Interstate 88 (I-88) is split into two sections, each covering over 100 miles. The Illinois section spans 140.6 miles from Elmhurst to East Moline, and the New York section covers 117.8 miles between Schenectady and Binghamton.

Compared with other U.S. Interstates, I-88 is pretty short. But at over 100 miles for each leg, things can get real boring real quick, unless you know what to look for!

To make sure you have all the details you need before you hit I-88, we've compiled this guide to help you plan before you go.

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What is an interstate highway?

The name says it all—an interstate highway connects multiple states and large metropolitan areas throughout the U.S.

U.S. interstates are generally numbered with one or two digits. North-to-south routes typically use odd numbers, while east-to-west routes, like I-88, are usually given even numbers. Major U.S. interstates, like I-70 and I-95, tend to end in a zero or a five.

What states does I-88 run through?

Technically, I-88 doesn’t connect states. Instead, it has an Eastern section in

New York

and a Western section in Illinois. I-88 covers:

117.75 miles in New York

140.6 miles in Illinois

MORE: New York State foodie road trips

Major interchanges on I-88

I-88 has a few major interchanges to watch for. If you’re traveling on I-88 in Illinois, be on the look-out for these interchanges:

I-80 near

Moline

, IL

I-39 in

Rochelle

, IL

If you’re on I-88’s Eastern section, watch for the interchange with I-81 in

Binghamton

, NY.

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Best places to eat along I-88

Probably the best part of taking a road trip is getting to stop at unique places along the way for a bite to eat. Even though I-88 only covers a grand total of about 260 miles, there are still plenty of places to tempt your tastebuds. Here are a few options along I-88 in Illinois:

151 Kitchen | Bar

(

Elmhurst

, IL): For a decidedly upscale break from your road trip, stop at 151 for a farm-to-table feast featuring New American fare made from locally-sourced ingredients topped off with a unique craft cocktail. Plan your visit accordingly: 151 is closed on Monday and Tuesday.

Mack’s Golden Pheasant Restaurant

(Elmhurst, IL): Nothing screams “road trip” like a stop at an old favorite like Mack’s. In business since 1948, Mack’s serves American and Czech favorites alongside tasty and unique cocktails. Also closed on Monday and Tuesday, Mack’s opens for dinner Wednesday through Saturday.

Los Charros

(East Moline, IL): From well-known favorites like burritos and enchiladas, to signature specialities like Puerco en Salsa Roja (pork in red sauce), Los Charros is a local favorite in East Moline. Hours vary by the season, but Los Charros is generally open Monday through Friday.

And here are a few tasty options for those traveling I-88 in New York:

The Appian Way

(Schenectady, NY): Featuring Italian farm-to-table favorites with pastas and sauces made in-house, The Appian Way should be on every traveler's list who finds themselves in the Schenectady area. Open seasonally.

Blue Ribbon Restaurant and Bakery

(Schenectady, NY): Sometimes there’s nothing better on a road trip than a little comfort food followed by a scrumptious dessert. Plus, people loved Blue Ribbon’s desserts so much, they started their own

Blue Rose Cheesecake and Bake Shop

. The restaurant and bakery are both open daily, although the bakery has limited hours.

Water Street Brewing Company

. Voted

Best Pub and Bar in Binghamton

by Restaurant Guru for 2021, this is a great option if you’re at the end of your trip down I-88. Sure, this German-style brew pub features a full menu of traditional pub fare, but you’ll definitely want to try a flight of brews with choices from 14 rotating taps featuring house-brewed craft sours, lagers, IPAs, and more. Water Street is closed on Tuesdays, but check them out Monday and Wednesday through Friday for dinner or for Saturday or Sunday brunch.

Pro Tip No matter which leg of I-88 you’ll be traveling on, be sure to check the restaurants you want to stop at to be sure they’re open. There’s nothing worse than getting excited about trying new fare, only to show up to a closed shop.

What is there to do on I-88?

For only consisting of two comparatively-short stretches of highway, there’s quite a bit to do along both legs of I-88.

Here are just a few examples of things to see along I-88 in Illinois:

TaxSlayer Center

in Moline, Illinois

Butterworth Center & Deere-Wiman House

in Moline, Illinois

Rochelle Railroad Park

in Rochelle, Illinois

And here are a few options for those along I-88 in New York:

Phelps Mansion Museum

in Binghamton, New York

Otsiningo Park

in Binghamton, New York

MORE:

10 best road trip cars to rent

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