Maryland Map

Ohio River Scenic Byway

Basics
Length:
943 miles (1517 km)
Time:
2.5 days to drive or 8 days to enjoy this Byway.

Description

Winding its way across Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, the Ohio River Scenic Byway tells the story of the great river that has shaped the landscape, people, and economics of the region since its beginning 10,000 years ago, when glaciers diverted existing rivers. The Ohio River has provided sustenance and transport for countless people, from native prehistoric cultures to the children of the Information Age. Since pre-colonial days, to the opening of the West, to the great age of industry and the frenetic 21st Century, all things in the region find their roots in the Ohio River.

Along the Byway you can find prehistoric burial mounds, mostly from the Hopewell culture, indicating the river's importance in ancient patterns of migration. An estimated 11,000 American Indian earthworks -- embankments and other constructions made of earth -- also exist in the area. Find archaeologists at work at Aquixo, the site of an ancient Indian village, known today as Angel Mounds. You can visit the site's interpretive center near Evansville, Indiana, which presents artifacts of the people who lived here circa 1300 A.D.

As the wide river's waves wash over the years, we move forward to European settlement of the area. Fort Massac in Illinois presents an interesting timeline: Originally built in the mid-1500s, in time the fort site passed through the hands of the Spanish, French, British, and finally fell to the U.S. during the Revolutionary War. Troops were last stationed there during the Civil War, and in 1908 the site became Illinois' first state park. Today you can tour the fort and hike, fish, or camp at the state park. Stop by the fort's museum in Metropolis, Illinois, to experience the tale of the fort's history with actual artifacts, archive photographs, period costumes, and a short interpretive video presentation. Other parks along the route include Hoosier National Forest in Indiana, Shawnee National Forest in Illinois, and Barkcamp State Park in Ohio.

The Ohio River corridor was a hotbed of abolitionist and Underground Railroad activity prior to the Civil War as escaped slaves desperately tried to cross the river to free territory. At this time, the northern side of the river literally shone like a beacon of freedom as town residents signaled a place of safe harbor by burning lights in their windows. Members of the Underground Railroad protected fleeing slaves from bounty hunters and slave owners. One way to keep this light of goodwill and freedom shining is to visit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, in Cincinnati. Or visit the home of John Rankin in Ripley, Ohio. One of the most active leaders in the Underground Railroad, Rankin helped thousands of slaves reach freedom.

Learn about life along the Ohio River during the steamboat era at the Ohio River Museum in Marietta, Ohio. The museum features the golden age of the Ohio River steamboat. See the W.P. Snyder, America's only surviving steam powered, sternwheeler towboat. Alternately, in the 1849 Howard mansion, in Jefferson, Indiana, visit the Howard Steamboat Museum and enjoy a large collection of steamboat models, tools, artifacts, documents, photos, and paintings.

The Ohio River has always called people to its shores and waters. From prehistoric American Indian occupation to its diverse, modern residents, the route traverses 462 miles of historic, cultural, scenic, and naturally abundant landscapes. From Cairo, Illinois, to East Liverpool, Ohio, the area shares many similarities in its people and their pastimes, industries, and historical development. All the while, the Ohio River flows gracefully alongside the Byway, beckoning the visitor on, weaving a seamless, meaningful experience.

Points of Interest

Points of Interest Along The Way

Buel House (IL)

It was in Golconda where the Trail of Tears crossed the Ohio River. At the Buel House (certified by the National Park Service as an official Trail of Tears designated site), the Cherokee were offered food and hospitality.

Buel House (IN)

It was in Golconda where the Trail of Tears crossed the Ohio River. At the Buel House (certified by the National Park Service as an official Trail of Tears designated site), the Cherokee were offered food and hospitality.

Buel House (OH)

It was in Golconda where the Trail of Tears crossed the Ohio River. At the Buel House (certified by the National Park Service as an official Trail of Tears designated site), the Cherokee were offered food and hospitality.

Cairo's Custom House (IL)

On Aug. 3, 1854, the Congress made Cairo a Port of Delivery.Cairo's Custom House was built a few years later, in 1872, by thenoted government architect A.B. Mullet, for a very costly $225,000.This monumental limestone structure is a brilliant and rare exampleof Romanesque architecture, and it has been restored.

