If you want to go to some of the best museums in the world, shop at some of the best stores, and eat at some of the most famous restaurants, Illinois is your place. But why be mainstream? If you feel like getting weird and straying from the beaten path, visit these 10 weird Illinois places.
- Two-Story Outhouse
Jenn (Yana)/Flickr Located in Gays Mills, this outhouse was actually FUNCTIONAL for years. Who came up with this concept? He should be fired.
- World’s Largest Catsup Bottle
Doug Kerr/Flickr You could just get some ketchup out from your fridge. But why do that when you can head to Collinsville and appreciate ketchup in its larger than life form?
- Popeye statues
David Wilson/Flickr Chester, Illinois was the birthplace to the creator of Popeye, one of the most iconic American cartoons. These statues are across town.
- Hippie Memorial
artotem/Flickr The only hippie memorial in America is in Arcola, Illinois–Amish country. This interesting artwork is 62 feet long.
- Piasa Bird
Mike Linksvayer/Flickr The Piasa bird is a legend in Alton, born from the diary of Father Marquette, who described seeing a bird as large as a calf, with a tiger’s beard, and a face like a man. Nope, no sightings since other than the mural on the bluff near Alton.
- Gold Pyramid House
Chuck Falzone/Flickr Are we in Egypt? Nope - Wadsworth, Illinois. It was originally built as a private residence in the ’70s (okay, that explains it). Now, you can visit King Tut’s tomb and tour inside the pyramid.
- Bellevue Place
Teemu008/Flickr In Batavia, Bellevue Place was once used as a sanitarium for women. Guess who its most famous patient was? None other than Mary Todd Lincoln.
- Paul Bunyan Statue
Anne Swoboda/Flickr In Atlanta, Illinois, you can find the Paul Bunyan statue. But this Paul Bunyan is unique. Originally designed to be holding an ax, a hotdog was substituted. Why? Because it was originally in front of a restaurant that sold hot dogs.
- International Museum of Surgical Science
International Museum of Surgical Science/Facebook Located in Chicago, this museum has exhibits featuring all kinds of surgical/torture implements. Haha, thank goodness for modern medicine. As much as surgery stinks now, you will appreciate the advances made.
- Olney
Greg Schechter/Flickr Have you ever seen an albino squirrel? Maybe you’ve seen one, but this town is FULL of them. Make the drive and bring your camera for when you see these critters scampering about.
What are your favorite weird Illinois places to visit?
Jenn (Yana)/Flickr
Located in Gays Mills, this outhouse was actually FUNCTIONAL for years. Who came up with this concept? He should be fired.
Doug Kerr/Flickr
You could just get some ketchup out from your fridge. But why do that when you can head to Collinsville and appreciate ketchup in its larger than life form?
David Wilson/Flickr
Chester, Illinois was the birthplace to the creator of Popeye, one of the most iconic American cartoons. These statues are across town.
artotem/Flickr
The only hippie memorial in America is in Arcola, Illinois–Amish country. This interesting artwork is 62 feet long.
Mike Linksvayer/Flickr
The Piasa bird is a legend in Alton, born from the diary of Father Marquette, who described seeing a bird as large as a calf, with a tiger’s beard, and a face like a man. Nope, no sightings since other than the mural on the bluff near Alton.
Chuck Falzone/Flickr
Are we in Egypt? Nope - Wadsworth, Illinois. It was originally built as a private residence in the ’70s (okay, that explains it). Now, you can visit King Tut’s tomb and tour inside the pyramid.
Teemu008/Flickr
In Batavia, Bellevue Place was once used as a sanitarium for women. Guess who its most famous patient was? None other than Mary Todd Lincoln.
Anne Swoboda/Flickr
In Atlanta, Illinois, you can find the Paul Bunyan statue. But this Paul Bunyan is unique. Originally designed to be holding an ax, a hotdog was substituted. Why? Because it was originally in front of a restaurant that sold hot dogs.
International Museum of Surgical Science/Facebook
Located in Chicago, this museum has exhibits featuring all kinds of surgical/torture implements. Haha, thank goodness for modern medicine. As much as surgery stinks now, you will appreciate the advances made.
Greg Schechter/Flickr
Have you ever seen an albino squirrel? Maybe you’ve seen one, but this town is FULL of them. Make the drive and bring your camera for when you see these critters scampering about.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
