The beauty of the area has inspired writers and artisans to write, paint and sketch the striking riverscape as well as the 19th century historic villages tucked away in the hollows. The byway has a broad range of architectural styles beginning with Alton's delicately detailed Victorian homes. Inspired by an English village, the stately architecture of Bernard Maybeck can be found on the bluffs at Principia College. Elsah's clusters of stone cottages and tidy gardens have remained virtually untouched since the village's early beginnings. The stilted fishing cabins along the riverbanks in Grafton and the rustic limestone and wood Lodge at Pere Marquette State Park add to the cultural landscape of the byway.

There are a number of ways to experience the culture of the byway - through the work of artists, theatrical and musical performances or enjoying the simpler side of life at orchards and wineries throughout the region. Whether a person is looking for theater, concerts in the park, house tours or community celebrations, plan your trip around the many cultural events happening during every season on the byway.