The flagpole from General Grant's flagship, TheTigeress, is posted in the Custom House. TheTigeress carried Grant up the Tennessee to the battle ofShiloh on April 6, 1862. A year later, The Tigeresswas sunk while running the shore victories at Vicksburg. Her crewsurvived and returned the flagstaff to Cairo. A Civil War cannon onthe outside of the building complements Grant's standard.

Cairo's Custom House (IN)

On Aug. 3, 1854, the Congress made Cairo a Port of Delivery.Cairo's Custom House was built a few years later, in 1872, by thenoted government architect A.B. Mullet, for a very costly $225,000.This monumental limestone structure is a brilliant and rare exampleof Romanesque architecture, and it has been restored.

The flagpole from General Grant's flagship, TheTigeress, is posted in the Custom House. TheTigeress carried Grant up the Tennessee to the battle ofShiloh on April 6, 1862. A year later, The Tigeresswas sunk while running the shore victories at Vicksburg. Her crewsurvived and returned the flagstaff to Cairo. A Civil War cannon onthe outside of the building complements Grant's standard.

Cairo's Custom House (OH)

On Aug. 3, 1854, the Congress made Cairo a Port of Delivery.Cairo's Custom House was built a few years later, in 1872, by thenoted government architect A.B. Mullet, for a very costly $225,000.This monumental limestone structure is a brilliant and rare exampleof Romanesque architecture, and it has been restored.

The flagpole from General Grant's flagship, TheTigeress, is posted in the Custom House. TheTigeress carried Grant up the Tennessee to the battle ofShiloh on April 6, 1862. A year later, The Tigeresswas sunk while running the shore victories at Vicksburg. Her crewsurvived and returned the flagstaff to Cairo. A Civil War cannon onthe outside of the building complements Grant's standard.

Cave in Rock State Park (IL)

Cave-in-Rock State Park is a great limestone cavern on the Ohio River. The enormous cave, once home to river pirates, provides a vantage point from which to watch today's river traffic.

Visitors can enjoy lodging, trails, picnic facilities, and a ferry across the river.

Cave in Rock State Park (IN)

Cave-in-Rock State Park is a great limestone cavern on the Ohio River. The enormous cave, once home to river pirates, provides a vantage point from which to watch today's river traffic.

Visitors can enjoy lodging, trails, picnic facilities, and a ferry across the river.

Cave in Rock State Park (OH)

Cave-in-Rock State Park is a great limestone cavern on the Ohio River. The enormous cave, once home to river pirates, provides a vantage point from which to watch today's river traffic.

Visitors can enjoy lodging, trails, picnic facilities, and a ferry across the river.

Fort Defiance State Park (IL)

Once known as the "park no one wants" as labeled by the Chicago Tribune, Fort Defiance has made a miraculous recovery from neglect through the efforts of the citizens of Cairo. Fort Defiance, the Civil War post commanded by General U.S. Grant, was once a Union supply base. The southern terminus of the Illinois section of the Great River Road, Fort Defiance State Historic Site lies at the awesome confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. Although they flow down the same channel, the two rivers remain separate, the Ohio blue and the Mississippi a muddy brown for several miles.

Fort Defiance State Park (IN)

Once known as the "park no one wants" as labeled by the Chicago Tribune, Fort Defiance has made a miraculous recovery from neglect through the efforts of the citizens of Cairo. Fort Defiance, the Civil War post commanded by General U.S. Grant, was once a Union supply base. The southern terminus of the Illinois section of the Great River Road, Fort Defiance State Historic Site lies at the awesome confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. Although they flow down the same channel, the two rivers remain separate, the Ohio blue and the Mississippi a muddy brown for several miles.

Fort Defiance State Park (OH)

Once known as the "park no one wants" as labeled by the Chicago Tribune, Fort Defiance has made a miraculous recovery from neglect through the efforts of the citizens of Cairo. Fort Defiance, the Civil War post commanded by General U.S. Grant, was once a Union supply base. The southern terminus of the Illinois section of the Great River Road, Fort Defiance State Historic Site lies at the awesome confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. Although they flow down the same channel, the two rivers remain separate, the Ohio blue and the Mississippi a muddy brown for several miles.

