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If you’re planning a road trip through Illinois, you won’t want to miss some of the state’s most unique and quirky attractions. Illinois is home to a variety of roadside attractions that are sure to catch your eye and provide a memorable experience. From giant sculptures to historic landmarks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
One of the most popular roadside attractions in Illinois is the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle, located in Collinsville. This 170-foot-tall water tower was built in 1949 and is a tribute to the city’s former Brooks Catsup Company.
If you’re a fan of quirky and offbeat attractions, Illinois has plenty to offer. The state is home to a two-story outhouse in Gays, a giant hot dog statue in Chicago, and a memorial park dedicated to Dungeons and Dragons in Carbondale. Whether you’re looking for a photo opportunity or a unique experience, Illinois’ roadside attractions are sure to provide both.
Historical Roadside Attractions in Illinois
Illinois is rich in history, and there are many roadside attractions that showcase the state’s past. Here are some of the top historical roadside attractions in Illinois that you should check out:
Route 66
Route 66 is one of the most famous highways in the United States, and it runs through Illinois. Along the way, you’ll find many historical roadside attractions.
- The Ariston Cafe: This restaurant in Litchfield has been serving travelers on Route 66 since 1924. It’s one of the oldest restaurants on the highway and is a must-visit for anyone traveling through Illinois.
- The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge: This bridge spans the Mississippi River and was built in 1929. It’s one of the most unique bridges in the country and is now a pedestrian and bike trail.
Lincoln Highway
The Lincoln Highway was the first transcontinental highway in the United States, and it runs through Illinois.
- The Lincoln Highway Association National Headquarters: This building in Franklin Grove was once a gas station and now serves as the headquarters for the Lincoln Highway Association. It’s a great place to learn about the history of the highway.
- The Lincoln Highway Marker: This marker in Rochelle was placed in 1915 and is one of the oldest markers on the highway. It’s a great spot to take a photo and learn about the history of the highway.
- The Lincoln Highway Bridge: This bridge in Dixon was built in 1910 and is one of the oldest bridges on the highway. It’s a great spot to take a walk and enjoy the view.
Historic Pullman District
The Historic Pullman District is a neighborhood in Chicago that was built in the late 1800s for workers of the Pullman Palace Car Company. It’s now a National Historic Landmark District and a great place to learn about Chicago’s industrial past.
- The Pullman National Monument: This monument was established in 2015 and is dedicated to the history of the Pullman Palace Car Company and the workers who lived in the district.
- The Hotel Florence: This hotel was built in 1881 and was once a popular spot for visitors to the district. It’s now a museum and a great place to learn about the history of the area.
- The Pullman Factory Complex: This complex was once the heart of the Pullman Palace Car Company’s operations. It’s now a mixed-use development that includes apartments, offices, and retail space.
Natural Roadside Attractions in Illinois
Illinois is not just known for its quirky roadside attractions, but also for its natural beauty. Here are some of the natural roadside attractions in Illinois that you should not miss.
Garden of the Gods
Herod, IL 62947
Located in the Shawnee National Forest, Garden of the Gods is a must-visit natural attraction in Illinois. The park features unique rock formations that were formed over 300 million years ago.
You can take a hike on one of the many trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The most popular trail is the Observation Trail, which is a quarter-mile long and takes you through the heart of the rock formations.
Starved Rock State Park
Oglesby, IL 61348
Starved Rock State Park is another natural roadside attraction in Illinois that you should not miss. The park is situated along the Illinois River and features 18 canyons and waterfalls that were formed by glacial meltwater.
You can take a hike on one of the many trails that offer stunning views of the canyons and waterfalls. The most popular trail is the Starved Rock Trail, which is a 3.5-mile loop trail that takes you to the top of Starved Rock.
Shawnee National Forest
Herod, IL 62946
Shawnee National Forest is a vast natural area in southern Illinois that features over 280,000 acres of forests, lakes, and wilderness. The forest is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and bald eagles.
You can take a hike on one of the many trails that offer stunning views of the forest, lakes, and rivers. The most popular trail is the Garden of the Gods Trail, which is a 1.6-mile loop trail that takes you through the unique rock formations of the Garden of the Gods.
Whether you are a nature lover or just looking for a break from the quirky roadside attractions, these natural roadside attractions in Illinois are sure to leave you in awe of the state’s natural beauty.
Quirky Roadside Attractions in Illinois
If you’re looking for a fun and unique road trip experience, Illinois has plenty of quirky roadside attractions to offer.
