Illinois

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★ = Visited

NATIONAL PARKS AND MONUMENTS

  • Pullman National Monument (Chicago) – the first model, planned industrial community in the United States.
  • Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument (Chicago) – Commemorates the life and legacy of Emmett Till and his mother, pivotal figures in the Civil Rights Movement; includes sites in Bronzeville and Roberts Temple Church.
  • ★ Lincoln Home National Historic Site (Springfield) – preserves the Springfield, Illinois home and a related historic district where Abraham Lincoln lived from 1844 to 1861, before becoming the 16th president of the United States.
  • ★ Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument (Springfield) – Recognizes the tragic events of the 1908 race riot that led to the founding of the NAACP; includes memorials and historical markers.
  • Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail (Statewide) – Passes through Illinois as part of the 4,900-mile route tracing the Corps of Discovery’s expedition; includes campsites and interpretive markers along the Mississippi River.
  • Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail (Nauvoo) – Includes sites in Illinois related to the 1846–1847 migration from Nauvoo to Utah; features historic buildings and visitor centers.

CANOEING

  • Chicago River, IL
  • Mississippi River, IL
  • ★ Big Vermilion River, IL
  • ★ Rock River, IL (West of Chicago)
  • Big Muddy River, IL (Shawnee National Forest, Southern tip)
  • Cache River, IL (Wetlands, Southern tip)
  • Kankakee River, IL (South of Chicago)
  • Kishwaukee River, IL (Near and West of Chicago)
  • Illinois River (Starved Rock State Park, SW of Chicago)

  • https://boatinggeeks.com/canoe-in-illinois/

    • NORTHERN ILLINOIS (Above I-80)

