Interstate 57 is one of two major routes connecting the Chicago area to downstate Illinois. Traveling through Arkansas, Missouri, and Illinois, I-57 gives an alternative to I-55. If you opt to use I-57, you’ll get to drive along the Mississippi River and through many beautiful rural areas of the northeastern U.S.

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What is an interstate highway?

As the name implies, interstate highways run through multiple states and connect large metropolitan areas throughout the U.S.

People often wonder: what do the numbers symbolize for interstate highways? Generally, one or two-digit numbers refer to an interstate highway. A north-south route like I-57 has an odd number, whereas even numbers indicate an east to west interstate. Finally, the most important roadways usually end in zero or five.

What states does I-57 run through?

Running from Chicago, IL, to Sikeston, MO, I-57 is often used as a shortcut between Chicago and the south. Here are the states that I-57 passes through:

Arkansas

: 123 miles

Missouri

: 21 miles

Illinois

: 364 miles

At a total length of 386 miles, I-57 is the second-longest two-digit interstate highway with no auxiliary route. It has one business loop in Charleston, Missouri.

MORE: The best road trips in Illinois

Major interchanges on I-57

If you’re hoping to stop in at any of the cities along I-57, you’ll want to know which exits to keep an eye out for. Here are some of the major connections and interchanges on I-57:

I-55 at Miner, MO

I-24 at Pulleys Mill, IL

I-64 at Mt Vernon, IL

I-70 at Effingham, IL

I-72 at Champaign, IL

I-74 at Champaign, IL

I-80 at Tinley Park, IL

I-94 at

Chicago

, IL

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Best places to eat along I-57

There’s nothing like taking a break from a long drive for a nice meal. Lucky for you, there are many great options for meal stops along I-57. Here are a few places worth checking out:

Gabby Goat American Pub & Grill

(Effingham, IL): Enjoy a bite to eat and some entertainment at this all-American pub, complete with a full bar, music, and TVs. It is open from 11 am to 11 pm every day.

Uncle Joe's

(Ina, IL): Stop here for lunch or dinner to enjoy some classic American BBQ. They are open most days from 9 am to 9 pm, with shorter hours on Sundays.

17th Street Barbecue

(Marion, IL): Take exit 54B off Interstate 57 for some local BBQ in a casual setting. Fun fact: “Best Thing I Ever Ate” on the Food Network was filmed here!

Culver's

(Marion, IL): Another good option, this fast-food chain specializes in making frozen custard and signature burgers from Midwest beef and dairy. They are open every day from 10 am to 9 pm.

Niemerg's Steakhouse

(Effingham, IL): If you’re driving through Effingham on the weekend, this family-friendly steakhouse serves a variety of classics in a homey setting from Thursdays to Sundays.

Pro Tip When planning your meal stops on I-57, make sure that the restaurants you want to visit are actually open. Each restaurant is open at different hours/days, and the last thing you want is to show up starving and find a neon closed sign!

What is there to do on I-57?

While most of I-57 consists of driving through rural areas, there are still a handful of fun stops you can make.

Here are just a few examples of things to see along I-57:

The Art Institute of Chicago

in Chicago, IL

Museum of Science and Industry in Hyde Park

, Chicago, IL

Wrigley Field

in North Side, Chicago, IL

Lincoln Park Zoo

in Chicago, IL

Sikeston Depot Museum & Gallery

in Sikeston, MO

MORE:

A cross-country road trip from Chicago to Grand Canyon

Find affordable car insurance with Jerry

If you’re on I-57 for work or a fun family road trip, you’ll want to get the best car insurance coverage to keep your trip safe.

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