U.S. Route 20 is the longest highway in the United States as of 2024. Explore the top longest highways with detailed insights into their length, the states they traverse, routes, major cities, speed limits, and famous landmarks. These highways extend across thousands of miles, linking regions from coast to coast and north to south. They traverse varied landscapes and are vital to American transportation, commerce, and tourism.
U.S. President John F. Kennedy once remarked, ‘America’s roads are good not because America is rich. America is rich because of its good roads.’ USA has the longes & most extensive highway system in the world.
Top 10 Longest Highway in the United States in 2024
Here is a list of the Top 10 Longest Highway in the United States in 2024, including detailed information on their length, states they flow through, max speed, number of lanes, major cities, famous landmarks and others.
1. U.S. Route 20 – 3,365 Miles
2. U.S. Route 6 – 3,198 Miles
3. Interstate 90 (I-90) – 3,102 Miles
4. U.S. Route 30 – 3,073 Miles
5. U.S. Route 50 – 3,011 Miles
6. Interstate 80 (I-80) – 2,899 Miles
7. U.S. Route 60 – 2,670 Miles
8. U.S. Route 2 – 2,580 Miles
9. Interstate 40 (I-40) – 2,555 Miles
10. U.S. Route 12 – 2,482 Miles
1. U.S. Route 20 – 3,365 Miles
U.S. Route 20 is the longest continuous highway in the United States, stretching 3,365 miles (5,415 km) from Boston, Massachusetts, to Newport, Oregon. This historic route was first introduced in 1926 and remained in operation until 1940. It typically features a maximum speed of 55-65 mph (88-105 km/h), although this can vary by state, and is generally composed of 2 lanes (1 in each direction), though more lanes may be present in urban areas.
U.S. Route 20 holds the top position in the list of “Longest Highways in the United States,” showcasing its extensive reach and diverse range of landscapes and attractions, making it a significant and historic thoroughfare in the country.
| U.S. Route 20 | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3,365 miles (5,415 km) |
| Max Speed | Varies by state; typically 55-65 mph (88-105 km/h) |
| Number of Lanes | Generally 2 lanes (1 in each direction) but can be more in urban areas |
| Route (East to West) | Boston, Massachusetts to Newport, Oregon |
| States (12) | Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Oregon |
| Major Cities | Boston (MA), Albany (NY), Syracuse (NY), Cleveland (OH), Toledo (OH), Chicago (IL), Des Moines (IA), Omaha (NE), Cheyenne (WY), Salt Lake City (UT), Boise (ID), Portland (OR) |
| Famous Landmarks | – Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts – The Gateway Arch, St. Louis, Missouri – Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming – Mount Hood, Oregon |
U.S. Route 20 traverses through a total of 12 states: Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and Oregon. Major cities along this route include Boston (MA), Albany (NY), Syracuse (NY), Cleveland (OH), Toledo (OH), Chicago (IL), Des Moines (IA), Omaha (NE), Cheyenne (WY), Salt Lake City (UT), Boise (ID), and Portland (OR). Notable landmarks along U.S. Route 20 include Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts, The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, and Mount Hood in Oregon.
Interesting Facts About U.S. Route 20:
- U.S. Route 20 was one of the original routes designated by the American Association of State Highway Officials in 1926.
- It was once part of the historic Lincoln Highway, the first transcontinental highway in the United States.
- The route crosses through diverse landscapes, including mountain ranges, deserts, and prairies, showcasing a broad spectrum of American geography.
- In Massachusetts, U.S. Route 20 runs through the town of Auburn, which is known for its historical significance during the American Revolution.
- The highway also intersects several other major routes, including U.S. Route 30 and U.S. Route 50, contributing to its role as a critical east-west corridor.
2. U.S. Route 6 – 3,198 Miles
U.S. Route 6 is the second longest continuous highway in the United States, extending 3,198 miles (5,150 km) from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, to Bishop, California. This historic route was first introduced in 1926 and remains in operation to this day. It typically features a maximum speed of 55-65 mph (88-105 km/h), although this can vary by state, and is generally composed of 2 lanes (1 in each direction), though more lanes may be present in urban areas.
