US-20 Driftless Corridor (Galena to Elizabeth)
US Route 20 through Jo Daviess County is the main road linking Galena to Elizabeth through the Illinois Driftless Area — a region that escaped glaciation and retains high hills, deep river valleys, and exposed rock formations unlike anything else in the state. East of Galena, US-20 remains two-lane and cuts through steep ridge-and-hollow terrain with passing lanes carved into hillsides. Long Hollow Scenic Overlook (2918 US Hwy 20 W, Elizabeth) offers a dedicated pull-off with sweeping Driftless views and picnic area. The road connects directly to Galena's historic district and is the gateway to the county's rural back roads.
What you'll hit along the way.
Rider-verified stops, overlooks, fuel, and the corners worth knowing about — in the order you'll meet them.
East Dubuque
A small river town on the Mississippi bluffs marking the Illinois start of the corridor.
The Golden Pheasant
A local dining spot in East Dubuque good for a meal before heading into the driftless hills.
Bremen
A quiet rural crossroads in the rolling driftless terrain, typical of the small communities along this stretch.
Phillips 66
A reliable fuel stop roughly two-thirds of the way through the route.
Ridott Corners
A rural intersection near the eastern end of the route where the driftless landscape gives way to flatter ground.
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Runs are rider-logged & GPS-traced in the app
Ride your own ride — times are rider-logged & GPS-traced, never a race on public roads.
Shot by the riders who've run it.
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