Illinois: Prairies and Fields

As work on the Illinois map expansion for American Truck Simulator continues, we’re excited to bring you a first look at the Prairie State’s signature landscapes. Today’s blog showcases the prairies, farmland, and wide-open vistas that define so much of Illinois.

Illinois sits at the heart of the Midwest, combining Great Lakes influences in the north with vast agricultural plains stretching across the center and south. One of the most striking things about driving here is how quickly the scenery opens up. Long, straight highways cut through endless rows of corn and soybeans, with classic red barns, grain silos, and elevated storage facilities appearing regularly on the horizon.

Wind farms are another distinct element of Illinois’ scenery. You’ll spot these modern giants from roads such as the US-20, I-39, and I-55, where lines of turbines sweep across the prairie. These areas will offer great opportunities for scenic screenshots as you travel through the state.

Much of Illinois’ terrain was shaped by ancient glacial movements, resulting in mostly flat landscapes with gentle, rolling variations. Routes like the I-74, US-24, and US-67 pass through a mix of open prairies, subtle hills, and river valleys that add variety to the otherwise expansive fields. As drivers move further south, especially along IL-3, they’ll notice that the terrain becomes more varied with bluffs, low hills, and winding river corridors.

Agriculture is the backbone of Illinois, and more than three-quarters of the state’s land is dedicated to farming. Corn, soybeans, hay, and wheat fields dominate the countryside along I-57, I-72, and many of the rural highways. To represent these iconic landscapes faithfully, our teams have created new prairie grasses, flowering plants, and improved crops that will bring the fields to life in every season.

Forested areas, although less frequent than farmland, are found throughout the state—especially near waterways or in protected natural zones. Expect to see oak savannas, riverbank forests, and lush wooded pockets breaking up the open plains. These areas help diversify the scenery and offer refreshing transitions between long stretches of farmland.

Truckers can also look forward to discovering regional landmarks, small towns, and characteristic Midwestern views throughout Illinois. From expansive wind farms and roadside grain elevators to scenic prairies and river crossings, there will be plenty of moments to appreciate the state’s natural charm.

If you’re looking forward to hauling freight across Illinois, don’t forget to add this map expansion to your Steam wishlist. And of course, stay connected with us on X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and TikTok, or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates. Keep on truckin', and we’ll see you on the road!