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The locations below include places we’ve personally visited, historical reference locations, restaurants, museums, parks, and scenic stops found along or near the Ohio River Scenic Byway.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.
Carpenter House
Carpenter House 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.
Cave-in-Rock State Park
Cave-in-Rock State Park is one of the most famous destinations along the Ohio River. Known for its legendary cave, river views, and colorful history, the park offers a memorable stop for travelers exploring southern Illinois.
Chapman Harris historic marker
Harris, a free African American, came to Madison, 1839, as the fight over slavery along the Ohio River became more violent. He worked as a teamster, farmer, and Baptist minister. His family owned land in Eagle Hollow and Madison. Harris’s activities to aid enslaved persons crossing the Ohio River at Madison became widely known throughout Indiana after the Civil War.
Charlestown State Park
Charlestown State Park combines rugged landscapes, scenic hiking trails, and important Indiana history. Located along the Ohio River, the park offers visitors opportunities to explore nature while discovering the region's rich cultural and military heritage.
Clark County Museum
Educational museum focused on the history of Clark County, featuring exhibits on everything from Native AmeEducational museum focused on the history of Clark County, featuring exhibits on everything from Native American culture to the area's archaeological history.rican culture to the area's archaeological history.
Constitution Elm Stump
Constitution Elm Stump
Indiana's first constitution was drafted in the shade of this elm tree in the summer of 1816.
Corydon Capitol State Historic Site
Indiana’s transformation from a territorial outpost to a functioning modern state was a deeply dramatic and fascinating time in our nation’s history. Here, you can explore Corydon’s colorful beginnings where Hoosier statesmen carefully built the foundations for the state we know today.
Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site
Culbertson Mansion 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.
Cultural Arts Center
The Cultural Arts Center showcases local creativity while often preserving connections to community history and heritage. Visitors can enjoy exhibits, programs, and events that celebrate the region's cultural identity.
Daniel S. Major House
Daniel S. Major House is a historic home located at Lawrenceburg, Indiana. It was built between 1857 and 1860, and is a two-story, rectangular, Italianate style brick dwelling. It has an ashlar stone foundation, low hipped roof, polygonal bay windows, and a two-story service wing
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