    • Boone County
      • Belvidere
        • 1967 Tornado Monument – Stainless steel tornado sculpture.
        • Foundry Ladle – Artifact from a historic sewing machine company.
    • Carroll County
      • Mount Carroll
        • Raven’s Grin Inn – Eccentric haunted house filled with spooky details.
      • Savanna
        • Mississippi Palisades State Park – Scenic limestone bluffs and river views.
        • Savanna Army Depot – Decommissioned military base turned wildlife refuge.
    • DeKalb County
      • DeKalb
        • Barbed Wire History Exhibit – Museum exhibits on barbed wire.
        • The Grotesque – Beheaded college gargoyle landmark.
    • Jo Daviess County
      • Elizabeth
        • Shark Statue – Displayed outside a restaurant.
      • Galena
        • Julia Grant Statue – Unflattering portrayal of President Grant’s wife.
        • Scarlett’s Green Dress – “Gone With the Wind” dress at Belvedere Mansion.
        • West Street Sculpture Park – Whimsical metal sculptures by John Martinson.
      • Kent
        • Blackhawk War Monument – Battle site linked to a young Abraham Lincoln.
    • LaSalle County
      • North Utica
        • Matthiessen State Park – Canyon hikes and waterfalls, peaceful alternative to Starved Rock.
        • Starved Rock State Park – Famous for sandstone canyons, waterfalls, and river views.
      • Oglesby
        • Peter Toth Indian Head – Hand-carved Chief Walks-with-the-Wind sculpture.
        • Woody the Root Beer Man – 1960s A&W Papa Burger statue still in place.
      • Ottawa
        • Boy Scout Founder Grave – Monument in Ottawa Avenue Cemetery.
        • Lincoln vs. Douglas Fountain – Fountain topped by statue marking historic debate site.
        • Peter Toth Big Head – Another hand-carved Native American head sculpture.
        • Radium Girl Statue – Tribute to women who painted radium dials and later sued for damages.
    • Lee County
      • Dixon
        • Fake Berlin Wall – Cold War-era replica.
        • John Deere Historic Site – Museum honoring the steel plow.
        • Only Statue of Lincoln in Uniform – 10-ft bronze Lincoln as a soldier figure.
        • RochHorsey Ronald Reagan – Reagan statue mounted on horseback.
        • Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home – Restored youth residence.
        • Tank, Jet, Helicopter – Military vehicles at the veterans memorial park.
    • Livingston County
      • Odell
        • 1932 Standard Oil Station – Restored Route 66-era gas station.
    • Ogle County
      • Mount Morris
        • ★ Illinois Freedom Bell – Replica of the Liberty Bell in the town square.
        • ★ Largest Tree in Illinois – 122-ft Eastern Cottonwood located in Bald Hill Prairie Preserve.
      • Oregon
        • ★ Black Hawk Statue – 48-ft concrete “Eternal Indian.”
        • ★ Indian with Fish Head – Bronze statue of a Native American wearing a fish hat.
        • Pride of Oregon Paddleboat – 102-ft sightseeing riverboat.
      • ★ Castle Rock State Park – spans 2,000 acres along the Rock River, featuring dramatic sandstone bluffs, forested ravines, and a 710-acre nature preserve.
      • ★ Lowden State Park – a scenic 207-acre park along the Rock River known for its wooded bluffs, hiking trails, and the iconic 50-foot “Eternal Indian” statue by Lorado Taft honoring Native American heritage.
    • Stephenson County
      • Freeport
        • Little Wrigley Field & Zombie Harry Caray – Mini Wrigley Field with a zombie Harry Caray statue.
    • Whiteside County
      • Fulton
        • Dutch Windmill – Operational Dutch-style windmill and cultural hub.
        • Fishing Dutchman – 8-ft tall metal statue wearing giant wooden shoes.
        • Heritage Canyon – Recreated 19th-century village set in a quarry.
    • Winnebago County
      • Cherry Valley
        • Espenscheid Memorial Forest Preserve – Wooded preserve with trails and nature viewing.
      • Durand
        • Nick Saelens Memorial Park – Community park with sports fields and playground.
        • Wild Life Observatory – Wildlife viewing area near Trask Bridge.
        • Tractor on a Silo – Tractor perched atop a silo.
        • Tree Made of Steel Wheels – 46-ft tall tree made of steel farm wheels.
      • Lake Summerset
        • Lake Summerset – Private lake community with parks and beaches.
        • Lake Summerset Quarry – Small park area near the lake.
        • Lake Summerset Harting Park – Local park with picnic space.
        • Lake Summerset Beach 1 – Lakeside beach pavilion.
      • Loves Park
        • Martin Park – Riverside park with trails and open space.
      • Machesney Park
        • Schoonmaker Park – Recreation area with dog parks, trails, and playground.
      • Pecatonica
        • Pecatonica Prairie Path Trailhead – Access point for regional bike trail.
        • Pecatonica River Forest Preserve – Wooded preserve with river access.
        • Sumner Park District – Community park with sports and events.
      • Rockford
        • ★ Anderson Japanese Gardens – 12-acre Japanese-style garden with koi ponds and café.
        • Burpee Museum of Natural History – Dinosaurs, Native American artifacts, and ecology exhibits.
        • Coronado Performing Arts Center – Historic theater for concerts and shows.
        • Discovery Center Museum – Interactive science museum for kids and families.
        • Frank Lloyd Wright’s Laurent House – Only Wright-designed home for a person with a disability.
        • Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden – 155-acre tree and plant collection with trails.
        • Midway Village Museum – Living history village and exhibits on Rockford’s past.
        • Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens – Tropical plant conservatory and outdoor gardens.
        • Rock Cut State Park – Large park with hiking, biking, fishing, and camping.
        • Rockford Art Museum – Modern and contemporary American art.
        • ★ Rockford City Market – Weekly outdoor market with vendors, food, and music.
        • Sinnissippi Gardens – Riverside gardens with exotic plants and sculpture.
        • Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum – 19th-century home with original furnishings and guided tours.
      • Rockton
        • Macktown Living History Education Center – Historic site with reenactments and educational programs.
      • Roscoe
        • ★ Historic Auto Attractions – Museum with famous cars, presidential artifacts, and pop culture memorabilia.
      • South Beloit
        • Nature At The Confluence – Nature preserve with trails and educational programs.
        • South Beloit City Park – Community park with playground and open space.
        • Welcome to Illinois Signs – Roadside photo ops at state border.
      • Winnebago
        • The Bridge – Scenic overlook and rest stop along the Pecatonica Prairie Path.