Fort Massac State Park (IL)

Fort Massac State Park overlooks the Ohio River from thesouthern tip of Illinois. This location has been preserved andmaintained since 1908, when it became Illinois' first statepark.

Today, Fort Massac is a captivating reminder of days gone by.The reconstructed timber fortification (a replica that includesblockhouses) of one built in 1794 provides a unique hands-onopportunity to explore our national heritage. A museum presents theengrossing tale of the fort's history with actual artifacts,archive photographs, period costumes, and a short interpretive videopresentation. A second fort from 1757, whose outline is based onarcheological digs, was also built.

Actual recreations of pioneer life of the 1700s during theannual Fort Massac Encampment and several living history weekendseach year bring the past to life, letting you experience ityourself. With all this, and picnicking, camping, hiking, boating,and hunting opportunities available in the rest of the 1,450-acre area,the park is a self-contained family vacation spot.

Fort Massac State Park (IN)

Fort Massac State Park overlooks the Ohio River from thesouthern tip of Illinois. This location has been preserved andmaintained since 1908, when it became Illinois' first statepark.

Today, Fort Massac is a captivating reminder of days gone by.The reconstructed timber fortification (a replica that includesblockhouses) of one built in 1794 provides a unique hands-onopportunity to explore our national heritage. A museum presents theengrossing tale of the fort's history with actual artifacts,archive photographs, period costumes, and a short interpretive videopresentation. A second fort from 1757, whose outline is based onarcheological digs, was also built.

Actual recreations of pioneer life of the 1700s during theannual Fort Massac Encampment and several living history weekendseach year bring the past to life, letting you experience ityourself. With all this, and picnicking, camping, hiking, boating,and hunting opportunities available in the rest of the 1,450-acre area,the park is a self-contained family vacation spot.

Fort Massac State Park (OH)

Fort Massac State Park overlooks the Ohio River from thesouthern tip of Illinois. This location has been preserved andmaintained since 1908, when it became Illinois' first statepark.

Today, Fort Massac is a captivating reminder of days gone by.The reconstructed timber fortification (a replica that includesblockhouses) of one built in 1794 provides a unique hands-onopportunity to explore our national heritage. A museum presents theengrossing tale of the fort's history with actual artifacts,archive photographs, period costumes, and a short interpretive videopresentation. A second fort from 1757, whose outline is based onarcheological digs, was also built.

Actual recreations of pioneer life of the 1700s during theannual Fort Massac Encampment and several living history weekendseach year bring the past to life, letting you experience ityourself. With all this, and picnicking, camping, hiking, boating,and hunting opportunities available in the rest of the 1,450-acre area,the park is a self-contained family vacation spot.

Garden of the Gods (IL)

Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest, with itsunique rock formations has been a popular attraction inSoutheastern Illinois for a long time. One of the first roads inthis region passed through the area running from the salt works atEquality to the Ohio River. Anvil Rock, then known as Devil's Rockbecame one of the first rock formations named in the interior ofSouthern Illinois. Today, a paved road off of Karber's Ridge makesit much easier for visitors to explore Garden of the Gods. Ashort-looped trail from the parking lot makes it easy for visitorsto see the main rock formations, including the well-known CamelRock. Anvil Rock and other formations can be seen along the trailsin the Garden of the Gods Wilderness Area.

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.

Garden of the Gods (IN)

Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest, with itsunique rock formations has been a popular attraction inSoutheastern Illinois for a long time. One of the first roads inthis region passed through the area running from the salt works atEquality to the Ohio River. Anvil Rock, then known as Devil's Rockbecame one of the first rock formations named in the interior ofSouthern Illinois. Today, a paved road off of Karber's Ridge makesit much easier for visitors to explore Garden of the Gods. Ashort-looped trail from the parking lot makes it easy for visitorsto see the main rock formations, including the well-known CamelRock. Anvil Rock and other formations can be seen along the trailsin the Garden of the Gods Wilderness Area.

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.

