The United States boasts an extensive interstate highway system that spans the entire country, facilitating the movement of people and goods. This article explores the top 10 longest interstates in the USA, detailing their routes, significance, and the landmarks they connect.
Top 10 Longest Interstates in the USA
1. Interstate 90 (I-90)
Overview
Interstate 90 is the longest interstate in the United States, stretching from Seattle, Washington, to Boston, Massachusetts.
Route and Major Cities
- Length: 3,021 miles
- Starting Point: Seattle, Washington
- Ending Point: Boston, Massachusetts
- Major Cities: Seattle, Spokane, Billings, Sioux Falls, Madison, Chicago, Cleveland, Buffalo, Albany, Boston
Significance
I-90 is a crucial transcontinental route that connects the Pacific Northwest to the East Coast. It traverses diverse landscapes, including the Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, and Great Lakes region, making it a vital corridor for cross-country travel and commerce.
Landmarks
- Mount Rushmore: Located near Rapid City, South Dakota.
- Chicago Skyline: Offers a stunning view of the cityscape.
- Finger Lakes: Scenic area in upstate New York.
See Also: 10 Best Places to Stay When Visiting Chicago
2. Interstate 80 (I-80)
Overview
Interstate 80 is the second-longest interstate, running from San Francisco, California, to Teaneck, New Jersey.
Route and Major Cities
- Length: 2,900 miles
- Starting Point: San Francisco, California
- Ending Point: Teaneck, New Jersey
- Major Cities: San Francisco, Sacramento, Reno, Salt Lake City, Cheyenne, Omaha, Des Moines, Chicago, Cleveland, New York City (via connection)
Significance
I-80 is a critical east-west route that links the West Coast with the East Coast. It passes through major agricultural and industrial regions, facilitating the movement of goods across the country.
Landmarks
- Golden Gate Bridge: Iconic structure in San Francisco.
- Great Salt Lake: Largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere.
- Holland Tunnel: Connects Jersey City, New Jersey, to Lower Manhattan in New York City.
3. Interstate 40 (I-40)
Overview
Interstate 40 stretches from Barstow, California, to Wilmington, North Carolina.
Route and Major Cities
- Length: 2,555 miles
- Starting Point: Barstow, California
- Ending Point: Wilmington, North Carolina
- Major Cities: Barstow, Flagstaff, Albuquerque, Amarillo, Oklahoma City, Little Rock, Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, Raleigh
Significance
I-40 is a major east-west route that connects the southwestern United States to the southeastern seaboard. It is an essential route for transporting goods from the ports of California to the East Coast.
Landmarks
- Grand Canyon: Accessible via a detour from Flagstaff, Arizona.
- Graceland: Home of Elvis Presley in Memphis, Tennessee.
- Great Smoky Mountains: Located near the Tennessee-North Carolina border.
4. Interstate 10 (I-10)
Overview
Interstate 10 runs from Santa Monica, California, to Jacksonville, Florida.
Route and Major Cities
- Length: 2,460 miles
- Starting Point: Santa Monica, California
- Ending Point: Jacksonville, Florida
- Major Cities: Los Angeles, Phoenix, Tucson, El Paso, San Antonio, Houston, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Mobile, Tallahassee, Jacksonville
Significance
I-10 is a vital transcontinental route connecting the southwestern United States to the southeastern seaboard. It serves as a major corridor for commerce, especially for goods coming from the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
Landmarks
- Santa Monica Pier: Famous landmark in California.
- French Quarter: Historic district in New Orleans, Louisiana.
- Everglades: National Park in Florida, accessible via a detour.
5. Interstate 70 (I-70)
Overview
Interstate 70 stretches from Cove Fort, Utah, to Baltimore, Maryland.
Route and Major Cities
- Length: 2,153 miles
- Starting Point: Cove Fort, Utah
- Ending Point: Baltimore, Maryland
- Major Cities: Denver, Kansas City, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Columbus, Pittsburgh, Baltimore
Significance
I-70 is a major east-west interstate that connects the Rocky Mountains to the East Coast. It passes through several major metropolitan areas and is a key route for cross-country travel.