U.S. Route 6 holds the second position in the list of “Longest Highways in the United States,” showcasing its extensive reach and diverse range of landscapes and attractions across the country.
| U.S. Route 6 | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3,198 miles (5,146 km) |
| Max Speed | Varies by state; typically 55-65 mph (88-105 km/h) |
| Number of Lanes | Generally 2-4 lanes depending on the area |
| Route (East to West) | Provincetown, Massachusetts to Bishop, California |
| States (14) | Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, California |
| Major Cities | Providence (RI), Hartford (CT), New York City (NY), Philadelphia (PA), Pittsburgh (PA), Toledo (OH), Chicago (IL), Des Moines (IA), Omaha (NE), Denver (CO), Salt Lake City (UT), Ely (NV), Los Angeles (CA) |
| Famous Landmarks | – The Boston Common, Massachusetts – The Philadelphia Museum of Art, Pennsylvania – The Denver Art Museum, Colorado – The California State Capitol, Sacramento, California |
U.S. Route 6 traverses through a total of 14 states: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and California. Major cities along this route include Cape Cod (MA), Providence (RI), Hartford (CT), New York City (NY), Cleveland (OH), Chicago (IL), Des Moines (IA), Omaha (NE), Denver (CO), Salt Lake City (UT), Reno (NV), and Bishop (CA). Notable landmarks along U.S. Route 6 include The Big Apple in New York City, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, the Great Salt Lake in Utah, and Mono Lake in California.
Interesting Facts About U.S. Route 6:
- U.S. Route 6 was also known as the “Grand Army of the Republic Highway” in honor of the Civil War veterans’ organization.
- It is the only highway to cross the entire length of the United States from east to west.
- The route traverses the highest point on any U.S. highway, the Tioga Pass in California, at an elevation of 9,945 feet (3,031 meters).
- U.S. Route 6 has been a significant historical route for commerce and travel, linking various cultural and geographical regions.
3. Interstate 90 (I-90) – 3,102 Miles
Interstate 90 (I-90) is the third longest continuous highway in the United States, stretching 3,102 miles (4,989 km) from Boston, Massachusetts, to Seattle, Washington. This major interstate was first introduced in 1956 and remains in operation today. It typically features a maximum speed of 55-75 mph (88-120 km/h), although this can vary by state, and generally has 4 lanes (2 in each direction), though more lanes are present in urban areas.
Interstate 90 holds the third position in the list of “Longest Highways in the United States,” showcasing its extensive reach and critical role in connecting major cities and regions across the country.
| Interstate 90 (I-90) | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3,102 miles (4,993 km) |
| Max Speed | Typically 65-75 mph (105-120 km/h) |
| Number of Lanes | Generally 4-6 lanes |
| Route (East to West) | Boston, Massachusetts to Seattle, Washington |
| States (13) | Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts |
| Major Cities | Seattle (WA), Spokane (WA), Missoula (MT), Billings (MT), Rapid City (SD), Sioux Falls (SD), Minneapolis (MN), Chicago (IL), Cleveland (OH), Erie (PA), Buffalo (NY), Albany (NY), Boston (MA) |
| Famous Landmarks | – The Space Needle, Seattle, Washington – Mount Rushmore, South Dakota – The Field Museum, Chicago, Illinois – Niagara Falls, New York |
Interstate 90 traverses through a total of 13 states: Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and Washington. Major cities along this route include Boston (MA), Albany (NY), Syracuse (NY), Cleveland (OH), Chicago (IL), Des Moines (IA), Sioux Falls (SD), Rapid City (SD), Billings (MT), Spokane (WA), and Seattle (WA). Notable landmarks along I-90 include The Statue of Liberty in New York City, Niagara Falls in New York, Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, and The Space Needle in Seattle, Washington.
Interesting Facts About Interstate 90:
- I-90 is the longest Interstate Highway in the United States, stretching from the East Coast to the West Coast.
