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The locations below include places we’ve personally visited, historical reference locations, restaurants, museums, parks, and scenic stops found along or near the Ohio River Scenic Byway.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.
Reitz Home Museum
Evansville, Indiana's only Victorian House Museum is situated in the heart of the city's downtown Historic Preservation District.
Schenck Mansion
Schenck Mansion stands as a remarkable example of historic architecture and reflects the prosperity and development of the community during its era.
Scribner House
Joel Scribner, one of the three brothers who founded the city, built this property, the first frame house in New Albany. The chapter purchased the property in 1917
Squire Boone Caverns
It was Squire Boone and his brother, Daniel, who discovered these caverns in 1790. Squire later escaped enemy capture by hiding in the caverns. From that day on, he considered the beautiful hills and valleys surrounding the caverns to be holy ground. He eventually settled here with his wife, four sons and their families, and worked to establish the first capital of Indiana.
Switzerland County Historical Society Thiebaud Farmstead
The Switzerland County Historical Society Thiebaud Farmstead preserves the agricultural traditions and rural heritage that helped shape southeastern Indiana.
The Thiebaud Farmstead is currently open for special events or by appointment only.
Switzerland County Museum
The Switzerland County Historical Society, organized in 1925, is one of the oldest of Indiana’s county historical societies. The society has collected with a vision for the future by preserving a wide range of artifacts and documents that relay the county’s unique past. The historical society owns and operates two museums and the Thiebaud Farmstead, just west of town.
Switzerland County Tourism Office
The Switzerland County Tourism Office serves as a gateway to the region's historic towns, scenic river views, and cultural attractions.
The Overlook Restaurant
During the 1937 flood, 'Old Leavenworth' was washed away. This caused the townsfolk to move up on the bluff. A little over 10 years later, the Overlook opened it's doors in 1948. Since money was short, only a little café and grocery store opened. The grocery was on the second floor of the original chicken hatchery, which was built in 1929. The gasoline pumps in front helped to supplement income. Later on, it became a Greyhound bus stop and everything picked up.
Thomas T. Wright House
The Thomas T. Wright House offers insight into the life of an important local figure and the architectural styles of the period.
Triple Whipple Iron Bridge
The Triple Whipple Iron Bridge is an outstanding example of early American bridge engineering. History enthusiasts and photographers alike will appreciate this rare structure and its connection to the development of transportation networks.
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