Interstate 65 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Interstate 65
I-65 highlighted in red
Route information
Length	887.30 mi (1,427.97 km)
Existed	1958–present
Major junctions
South end	I-10 in Mobile, AL
	I-85 in Montgomery, AL I-20 / I-59 in Birmingham, AL I-565 in Huntsville, AL I-24 in Nashville, TN I-40 in Nashville, TN I-64 / I-71 in Louisville, KY I-74 / I-465 in Indianapolis, IN I-70 in Indianapolis, IN I-80 / I-94 / US 6 in Gary, IN I-90 in Gary, IN
North end	US 12 / US 20 in Gary, IN
Location
States:	Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana
Highway system
Main route of the Interstate Highway System Main • Auxiliary • Business

Interstate 65 (often called I-65) is a very long highway in the United States. It's part of the Interstate Highway System, which is a big network of roads connecting different states. I-65 stretches from the sunny coast of Mobile, Alabama all the way north to Gary, Indiana. This super highway is about 887 miles (1,428 kilometers) long! It helps millions of people travel for fun, work, and to move goods across the country.

Interstate 65: A Big Road Trip!

Interstate 65, or I-65, is a major highway in the United States. It was first opened in 1958. This road is important for connecting many cities and states in the central and southern parts of the country. Think of it as a super-fast path for cars and trucks to travel long distances!

Where Does I-65 Start and End?

I-65 begins in the south in Mobile, Alabama. This city is on the coast, near the Gulf of Mexico. From there, the highway travels north, crossing through several states. Its northern end is in Gary, Indiana, a city near Chicago, Illinois. So, it's a road that takes you from the warm south to the cooler north!

Traveling Through the States

I-65 passes through four different states. Each state has its own unique sights and sounds along the highway.

Alabama: The Southern Start

I-65 starts in Mobile, Alabama. It then heads north through the state. You'll pass through Montgomery, Alabama, which is the state capital. Further north, it goes through Birmingham, Alabama, a big city known for its history. The highway also connects to Huntsville, Alabama, a city famous for space and rocket science.

Tennessee: Music and More

After Alabama, I-65 enters Tennessee. The biggest city it goes through here is Nashville, Tennessee. Nashville is known as "Music City" because it's a huge center for country music. Many other highways, like I-24 and I-40, also meet I-65 in Nashville.

Kentucky: Bluegrass and Beyond

Next, I-65 crosses into Kentucky. This state is famous for its bluegrass music and horse farms. The highway goes right through Louisville, Kentucky, which is the largest city in the state. Louisville is known for the Kentucky Derby horse race and delicious Kentucky Fried Chicken!

Indiana: The Northern Journey

Finally, I-65 reaches Indiana. It passes through Indianapolis, Indiana, which is the state capital and a very busy city. Indianapolis is famous for the Indy 500 car race. The highway ends in Gary, Indiana, which is close to Lake Michigan and the big city of Chicago.

Important Cities Along I-65

I-65 connects many important cities. Here are some of the major ones you'd find along the way:

• Mobile, Alabama: The southern start of I-65.
• Montgomery, Alabama: The capital of Alabama.
• Birmingham, Alabama: A large city in Alabama.
• Huntsville, Alabama: Known for space exploration.
• Nashville, Tennessee: The "Music City" of Tennessee.
• Louisville, Kentucky: Kentucky's largest city.
• Indianapolis, Indiana: The capital of Indiana.
• Gary, Indiana: The northern end of I-65.

Images for kids

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  Approaching an exit for I-65 in downtown Birmingham

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  I-65 southbound in Nashville

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  I-65 northbound at the former William H. Natcher Parkway (now I-165) in Bowling Green, Kentucky, 2007

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  I-65 just outside Indianapolis, Indiana

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  Approaching the northern terminus of I-65 in Gary, Indiana