- The highway crosses 6 state capitals: Boston, Albany, Columbus, Indianapolis, Pierre, and Olympia.
- I-90 includes the longest bridge in the U.S., the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge in Seattle, Washington, which spans Lake Washington.
- The highway traverses the Rocky Mountains and passes through several national parks, including Yellowstone and Glacier National Park.
4. U.S. Route 30 – 3,073 Miles
U.S. Route 30 is the fourth longest continuous highway in the United States, extending 3,073 miles (4,951 km) from Atlantic City, New Jersey, to Astoria, Oregon. This historic route was first introduced in 1926 and continues to serve as a major east-west corridor. It typically features a maximum speed of 55-65 mph (88-105 km/h), although this can vary by state, and is generally composed of 2 lanes (1 in each direction), though more lanes may be present in urban areas.
U.S. Route 30 holds the fourth position in the list of “Longest Highways in the United States,” showcasing its significant length and its role in connecting various regions across the country.
| U.S. Route 30 | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3,073 miles (4,946 km) |
| Max Speed | Varies by state; typically 55-65 mph (88-105 km/h) |
| Number of Lanes | Generally 2-4 lanes depending on the area |
| Route (West to East) | Astoria, Oregon to Atlantic City, New Jersey |
| States (11) | Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New Jersey |
| Major Cities | Portland (OR), Boise (ID), Cheyenne (WY), Omaha (NE), Des Moines (IA), Chicago (IL), Toledo (OH), Columbus (OH), Pittsburgh (PA), Philadelphia (PA), Atlantic City (NJ) |
| Famous Landmarks | – The Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, Oregon – The Lincoln Highway Museum, Iowa – The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland, Ohio – The Atlantic City Boardwalk, New Jersey |
U.S. Route 30 traverses through a total of 11 states: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho, and Oregon. Major cities along this route include Atlantic City (NJ), Philadelphia (PA), Pittsburgh (PA), Columbus (OH), Indianapolis (IN), Chicago (IL), Des Moines (IA), Omaha (NE), Cheyenne (WY), Boise (ID), and Astoria (OR). Notable landmarks along U.S. Route 30 include The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, The Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln, and Mount Hood in Oregon.
Interesting Facts About U.S. Route 30:
- U.S. Route 30 is often referred to as the “Lincoln Highway,” one of the first transcontinental highways in the United States.
- The route was part of the original 1926 U.S. Highway system and has undergone various improvements and reroutes since then.
- U.S. Route 30 crosses the Mississippi River at a point near Council Bluffs, Iowa, providing a significant crossing for travelers.
- The highway traverses the historic Oregon Trail, a significant route for early American pioneers heading west.
5. U.S. Route 50 – 3,011 Miles
U.S. Route 50 is the fifth longest continuous highway in the United States, stretching 3,011 miles (4,842 km) from Ocean City, Maryland, to Sacramento, California. This historic route was first introduced in 1926 and remains a vital east-west corridor across the country. It typically features a maximum speed of 55-65 mph (88-105 km/h), although this can vary by state, and is generally composed of 2 lanes (1 in each direction), though more lanes may be present in urban areas.
U.S. Route 50 holds the fifth position in the list of “Longest Highways in the United States,” demonstrating its extensive reach and its role in connecting key regions from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
| U.S. Route 50 | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3,011 miles (4,845 km) |
| Max Speed | Varies by state; typically 55-65 mph (88-105 km/h) |
| Number of Lanes | Generally 2 lanes, but can be more in urban areas |
| Route (East to West) | Ocean City, Maryland to Sacramento, California |
| States (13) | Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, California |
| Major Cities | Washington, D.C. (DC), Charleston (WV), Cincinnati (OH), Indianapolis (IN), St. Louis (MO), Kansas City (MO), Denver (CO), Salt Lake City (UT), Ely (NV), Sacramento (CA) |
| Famous Landmarks | – The U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – The Gateway Arch, St. Louis, Missouri – The Great Salt Lake, Utah – The California State Capitol, Sacramento, California |
U.S. Route 50 traverses through a total of 13 states: Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and California. Major cities along this route include Ocean City (MD), Charleston (WV), Richmond (VA), Lexington (KY), Columbus (OH), Indianapolis (IN), St. Louis (MO), Kansas City (MO), Denver (CO), Salt Lake City (UT), and Sacramento (CA). Notable landmarks along U.S. Route 50 include The National Mall in Washington D.C., The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, The Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado, and Lake Tahoe in California/Nevada.
