Take the family, picnic basket, and drive the river road!

For those of you just looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of 
city life, and very little time; a leisurely drive up the scenic river road 
from Alton to Pere Marquette State Park, Ill could prove to be just the 
thing that the whole family would enjoy.

Alton is located just across the river from St. Louis.  Take route 270 to 
367 to Alton, from there just follow the signs down the scenic river 
road,route 100.

Driving down the river  road was one of our favorite pastimes as a 
family.  My husband enjoyed the river, the sailboats, and occasionally we 
would pull the car over to the side of the road just to watch skiers.  The 
children's favorite pastime was the right side of the hi way.  Huge 
limestone bluffs, always changing color with every season, in the fall 
reds, gold, yellow splashes are everywhere.  In the spring, pink, white, 
and purple flowering trees, dot the bluffs.  In the winter, eyes turn 
upward to catch a glimpse of eagles, occasionally even the youngest birds 
just learning to fly.

Looking for the legendary Piasa Bird {pie-a-saw} on the bluffs was always 
great fun.  Legend has it that the Indians painted the great bird on the 
side of the bluffs.  After many years of weather, the bird faded.  Local 
historians had it painted again, but at a new location.  For a few years, 
in order to save money, the bird was painted on metal and fastened to the 
bluffs.  Now the great man-eating bird that the Indians feared so much can 
be found on the bluffs once again.  Now you can see this bird just down the 
road from Alton.

Marquette Park is a wonderful place to stop for a picnic, barbecue, and 
spend time hiking.  There are some awesome vistas  that can been seen even 
if you prefer driving.  Just stop in at the rustic lodge for information or 
drive up the roads to see why this is favorite place for so many vacationers.

Take the family, picnic basket, and drive the river road!