Many who take the classic Route 66 road trip begin in Chicago, at the highway's easternmost point. So, many towns throughout Illinois have gotten creative in trying to attract tourists along the way. Here are some of the strangest attractions you'll find when traveling via Route 66 in Illinois:
1. World's Largest Catsup Bottle (Collinsville)
It isn't often that a ketchup bottle is added to the National Register of Historic Places, but this one got its spot on the list in 2002. The bottle, which is actually a water tower, harkens back to a time when the town had a large tomato processing factory.
Location: 800 S. Morrison Avenue, Collinsville
https://www.catsupbottle.com/" target="_blank">More information here
2. J.H. Hawes Elevator (Atlanta)
Built in 1904, this grain elevator turned museum will let you take a step back in time. Visit to learn about Illinois' rich history with grain production.
Location: 301 SW 2nd Street, Atlanta
https://www.haweselevator.org/hawes_home.htm" target="_blank">More information here
3. Gemini Giant (Wilmington)
This fiberglass statue is a remnant from the "Muffler Man" figures that were popular in the 1960s. It was created to honor the Gemini Space Program, and still stands proudly today next to the Launching Pad Drive-In (now closed).
Location: 810 E. Baltimore, Wilmington
https://www.enjoyillinois.com/en-us/thingstodo/details/6045553" target="_blank">More information here
4. Lincoln's Watermelon Monument (Lincoln)
It's not every day that you see a steel watermelon, but this town named after our 16th President made it happen. It commemorates a day in 1853, when Abe visited the town and christened it by slicing a watermelon and pouring its juice on the ground.
Location:
101 N. Chicago Street, Lincoln
5. Pink Elephant Antique Mall (Livingston)
You'll see plenty of bizarre attractions in a short amount of time when you stop at this antique mall. With a flying saucer house, a giant pink elephant, and an ice cream shop shaped like an ice cream cone, there's lots to see in just one parking lot!
Location: 908 Veterans Memorial Drive, Livingston
6. Henry's Rabbit Ranch (Staunton)
The owner of this unusual spot has gathered various Route 66 memorabilia for visitors to explore. You can of course see many rabbits while you're there, and, sadly, a little rabbit cemetery.
1107 Historic Old Route 66, Staunton
https://www.henrysroute66.com/" target="_blank">More information here
7. Cahokia Mounds (Collinsville)
Who knew the most sophisticated prehistoric civilization in America was buried in small town Illinois? Stretch your legs as you venture over the mounds and learn about their history.
Location: 30 Ramey Street, Collinsville
https://cahokiamounds.org/" target="_blank">More information here
8. World's Largest Covered Wagon (Lincoln)
Recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records, this strange attraction is exactly what you'd expect: a good road trip photo opportunity. Grab the family, pose for a picture, and keep on driving.
Location: 1750 5th Street, Lincoln
https://www.enjoyillinois.com/en-us/thingstodo/details/6040409" target="_blank">More information here
9. Smiling Water Tower (Atlanta)
This roadside water tower was repainted in 2003 for $175,000 so the town could attract more Route 66 tourists. And, it worked - people are always stopping for photos.
Location: Drive into town going west on Highway 25 and continue straight on South Street; you'll see the tower ahead.
Have you ever taken a trip down Route 66? Tell us about it in the comments. If you're looking for more great road trips, check out 10 Unforgettable Road Trips to Take in Illinois Before You Die.
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