World’s Largest Catsup Bottle
800 S Morrison Ave, Collinsville, IL 62234
Located in Collinsville, Illinois, the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle is a 170-foot-tall water tower shaped like a ketchup bottle. Originally built in 1949 as a water tower for the nearby Brooks Catsup factory, the tower was saved from demolition in the 1990s and has since been restored as a roadside attraction. You can’t miss this iconic Illinois landmark on your road trip.
Leaning Tower of Niles
6300 W Touhy Ave, Niles, IL 60714
The Leaning Tower of Niles is a half-size replica of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa located in Niles, Illinois. Built in 1934 as a water tower for a local park, the tower began to lean due to soft ground beneath it. It has since been stabilized and turned into a quirky roadside attraction. Stop by for a photo and marvel at the tower’s unique tilt.
These are just a few of the many quirky roadside attractions you can find in Illinois. Be sure to add them to your road trip itinerary for a fun and memorable experience.
Family-Friendly Roadside Attractions in Illinois
If you’re looking for a fun-filled family road trip in Illinois, you’ll be pleased to know that the state is home to a variety of family-friendly roadside attractions.
Brookfield Zoo
8400 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513
Brookfield Zoo is a must-visit destination for families with kids. Located in Brookfield, Illinois, the zoo is home to over 2,000 animals from around the world. You and your family can enjoy watching the animals in their natural habitats, and even get up close and personal with some of them. The zoo also offers a variety of educational programs and activities for kids of all ages.
Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
Navy Pier is a popular tourist destination in Chicago, Illinois. It’s a great place to take your family for a day of fun and entertainment. The pier offers a variety of attractions, including an amusement park, an IMAX theater, and a Ferris wheel. You can also take a boat tour of Lake Michigan, enjoy live music, and indulge in some delicious food.
Illinois Railway Museum
7000 Olson Rd, Union, IL 60180
If your family loves trains, then the Illinois Railway Museum is a must-visit destination. Located in Union, Illinois, the museum is home to over 450 pieces of historic railway equipment. You and your family can take a ride on a vintage train, explore the museum’s exhibits, and even participate in a variety of hands-on activities.
Illinois is a great state for a family road trip, with plenty of fun and exciting roadside attractions to explore.
Final Thoughts
You now have a comprehensive guide to some of the most unique and interesting roadside attractions in Illinois. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, these attractions are sure to provide you with a fun and memorable experience.
From the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle in Collinsville to the Leaning Tower of Niles, Illinois is home to some truly quirky and fascinating roadside attractions. These attractions are perfect for a family road trip or a weekend adventure with friends.
When planning your trip, be sure to take into account the distance between each attraction and plan your route accordingly. Many of these attractions are located in small towns and offer a glimpse into the history and culture of the area.
Don’t forget to bring your camera and capture some of the unique and interesting sights along the way. And if you’re feeling adventurous, consider exploring some of the scenic routes throughout the state.
Overall, Illinois is a great destination for those looking to experience something a little out of the ordinary. With its diverse range of roadside attractions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to explore the best of what Illinois has to offer!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some unique and quirky roadside attractions to see in Illinois?
Illinois is home to many unique and quirky roadside attractions. Some of the most popular ones include the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle in Collinsville and the Leaning Tower of Niles in Niles. Other notable attractions include the Two-Story Outhouse in Gays and the Pink Elephant Antique Mall in Livingston.
What are some creepy roadside attractions to visit in Illinois?
If you’re looking for something a little more eerie, check out the abandoned town of Cairo at the southern tip of the Great River Road. Another creepy attraction is the Bloodiest 47 Miles tour in Alton, which takes you to the site of the infamous 1846 murder of the Mormon prophet Joseph Smith.
Which cities in Illinois does Route 66 go through?
Route 66 runs through several cities in Illinois, including Chicago, Joliet, Pontiac, Springfield, and Litchfield. Along the way, you can see many iconic Route 66 attractions, such as the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum.
What are some of the top tourist attractions in Illinois?
Illinois has many top tourist attractions, including the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower) in Chicago, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, and the Starved Rock State Park in Utica. Other popular attractions include Navy Pier in Chicago and the Magnificent Mile shopping district.
Are there any Illinois roadside attractions featured on a map?
Yes, there are several maps that feature Illinois roadside attractions. The Enjoy Illinois website has a map of roadside attractions in Illinois, as well as maps of scenic drives and road trips. Additionally, the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway website has a map of Route 66 attractions in Illinois.
When were roadside attractions popular in Illinois?
Roadside attractions were popular in Illinois from the 1920s through the 1960s. During this time, many businesses along major highways created unique and eye-catching attractions to draw in travelers. While many of these attractions have since closed, some still remain and continue to attract visitors from around the world.
