Discover the Scenic Driftless Region on a Road Trip Adventure

A new road trip opportunity invites travelers to explore the stunning landscapes of the Driftless Region in Illinois. This journey, stretching from **Mount Carroll** to **Scales Mound**, offers a captivating blend of history, natural beauty, and local charm. With its unique topography and scenic routes, the area promises an adventure off the beaten path.

The Driftless Region, an area spanning approximately **15,000 square miles**, escaped the effects of glacial deposition during the last ice age. As a result, it features remarkable hills and valleys that create breathtaking scenery. This distinctive geography attracts motorcyclists and road trippers alike, with **greatmotorcycleroads.com** ranking parts of the route among the top seven motorcycle rides in Illinois.

Travelers starting in **Mount Carroll** can take U.S. Route 52 and state Routes 40, 64, and 78 to reach the town’s center, where the historic courthouse is surrounded by quaint shops and eateries. One standout attraction is the **Bridgewater Inn**, a vintage hotel dating back to **1886**. Additionally, visitors can explore the unique Civil War statue outside the courthouse, renowned for being the only one of its kind with an annex statue, earning its place in **Ripley’s Believe It or Not**.

The journey continues on **Elizabeth Blacktop**, a scenic **20-mile** stretch of road leading to the town of **Elizabeth**. This route offers picturesque views, including an old pony truss bridge over the **Plum River** and the vibrant foliage of a maple tree at **Trinity Lutheran Church** in autumn. Travelers can also visit local wineries like **Rocky Waters** and **Massbach Ridge**, along with the **Schurmeier Teaching Forest**, which features educational walking paths.

Elizabeth, founded in **1825**, is set to celebrate its **200th anniversary** in **2025**. The town’s historical significance is linked to stagecoach travel and the **Black Hawk War** of **1832**. The **Apple River Fort**, a replica of the original fort, is now a State Historic Site, offering exhibits and self-guided tours year-round.

Another highlight in Elizabeth is the **Chicago Great Western Railroad Museum**, alongside **Paul’s Vintage Bikes**, a museum showcasing classic bicycles. The town’s former school building has been transformed into **Elizabeth’s Grand Antique Co.**, featuring a variety of vintage items.

Travelers can then head west on Route 20 toward **Scales Mound**, known for its slogan, “At the top in Illinois.” This village, though not directly accessible via major highways, is worth a detour. It boasts the state’s tallest point, **Charles Mound**, which is open for hiking during select summer Saturdays.

Scales Mound retains a nostalgic atmosphere with its operational **Sinclair gas station** and **Country House Grocery**, where traditional wooden floors evoke a sense of history.

For those seeking further exploration, **Shullsburg**, Wisconsin, is just a short drive away, featuring **Gravity Hill**, a unique spot that creates the illusion of vehicles rolling uphill. Nearby, classic taverns like the **New Diggings General Store** and **Lead Mine Tavern** offer a taste of local culture.

As travelers embark on this scenic drive, they will discover not just beautiful landscapes but also hidden gems, local history, and perhaps even some unexpected surprises along the way. The freedom of the open road in the Driftless Region beckons, inviting all to embrace the adventure.

For more information on the featured destinations, visitors can contact:
– **Bridgewater Inn, Mount Carroll:** 116 E. Market St.; ourbridgewaterinn.com, email [email protected], 815-244-0201 for reservations.
– **Apple River Fort, Elizabeth:** 311 E. Myrtle St.; open Wednesday through Sunday from April to October and Thursday through Sunday from November to March; dnrhistoric.illinois.gov/experience/sites/site.apple-river-fort.html, 815-858-2028.
– **Paul’s Vintage Bikes, Elizabeth:** 137 N. Main St.; open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by appointment; 815-238-0930.
– **Elizabeth’s Grand Antique Co., Elizabeth:** 300 West St.; open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; grandantiqueco.com; 815-858-9477.
– **Scales Mound Sinclair Service, Scales Mound:** 310 Franklin St.; open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; 815-845-2217.
– **Country House Grocery, Scales Mound:** 501 Main St.; open Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to noon; countryhousegrocery.com; 815-845-2316.