The Ohio River Scenic Byway

The Ohio River Scenic Byway. These are some of the places to explore on the Ohio River Scenic Byway.. , Travel the Byway and discover the importance of the Ohio River to the nation and the world. Experience the magnificent natural landscapes of southern Illinois while coming to know how the historic events and people that shaped the region and the nation. Enjoy the rural character, authenticity and hospitality of the Byway communities and people., 1. Cairo , Cairo is situated at the confluence of two of the nation's greatest rivers: The Ohio and the Mississippi. Cairo's Historic District showcases the city's unique architecture, including the Custom House and Museum (above left), Magnolia Manor (above right), Riverlore Mansion and the Safford Memorial Library, which many people consider Cairo's most beautiful building., 2. Mound City National Cemetery , The cemetery was established in 1864 and continues to serve as a national military cemetery. The cemetery contains tombstones dating to the Civil War, the Illinois State Soldiers and Sailors Monument and a caretaker's cottage that is on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a museum (top right)., 3. Metropolis , Metropolis is home to the nation's largest Superman Festival, street-side murals portraying the rich history of the area, a lighthouse, a floating casino, Fort Massac State Park and more. Fort Massac State Park contains a reconstructed Lewis and Clark era fort, a visitor center and hiking and biking trails. It also hosts historic encampments and reenactments and is a vital link to the region's past., 4. Kincaid Mounds State Historic Site , Kincaid Mounds, the most significant pre-historic site on the Byway, was occupied from 1050-1400 AD. The mounds are man-made hills that supported homes, temples and buildings from which the Chief reigned. The Mounds hosts an Archaeology Field Day every October., 5. Golconda , Golconda features several buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and are part of the Golconda Historic District. In addition, the historic Lockmaster Homes (top right) provide the most unique lodging in the area. The Cherokee Trail of Tears entered Illinois at Golconda and is commemorated at a cemetery outside of town., 6. Rosiclare , Rosiclare is the home of the Miners Memorial, a river walk, the American Fluorite Museum and so much more. Rosiclare truly is at the heart of fluorite country., 7. Elizabethtown , Elizabethtown retains the charm of a river town, providing enchanting river views, historic hotels and amenities, and even a floating restaurant., 8. Cave In Rock State Park , Cave-In-Rock is a natural wonder with a long and colorful history. The ferry here still provided free service between Illinois and Kentucky., 9. Garden of the Gods Shawnee National Forest , The Garden of the Gods (top left) is a southern Illinois landmark. Nestled in the Shawnee National Forest, where hiking, hunting, swimming (Pounds Hollow, top right) and more are available. The forest also contains Illinois' only federally designated Wilderness Area., 10. Equality Visitor Center , Equality is the northern gateway to the byway and home to the Ohio River Visitor Center. Here you can learn about the Byway, regional history and local arts, crafts and amenities by browsing the exhibits and talking with knowledgeable local volunteers., 11. Old Shawneetown , Old Shawneetown was devastated by the Ohio River flood of 1937, and most of the town up and moved, creating Shawneetown. Structures remaining in Old Shawneetown are the John Marshall house, Illinois' first bank and now a museum (top left) and the Shawneetown Bank (top right). (New) Shawneetown has a monument to the region's African-American history.