Take a classic journey across the Crossroads of America as we head east along Interstate 70 from the heart of Indianapolis to the state line at Richmond, Indiana. This 75-mile stretch captures the essence of Midwestern interstate travel, blending the energy of a major city with the calm, rolling farmland of eastern Indiana.
We kick things off in bustling downtown Indianapolis, merging onto the shared lanes of Interstate 65 and Interstate 70, known locally as the “Inner Loop.” Almost immediately, we part ways with I-65 as it curves north toward Chicago while we press eastbound on I-70. The skyline quickly fades in our mirrors as we reach the interchange with Interstate 465, the beltway that wraps around the city. This segment is a critical artery in the Midwest, moving everything from commuters to cross-country haulers through the capital of Indiana. Just a note for travelers—while the bones of the road remain the same, major construction projects in recent years, including the I-65/I-70 North Split reconstruction, have altered ramps and traffic patterns through downtown Indianapolis. Expect smoother travel but a very different skyline of overpasses compared to our 2018 footage.
Leaving the urban environment behind, the landscape opens to a mix of small towns and expansive fields, true to Indiana’s agricultural heart. We roll past key interchanges like State Road 9 at Greenfield, where a quick detour north leads to the charming county seat square. Continuing along, State Road 109, State Road 3, and State Road 1 offer glimpses into the quieter side of Indiana—small towns, local diners, and farm supply shops dotting the exits. By this point, the road has settled into a steady, relaxed rhythm, bordered by silos, grain elevators, and clusters of woods that break up the fields.
As we approach the outskirts of Richmond, the atmosphere subtly shifts. We cross U.S. Highway 35, a vital link north to Muncie and the northern Indiana communities. Richmond, known for its roots in piano manufacturing and the birthplace of recorded jazz, lies just to our south, while the highway bypasses the city to the north and east. U.S. Highway 27 soon joins the parade of cross routes, heading down into Richmond or up toward Fort Wayne. For history buffs, Richmond’s rich architectural heritage and the famous Gennett Walk of Fame make it more than just a quick exit.
The final stretch of our journey eases southeast, leading us toward the crossing of the historic National Road, U.S. Highway 40, before we crest the border into Ohio. Here, the gentle hills of western Ohio begin to take shape, and our journey concludes at the state line—ready to press onward toward Dayton or to take a break and soak in the Midwestern charm we’ve traveled through.
This eastbound drive along Interstate 70 captures the diverse personality of Indiana—urban centers giving way to open farmland, punctuated by quiet towns and industrial history. Whether you’re a cross-country traveler or exploring close to home, this route offers a classic slice of the Hoosier State’s landscape and legacy.
🗺️ Route Map
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