    CENTRAL ILLINOIS (Between I-80 and I-70)

    • Adams County
      • Quincy
        • Grave of First Black Catholic Priest – Father Augustine Toulton’s final resting place.
    • Champaign County
      • Champaign
        • Krannert Art Museum – Largest art museum in the region with diverse collections.
        • Urbana Sweetcorn Festival – Annual festival celebrating local culture and produce.
      • Urbana
        • Japan House – A traditional Japanese home that offers a variety of cultural experiences.
    • Clark County
      • Casey
        • ★ World’s Largest Collection of Giant Things — Casey is famous for its multiple giant roadside attractions like the World’s Largest Rocking Chair, Wind Chime, Mailbox, and more.
        • Casey’s Giant Cross — A 198-foot tall cross visible for miles, one of the tallest in the world.
        • Casey’s Giant Table and Chairs — Oversized furniture sculptures scattered around town.
      • Marshall
        • Clark County Historical Museum — Exhibits on local history, pioneer life, and area heritage.
      • General Outdoor/Natural Attractions
        • Fox Ridge State Park — A state park nearby offering hiking trails, picnic areas, and wildlife viewing.
    • Coles County
      • Charleston
        • Eastern Illinois University – Historic university campus with cultural events.
        • Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site – Replica of Lincoln’s boyhood home.
      • Mattoon
        • Ice Cream Cone-Shaped Stand – “Frigid Queen” soft serve shop shaped like a cone.
        • The Burger King – Local eatery predating the fast-food chain.
      • Oakland
        • ★ Pioneer Village – historic buildings, an old jail cage, and the home of Hiram Rutherford, an abolitionist involved in the only case where Abraham Lincoln defended a slaveholder.
        • ★ Historic Downtown Oakland — Charming small-town downtown area with historic buildings
        • Oakland Heritage Center — A local museum showcasing the history and culture of Oakland and Coles County.
        • Nearby Kickapoo State Recreation Area — Outdoor recreation including hiking, fishing, and camping just a few miles outside Oakland.
    • Clinton County
      • Beckemeyer
        • ★ Taphorn Orchard – a family-run farm that has been producing apples since 1925.
        • ★ Coal Miners Monument – a small but powerful memorial that honors nine local men who died in the Centralia Mine No. 5 disaster in 1947
      • Carlyle
        • Bretz Wildlife Lodge & Winery – Safari-themed winery with food and live music
        • ★ Carlyle Dam – Historic earthen dam with fishing and scenic views
        • ★ General Dean Bridge – 1859 suspension bridge over the Kaskaskia River
        • Twelve Oaks Vineyard – Family-run winery with tastings and events
        • ★ Carlyle Lake Bike Trail – 20 mile fully paved bike trail
        • Clinton County Historical Museum
      • Germantown/Breese
        • ★ Excel Bottling Co. – Home of Ski soda & craft beers.
        • ★ Coal Miners’ Monument – Tribute to local mining heritage.
        • Breese Historical Park & Gardens – Local history and green space.
        • ★ St. Dominic’s Church – Historic Catholic parish with striking architecture.
        • Breese Bicentennial Park – Recreation park with walking trails and seasonal events.
    • De Witt County
      • Clinton
        • C.H. Moore Homestead – Historic home and museum.
        • De Witt County Courthouse – Historic courthouse building.
    • Douglas County
      • Arcola
        • ★ International Mural City — Arcola is famous for its many colorful murals that depict local history and culture throughout downtown.
        • Arcola Railroad Depot Museum — A historic train depot turned museum showcasing the town’s rail history and local artifacts.
        • J.B. Behrend Model Train Museum — Featuring detailed model train displays and railroad memorabilia.
        • Midgetville — A quirky area known for miniature buildings and a collection of small-scale models.
        • Walk-In Time Museum — Showcases historic artifacts and local heritage through interactive exhibits.
