The Longest Continuous Streets in the U.S.

Have you ever wondered which of America’s streets are the longest? First, we should note the difference between a street and a highway. In the U.S., the distinction is a little blurred, but we can turn to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highways Association, which categorizes U.S. roads in four ways: interstates, highways, collectors, and local roads. As we’ve already taken a look at America’s longest highways, in this article we’ll explore the latter category — public roads that are accessible along their entire length (unlike highways or freeways, which have controlled access) and retain their same name. Below, check out some of the longest continuous streets in the U.S.  

What Is the Longest Street in the U.S.?

While the longest highways span state lines and can run for hundreds or even thousands of miles, the thoroughfare that’s widely considered the longest continuous street in the U.S. is Colfax Avenue in Colorado. It measures 49.5 miles from end to end, stretching east to west through the Denver area and connecting communities such as Aurora, Lakewood, and Golden. 

In Denver, the road hugs the northern edge of Civic Center Park, where you’ll find the Colorado Capitol. A block away, you can tour the Denver Mint for free (though you’ll need to reserve your spot in advance). The street also features prominently in the Colfax Marathon, held each May. 

When you’re hungry, there are a slew of eateries along Colfax Avenue to choose from, including old-school Greek Town favorite Pete’s Kitchen and the Davies’ Chuck Wagon Diner, which features on the National Register of Historic Places. Colfax is also well known for standout music venues such as Ogden Theater, Lost Lake Lounge, Fillmore Auditorium, and Bluebird Theater. 

Other Notably Long Streets in the U.S.

Telegraph Road – Detroit, Michigan

Michigan’s 79.8-mile-long Telegraph Road, named so because it was originally a telegraph access path, was made famous by the 1982 Dire Straits song of the same name. In terms of length, Telegraph Road outranks Colfax Avenue; however, it also carries U.S. 24, which therefore disqualifies it from being the country’s longest continuous street. In addition, the road changes its name to Detroit Avenue in Toledo and branches off in some sections, such as at the intersection with North Monroe Street where it skirts Monroe’s downtown districts.

Western Avenue and Harlem Avenue – Chicago, Illinois

Chicago’s Western Avenue is often referred to as the city’s longest street, running for 24 miles from Howard Street, Chicago’s northern boundary, south to 119th Street. The route extends past city limits for around 26 more miles, putting it in contention with Colfax for the title of America’s longest street. 

Another famously long thoroughfare that passes through Chicago is Harlem Avenue, part of historic Route 66. It stretches for 54.1 miles from Glenview in the north to Peotone in the south. Also known as Illinois Route 43, it has sections bounded by crash barriers, which aren’t commensurate with a street’s access characteristics.

Main Street – Island Park, Idaho

According to the U.S. Postal Service and the World Record Academy, the longest Main Street in the country can be found in Island Park, Idaho. Despite the town having a population of only 193 people in the 2020 census, its Main Street stretches 33 miles long. Proximity to Yellowstone National Park and the need to circumvent alcohol licensing laws in the 1940s (liquor had to be sold within city limits) may explain the discrepancy. 

O Street – Lincoln, Nebraska

O Street began as a rutted cart street, but today it’s the longest road running through Lincoln, Nebraska. Historians believe the first building in Lincoln was built on O Street. Within Lincoln’s city limits it measures 20 miles, and its total length is 59 miles. However, it’s officially designated as a highway for much of its length, which means it can’t be ranked as a continuous street.