Interesting Facts About U.S. Route 50:
- U.S. Route 50 is famously known as the “Loneliest Road in America” due to its remote stretches across Nevada.
- The route was one of the original U.S. highways established in 1926, providing a major east-west connection.
- It crosses through a variety of landscapes, from the coastal areas of Maryland to the mountainous regions of Colorado and the deserts of Nevada.
- The highway passes through the historic Pony Express route, providing a connection to early American postal history.
6. Interstate 80 (I-80) – 2,899 Miles
Interstate 80 (I-80) is the sixth longest continuous highway in the United States, extending 2,899 miles (4,670 km) from San Francisco, California, to Teaneck, New Jersey. This major interstate was first introduced in 1956 and remains a crucial route for cross-country travel. It typically features a maximum speed of 55-75 mph (88-120 km/h), though this can vary by state, and generally has 4 lanes (2 in each direction), with more lanes in urban areas.
Interstate 80 holds the sixth position in the list of “Longest Highways in the United States,” highlighting its extensive length and its significance in connecting the West Coast to the East Coast.
| Interstate 80 (I-80) | |
|---|---|
| Length | 2,899 miles (4,666 km) |
| Max Speed | Typically 65-75 mph (105-120 km/h) |
| Number of Lanes | Generally 4-6 lanes |
| Route (West to East) | San Francisco, California to Teaneck, New Jersey |
| States (11) | California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey |
| Major Cities | San Francisco (CA), Sacramento (CA), Reno (NV), Salt Lake City (UT), Omaha (NE), Des Moines (IA), Chicago (IL), Toledo (OH), Cleveland (OH), Pittsburgh (PA), New York City (NY) |
| Famous Landmarks | – The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California – The Nevada State Capitol, Nevada – The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland, Ohio – The Liberty Bell, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
Interstate 80 traverses through a total of 11 states: California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Major cities along this route include San Francisco (CA), Sacramento (CA), Reno (NV), Salt Lake City (UT), Denver (CO), Omaha (NE), Des Moines (IA), Chicago (IL), Cleveland (OH), Pittsburgh (PA), and Teaneck (NJ). Notable landmarks along I-80 include The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Great Salt Lake in Utah, The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, and Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell.
Interesting Facts About Interstate 80:
- I-80 is one of the major transcontinental highways in the U.S., providing a direct route between the East Coast and the West Coast.
- The highway crosses through the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains, showcasing diverse American landscapes.
- I-80 is part of the Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, named after President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
- The route includes the famous Truckee Pass in California, which is known for its challenging driving conditions in winter.
7. U.S. Route 60 – 2,670 Miles
U.S. Route 60 is the seventh longest continuous highway in the United States, spanning 2,670 miles (4,296 km) from Virginia Beach, Virginia, to Brenda, Arizona. This historic route was first introduced in 1926 and continues to serve as an important east-west corridor. It typically features a maximum speed of 55-65 mph (88-105 km/h), although this can vary by state, and generally has 2 lanes (1 in each direction), though more lanes may be found in urban areas.
