Weird & Fun Places to Visit in Illinois

Casey, Illinois- The Town of Giant Things

This town completely commits to the bit, and I respect that deeply. Casey is famous for having a ridiculous number of “World’s Largest” objects, including the World's Largest:

• Rocking chair
• Wind chime (yes, you can ring them!)
• Mailbox (which you can in fact send mail from!)
• Golf tee
• Knitting needles
• Seesaw (you can actually get on it!)

My kids loved running around trying to find all the giant objects, and it turned into a stop that took longer than expected because everyone kept saying, “WAIT THERE’S ANOTHER GIANT THING?" This is peak Midwest roadside attraction energy.

Utica, Illinois + Three Beautiful State Parks

Utica is one of the best outdoor adventure bases in Illinois because you are within a 15-minute drive of THREE gorgeous parks state parks.

Starved Rock State Park

This state park is full of tall canyons with waterfalls, unusual rock alcoves, and some of the best hikes in the Midwest.

While the 2.1-mile Saint Louis Canyon Trail and 4.4-mile French Canyon Trails are the most popular (and sure to impress!), we actually enjoyed the lesser-known Ottawa and Illinois Canyons because they were less crowded and just as pretty.

Matthiessen State Park

This might be my favorite of the three parks. The rock formations and canyon trails are beautiful and a little less crowded than Starved Rock.

Buffalo Rock State Park

Buffalo Rock is smaller and quieter, but still really pretty. Plus, there are bison here, which the kids loved. This can can be a quick stop to see the bison and check out the overlook of the river.

Springfield, Illinois

Springfield has a surprisingly fun mix of history, quirky attractions, and family-friendly stops.

There is a TON of Abraham Lincoln history here, but beyond that, there are also:

• Route 66 roadside attractions
• Fun diners
• The Illinois State Fair
• The Dana-Thomas House
• Knight’s Action Park during summer

The Illinois State Fair alone makes Springfield worth visiting in August. When we went, there were circus performances AND high-diving pirates, which was not what I expected in Illinois, but I loved it.

The World’s Largest Catsup Bottle- Collinsville, Illinois

This is exactly what it sounds like. A giant ketchup bottle water tower. I love that somebody thought the world needed this. It is one of the most iconic roadside attractions along Route 66 and has peak quirky Midwest energy.

Pink Elephant Antique Mall- Livingston, Illinois

If your kids love giant weird roadside statues, this stop is fun. There are giant pink elephants, oversized random sculptures, Route 66 nostalgia, and all kinds of quirky photo opportunities.

Southern Illinois is shockingly beautiful

I genuinely do not think enough people talk about Southern Illinois. There are forests, cliffs, rock formations, waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic drives that make it feel like the Appalachian mountains in some areas. If your family loves outdoor adventures, this region is incredible.

Giant City State Park

The giant sandstone formations here are SO cool. There are hiking trails winding through narrow rock corridors, forest scenery, and unique rock formations that make it feel completely different from northern Illinois. Also, the Giant City Lodge restaurant is weirdly famous for family-style fried chicken dinners.

Garden of the Gods- Shawnee National Forest

This might be one of the most beautiful places in Illinois. The rock formations and panoramic overlooks are stunning. It feels much more dramatic than people expect from Illinois landscapes.

Ferne Clyffe State Park

This park has waterfalls, cliffs, forest trails, and beautiful scenery without feeling overly crowded. The easy waterfall trails make it especially great for families, but note that some of the waterfalls are seasonal.

Cave-In-Rock State Park

This one feels extra adventurous because it has an actual cave overlooking the Ohio River. Historically it was used by river pirates, which automatically makes children approximately 700% more interested in visiting it.

Be sure to check the river levels before going. When we went it was flooded and we couldn't access it.

Bonus Weird Illinois Stops

Leaning Tower of Niles

Yes, it is a smaller replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Built in the 1930s, this quirky landmark stands about 94 feet tall and has become one of the most recognizable roadside attractions in the Chicago area.

Gemini Giant- Wilmington, Illinois

This has classic Route 66 giant statue energy. This towering fiberglass "Muffler Man" has welcomed travelers for decades and is one of the most iconic roadside attractions along Route 66.

Cahokia Mounds

The Cahokia Mounds are one of the most historically significant Indigenous sites in the country and genuinely fascinating to visit. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once home to the largest pre-Columbian city north of Mexico. You can climb Monks Mound for sweeping views, explore the interpretive center, and learn about the thriving civilization that lived here more than 1,000 years ago.

Summer of Soccer Pass in Lawrence

This is a great way to explore Lawrence and have fun. When you stop at places on the pass you earn points and collect prizes or can be entered for the sweepstakes! Plus, different locations offer discounts or free merchandise just for participating!

Before You Go...

One of my favorite things about Illinois is how unexpectedly diverse it feels.

What weird adventures have you found this summer?

Talk soon,
Amy

8450 NW Prairieview Road, #1397, Kansas City, MO 64154
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