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The locations below include places we’ve personally visited, historical reference locations, restaurants, museums, parks, and scenic stops found along or near the Ohio River Scenic Byway.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.
Mound City Shipyards
Mound City Shipyards played a critical role in Union naval operations during the Civil War. The site helps visitors understand how river-based shipbuilding supported military campaigns throughout the Western Theater.
Mount Vernon Indiana
Mount Vernon, Indiana serves as a historic Ohio River community with strong ties to transportation, industry, and regional development. Its riverfront setting and local landmarks make it an important stop along the Ohio River Scenic Byway.
Musee De Venoge
Musée de Venoge celebrates local history and culture while preserving artifacts connected to the community's past. We are an all-volunteer living history museum and our purpose is to understand and interpret the lives and material culture of the early French-Swiss inhabitants.
New Albany National Cemetery
Established during the Civil War, New Albany National Cemetery serves as the final resting place for Union veterans and military personnel from multiple conflicts. The beautifully maintained grounds offer a place for remembrance and reflection.
Newburgh Indiana
Newburgh 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.
Newburgh Museum
Newburgh Museum 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.
Ohio County Historical Society
The Ohio County Historical Society preserves the heritage of one of Indiana's smallest counties through exhibits, collections, and educational programs.
Original Ft. Massac Site
The original Fort Massac site is located in Fort Massac State Park in Metropolis, Illinois. It features the preserved archaeological outline of the 1757 French fort, sitting directly on the Ohio River bluffs, along with an adjacent, reconstructed 1802 American fort.
Perry County Museum
The Perry County Museum, located at the old Perry County Courthouse in Cannelton, is a 501c3 Non-Profit organization. Artifact and financial donations are greatly appreciated. The building was purchased by the Perry County Museum Board of Trustees in December 1998. The former courthouse is in the French Renaissance style, yellow brick with Bedford limestone lintels and massive sandstone foundation which was quarried from the hills near Cannelton. It was built in 1896 and served as the county seat until 1994.
Posey House
Posey House preserves the history of a prominent family and provides visitors with a glimpse into life during an earlier period of Indiana history.
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