A Call for Illinois Artists: Illinois Department of Transportation National Trail Rest Area Effingham County, Illinois

The construction project’s scope of work includes demolishing the existing National Trail Rest Area built in 1972 and constructing a new facility with site improvements that include accessibility measures, picnic shelters, outdoor exercise/play areas, and expanded car and semi-truck parking. Also, IDOT wishes to preserve existing mature trees around the site. The building’s design, exhibits, furnishings, and landscaping will reflect the significance of the location and proximity to the historic National Trail (Old Cumberland Road). The National Trail was the first federally funded interstate/roadway in the United States starting in Cumberland, MD in 1811, leading to Vandalia, IL in 1830, and ultimately connecting with western roadways reaching to California. The National Trail Rest Area design intends to revisit the ambassadorial context and architectural style reminiscent to early rest stops that connected visitors to the state and locality in which they are passing through. As visitors approach the entrances they will be greeted with a graphic timeline of exhibits and images of landmarks found along the National Trail from Cumberland, MD to San Monica, CA. Once inside, the lobby’s exhibits will reference Vandalia, IL. The Rest Area will provide respite for visitors with amenities to recharge, but also provide an understanding of their location in the larger context of traveling across the country on the historic National Trail.