Map of the Avenue of the Saints
The Avenue of the Saints is a 300-mile (480 km) four-lane highway connecting St. Louis, Missouri, and St. Paul, Minnesota. Its name recognizes the many cities along its route named after Catholic saints. While not a continuous interstate, it’s a significant regional corridor for transportation and commerce.
Key Segments and Locations
Understanding the “Avenue of the Saints” involves recognizing that it isn’t a single, officially designated interstate highway from end to end. Instead, it utilizes portions of existing interstates and state highways:
- Missouri Portion: The eastern terminus in St. Louis utilizes Interstate 64/US 40. This segment provides crucial access to the metropolitan area and its many businesses and tourist attractions.
- Iowa Portion: The highway then largely follows US Highway 218 across Iowa. This is the heart of the “Avenue of the Saints” and where the majority of construction and improvement efforts have focused. Major cities along this portion include:
- Keokuk: Located near the southeast corner of Iowa, Keokuk is one of the first Iowa cities encountered when traveling from St. Louis.
- Mt. Pleasant: Home to Iowa Wesleyan University.
- Washington: A small city in Washington County, Iowa.
- Iowa City: While not directly on the highway, Iowa City is a major population center and home to the University of Iowa, easily accessible from the Avenue of the Saints.
- Cedar Rapids: A major industrial and economic hub in eastern Iowa, providing a link for commercial traffic.
- Waterloo/Cedar Falls: A combined metropolitan area serving as a major transportation and employment center.
- Minnesota Portion: Upon entering Minnesota, the highway uses segments of US Highway 218 and Interstate 35 to reach St. Paul. Austin, Minnesota is a notable city along this northern segment.
Significance and Impact
The completion of the Avenue of the Saints has had a substantial impact on the region, primarily by:
- Improved Transportation: Reduced travel times and increased safety along the corridor are the most significant benefits.
- Economic Development: The improved transportation infrastructure has facilitated the movement of goods and services, attracting businesses and stimulating economic growth in communities along the route. Easier access to major cities enhances regional competitiveness.
- Tourism: Providing easier access to attractions in both states, fostering increased tourism and related spending.
While not a single contiguous route number, the concept of the “Avenue of the Saints” has provided a cohesive identity for a vital regional transportation corridor, fostering collaboration between Missouri, Iowa, and Minnesota in developing a more efficient and accessible highway system.
