Overview
Effingham is a city in Illinois. Interstates 57 and 70 intersect in Effingham.
1 sights
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Effingham
Cross
Effingham is home to a 60m tall, 180-tonne cross. It cost over $1 million to build and erect.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 24°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Cold months (Jan) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: May and Apr. (climate data from nearby St. Louis)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- DEC Decatur Airport, Decatur — 52 mi away. Directions
- CMI University of Illinois Willard Airport, Savoy — 65 mi away. Directions
- STL St. Louis Lambert International Airport, St Louis — 101 mi away (major hub). Directions
You will most likely arrive by car. Interstates 57 and 70 run concurrent for several miles. There are 3 exits for Effingham. They are 159, 160, and 162. Most of the hotels, restaurants, shops, etc., are at exits 159 and 160.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Food for you
Because Effingham is situated at the intersection of two highways, there are a lot of fast food restaurants and some sit down chains as well. For a local restaurant try Niemerg's Steak House which is located at 1410 W. Fayette Road.
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
You will most likely arrive by car. Interstates 57 and 70 run concurrent for several miles. There are 3 exits for Effingham. They are 159, 160, and 162. Most of the hotels, restaurants, shops, etc., are at exits 159 and 160.
If you arrive via Greyhound, the bus station is part of the Pilot truck stop (exit 162). If you are Sheldon Cooper, you will arrive via Amtrak.
See
See Cross
Effingham is home to a 60m tall, 180-tonne cross. It cost over $1 million to build and erect.
- Ballard Nature Center, 5253 US-40, Altamont. Boardwalks through a marsh. +1 618-483-6856.
Buy
There is a Wal-Mart and a Kohl's.
Eat
Because Effingham is situated at the intersection of two highways, there are a lot of fast food restaurants and some sit down chains as well. For a local restaurant try Niemerg's Steak House which is located at 1410 W. Fayette Road.
Sleep
- Comfort Inn Effingham Hotel 1304 W. Evergreen Drive. (217) 347-5050. Located at exit #160, close to restaurants.
- Comfort Suites Effingham Hotel 1310 W. Fayette Rd. (217) 342-3151. Comprises three stories with 60 deluxe sleeping rooms, 3 hot tub suites, and 2 Presidential suites with Jacuzzi and fireplace.
Nearby
St. Elmo
City / town · 2 listings · 17 mi away
Shelbyville
City / town · 5 listings · 24 mi away
Vandalia
City / town · 8 listings · 31 mi away
Salem
City / town · 10 listings · 40 mi away
Arcola
City / town · 19 listings · 41 mi away
Sandoval
City / town · 47 mi away
Tuscola
City / town · 6 listings · 49 mi away
Centralia
City / town · 6 listings · 52 mi away
My experience
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