Peoria to McGregor Road Trip Guide: Scenic Drive

This 180-mile route traces the Mississippi River's edge from Peoria, Illinois, to McGregor, Iowa—a drive that reveals the deep geological history of the Driftless Area. Unlike the flat plains to the west, this terrain was never flattened by glaciers, leaving steep bluffs and winding valleys.

The drive follows US-67 north to Rock Island, then crosses into Iowa on I-74, continuing on US-61 and US-18 along the river. Allow 3.5 hours of driving time, but plan a full day for stops. For tips on uncovering hidden gems, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

US-61 and US-18 are two-lane highways with sharp curves; watch for deer at dawn and dusk. Cell service is spotty between Bellevue and McGregor—download offline maps. Rest areas: I-74 rest stop near Moline (clean, vending machines) and US-61 overlook north of Clinton.

Family-friendly stops: The Putnam Museum in Davenport (IMAX, science exhibits) and Eagle Point Park in Clinton (playground, river views). Pet-friendly: Palisades-Kepler State Park in Iowa allows dogs on ten miles of trails. Fatigue management: Stop every 90 minutes. The town of Bellevue has a riverside park with benches for a quick break.

Fuel costs along this route average $3.50 per gallon; expect a full tank from Peoria to McGregor and back. Gas stations are plentiful in towns like Moline, Clinton, and Dubuque, but sparse between Guttenberg and McGregor.

• Best fuel stop: Shell station at US-67 & IL-92 in Milan, IL (low prices, clean restrooms)
• Toll roads: None; all highways are toll-free
• Road quality: US-67 is well-maintained; US-18 east of McGregor has some potholes

For EV drivers, fast chargers exist in Davenport (Electrify America) and Dubuque (ChargePoint). No charging stations between Dubuque and McGregor, so plan accordingly.

The Driftless Area offers dramatic limestone bluffs, forests, and river valleys. Pikes Peak State Park near McGregor provides panoramic Mississippi views. Effigy Mounds National Monument preserves ancient Native American earthworks shaped like animals.

• Must-see: Maquoketa Caves State Park (6 miles off US-61) with 13 caves to explore
• Local commerce: Buy honey at Featherstone Farm in Holy Cross, IA, or handmade cheese at Brix Station Cheese in Dubuque
• UNESCO-site-adjacent: While no UNESCO sites are on the route, the nearby Galena Historic District (IL) is a National Historic Landmark and often considered a hidden gem