Interstate 70: Greenville to Effingham – Illinois

Come along as we travel 47 easygoing miles east along Interstate 70, taking in a slice of rural Illinois from Greenville to Effingham. This stretch of I-70 is a steady companion for road trippers crossing the Midwest, offering wide open skies, rolling farmland, and a handful of small towns that break up the horizon.

We start our drive in Greenville, merging onto I-70 at the IL-127 interchange. Right from the get-go, the road stretches out ahead, inviting us to settle in for a cruise through gently rolling fields dotted with silos and barns. It doesn’t take long to leave the small city feel behind as we pass the exit for Mulberry Grove, a quiet village that’s mostly farmland and old homesteads. If you have time to wander off the interstate, Mulberry Grove has a few country roads that showcase classic Illinois prairie views and seasonal wildflowers.

As we continue east, Vandalia greets us next. This historic town was once the state capital and has deep roots in Illinois history. For those wanting to stretch their legs, Vandalia’s downtown square is just a short hop off the interstate and offers the Vandalia Statehouse—a restored building that served as the state’s capitol from 1836 to 1839. Back on I-70, we pass the interchange with U.S. Highway 51, which provides access to Vandalia’s local shops and eateries if you’re in need of a break or a bite to eat.

Leaving Vandalia behind, I-70 cuts through more of Illinois’ heartland. This is classic Midwest countryside: straight rows of corn and soybeans in the growing season, open stubbled fields in the fall, and big skies year-round. We pass just south of Brownstown before settling in for about 20 miles of rural scenery. Small towns like St. Elmo and Altamont pop up along the way—each with its own Main Street charm if you decide to detour. Altamont, in particular, is worth a quick visit for its Dr. Charles M. Wright House, an impressive Victorian mansion that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

As the miles tick by, we roll into Effingham, a crossroads town where Interstate 70 meets Interstate 57. Effingham is known for its hospitality to travelers—expect plenty of hotels, gas stations, and local diners. If you’re up for a quick photo op, check out the giant cross just south of the I-70/I-57 interchange: The Cross at the Crossroads is a 198-foot landmark that’s hard to miss. Our drive wraps up at this busy interchange, but Interstate 70 keeps rolling eastward toward Indiana and beyond.