        • ★ Raggedy Ann Bench — A themed public bench honoring the iconic doll.
        • ★ Hippie Memorial — A unique local tribute commemorating the 1960s counterculture movement.
        • ★ Broom Corn Capital of the World — Celebrates Arcola’s history as a major producer of broom corn with festivals and displays.
      • Tolono
        • Tolono Historical Society Museum — Local history exhibits showcasing the town’s heritage.
        • Annual Tolono Railroad Days — Festival celebrating the town’s railroad roots with parades and activities.
        • ★ Lincoln Memorial — A historical marker honoring Abraham Lincoln’s farewell address to Illinois.
      • Tuscola (county seat)
        • Douglas County Historical Society Museum — Exhibits on local history, pioneer life, and the county’s heritage.
        • Fairgrounds and annual Douglas County Fair — Popular local events and community gatherings.
    • Fulton County
      • Lewistown
        • Dickson Mounds Museum – Native American history and archaeology museum.
        • Spoon River Scenic Drive – Famous for inspiring Edgar Lee Masters’ poetry.
    • Grundy County
      • Morris
        • Gebhard Woods State Park – Popular state park on the Illinois River.
    • Hancock County
      • Nauvoo
        • Historic Nauvoo – Mormon pioneer history, historic sites, and museums.
        • Nauvoo Temple – Historic LDS temple and visitors center.
    • Henry County
      • Cambridge
        • Jesus in Cowboy Boots Tombstone.
      • Kewanee
        • Kewanee Water Tower – Historic water tower and landmark.
    • Knox County
      • Galesburg
        • Railroad Museum – Historical exhibits related to railroad history and Galesburg’s role in it.
        • Knox County Courthouse – Historic courthouse building.
    • Logan County
      • Lincoln
        • Postville Courthouse State Historic Site – Lincoln’s law office and courtroom.
        • Logan County Courthouse – Historic building.
      • Mount Pulaski
        • Lincoln Funeral Train Memorial – Historic site.
    • Macoupin County
      • Carlinville
        • Macoupin County Courthouse – Historic building.
        • Gillespie Historic District – Noted for 19th-century architecture.
    • Macon County
      • Decatur
        • Big Large Mouth Bass – Large fish statue at Wild Dog Saloon.
        • Chevrolet Hall of Fame Museum – Collection of vintage and classic American cars.
        • Scovill Zoo – Popular local zoo.
    • Marion County
      • Centralia
        • Centralia Carillon – Tower with 65 bells and panoramic views.
        • Centralia Area Historical Society Museum – Mining and railroad exhibits
        • Crooked Creek Winery – Rustic winery with countryside views
        • Schwartz Orchard – Seasonal orchard with cider and donuts
        • Centralia Historical Society Museu
        • ★ Jim Beasley Veterans Tribute – Kaskaskia College – Dedicated June 6, 2014, the Jim Beasley Veterans Tribute honors area service men and women.
    • McDonough County
      • Macomb
        • Car Parts Man – Friendly metal man tipping his rim “hat” at an auto shop.
        • Western Illinois University – Historic campus with cultural events.
    • McLean County
      • Bloomington-Normal
        • Abe Breaks Up A Fight Statue – Bronze of Abe intervening in a brawl.
        • Animal Hospital Line-Up – Line of animal statues outside veterinary office.
        • Bear Tree – Tree carved with a dozen bears.
        • David Davis Mansion – Victorian home of Supreme Court Justice.
        • Front Yard Civil War Monument – Monument relocated to suburb.
        • Large Head On A Roof – Aphrodite head sculpture.
        • Longest Epitaph in Granite – 147-word tombstone.
        • McLean County Museum of History – Located in the historic courthouse.
        • Metal Skeleton of Courthouse Dome – Fire-damaged frame reused as an animal cage.
        • Miller Park Artillery – Retired artillery near park edge.
        • Park Bench Abe Lincoln – Abe Lincoln photo-op statue.
        • Poppy Plane Crash Memorial – Memorial sculpture at a cemetery.
        • Prairie Aviation Museum – Fighter jets and flight exhibits.
        • Sit with Adlai Stevenson II – Airport statue of the governor.
