Illinois has countless highways and byways running through the state. But none of them are as long as Interstate 57 in Illinois. This highway begins in Missouri and runs through all of the Prairie State. Stretching for over 380 miles, it’s one of the most beautiful drives through Illinois. Gas up the car and get ready to explore the gorgeous towns along the scenic Interstate 57.

To drive the entire length of Interstate 57, it will take you approximately 6.5 hours. This means you can easily make the drive in one day.
Google Maps
The highway runs parallel to the old Illinois Central Railroad and passes through over 15 towns on the route.
cmh2315fl/Flickr
If you’re driving into Illinois from Missouri on Interstate 57, you’ll be traveling on the Cairo I-57 Bridge.
Anthony Martorina/Google
As you traverse the bridge into Illinois, be sure to take a look at the mighty Mississippi River below. This scenic bridge is only the beginning of what’s in store on this journey as you experience one of the most beautiful drives through Illinois
After crossing the Cairo bridge, you’ll be in the historic town of Cairo. At one point this town was a vital trading center because it is located at the confluence of the Ohio and the Great Mississippi Rivers.
MuZemike, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Today, though the town has experienced some decline, remnants of the past are still standing as seen in some of the gorgeous homes left behind.

Related Stories

The Whole Family Could Spend An Entire Day Having A Blast At The Choo Choo In Illinois

The Whole Family Could Spend An Entire Day Having A Blast At The Choo Choo In Illinois

 This Drive-Thru Barbecue Spot In Illinois Has Been Serving Delicious Eats Since 1952

This Drive-Thru Barbecue Spot In Illinois Has Been Serving Delicious Eats Since 1952

 Enjoy A Lakefront Airbnb Adventure Under the Stars At This Illinois Spot

Enjoy A Lakefront Airbnb Adventure Under the Stars At This Illinois Spot
Once you leave Cairo, continue on the route for about one hundred miles, and you'll eventually drive through the lovely small town of Salem.
OZinOH/Flickr
Salem is not only a town with historical significance for its part in the G.I. Bill of Rights, but it also has delicious restaurants. If you want to enjoy a homestyle meal along I-57, this is the town to stop in, and be sure to check out some of their gorgeous historical sites.
From Salem, drive north for about 50 miles to the town of Effingham. If you’re an art or music lover, you’ll appreciate this cultural town.
Experience Downtown Effingham/Facebook
Additionally, if you’re in the area during the holiday season, it’s a great place to celebrate with the family. The city also has festivals and music performances throughout the year. It’s a small town that is brimming with charm that you will love.
About 75 miles north of Effingham, you’ll arrive in the college town of Champaign.
Visit Champaign County/Facebook
Home to the illustrious University of Illinois, this town boasts a wide variety of artistic, educational, as well as cultural experiences. Being a college town, of course, there is lively nightlife, and the town also boasts a world-class food scene.
On the last leg of the journey, you’ll drive right into the heart of Chicago. Food, art, music, stunning architecture, museums, sporting events, and the Riverwalk are just a few of the many reasons Chicago is a memorable city.
Ben Sutherland/Flickr
Visitors flock to the Windy City each year to experience all that it has to offer. And it’s the best way to end this 380-mile journey through the Prairie State. Interstate 57 is truly one of the most beautiful drives through Illinois.

Well, folks, these are just some of the incredible towns along Interstate 57 in Illinois. Of course, we couldn’t cover all of them in this article, but is there one that we missed that is worth highlighting? Tell us in the comment section. Feeling proud to live in Illinois? You should! Check out this unique state pride apparel from Wear Your Roots. 

And while you’re in the Prairie State, here’s a great day trip in Illinois that you will love.

For more Illinois beauty, take a look at this stunning town with historic architecture:

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Cairo I-57 Bridge, Southwest Illinois, I-57, Cairo, IL 62914, USA
Cairo, IL 62914, USA
Salem, IL, USA
Effingham, IL 62401, USA
Champaign, IL, USA
Chicago, IL, USA