Illinois is abundant with unique things to see, like the world’s largest knitting needles, three werewolves leaning against a wall, a giant golf ball and golf club, and 15-foot-tall steel flowers in a giant flower pot. These peculiar sights add to the list of exciting things to see in Illinois. Still, those are only a few roadside attractions. Get your camera phone ready for these whimsical finds and discover the wonders Illinois presents.
World’s Largest Rhubarb
Aledo proudly calls itself the “rhubarb capital of Illinois” and celebrates that title with the world’s largest rhubarb—a 10-foot-tall metal sculpture built in 2016. The towering structure features bright red stems and three oversized green leaves, making it instantly recognizable. It’s one of the quirkiest and most enjoyable sights to check out among the state’s interesting attractions.
Giant Mailbox
Head to Casey to see a giant, fully functional mailbox—one of the world’s largest. To qualify for the title, builders made sure they could send mail. Visitors climb the stairs to drop in a postcard, and when they do, the massive red flag on the side lifts. Don’t forget to snap a photo from below to capture the moment you stood inside a giant mailbox. It’s another unique thing to see while exploring Illinois.
Dragons
In Vandalia, the Kaskaskia Dragon comes to life with a roar—drop a dragon coin into the slot, and it spits real flames from its nostrils. Hardware store owner Walt Barenfanger built the fiery creature in 1995 during a slow winter, teaming up with a propane expert to create the 16-foot metal beast. They anchored the dragon by the highway in 2001, and it’s been turning heads and thrilling visitors ever since. It’s a must-see attraction in Illinois.
Filling Station
You’ll find Mahan’s Filling Station in Springfield, right across from the historic Illinois State Fairgrounds. Dating back to 1917, this rare example of an early gas station offers a glimpse into automotive history. Mahan originally ran the station before leaving to serve in the Army, and resumed operations upon his return. After it was auctioned in 2015, Jeff Fulgenzi became the new owner. He’s dedicated to keeping one of the oldest filling stations still standing, beautifully restored and open for all to enjoy. It’s one of the noteworthy things you’ll encounter during your Illinois visit.
Giant Giraffe
Grand Dental in Aurora puts a fun twist on kids’ dental visits with a giant, smiling giraffe that looks like it’s bursting through the roof of the building. Introduced in 2016, the giraffe, with its sparkling, pearly whites, greets young patients and adds a playful touch to the experience. It’s one of the unexpected things to see on your Illinois journey.
Shoe Store
The Delilah shoe stands tall in Belleville. It’s a striking red pump with a stiletto heel that reaches nearly 7 inches in height. Delilah Rene gifted the shoe to the town in 2011 through her “Paint The Town” program. Today, it adds a quirky and memorable stop to any Illinois sightseeing adventure, making it one of the interesting things to see there.
Superman
Braidwood has its very own Superman, the life-size superhero stands beside a real vintage phone booth with the Daily Planet newspaper building behind him as a backdrop. You’ll find Superman hanging out at the Polk-a-Dot Drive-In just off of Route 66. This Superman is one of the memorable sights to witness in Illinois.
Chief Black Hawk
A two-sided Chief Black Hawk statue sits on its high pedestal and watches over a nearly empty strip mall in Rock Island. Another retro gas station, the Soulsby Service Station, is located on Route 66, offering more unusual attractions to explore in Illinois.
These quirky roadside attractions demonstrate that there are plenty of unique things to see in Illinois, offering something for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a more extended road trip, there’s no shortage of unforgettable things to do in Illinois. So pack your bags, hit the road, and start exploring everything the Prairie State has to offer!