Exploring the Settlements of the Illinois DLC for American Truck Simulator

Fresh news from the Prairie State has just arrived. The team at SCS Software is excited to share progress on the Illinois DLC for American Truck Simulator. Today’s blog showcases a selection of settlements drivers will discover across the state.

Beyond the major cities where most cargo deliveries occur, drivers will encounter smaller towns along the road. Map designers are creating a total of 11 settlements for Illinois. Today, the team presents a selection of these unique Illinois DLC settlements.

Monmouth: A Historic County Seat

Monmouth is one of the first towns drivers will discover when entering Illinois from Iowa. It sits near the state line in western Illinois, northwest of Peoria. Established in 1831, it serves as the county seat of Warren County. The local economy is rooted in agriculture. The town is well known for hosting annual maple and beef festivals celebrating its rural heritage.

In the game, Monmouth will be easy to recognize thanks to its beautiful historic landmarks. These include the Warren County Courthouse and Monmouth City Hall.

Macomb: Home of Macombopoly

Continuing south along Route 67, drivers arrive in Macomb. This town is the county seat of McDonough County, established in 1829. Macomb is perhaps best known for “Macombopoly,” the world’s largest game of its kind. Oversized game pieces are displayed around the lawn of the McDonough County Courthouse. The installation pays tribute to the classic board game and its inspiration, created by a town resident.

To reflect this unique piece of local history, a recreation of the courthouse appears in the map. One of the statues commemorating this connection has also been included.

El Paso: From Railroad Hub to Landmark

At the junction of Interstate 39 and Route 24 lies the small town of El Paso, home to just over 2,000 residents. In the past, El Paso served as an important railroad hub. Its local freight depot became historically significant. Following the decline of rail transport, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In later years, the depot was transformed into an archbishop center. This distinctive local landmark has been recreated in the game.

Chenoa: Route 66 Heritage

Chenoa, located in McLean County, is one of the towns along the historic Route 66. In recognition of this iconic highway, the game features a roadside attraction inspired by its real-world counterpart in Chenoa. This pays tribute to the legendary route. Farther along the road, drivers will spot a recreation of a small historic red wooden house. Today, this building operates as a gift shop.

Gilman: The City of the Crossroads

Continuing on Route 24 from Chenoa, drivers arrive in the town of Gilman. Located at the intersection of Interstate 57, Route 24, and Route 45, it has been nicknamed “The City of the Crossroads.” This nickname is reflected on its welcome sign in both the real world and the game.

Beardstown: Belle of the Bend

In the western part of the state lies the city of Beardstown. It is historically known as the “Belle of the Bend” because of its prominent location on a curve of the Illinois River. The town’s characteristic name comes from its founder, Thomas Beard. He settled there in 1819, building a log cabin at the edge of the river. From there, he traded with local Native Americans and ran a ferry. This history adds depth to the Illinois DLC settlements experience.

Experience These Settlements Soon

If you like this preview of the Illinois DLC, add this map expansion to your Steam wishlist!

Stay tuned for more American Truck Simulator news by following SCS Software on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, and YouTube. Sign up for the newsletter for direct updates. Until next time, happy haulin’!