The recent completion of the Twigg Rest Area facility provides
travelers with a new place to stop and rest along the Historic National
Road. Located 13 miles east of the Indiana-Illinois border, the
Twigg Rest Area and Trailhead is an historic roadside park that, in its
original state, was used solely as a rest park for travelers along the
Historic National Road in Vigo County. Acquired by the Indiana State
Highway Commission in 1935, the 1.41-acre site was closed in 1976 along
with other rest areas in the state located along non-interstate
routes.
Twenty years later, during the planning process for the National
Road Heritage Trail, the City of Terre Haute recognized Twigg as an
ideal trailhead for a rails-to-trails project. Together, these projects
presented the opportunity to create an eastern “gateway” into the City
of Terre Haute and create a visitor destination worthy of National
Scenic Byway and All-American Road status.
The cost of the new restrooms was $357,941.63, of which 80% was
covered through National Scenic Byway and Transportation Enhancement
funding.
Left unused for nearly 25 years, the U.S. 40 Twigg Rest Area has
been brought back to life as a trailhead and a traditional roadside
park for the National Road Heritage Trail. It is the only rest
area/trailhead along the entire 156-mile length of Indiana’s Historic
National Road. The restrooms will be open daily from dawn until
dusk.
