Here, the Missouri, Mississippi and Illinois Rivers meet to form a 35,000-acre floodplain. The Mississippi, a working river, is also an environmental treasure. Historic 18th-century river towns, islands, bars, points, and bends create beautiful scenery beneath limestone bluffs that are covered by forests extending over nearly 20,000 acres.

Getting to the Byway:

St. Louis, MO
* Take I-70 to I-255 north. * Follow I-255 north to I-270 east. * Continue on to Route 3 north to Hartford where the byway begins.

Navigating the Byway:
* The byway begins at the intersection of IL 3 and New Poag Road south of Alton, Illinois. * Follow IL 3 north for 5 miles until you reach the junction of IL 143. * Turn Left on IL 143 and continue for 2 miles towards Lock & Dam at the Melvin Price Visitors Center in Alton. * Take IL 143 north out of town to the junction with IL 100. * Follow IL 100 north past Rosedale, Pere Marquette State Park, and Nutwood. * Continue on IL 100 as it merges with IL 16. * Turn right onto Eldred Road and follow it north to Eldred and the intersection with IL 108. * Take IL 108 west to the bank of the Illinois River and take the free ferry to Kampsville, where the byway ends.