Rural heritage will be on full display this weekend with the return of the Scenic Drive.
The Knox County and Spoon River Valley Scenic Drives get underway Saturday and Sunday at various locations and continue the following weekend, October 14 and 15.
The drive is a self-guided car tour through a number of small towns and rural locations and communities in southern Knox County and Fulton County.
Step into history as you explore distinguished landmarks, including National Register of Historic Places-designated structures, a quaint railroad depot, an authentic 1832 log cabin, intriguing museums, and century-old chapels.
Multiple locations will be highlighted on the drive. Downtown Knoxville and the Wolf Covered Bridge near Gilson will show off their history, alongside the Orange Chapel at the United Methodist Church in Orange Township.
There will also be events at the Knox County Fairgrounds, Walnut Grove Farm, the Red Brick Schoolhouse, the Lewiston Fairgrounds, and Orchard Hill Farm.
There will be flea markets and vendors, plenty of country cooking, and handmade items to remember the occasion by.
New this year to the Spoon River Scenic Drive this year will be bus services. The bus will pick up attendees at the Lewistown Fairgrounds and stop at all the sanctioned sites in Fulton County before returning to the fairgrounds. Seats will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Knox County Scenic Drive is also holding its 2023 photo contest. Submissions can be made through email and entry details can be found on their website.
You’re encouraged to drive with caution as farmers are in the middle of harvest.
