Driving Time between Carlyle, Illinois and Belleville, Illinois

A picture depicting driving

The Ultimate Road Trip Guide: Carlyle to Belleville

Are you planning a road trip from Carlyle, Illinois to Belleville, Illinois? Well, buckle up and get ready to explore the beauty of southern Illinois. Whether you are a solo traveler or a group of friends, the route options are endless. Here are some of the best routes to take from Carlyle to Belleville, with recommendations of places to stop along the way.

Route 1: The Direct Route

The direct route from Carlyle to Belleville is via IL-127 South. This route is approximately 20 miles and should take you around 25-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This route is the shortest and most direct, but it's not the most scenic.

Places to Stop:

  • Carlyle Lake: the largest man-made lake in Illinois, perfect for fishing and boating activities.
  • The Mills Market: a local market that offers fresh produce, homemade desserts, and a deli counter.
  • The Weingarten: a German-inspired restaurant that serves delicious food with great beer and wine selections.

Route 2: The Countryside Route

If you have some extra time, take a scenic route through the countryside. You will travel via IL-161 W and IL-160 S. This route is about 35 miles and should take you around 45-50 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Places to Stop:

  • Clinton County Historical Society and Museum: Learn about the history of Clinton county, which was established in 1824, and see the collection of Clinton County memorabilia.
  • Governor Bond Lake: A huge recreational resource for fishing, boating, camping, hiking and biking.
  • Breese Historical Museum: An educational museum showcases artifacts its community history and way of life in Breese and its surrounding communities.

Route 3: The Combination Route

If you want a bit of both, consider a combination of the above two routes. Travel via IL-161 W to Germantown and then peel off onto IL-4 S. This route is approximately 29 miles and should take you around 40-45 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Places to Stop:

  • The White Rooster Farmhouse Brewery: This brewery and pub offer great beer varieties and tasty food made using locally sourced ingredient.
  • Albers Antique Mall: A unique place to stop and explore the vast collection of antiques and collectibles.
  • Okawville Community Park: A beautiful park that has a picnic area, playground equipment, and a walking trail around the lake.

No matter which route you choose, Belleville awaits you with its historic small town feel and vibrant streets alive with boutique shops, restaurants, and lots to see and explore. The drive from Carlyle to Belleville is undoubtedly worth the investment, so let's hit the road and have some fun!