Cherokee Country - The Most Scenic Drives in America: 120 Spectacular Road Trips - page 719

thewayincludetheOldCherokeeNationalCapitol,theCherokeeSupremeCourtBuilding,
and the campus of Northeastern State University, with its restored 1889 Cherokee National
Female Seminary Hall.
5. Illinois River
The meandering channel of the Illinois River—born in the nearby Ozarks of Arkan-
sas—accompaniesscenicRte.10northeast.Inthespring,redbudanddogwoodtrees,burst-
ing with blooms, make the stretch particularly pleasing. Come summertime, the big attrac-
tion is the river itself: fairly tame, the Illinois is the perfect avenue for lazy float trips be-
neath a lofty canopy of sycamore trees.
Day's end at the Grand Lake O' the Cherokees, an excellent spot for fishing and water sport.
6. Grand Lake O' the Cherokees
A maze of bays, creeks, and wooded hollows welcomes motorists to yet another watery
wonderland: Grand Lake O' the Cherokees. Autumn here, in addition to the seasonal treat
of blazing foliage, offers a special thrill: the sight of hundreds of white pelicans cruising in
to fish and to make landings on the lake.