U.S. Route 60 holds the seventh position in the list of “Longest Highways in the United States,” highlighting its importance as a cross-country route connecting the Atlantic and the Southwest.
| U.S. Route 60 | |
|---|---|
| Length | 2,670 miles (4,296 km) |
| Max Speed | Varies by state; typically 55-65 mph (88-105 km/h) |
| Number of Lanes | Generally 2-4 lanes depending on the area |
| Route (East to West) | Virginia Beach, Virginia to Brenda, Arizona |
| States (9) | Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. |
| Major Cities | Virginia Beach (VA), Lexington (KY), St. Louis (MO), Springfield (MO), Oklahoma City (OK), Amarillo (TX), Albuquerque (NM), Kingman (AZ), Phoenix (AZ) |
| Famous Landmarks | – Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia – The Gateway Arch, St. Louis, Missouri – Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, Texas – The Grand Canyon, Arizona |
U.S. Route 60 traverses through a total of 9 states: Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Major cities along this route include Virginia Beach (VA), Richmond (VA), Lexington (KY), Louisville (KY), St. Louis (MO), Oklahoma City (OK), Amarillo (TX), Albuquerque (NM), and Brenda (AZ). Notable landmarks along U.S. Route 60 include the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Churchill Downs in Louisville, the St. Louis Arch, and Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo.
Interesting Facts About U.S. Route 60:
- U.S. Route 60 was originally planned to be the famous U.S. Route 66, but a number change was made at the last minute, giving Route 60 its current designation.
- The route crosses through the Appalachian Mountains, providing scenic views of the rugged terrain.
- In Oklahoma, U.S. Route 60 intersects with historic U.S. Route 66, adding to its historical significance.
- The highway passes through several iconic American landscapes, from coastal beaches to expansive deserts.
8. U.S. Route 2 – 2,580 Miles
U.S. Route 2 is the eighth longest continuous highway in the United States, stretching 2,580 miles (4,152 km) from Everett, Washington, to Houlton, Maine. This transcontinental route was first introduced in 1926 and remains one of the northernmost highways in the country. It typically features a maximum speed of 55-65 mph (88-105 km/h), although this can vary by state, and generally has 2 lanes (1 in each direction), though more lanes may exist in urban regions.
U.S. Route 2 holds the eighth position in the list of “Longest Highways in the United States,” connecting the Pacific Northwest with the Northeastern U.S. while showcasing scenic views of forests, lakes, and mountains.
| U.S. Route 2 | |
|---|---|
| Length | 2,580 miles (4,152 km) |
| Max Speed | Varies by state; typically 55-65 mph (88-105 km/h) |
| Number of Lanes | Generally 2 lanes, but can be more in urban areas |
| Route (West to East) | Everett, Washington to Rouses Point, New York |
| States (10) | Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine |
| Major Cities | Everett (WA), Spokane (WA), Missoula (MT), Fargo (ND), Minneapolis (MN), Madison (WI), Chicago (IL), Detroit (MI), Syracuse (NY), Albany (NY), Rouses Point (NY) |
| Famous Landmarks | – The Liberty Bell, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – The Great Lakes, Michigan – The North Dakota State Capitol, Bismarck, North Dakota – Niagara Falls, New York |
U.S. Route 2 traverses through a total of 10 states: Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Major cities along this route include Everett (WA), Spokane (WA), Kalispell (MT), Minot (ND), Duluth (MN), Sault Ste. Marie (MI), St. Johnsbury (VT), and Houlton (ME). Notable landmarks along U.S. Route 2 include Mount Baker in Washington, Glacier National Park in Montana, Lake Superior in Michigan, and Baxter State Park in Maine.
Interesting Facts About U.S. Route 2:
- U.S. Route 2 is one of the few transcontinental highways that maintains its original designation and route since 1926.
- The highway provides access to some of the most remote and scenic areas of the northern United States, particularly in Montana and North Dakota.
- U.S. Route 2 crosses the Continental Divide near Glacier National Park, offering dramatic mountain views.
- The highway is also notable for crossing the northern Great Plains, where travelers can experience vast open landscapes.
9. Interstate 40 (I-40) – 2,555 Miles
Interstate 40 (I-40) is the ninth longest continuous highway in the United States, spanning 2,555 miles (4,114 km) from Barstow, California, to Wilmington, North Carolina. This major east-west interstate was first introduced in 1957 and remains one of the primary transportation routes across the southern U.S. It typically features a maximum speed of 55-75 mph (88-120 km/h), although this can vary by state, and usually has 4 lanes (2 in each direction), with more lanes in urban areas.
