On Illinois' National Historic Road, rolling countryside, prairie fields, and small towns whisper of an earlier time. Main street stores speak of small town U.S.A. where soda fountains, museums and antiques showcase days gone by. Hayfields, cattle and old barns intermingled with small towns all beckon you to stay awhile.

Getting to the Byway:

Springfield, IL

• Take I-55 south to IL-162 near Maryville where you enter the byway.

Navigating the Byway:
This byway traverses the countryside of Illinois along US 40, following the original route surveyed out in 1828. To drive the byway from east to west, begin at the Indiana border and follow the Historic National Road signs.

• Generally follow US-40 (west of Terre Haute Indiana) west to Vandalia.
• At Vandalia take Illinois Route 140 west to Greenville.
• At Greenville, follow the signs through town then follow the Old National Trail and US-40 west to Pocahontas.
• In Pocahontas take State Street to Shouster Road.
• Follow Shouster Road to Illinois Route 143 to US Route 40.
• Take US-40 west to Illinois 160, Sycamore Street.
• Take Illinois 160 though Highland to the Intersection of Highland Road.
• Then take the Highland Road west to Ellis Road.
• Continue west on Ellis road to Illinois Route 4.
• Jog north to US-40, then west to Illinois Route 162.
• Take Illinois 162 through Troy until it intersects with the Collinsville road.
• Take the Collinsville road west to Illinois 159 in Collinsville.
• Take Illinois 159 south to Clay Street.
• On Clay Street go west to St Louis Road.
• Follow St. Louis Road to Collinsville Road.
• Follow Collinsville Road to Broadway Street in East St. Louis.
• Follow Broadway Street to Eads Bridge road, then west to the Eads Bridge and the West Terminus of the Historic National Road - Illinois.