Mississippi River Palisades Limestone Quarry Historic Circuit

These forgotten quarry roads climb the Mississippi River bluffs north of Savanna, following routes carved by Italian stonemasons who supplied limestone for Chicago’s post-fire reconstruction. The main access follows the old Chicago & North Western spur line grade before branching onto quarry benches 300 feet above the river. Dead Horse Hollow marks the steepest climb, where teams of horses hauled stone blocks down grades so severe that accidents were common enough to name the place.

Moderate difficulty with rocky sections and seasonal washouts requiring high-clearance vehicles. Spring can bring muddy conditions while fall offers the best traction and colors. No permits needed but respect private property boundaries marked along the route. The payoff is commanding views of Pool 13 and the chance to explore abandoned quarry pits where you can still find perfectly cut limestone blocks abandoned when the Chicago market shifted to Indiana stone.