Exploring the Ohio River Scenic Byway
The Ohio River Scenic Byway follows one of the most historic and scenic waterways in the United States.
Stretching through Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, this route winds along the banks of the Ohio River, connecting small towns, historic sites, river overlooks, and hidden gems that many travelers miss.
This is not a fast highway drive—it’s a journey through history, landscapes, and communities shaped by the river.
Ohio River Scenic Byway Map
This map includes:
- The full byway route
- Stops we’ve visited
- Towns, parks, and historic sites
- Scenic pull-offs and river views
Ohio River Scenic Byway Stops & Nearby Places
Ohio River Scenic Byway Destinations
The locations below include places we’ve personally visited, historical reference locations, restaurants, museums, parks, and scenic stops found along or near the Ohio River Scenic Byway.
Use the directory listings to explore individual destinations, read related articles, and discover new places to add to your journey.
Abraham Lincoln Boyhood Home and National Museum
Abraham Lincoln Boyhood Home and National Museum offers visitors an opportunity to explore local history, regional heritage, and the stories that helped shape the surrounding community. Travelers
African American Troops
Locally, brave African American men from Cairo served in the various regiments of USCT Special Honor is given to Reverend Thomas Jefferson Houston, an ordained Baptist preacher, a conductor of the Underground Railroad, and personal assistant to General Ulysses Grant known affectionally as T.J. Houston affiliated to Grant's troops in 1862. He later served as a teamster in the Battle of Corinth and became General Grant's unofficial personal bodyguard.
Angel Mounds State Historic Site
Angel Mounds State Historic Site offers visitors an opportunity to explore local history, regional heritage, and the stories that helped shape the surrounding community. Travelers interested in discovering hidden gems, historical connections, and the character of the Midwest will find this site a worthwhile stop.
Battle of Corydon Park
Battle of Corydon Park preserves the site of Indiana's only Civil War battle. Visitors can learn about Morgan's Raid and the events that brought the conflict directly into Indiana communities.
Buel House State Historic Site
The Buel House State Historic Site is closely connected to the history of the Cherokee Trail of Tears and the river town of Golconda, Illinois. Visitors can explore a site tied to local traditions, frontier life, and the stories that continue to surround Cherokee travel through southern Illinois.
Buzzard Roost Recreation Area in Southern Indiana
Buzzard Roost Recreation Area in Southern Indiana offers visitors an opportunity to explore local history, regional heritage, and the stories that helped shape the surrounding community. Travelers interested in discovering hidden gems, historical connections, and the character of the Midwest will find this site a worthwhile stop.
Café Arazu
Café Arazu offers visitors an opportunity to explore local history, regional heritage, and the stories that helped shape the surrounding community. Travelers interested in discovering hidden gems, historical connections, and the character of the Midwest will find this site a worthwhile stop.
Cairo’s Historic Park District
Cairo's Historic Park District preserves the character and architecture of one of the most important river cities in American history. Visitors can explore sites connected to transportation, commerce, and the Civil War.
Cairo Historic District
The Cairo Historic District showcases the rich history of one of America's most strategically important river towns. Visitors can explore architecture, transportation history, Civil War connections, and stories tied to the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers.
Cairo Illinois
Cairo Illinois offers visitors an opportunity to explore local history, regional heritage, and the stories that helped shape the surrounding community. Travelers interested in discovering hidden gems, historical connections, and the character of the Midwest will find this site a worthwhile stop.
Follow On the Trail travels
We share our travels of the towns, restaurants, motels, and history that we learn on our trips.
Join our email list to follow future articles in the On the Trail area and receive updates as new articles, historic locations, and travel guides are added.
