west of Marion, Illinois, and five miles south of Herrin, Illinois, on State Route 148. From I-57 in Marion, go west on Illinois Route 13 about three miles to Illinois Route 148. Turn left (south) and go two and one-half miles. The refuge Visitor Information Center is located on the lef
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Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge (IL)
The refuge and surrounding Cache River Wetlands are considered Illinois' Bayou - a large swamp/wetland complex in the Midwest which harbors a rich collection of biologically significant natural communities.
Location: Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge is located in the southernmost portion of Illinois, with lands located in Union, Pulaski, Alexander, and Johnson counties. Take Interstate 57, and exit at #18, Shawnee College Road. Travel approximately 7.1 miles east to the refuge office located on the Shawnee College Rustic Campus, Building D. The refuge is approximately 22 miles north of Cairo, Illinois, and 35 miles south of Carbondale, Illinois.
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The park commemorates the Civil War Fort Defiance, commanded by General U.S. Grant. The site offers a breathtaking view of the river.
Location: Off Route 51, two miles south of Cairo
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Fort Massac State Park overlooks the Ohio River from the southern tip of Illinois. This location has been preserved and maintained since 1908, when it became Illinois' first state park.
Location: 1308 East 5th Street, Metropolis
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The Garden of the Gods, located in the Shawnee National Forest, is well known for its geologic formations.
Distance from byway: On the byway Directions: In the Shawnee National Forest, north of Cave in Rock State Park, take Illinois 1 North to Cadiz Road. Turn left and continue west 6 miles to Karbers Ridge Road. Turn left and continue west for 4 miles to Illinois 10 (Garden of the Gods Road). Turn left for about 1 mile. Turn left into Garden of the Gods Recreation Area.
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Sculpted by George Grey Barnard and exhibited at the St. Louis World's Fair, this original bronze nude was presented to the City of Cairo in 1906. by Mrs. Halliday and children in memory of Capt. W.P. Halliday.
Location: 9th and Washington (Halliday Park) in Cairo.
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A monument to the Native American people who once inhabitated the region.
Location: Near Paducah, Kentucky, in Massac County.
