The Scenic Great River Road of Illinois

• HelloHowdy
  [haw-dee]
• GoodbyeSee ya
  [see yuh]
• YesYep
  [yep]
• NoNah
  [nah]
• Please/You're welcomePlease
  [pleez]
• Thank youThanks
  [thaynks]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon me
  [pahr-dn mee]
• How are you?Howdy
  [haw-dee]
• Fine. And you?Doin' fine. You?
  [doin' fahyn. yuh?]
• Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [yah speak ing-glish?]
• I don't understandI ain't gettin' ya
  [I aint get-tin' yuh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGimme the menu, please
  [gim-mee the men-yoo, pleez]
• I don't eat meatI don't do meat
  [I don't doh meet]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI'll settle up, please
  [I'll set-tl up, pleez]

• Help!Help!
  [help!]
• Go away!Git!
  [git!]
• Call the Police!Call the cops!
  [call the cops!]
• Call a doctor!Call a doc!
  [call a doc!]
• I'm lostI'm turned around
  [I'm turned around]
• I'm illI'm feelin' poorly
  [I'm feel-in' poor-lee]

• I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
  [I wanna buy...]
• I'm just lookingJus' lookin'
  [jus' look-in']
• How much is it?How much?
  [how much?]
• That's too expensiveThat's steep
  [that's steep]
• Can you lower the price?Can ya come down on the price?
  [can yuh come down on the price?]

• What time is it?What's the time?
  [what's the time?]
• It's one o'clockIt's one
  [it's one]
• Half past (10)Half past ten
  [half past ten]
• MorningMornin'
  [morn-in']
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [af-ter-noon]
• EveningEvenin'
  [even-in']
• YesterdayYest'day
  [yest'day]
• TodayToday
  [to-day]
• TomorrowTomorrah
  [to-mor-rah]
• 1One
  [wun]
• 2Two
  [too]
• 3Three
  [three]
• 4Four
  [for]
• 5Five
  [fahyv]
• 6Six
  [siks]
• 7Seven
  [sev-uhn]
• 8Eight
  [eyt]
• 9Nine
  [nahyn]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the...
  [where's the...]
• What's the address?What's the addy?
  [what's the add-ee?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya show me (on the map)?
  [can yuh show me (on the map)?]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [when's the next (bus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [a ticket (to ....)]

Long before European explorers set foot in North America, the area that is now Illinois was home to thriving Indigenous civilizations. The most notable among these was the Mississippian culture, centered at Cahokia Mounds near present-day Collinsville. This complex society, which flourished from around 700 to 1400 AD, built massive earthen mounds and established extensive trade networks along the Mississippi River. The Great River Road in Illinois provides a gateway to exploring these ancient earthworks and understanding the sophisticated cultural and political structures of the Mississippian people.

The 17th century saw the arrival of European explorers and missionaries to the Illinois region. French explorers Louis Jolliet and Jacques Marquette were among the first to navigate the Mississippi River in 1673, documenting their encounters with native tribes and the vast wilderness. Their accounts opened the floodgates for subsequent French settlements. Notably, Fort de Chartres, built in the early 1700s near modern-day Prairie du Rocher, became a significant military and trading post for the French in the Illinois Country. The remnants of this fort can still be visited today, offering insights into the early colonial era along the Great River Road.

Following the American Revolution, the Illinois territory came under United States control. The early 19th century was a period of rapid change as settlers moved westward, drawn by the fertile lands along the Mississippi River. Illinois achieved statehood in 1818, and the Great River Road became a vital thoroughfare for pioneers and goods. Towns like Alton and Quincy emerged as key river ports, facilitating trade and transport. Historic landmarks from this era, such as the Elijah P. Lovejoy Monument in Alton, commemorate the region's role in the broader narrative of American expansion and the quest for freedom.

The Great River Road in Illinois played a significant role during the Civil War and the Underground Railroad. The river towns along this route were hotbeds of abolitionist activity. Quincy, in particular, was a crucial stop for escaped slaves seeking freedom in the North. The Dr. Richard Eells House in Quincy, now a museum, served as a safe house for many runaway slaves. This period is marked by stories of courageous individuals and the relentless pursuit of liberty, with the Mississippi River often symbolizing a gateway to freedom.

The 20th century brought industrial growth and modernization to the regions along the Great River Road. The construction of bridges, highways, and levees transformed the landscape, making it more accessible for commerce and tourism. Alton and East St. Louis became industrial hubs, while the scenic beauty of the river bluffs and wetlands attracted tourists. Today, the Great River Road is celebrated not only for its historical significance but also for its natural beauty, offering a picturesque journey through the heart of America's Midwest.

The Great River Road in Illinois stretches for about 550 miles along the Mississippi River, from Galena in the north to Cairo in the south. The nearest major airports to the northern section are Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). For the southern section, St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) is the closest. From these airports, you can rent a car or use regional flights to smaller airports closer to the road. Amtrak also provides train services to cities along the route, such as Quincy and Alton.

While traveling along the Great River Road, renting a car is the most convenient option as public transportation options are limited. Biking is also popular, especially for shorter stretches. There are various car rental services available at major airports and cities along the route. If you prefer not to drive, some segments offer guided bus tours. Local taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are available in larger towns and cities.

The official currency in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted across the Great River Road, including in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are available in most towns and cities along the route. It is a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments, especially in more rural areas.

The Great River Road in Illinois is generally safe for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions, such as not leaving valuables visible in your car and avoiding poorly lit areas at night. Some towns, like East St. Louis, have higher crime rates, so it is best to stay vigilant, especially after dark. Always lock your car and keep an eye on your belongings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Hospitals and medical facilities are available in larger towns and cities along the route. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are widely available. Keep a list of local emergency contacts and the nearest medical facilities handy.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably, especially if you plan on hiking or biking. Casual wear is generally acceptable everywhere. Avoid wearing overly flashy jewelry to deter petty theft. Religion: Do respect local customs when visiting religious sites, such as churches. Public Transport: Do use seat belts when available. Don't expect extensive public transportation options in rural areas. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'hi'. A handshake is common in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and regional specialties. Don’t forget to tip, as it is customary in the United States.

To experience the Great River Road like a local, make sure to stop at small-town diners and local eateries to try regional dishes. Attend local events and festivals, which are frequent along the route, especially in the summer. Visit farmers' markets to buy fresh local produce and handmade crafts. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and eager to share stories and recommendations. Don’t miss out on scenic overlooks and historical markers that offer insight into the area's rich history.