The landscape of Monroe County is dotted with a number of European-style stone arch bridges. greatriverroad.com has put together an easy driving tour to see five of these structures. The scenery along this route winds its way through scenic farmlands, colorful forests, through the historic town of Maeystown, and beneath the bluffs along the American Bottom lowlands. This stone bridge route is especially nice during autumn.
Read moreWhite Rock Nature Preserve
White Rock Nature Preserve is home to 306 acres of Illinois' natural habitat. The tract is located within the Hill Prairie Corridor, a 25-mile stretch of ribbons and patches of hill prairie perched on top of the Mississippi River bluffs. White Rock Nature Preserve hosts several rare habitats including loess hill prairie, limestone glades and upland forest.
Read moreThe Maeystown Rock Mill
The Maeystown Preservation Society operates the Rock Mill as a museum on 19th century immigrant life and the history of Maeystown in this old flourmill.
Read morePeterstown House
Peterstown House is a restored 1830s building began as a general store, tavern, and inn for stagecoach travelers on the Kaskaskia Trail. The Peterstown Heritage Society rescued the building from demolition and it is now a museum furnished with antique furniture of the mid-1880s.
Read moreKidd Lake State Natural Area
Kidd Lake State Natural Area is an example of the once expansive wetlands of the Mississippi floodplain known as the American Bottom. Kidd Lake State Natural Area is a primitive area primarily devoted as a home to wildlife. There are no man-made improvements to provide visitors easy access to the area such as trails, parking lots, etc.
Read moreFults Hill Prairie Nature Preserve
Fults Hill Prairie Nature Preserve sits atop bluffs with an expansive views of the Mississippi River valley. The preserve features upland habitat that includes woodland, prairie and glade communities and has the largest complex of high-quality loess hill prairies in Illinois. The area contains the Fults Hill Prairie Nature Preserve Trail, a 1.4 mile loop trail.
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