chevelle69,
When you get up to north st louis, roll over to route 79(MO). this is the great river road. This will take you somewhat along the Mississippi river,,although for the most part,,,you are far enough away,,you do not actually see the river. Come up to Louisiana ,MO. Tour around this town! I was there for the first time just this past weekend,,and I am only about 3.5 hours way from it. Louisiana has lots of gorgeous old victorian homes! I love looking at grand old archetecture like this!
You can follow route 79 up towards Hannibal,,,but about 10 miles north of Louisiana,MO ,,you will have to detour out to US 61,,,as there is a part of route 79( great river road) that has caved away,,at one of the lookout points. this only adds about 10 minutes to the trip from LA,,,to Hannibal( no gravel roads involved BTW).
You could go back down the Illinois side( Great River Road Route 96) to Grafton,Alton, St Louis,,as this area,,is sort of forgotonia as well. You can cross on the FREE ferry at Pere-Marquette state part before you reach Grafton,IL., ,,,and get into MO this way as well. Losts of the area coming down the IL. side is shaded,,so if it,,is hotter than hades,,,at least it is bearable in the afternoon. You will see LOTS of HD's on this stretch heading to Fast Eddie's in Alton Il,,,to eat,to do the HD bling thing.
Idea: Stop in Grafton Il,,to eat at the Rotten Apple. good food,,and the waitesses in there will make you want to come back for second LOOK,,,beleive me!!!!
Hope this helps.
take Care,
BC