Spanning an incredible 3,020 miles (4,860 km) from the Pacific Northwest to the Atlantic coast, Interstate 90 (I-90) is the longest interstate highway in the United States. This engineering marvel connects Seattle, Washington, to Boston, Massachusetts, traversing 13 states and cutting through diverse landscapes, from the towering Rocky Mountains to the rolling farmlands of the Midwest and the bustling urban hubs of the East. As a crucial artery of the nation, I-90 is not just a roadway—it’s a lifeline of commerce, travel, and adventure.
A Path Through America’s Heartland
The journey along I-90 begins in Seattle, where it emerges from the coastal metropolis and quickly ascends into the stunning Cascade Range. As travelers head eastward, they cross into Idaho, experiencing picturesque lake country near Coeur d’Alene before entering Montana, where the highway stretches through vast plains and rugged mountains, offering breathtaking views along the way. Montana alone claims over 550 miles of I-90, making it one of the longest segments in a single state.
As the highway continues, it skirts the northern boundary of Yellowstone National Park, giving travelers a gateway to one of the most iconic natural landscapes in the country. Moving into South Dakota, I-90 offers a direct route to Mount Rushmore and the Badlands, giving road-trippers and tourists unforgettable scenic stops.
Urban Giants Along I-90
While I-90 showcases America’s vast open spaces, it also serves as a direct link between some of the country’s most dynamic cities. After cutting through the agricultural heartland of Minnesota and Wisconsin, the highway enters Chicago, one of the most significant urban centers in the Midwest. Here, the road transforms into the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway and the Chicago Skyway, a vital toll road connecting Illinois to Indiana and beyond.
Continuing eastward, I-90 rolls through Cleveland, Ohio, before reaching Buffalo, New York, where it makes a unique international connection. The Peace Bridge links Buffalo to Canada, allowing seamless cross-border travel into Ontario, a testament to I-90’s role as a key international trade and travel route.
Further along, I-90 cuts through Pennsylvania and the Finger Lakes region of New York, ultimately reaching the bustling metropolitan hub of Boston. The highway’s final stretch leads into the heart of the city, where it intersects with historic streets and coastal ports, marking the end of an extraordinary journey across America.
Bridging Landscapes and Cultures
I-90 is more than just a road—it’s a reflection of America’s diversity. From the tech-driven innovation of Seattle to the rich historical legacy of Boston, the highway crosses a landscape that tells the story of the nation’s past and present. Along the way, drivers witness the changing face of America: the old mining towns of Montana, the rolling cornfields of the Midwest, the industrial might of the Great Lakes, and the historic landmarks of the East Coast.
A Highway of Economic and Cultural Significance
As one of the most significant highways in the country, I-90 plays a crucial role in the transportation of goods and services. Trucks carrying everything from agricultural products to manufactured goods use this corridor to connect markets across the nation. It’s also a major route for tourism, drawing thousands of travelers who use it to reach national parks, urban attractions, and scenic getaways.
Whether you’re a long-haul trucker, a cross-country adventurer, or a commuter using a small stretch of this expansive road, I-90 is an integral part of American life. As it winds through mountains, plains, lakes, and cities, it stands as a symbol of connection, progress, and the endless possibilities of the open road.
