It can be difficult to let go of the past, and Illinois has several retro attractions that make it so that you don't have to. Let these eight fun places take you back to the 1980s. Check them out:
1. Back To The 80s Retro Arcade
With games set on free play, guests enter this arcade for one price and then have access to more than 800 classic games. There is also a Nerf arena and a bar and grill. Learn more about it this great place here.
Address: 8719 Hanover Industrial Drive, Columbia, IL, 62236
2. Galloping Ghost Arcade
The largest arcade in Illinois, this one has 130 video game machines to choose from. Each is set to autoplay and includes games like Donkey Kong, Space Invaders, and Street Fighter. Learn more about it here.
Address: 9415 Ogden Avenue, Brookfield, IL, 60513
3. Alton Square Mall
This two-level mall contains more than 600,000 square feet of stores and food shops. They may say these types of places are dying out, but Illinois still has plenty.
Address: 200 Alton Square, Alton, IL, 62002
4. Northwoods Mall
Opening in 1973, this mall was definitely a hot spot in the 1980s and it still is today. It has all the things you'd expect to find in a traditional mall and so much more.
5. Bowling Alley at Northwoods Mall
Including this outrageous bowling alley. As far as retro attractions go, this hidden one is certainly a fun blast from the past that will take you to just about any decade.
Address: 2200 West War Memorial Drive, Peoria, IL, 61613
6. Normal Theater
Though it was not open in the 1980s, you can still enjoy the same vintage movie experience that everyone in the 1980s enjoyed at this historic theater. Enjoy classic seating and classic films.
Address: 209 West North Street, Normal, IL, 61761
7. Skyview Drive-In Movie Theater
In business way before the 1980s, this iconic drive-in theater is a pastime of the 1980s for sure. Double screens allow for multiple movies to go at once. Learn more about this place here.
Address: 5700 North Belt West, Belleville, IL, 62226
8. Family Video
Located all around the state, this chain of stores is one of the last remaining ways to traditionally rent movies. Walking into one will definitely take you right back in time.
For more like this, check out 13 things you'll remember if you grew up in Illinois in the 1980s.
What other retro attractions around the state make you think you're stuck in the 1980s? Share your favorite places with us below in the comments.
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