Motorcycle Riding through Illinois

A Summer of State Parks and Two Wheels

It’s all sunshine and smooth roads this in the Land of Lincoln. Welcome to Illinois – where more than 138,000 miles of public roads aim to please it’s many visitors. Sure, you can take a road trip, or even an invigorating bike ride, but the best way to introduce yourself to the open road of the Prairie State is by motorcycle.

Attention motorcycle enthusiasts, many rider-friendly events occur in the towns and cities of Illinois. Head to Effingham in southern Illinois at the end of the summer and suit up for the August Adventure Ride – an event hosted by the good people at Legacy Harley-Davidson. August brings the Budweiser Grand Nationals Weekend and the Central Illinois Friends Ride to the town of Morton – a suburb of Peoria found in central Illinois. It’s easy to find a motorcycle rally, benefit, or group ride wherever you go in the Prairie State.

Of course the best part of owning your own iron horse is actually hitting the open road. We want to provide you with a few options for Illinois rides this summer, a few taking you past state parks like Starved Rock State Park and Lowden State Park – both in northern Illinois.

Before starting your adventure through the Illinois, keep these tips in mind:

Keep an eye out for road signs and Illinois wildlife.

Helmets are not mandated, but recommended.

Consider the direction of the rising or setting sun before you hit the road.

Keep an emergency kit. You might not be able to get a signal.

Register with Best Western Ride Rewards.

Whether looking for a short ride, or an all day adventure, Best Western hotels have you covered during your many journeys through Illinois this summer.

Featured Motorcycle Rides in Illinois:

Taking the Extra Scenic Route: Starved Rock State Park to Peoria

Pass Illinois' Impressive Wilderness: Rock River Run

For Wind & Sand in Your Hair: Lake Michigan Ride

These rides through Illinois are provided solely as travel information for Best Western friends and guests. Please consider current road and weather conditions as well as consult accurate travel maps for detailed directions.

Best Western Hotels Along the Way:

Effingham Hotels

1

BEST WESTERN Raintree Inn

1811 W Fayette Avenue, Effingham IL 62401
Phone: (217) 342-4121  |  Fax: (217) 342-4121  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Complimentary continental breakfast, biscuits/gravy, waffles, toast, cereal, fruit, oatmeal

Pets allowed based on the availability of pet friendly rooms. Up to 2 dogs per room with a 80 pound weight limit. Additional pet types (cats, birds, etc.) may be accepted at the hotel's discretion. Pet rate is $10.00 per day with a $100 per week maximum.

Outdoor pool, seasonal, open after Memorial Day

Evanston Hotels

2

BEST WESTERN University Plaza

1501 Sherman Avenue, Evanston IL 60201-4416
Phone: (847) 491-6400  |  Fax: (847) 328-3090  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Complimentary breakfast

Outdoor pool, heated, seasonal

Morton Hotels

3

BEST WESTERN Ashland House & Conference Center

201 E Ashland Street, Morton IL 61550-1454
Phone: (309) 263-5116  |  Fax: (309) 266-1416  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Complimentary full breakfast buffet for per room up to four persons, an additional charge per person for additional guests in party

Paddy O'Flaherty's Irish Pub and Eatery, on premises, open 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Pets may be accepted. Please contact the hotel directly for full details.

Fitness facilities

Indoor pool

Rockford Hotels

4

BEST WESTERN Clock Tower Resort

7801 E State Street, Rockford IL 61108-2721
Phone: (815) 398-6000  |  Fax: (815) 398-8062  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery, on premises, Bar/Lounge, American, Open for: lunch, dinner, "A cold beer never looked so good!" Whatever you want your Tilted Kilt experience to be, there are a few things you can always count on: ice cold beer and plenty of it, a mouthwatering menu full of the pub fare you love, a festive atmosphere full of fun and friends, and, last but not least… our one-of-a-kind service eager to put a smile on your face.

Pets allowed based on the availability of pet friendly rooms. Up to 2 dogs per room with a 80 pound weight limit. Additional pet types (cats, birds, etc) may be accepted at the hotel's discretion. Pet rate is $20.00 per day with a $100 per week maximum. A refundable cleaning & damage deposit of $50.00 is required upon check-in. If damage occurs or excessive cleaning is needed, the deposit can become non-refundable and the hotel may charge additionally to cover the costs of repair/cleaning.

Exercise facility, 24 hour

Sunb