I-71 connects the Midwestern and Southeastern regions of the United States, passing through the great states of Ohio and Kentucky. It’s more of a regional route than a major travel Interstate, as it only passes through two states and is fairly short when compared to some of its siblings.

However, that’s not to say that you should steer your road trip away from I-71. Quite the contrary, as there are some cool cities and interesting things to see and do along the way on I-71.

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is here to tell you all about I-71, from what you can expect to see on your travels to some interesting places to stop and take in the sights.

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What is an Interstate highway?

You might be able to guess from the name, but an Interstate is a highway that passes through multiple states and connects major population centers throughout the country.

Interstates are named and coded by a numbered system that warrants a short explanation. Firstly, Interstates are most often represented by one or two-digit numbers. Odd numbers indicate a north-south route, while east-west routes typically have an even number. The most important Interstates usually end in a zero or a five.

Interestingly, I-71 is oriented northeast-southwest instead of the typical north-south pattern indicated by an odd number.

What states does I-71 run through?

Unlike larger Interstates, I-71 only passes through two states—

Kentucky

and

Ohio

. This makes it more of a regional route that facilitates easy travel between the cities of

, and

. The majority of I-71 runs through Ohio, at 248 miles, compared to only 97 in Kentucky.

Major interchanges on I-71

You want to make sure that you aren’t going to miss your exit when traveling on I-71, so here are the major connections and interchanges to watch out for:

I-64 / I-65 in Louisville, KY

I-75 in Cincinnati, OH

I-70 / SR 315 in Columbus, OH

I-76 / US 224 in

Seville

, OH

I-271 in

Medina

, OH

I-80 / Ohio Turnpike in

Strongsville

, OH

I-90 / I-490 in Cleveland, OH

MORE:

The top 12 road trip mistakes (and how to avoid them)

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Best places to eat along I-71

Sometimes the best part of a road trip is stopping for food along the way! I-71 connects four major cities in the Kentucky-Ohio area, so there are plenty of places to stop and get a good bite to eat. Here are a few good options:

Equus Restaurant

(Louisville, KY): This local spot has been a Louisville favorite for 20 years now. The wine cellar is expansive, and the chefs use the best regional produce to prepare the cuisine.

Eli’s BBQ

(Cincinnati, OH): A tasty BBQ joint with humble origins, Eli’s rose from a simple marketplace stall to the premier local spot for smoked meats. They now have two full-service locations, so stop by and grab some pulled pork.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

(Columbus, OH): If you’re a big fan of ice cream, you might already know about Jeni’s. First opened in Columbus in 2002, Jeni’s has expanded into more than 30 “scoop shops” across ten different states. If you’re passing through Columbus, stop at the original Jeni’s and try one of their classic flavors like Orange Blossom or Key Lime Pie!

Sokolowski’s University Inn

(Cleveland, OH): This unassuming little spot has been a Cleveland favorite for more than 90 years now. Sokolowski’s is a cafeteria-style restaurant that serves up Polish and other Eastern European cuisines. Make sure you try their famous pierogi when you visit.

Pro Tip Before you detour off of I-71 to get something to eat, check to make sure the restaurant is open. Nobody likes being hungry and showing up to an empty restaurant!

What is there to do on I-71?

There are plenty of things to see and do as you make your way along I-71. Of course, you’ll pass through big cities like Louisville and Cincinnati, but there’s other neat stuff to see along the way.

Here are some examples of things to see or do along I-71:

Evan Williams Bourbon Experience

in Louisville, KY

The Newport Aquarium

in Newport, KY

Yew Dell Botanical Gardens

in Crestwood, KY

Bluegrass Country Estate Bed & Breakfast

in La Grange, KY

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

in Cincinnati, OH

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

in Cleveland, OH

MORE:

10 best road trip cars to rent

Find affordable car insurance with Jerry

If you’re hitting the road on I-71, you’re going to want to make sure you’re protected by a good car insurance policy.

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