
When looking for the most scenic places in Illinois for a drive with the top down on your Miata, we at Sam Leman Mazda recommend heading to one or more of these places. These are our favorites as each one is beautiful and some even historic. Browse these roads below and find the right scenic drives in Illinois that you’d like to take.
For a scenic drive along the water, the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway is the road to take. Bring along a fishing rod, a canoe, and a camera to capture the beauty before you. Even if you choose not to stop, there are plenty of woods, forests, and wetlands to behold.
This historic highway makes stops along Dixon to Ronald Regan’s childhood home as well as the old Rochelle railroad park, and more. Get some fresh air and learn something new along the way. No matter whether you bring the kids or make this a relaxing trip with a few friends, this highway has plenty to show you.
Especially during the Fall, the Morton Arboretum is the place to go for fresh, crisp air, beautiful gardens, and vibrant trees. Drive the grounds or putting on your walking shoes and discover something new hidden in their woodland exhibits. On a nice day, you can enjoy the fresh air and some sun to add to a great day with family or friends.
Whether you love historical sites or you’re looking to take in breathtaking views of the canal, take the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail. Take an old fashioned drive on your day off and experience the wildlife and vibrant colors of the nearby woods on your next day off.
If you haven’t yet, take some time to drive Spoon River Valley’s scenic 140-mile road where you can see over 24 different attractions with your family. This area even holds festivals, markets, and more for you to stop by on your drive. Look at antiques, shop homemade foods, or even stop to check out the Spoon River Dam.

Take one or more of these scenic drives in Illinois, and don’t forget to let us know where you went the next time you’re in at Sam Leman Mazda for service.
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