Take a ride through the heart of America’s Midwest as we follow a classic stretch of Interstate 70 from Effingham, Illinois to the Indiana state line. This 57-mile journey carries us through the rich farmland of eastern Illinois, past historic towns and roadside Americana, before concluding at the border of the Hoosier State—a route that epitomizes cross-country travel through America’s breadbasket.
Our journey kicks off just northeast of Effingham, where Interstate 70 splits away from its concurrency with Interstate 57 that heads north toward Chicago. Effingham itself has long served as a key transportation hub, where the old National Road (U.S. 40), two interstates, and multiple railroads converge. As we merge onto I-70 eastbound, the town’s iconic Cross at the Crossroads, a 198-foot steel cross, towers to our right, bidding farewell to travelers heading east. Immediately, the flat, fertile lands of central Illinois open up before us, dotted with rows of corn, soybeans, and the occasional white farmhouse surrounded by mature oaks.
Heading east, we quickly pass by the small community of Teutopolis, known locally as “T-Town” and notable for its rich German heritage. The route here parallels the historic U.S. Highway 40, the old National Road, which was America’s first federally funded highway. Small roadside relics hint at that past—a cluster of aging motels, the occasional classic diner sign, and weathered barns with faded advertisements. Shortly after, we breeze by Montrose and continue through a quiet rhythm of agricultural scenery, where flatlands stretch toward the horizon under big Illinois skies.
Approaching Greenup, we encounter the interchange with Illinois Route 130. Greenup calls itself the “Village of Porches,” and true to its name, many of its historic downtown buildings feature decorative overhanging porches that harken back to 19th-century charm. Crossing the Embarras River, we ease through lush lowlands before climbing gently back into open fields. Continuing east, Casey greets us next at Illinois Route 49. Famous for its collection of certified “World’s Largest Things,” Casey boasts massive roadside sculptures like the world’s largest mailbox and rocking chair—testaments to small-town creativity and quirky Americana.
The highway remains efficient and straightforward as we head towards Marshall, home to the final major interchange in Illinois at Illinois Route 1. Marshall holds deep ties to the National Road’s history, with a beautifully preserved downtown square and National Road Welcome Center, offering insight into the bygone era of wagon trails and westward migration. By now, the flatlands begin giving way to subtle undulations, hinting at the more rolling landscape of western Indiana.
Our final stretch eastward is a smooth ride through the last rural miles of Illinois. Wind turbines occasionally pop into view, silently spinning above the crops as we close in on the Indiana line. The crossing itself is modest—no grand archway or river crossing, just a simple green sign marking the transition from Illinois to Indiana. Just past this point, our journey concludes, though Interstate 70 presses onward towards Terre Haute and beyond, a reminder of the endless ribbon of pavement that stitches together America’s heartland.
In reflecting on this drive, we experience a quintessential Midwestern passage—efficient, practical, yet not without its quiet charms. From monumental roadside crosses to whimsical world records, from the heritage of the National Road to the timeless sprawl of farmland, Interstate 70 from Effingham to Indiana offers a snapshot of small-town Americana set against the enduring pulse of America’s interstate system.
🗺️ Route Map
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