Historic National Road - Illinois
a day / 163 miles / 5 hours 25 minutes
On Illinois' National Historic Road, rolling countryside, prairie fields, and small towns whisper of an earlier time. Main street stores speak of small town U.S.A. where soda fountains, museums and antiques showcase days gone by. Hayfields, cattle and old barns intermingled with small towns all beckon you to stay awhile.
Day 1
9:00 - 55.1 miles / an hour 50 minutes - 10:50
Begun in 1858, the museum was not finished until 1904. It is the home of Franciscan Friars serving St. Francis of Assisi Parish and other rural Parishes. The Monastery houses a museum of artifacts from the first settlers who arrived in the early 1800s as well as the Franscican Fathers. Pioneer items include toys, kitchen utensils, farming equipment, clothing, and household furnishings. Included in the religious exhibits are Bibles in many languages, vestments, furnishings, items used in celebration of the Catholic mass, and personal memorabilia. There are also marriage licenses,
business documents and other printed material, which provide a marvelous insight into the lives of the early inhabitants of this prosperous rural area. The entrance is on the west side of the
monastery complex.11:30 - 107.4 miles / 3 hours 34 minutes - 15:05