10 of the Weirdest Illinois Roadside Attractions Worth Stopping For

Illinois is home to some of the nation’s quirkiest and most memorable roadside attractions—perfect for road-trippers seeking the unusual and photo-worthy. Here are ten of the weirdest must-see stops across the state:

1. World’s Largest Catsup Bottle (Collinsville)

A 170-foot-tall water tower shaped like a ketchup bottle, this iconic landmark is often named the weirdest roadside attraction in Illinois and is a favorite for travelers seeking a unique photo op.

2. The Kaskaskia Dragon (Vandalia)

Feed this massive metal dragon a special token and watch it breathe real fire—a delightfully bizarre spectacle for kids and adults alike.

3. Leaning Tower of Niles (Niles)

A half-sized replica of Italy’s Leaning Tower of Pisa, oddly situated in the middle of an industrial area, offering a surreal slice of Europe in suburban Illinois.

4. Pink Elephant Antique Mall (Livingston)

This roadside stop features a giant pink elephant statue, a collection of oversized Americana, and a quirky antique mall—making it a nostalgic and unusual place to stretch your legs.

5. Henry’s Rabbit Ranch (Staunton)

A Route 66 classic, this attraction combines a tribute to rabbits (both live and fiberglass) with vintage cars and Route 66 memorabilia, all in a delightfully eccentric setting.

6. Two-Story Outhouse (Gays)

A historic, double-decker outhouse that’s as functional as it is baffling—an oddity that draws curious visitors for its sheer impracticality and humor.

7. American Giants Museum (Atlanta)

A museum dedicated to the fiberglass “Muffler Men” giants that once dotted highways across the country, celebrating a uniquely American roadside tradition.

8. Will B. Rolling Mississippi River Statue (Port Byron)

A 30-foot-tall statue of a man riding a penny-farthing bicycle along the Mississippi River, this whimsical sculpture is hard to miss and even harder to forget.

9. Big Things in a Small Town (Casey) Casey, Illinois, is famous for its collection of “world’s largest” items, including a giant mailbox, rocking chair, wind chime, and more—making the entire town a living roadside attraction.

10. Uniroyal Gal (Peoria)

A rare female version of the iconic Muffler Man, the Uniroyal Gal has become a quirky local landmark—her seasonal wardrobe changes signal the start of summer.

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