Landmarks
- Rocky Mountains: Scenic mountain range in Colorado.
- Gateway Arch: Iconic monument in St. Louis, Missouri.
- National Road: Historic route that I-70 follows in part.
6. Interstate 95 (I-95)
Overview
Interstate 95 runs from Miami, Florida, to Houlton, Maine.
Route and Major Cities
- Length: 1,919 miles
- Starting Point: Miami, Florida
- Ending Point: Houlton, Maine
- Major Cities: Miami, Jacksonville, Savannah, Fayetteville, Richmond, Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, New Haven, Providence, Boston
Significance
I-95 is a critical north-south route that runs along the East Coast. It serves as a major corridor for commerce and travel, connecting several major cities and ports.
Landmarks
- Lincoln Memorial: Located in Washington D.C.
- Times Square: Iconic location in New York City.
- Freedom Trail: Historic path in Boston, Massachusetts.
7. Interstate 75 (I-75)
Overview
Interstate 75 runs from Miami, Florida, to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
Route and Major Cities
- Length: 1,786 miles
- Starting Point: Miami, Florida
- Ending Point: Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
- Major Cities: Miami, Tampa, Atlanta, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Cincinnati, Dayton, Toledo, Detroit
Significance
I-75 is a major north-south interstate that connects the southern tip of Florida to the Canadian border. It is an important route for both tourism and commercial transportation.
Landmarks
- Everglades: Accessible via a detour in Florida.
- Mackinac Bridge: Connects Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas.
- Great Lakes: Scenic area in the northern part of the route.
8. Interstate 94 (I-94)
Overview
Interstate 94 runs from Billings, Montana, to Port Huron, Michigan.
Route and Major Cities
- Length: 1,585 miles
- Starting Point: Billings, Montana
- Ending Point: Port Huron, Michigan
- Major Cities: Billings, Bismarck, Fargo, Minneapolis, Madison, Chicago, Detroit
Significance
I-94 is a key east-west interstate that connects the northern Great Plains to the Great Lakes. It is a crucial route for cross-country travel and freight transportation.
Landmarks
- Mall of America: Located in Bloomington, Minnesota.
- Millennium Park: Popular park in Chicago, Illinois.
- Henry Ford Museum: Located in Dearborn, Michigan.
9. Interstate 35 (I-35)
Overview
Interstate 35 runs from Laredo, Texas, to Duluth, Minnesota.
Route and Major Cities
- Length: 1,569 miles
- Starting Point: Laredo, Texas
- Ending Point: Duluth, Minnesota
- Major Cities: San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, Oklahoma City, Wichita, Kansas City, Des Moines, Minneapolis
Significance
I-35 is a major north-south interstate that connects the Mexican border to the Great Lakes. It is an essential route for trade and travel between the United States and Mexico.
Landmarks
- River Walk: Popular destination in San Antonio, Texas.
- State Capitol: Located in Austin, Texas.
- Mall of America: Located in Bloomington, Minnesota.
10. Interstate 20 (I-20)
Overview
Interstate 20 runs from Kent, Texas, to Florence, South Carolina.
Route and Major Cities
- Length: 1,539 miles
- Starting Point: Kent, Texas
- Ending Point: Florence, South Carolina
- Major Cities: Dallas, Shreveport, Jackson, Birmingham, Atlanta, Augusta, Florence
Significance
I-20 is a key east-west interstate that connects the southwestern United States to the southeastern seaboard. It is an important route for commercial transportation and cross-country travel.
Landmarks
- Sixth Floor Museum: Located in Dallas, Texas.
- Civil Rights Institute: Located in Birmingham, Alabama.
- Stone Mountain: Scenic area near Atlanta, Georgia.
See Also: Top 10 Best Car Washes in the USA
Conclusion
The top 10 longest interstates in the USA are essential arteries of the nation’s transportation network, connecting major cities, facilitating commerce, and providing crucial routes for travel. These interstates traverse diverse landscapes and offer access to numerous landmarks and attractions, making them not only vital for logistics but also for exploring the vast and varied terrain of the United States. Whether driving from coast to coast or navigating the East Coast, these highways are integral to America’s infrastructure.
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