Interstate 40 holds the ninth position in the list of “Longest Highways in the United States,” providing a vital link between the Pacific and Atlantic coasts.
| Interstate 40 (I-40) | |
|---|---|
| Length | 2,555 miles (4,114 km) |
| Max Speed | Typically 65-75 mph (105-120 km/h) |
| Number of Lanes | Generally 4-6 lanes |
| Route (West to East) | Barstow, California to Wilmington, North Carolina |
| States (8) | California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina |
| Major Cities | Barstow (CA), Albuquerque (NM), Amarillo (TX), Oklahoma City (OK), Little Rock (AR), Memphis (TN), Nashville (TN), Asheville (NC), Winston-Salem (NC), Wilmington (NC) |
| Famous Landmarks | – The Painted Desert, Arizona – Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, Texas – Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee – The Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina |
Interstate 40 crosses through a total of 8 states: California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Major cities along this route include Barstow (CA), Flagstaff (AZ), Albuquerque (NM), Amarillo (TX), Oklahoma City (OK), Little Rock (AR), Memphis (TN), Nashville (TN), Raleigh (NC), and Wilmington (NC). Famous landmarks include Petrified Forest National Park, Cadillac Ranch, Graceland, and Cape Fear River.
Interesting Facts About Interstate 40:
- Interstate 40 closely follows the historic U.S. Route 66 for much of its length, particularly in Arizona and New Mexico.
- The highway is a key route for cross-country trucking and commerce, passing through major agricultural and industrial regions.
- I-40 offers access to several national parks, including the Grand Canyon in Arizona and the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee.
- Interstate 40 crosses the Mississippi River at Memphis, Tennessee, on a bridge known as the Hernando de Soto Bridge.
10. U.S. Route 12 – 2,482 Miles
U.S. Route 12 is the tenth longest continuous highway in the United States, running 2,482 miles (3,994 km) from Aberdeen, Washington, to Detroit, Michigan. This historic route was first introduced in 1926 and remains an important east-west corridor in the northern part of the country. It typically features a maximum speed of 55-65 mph (88-105 km/h), though this can vary by state, and generally has 2 lanes (1 in each direction), with more lanes in urban areas.
U.S. Route 12 holds the tenth position in the list of “Longest Highways in the United States,” connecting the Pacific Northwest with the Midwest.
| U.S. Route 12 | |
|---|---|
| Length | 2,482 miles (3,994 km) |
| Max Speed | Varies by state; typically 55-65 mph (88-105 km/h) |
| Number of Lanes | Generally 2-4 lanes depending on the area |
| Route (West to East) | Aberdeen, Washington to Detroit, Michigan |
| States (10) | Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan |
| Major Cities | Aberdeen (WA), Spokane (WA), Missoula (MT), Bismarck (ND), Minneapolis (MN), Madison (WI), Chicago (IL), Detroit (MI) |
| Famous Landmarks | – The Space Needle, Seattle, Washington – Mount Rushmore, South Dakota – The Henry Ford Museum, Detroit, Michigan – The Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin |
U.S. Route 12 traverses through a total of 8 states: Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. Major cities along this route include Aberdeen (WA), Missoula (MT), Bismarck (ND), Minneapolis (MN), Madison (WI), Chicago (IL), and Detroit (MI). Famous landmarks along U.S. Route 12 include Mount Rainier, Yellowstone National Park, Lake Michigan, and the Henry Ford Museum.
Interesting Facts About U.S. Route 12:
- U.S. Route 12 was originally part of the Yellowstone Trail, one of the first transcontinental automobile routes in the U.S.
- The highway provides access to numerous national parks and forests, particularly in Washington and Montana.
- U.S. Route 12 crosses the Continental Divide in Montana, offering travelers scenic views of the Rocky Mountains.
- The route passes through both urban centers like Chicago and rural areas in the Midwest, highlighting a wide range of American culture and geography.
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