You don’t have to drive far to go on a great road trip. In fact, you can take a pretty awesome road trip right through Illinois. The one detailed below is one where you drive through roadside attractions in Illinois. It’s quirky, but totally incredible. So get in the car and drive! Here’s the map:
And here’s the trip!
- Gold Pyramid House, Wadsworth
Chuck Falzone/Flickr You would never guess there is a little bit of Egypt in Illinois. It’s truly a gold pyramid, and you can get tours to see some of the Egyptian flair.
- Leaning Tower of Niles
Erstwhile.Human/Flick A miniature leaning tower of Pisa…in Niles…will leave you asking “why?” Yet, it’s pretty cool. And yes, you can totally pretend you were in Italy.
- Gemini Giant, Wilmington
Tydence Davis/Flickr There’s just something really creepy about this Gemini Giant. You might feel like he will come to life at any moment.
- Hippie Memorial, Arcola
AlexanderBanning/Flickr This is the only tribute to hippies in the world. Its location, in the heart of Amish country, is a real head scratcher.
- Two Story Outhouse, Gays
Jenn/Flickr Why would anyone make a double decker outhouse? Who would use a double decker outhouse? It is puzzling, and definitely worth a look.
- World’s Largest Wind Chime, Casey
Sean Loyless/Flickr Casey, Illinois is home to not just the world’s largest wind chime, but other largest items in the world. They are spread out around town, and they encourage selfies!
- World’s Largest Catsup Bottle, Collinsville
Chuck Coker/Flickr This is actually a water tower, so sadly, it’s not actually full of ketchup. Still, it is a landmark and one you definitely have to see up close.
- America’s Largest Cross, Effingham
Doc Searls/Flickr This is an incredible testament. That said, you just won’t believe how big it is until you are standing by it. Wow!
- Piasa Bird, Alton
Mike Linksvayer/Flickr Father Marquette claimed to see a man-eating bird. A great image of the so-called Piasa bird has been painted on rocks.
- Superman Statue, Metropolis
Joseph Novak/Flickr Everyone has to do the signature pose in front of the statue. Enjoy other great attractions throughout the town of Metropolis.
Want to go on another quirky Illinois road trip? Check out this one through haunted Illinois locations.
Chuck Falzone/Flickr
You would never guess there is a little bit of Egypt in Illinois. It’s truly a gold pyramid, and you can get tours to see some of the Egyptian flair.
Erstwhile.Human/Flick
A miniature leaning tower of Pisa…in Niles…will leave you asking “why?” Yet, it’s pretty cool. And yes, you can totally pretend you were in Italy.
Tydence Davis/Flickr
There’s just something really creepy about this Gemini Giant. You might feel like he will come to life at any moment.
AlexanderBanning/Flickr
This is the only tribute to hippies in the world. Its location, in the heart of Amish country, is a real head scratcher.
Jenn/Flickr
Why would anyone make a double decker outhouse? Who would use a double decker outhouse? It is puzzling, and definitely worth a look.
Sean Loyless/Flickr
Casey, Illinois is home to not just the world’s largest wind chime, but other largest items in the world. They are spread out around town, and they encourage selfies!
Chuck Coker/Flickr
This is actually a water tower, so sadly, it’s not actually full of ketchup. Still, it is a landmark and one you definitely have to see up close.
Doc Searls/Flickr
This is an incredible testament. That said, you just won’t believe how big it is until you are standing by it. Wow!
Mike Linksvayer/Flickr
Father Marquette claimed to see a man-eating bird. A great image of the so-called Piasa bird has been painted on rocks.
Joseph Novak/Flickr
Everyone has to do the signature pose in front of the statue. Enjoy other great attractions throughout the town of Metropolis.
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