Take a leisurely journey through the heartland of Southern Illinois as we follow Interstate 57 from Marion to Mount Vernon. This 41-mile northbound stretch of interstate carries us through a landscape where rolling farmland meets post-industrial towns, and where, even in 2018, signs of future upgrades were starting to take shape. We begin our trip just west of Marion, merging onto I-57 from the busy interchange with Illinois Route 13, a major commercial corridor for Southern Illinois. Marion itself, known for its retail hubs and proximity to Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, fades into the distance as we settle into the highway’s steady rhythm, heading north into the open countryside.
The scenery quickly shifts to low, rolling farmland dotted with grain silos and patches of woodlands as we approach West Frankfort. Here, at the interchange with Illinois Route 149, the highway offers access to a community shaped by coal mining heritage. By 2018, portions of this area were already marked for future widening and reconstruction, laying the groundwork for what would become a major infrastructure overhaul in the years that followed. Continuing past West Frankfort, the highway stretches ahead with gentle curves and light traffic, providing a smooth and peaceful drive through Southern Illinois’ agricultural backbone.
Soon, we reach the Benton area, where I-57 skirts just west of the city and approaches the expansive Rend Lake, a prominent recreational destination in the region. While our northbound route doesn’t offer a direct rest stop view, southbound travelers enjoy one of the state’s more scenic rest areas overlooking the lake. Northbound, we briefly spot glimpses of wooded shorelines and recreational areas leading to Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area, a haven for camping, boating, and fishing. Much of this corridor was still in its original four-lane configuration during our 2018 trip, though plans were well underway to expand these sections, especially around Benton and towards the I-64 junction.
The landscape remains largely open and agricultural as we continue north past smaller interchanges, such as Illinois Route 154 near Ina, heading toward the Mount Vernon area. This stretch is a quintessential Midwestern interstate run—straight, flat, and purpose-built for efficient travel through Illinois’ southern corridor. Approaching Mount Vernon, we intersect with Interstate 64, where I-57 and I-64 briefly merge to form a busy bypass around the western side of the city. Mount Vernon serves as a key regional hub, connecting travelers between St. Louis to the west and Louisville to the east, and between Chicago and Memphis along I-57. We conclude our trip just beyond the I-64 split, where I-57 resumes its northward trajectory, leaving the bustle of the crossroads behind as it continues toward Central Illinois.
Looking back from the vantage point of 2018, this drive captures a transitional phase for Interstate 57—holding onto its mid-century design while standing at the edge of significant modernization. The subsequent years would see major upgrades, including full six-lane expansions through Benton and beyond, promising a more efficient and safer drive for future travelers. For us, though, this drive remains a snapshot of Southern Illinois before its latest transformation—offering a peaceful, easy ride through quiet farmlands, lakeside views, and the small-town character of America’s heartland.
🗺️ Route Map
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