All You Need to Know About I-74

I-74 covers 491.74 miles and connects major cities like Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and Bloomington.
Written by Meaghan Branham
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Interstate 74 winds 491.74 miles from its east end in Cincinnati, OH to its west end in Davenport, IA.  
I-74 passes through a few major cities on its route from Iowa to Ohio, including Bloomington, IL, Indianapolis, IN, and Cincinnati, OH, even crossing the Mississippi River on the Iowa-Illinois Memorial Bridge. Luckily, there’s plenty to do along the almost 500-mile stretch of road, from unique restaurants to scenic rest areas. 
If you’re looking for more information on all there is to do and see along I-74, we've put together a guide with all you need to know.
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What is an interstate highway?

Interstate highways are roadways that pass through multiple states and cities throughout the U.S. 
Interstates are organized according to a mostly-straightforward numbering system. Major interstate roads running from east to west and north to south are indicated by one- or two-digit numbers. The roads running east to west, however, end in the number 0, while roads running north to south end in a 5. For instance, I-90 runs from east to west, while I-5 runs from north to south. 
Smaller interstate roads are also identified with this numbering system. Any roads running east to west will end in an even number, while those running north to south will end in an odd number.

What states does I-74 run through?

At 491.74 miles, I-74 passes through quite a few states along the way. Here is exactly how much ground I-74 covers in each state:
I-74 even passes over the Mississippi River at the Iowa-Illinois Memorial Bridge.

Major interchanges on I-74

If you’re traveling along I-74, you may want to be aware of a few major exits along the way. Here are the major connections and interchanges on the road:
  • I-80 in Bettendorf, IA
  • I-80 in Moline, IA
  • I-39 in
    Normal, IL
  • I-55 in Bloomington, IL
  • I-70 in Indianapolis, IN
  • I-65 in Indianapolis, IN
  • I-75 in Cincinnati, OH
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Best places to eat along I-74

Drivers looking to make a pit stop along I-74 have plenty of options for restaurants. Whether you’re in Ohio, Indiana, or Illinois when your stomach starts rumbling, you’ll be able to find whatever you're craving. Here are some of the most popular spots along Interstate 74:
  • Longhorn Steakhouse
    (Cincinnati, OH): Open every day from 11 am to 10 pm, the chain restaurant is a go-to for many on the road looking for a family-friendly atmosphere and an affordable meal. Pair one of their famous steaks with a baked potato or French onion soup for a comfort food classic. 
  • Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
    (Harrison, OH): Open from 7 am to 9 pm on weekdays, and until 10 pm on weekends, Cracker Barrel offers diners a reliably delicious option. Best known for its all-day breakfast staples like pancakes, hash browns, and grits, the restaurant also offers fan-favorite lunch and dinner items from fried chicken to catfish.
  • Benjamin’s Restaurant
    (Covington, IN): Benjamin’s Restaurant is known for both its delicious food and stellar service, which makes it a lovely respite from the road. Their sandwiches, burgers, and fried chicken top most visitor’s lists, but it’s also well known as a cozy spot to grab a cup of coffee or tea. It’s open from 6 am to 9 pm every day, making it the perfect spot for almost any time of day. 
  • Overpass Pizza
    (Covington, IN): Family-owned Overpass Pizza is located just off of I-74—good news for those passing through who are looking for a hearty slice of pizza. Their menu features subs, salads, and soups on top of their signature thin-crust and Chicago-style slices, so there’s something for everyone. Overpass Pizza is open from 3 pm to 9 pm, Tuesday through Saturday
  • La Potosina
    (Danville, IL): Drivers who find themselves craving authentic Mexican food can rely on La Potosina to hit the spot. Their signature combos are a huge hit and allow you to order tacos, enchilada, tamale, chalupas, and more in any configuration you can concoct. They’re open at 11 am every day, and close at 9 pm Monday through Thursday,10 pm Friday and Saturday, and 8 pm on Sunday.
Make sure to check the hours for these and other restaurants along the way, so you can be sure to stay fueled up on a long trip.

What is there to do on I-74?

From museums to wildlife refuges, there are plenty of fun things to do along the way to your destination. Here are a few favorites on I-74:

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No matter where you’re headed along I-74, having the right car insurance for you and your vehicle before a long trip can ease your worries!
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