Garden of the Gods (OH)

Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest, with itsunique rock formations has been a popular attraction inSoutheastern Illinois for a long time. One of the first roads inthis region passed through the area running from the salt works atEquality to the Ohio River. Anvil Rock, then known as Devil's Rockbecame one of the first rock formations named in the interior ofSouthern Illinois. Today, a paved road off of Karber's Ridge makesit much easier for visitors to explore Garden of the Gods. Ashort-looped trail from the parking lot makes it easy for visitorsto see the main rock formations, including the well-known CamelRock. Anvil Rock and other formations can be seen along the trailsin the Garden of the Gods Wilderness Area.

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.

Kinkaid Mounds (IL)

A monument to the Native American people who once inhabitated the region.

Kinkaid Mounds (IN)

A monument to the Native American people who once inhabitated the region.

Kinkaid Mounds (OH)

A monument to the Native American people who once inhabitated the region.

Mound City National Cemetery (IL)

Confederate and Union soldiers are buried here. Started in 1864, the cemetery is one of 12 original national cemeteries.

Mound City National Cemetery (IN)

Confederate and Union soldiers are buried here. Started in 1864, the cemetery is one of 12 original national cemeteries.

Mound City National Cemetery (OH)

Confederate and Union soldiers are buried here. Started in 1864, the cemetery is one of 12 original national cemeteries.

Olmsted Locks and Dam (IL)

The continuing growth in demand for waterborne commerce on the Ohio River requires periodic improvements in the waterways transportation infrastructure. In 1994, over 100 million tons of goods were shipped through the lower reach of the Ohio River. The antiquated design and age of the current Locks and Dams in the area make it impossible to meet current traffic demands. Thus, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the navigation industry will replace these aged facilities with one of the largest civil works projects undertaken by the Corps. The new locks and dam project is being constructed near Olmstead. The Olmsted project will be sufficient to meet projected demands for tow traffic through the year 2025. The project is scheduled to be completed in the year 2006.

Olmsted Locks and Dam (IN)

The continuing growth in demand for waterborne commerce on the Ohio River requires periodic improvements in the waterways transportation infrastructure. In 1994, over 100 million tons of goods were shipped through the lower reach of the Ohio River. The antiquated design and age of the current Locks and Dams in the area make it impossible to meet current traffic demands. Thus, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the navigation industry will replace these aged facilities with one of the largest civil works projects undertaken by the Corps. The new locks and dam project is being constructed near Olmstead. The Olmsted project will be sufficient to meet projected demands for tow traffic through the year 2025. The project is scheduled to be completed in the year 2006.

Olmsted Locks and Dam (OH)

The continuing growth in demand for waterborne commerce on the Ohio River requires periodic improvements in the waterways transportation infrastructure. In 1994, over 100 million tons of goods were shipped through the lower reach of the Ohio River. The antiquated design and age of the current Locks and Dams in the area make it impossible to meet current traffic demands. Thus, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the navigation industry will replace these aged facilities with one of the largest civil works projects undertaken by the Corps. The new locks and dam project is being constructed near Olmstead. The Olmsted project will be sufficient to meet projected demands for tow traffic through the year 2025. The project is scheduled to be completed in the year 2006.

Shawnee National Forest (IL)

Every year approximately a million people use the recreational sites as well as other more secluded areas of the Shawnee National Forest. Many of the developed sites provide information, marked hiking and nature trails, water, restrooms, camping and picnicking areas. Lakes and streams are abundant, providing visitors a variety of activities from fishing, skiing and boating.

Shawnee National Forest (IN)

Every year approximately a million people use the recreational sites as well as other more secluded areas of the Shawnee National Forest. Many of the developed sites provide information, marked hiking and nature trails, water, restrooms, camping and picnicking areas. Lakes and streams are abundant, providing visitors a variety of activities from fishing, skiing and boating.

Shawnee National Forest (OH)

Every year approximately a million people use the recreational sites as well as other more secluded areas of the Shawnee National Forest. Many of the developed sites provide information, marked hiking and nature trails, water, restrooms, camping and picnicking areas. Lakes and streams are abundant, providing visitors a variety of activities from fishing, skiing and boating.

Details

Length:
943 miles (1517 km)
Time:
2.5 days to drive or 8 days to enjoy this Byway.
Main Roads:
US-52 E and OH-7 N

Map + Directions

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