        • Tree Carved Grave of Old Hoss Radbourne – Tree carving of the baseball legend.
        • Wizard of Oz Dorothy Grave and Statue – Tree sculpture of Dorothy.
    • Menard County
      • Petersburg
        • Menard County Courthouse – Historic courthouse building.
        • New Salem State Historic Site – Lincoln-era reconstructed village.
    • Morgan County
      • Jacksonville
        • Governor Duncan Mansion – Historic home and museum.
        • Jacksonville Historic District – Known for architecture and cultural history.
    • Peoria County
      • East Peoria (Tazewell County, but part of Peoria Metro)
        • Ice Cream Cone Building – Custard cone-shaped building.
        • Quonset-Hut-Style Church – Semi-circular church made from WWII materials.
        • Rooster in a Top Hat – 10-ft rooster statue at Carl’s Bakery.
      • Peoria
        • Milt the MG Car Planter – Painted sports car turned flower bed.
        • Richard Pryor Statue – Bronze of legendary comedian.
        • Solar System Scale Model – Trail of planets at Riverfront Museum.
        • Vanna Whitewall – 17-ft bikini-clad tire promo statue.
        • Wheels O’ Time Museum – Nostalgic museum of vintage Peoria artifacts.
      • Peoria Heights
        • Observation Tower with Woodpecker – Ride a 200-ft tower elevator topped by giant bird.
    • Piatt County
      • Monticello
        • Piatt County Courthouse – Historic courthouse.
        • Monticello Railway Museum – Vintage trains and rail history.
    • Shelby County
      • Cowden
        • Thompson Mill Covered Bridge – Historic 1868 covered bridge over Salt Fork Creek
      • Findlay
        • Eagle Creek State Park – Lakefront park with camping, fishing, hiking, and a golf course
        • Findlay Marina – Boat rentals and lake access on the eastern shore of Lake Shelbyville
        • Willow Ridge Winery – Scenic winery with tastings and live music events
      • Mode
        • Hidden Springs State Forest – Forest preserve with hiking trails, wildflowers, and abundant wildlife
      • Shelbyville
        • Boarman’s Roxy Theater – Historic movie theater showing current films in a vintage setting
        • Forest Park – Large city park with playgrounds, picnic areas, and access to the Sunken Garden
        • General Dacey Trail – Paved and natural-surface trail system for biking and hiking along the lake and through wooded areas
        • Lake Shelbyville – 11,000-acre lake offering boating, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing
        • Lake Shelbyville Dam – Historic dam with panoramic views and access to trails and fishing spots
        • Shelby County Courthouse – Historic building downtown
        • Shelby County Historical Society Museum – Local history exhibits in a historic building
        • Shelbyville Historic District – Preserved downtown area with historic architecture
        • Shelbyville Visitors Center – Offers maps, brochures, and local insights
        • Simply Yours, Your Happy Place – Quirky gift shop with toys, candy, crafts, and a “make-n-take” room
        • The Iron Keg – Local bar and grill with wild décor and a lively atmosphere
        • The Shelbyville Sunken Garden – Landscaped memorial garden with stonework and flowers
        • Westervelt Cave State Natural Area – Natural history site west of town
        • Shelbyville State Fish and Wildlife Area – Wooded area near the lake offering hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing
      • Tower Hill
        • Farmland Prairie State Natural Area – Prairie restoration site with native grasses and birdwatching opportunities
    • Sangamon County
      • Springfield
        • Historical Sites & Landmarks
          • 9/11 Memorial – “Pittsburgh” is misspelled.
          • Acts of Intolerance Sculpture – Memorial of the 1908 race riot.
          • Clayville Historic Site – 1824 stagecoach inn and pioneer village.
          • Donner Party Departure Plaque – Honors the 1846 westward journey.
          • Great Western Depot – Site of Lincoln’s farewell address.
          • Illinois Governor’s Mansion – Historic 1855 residence.
          • Illinois State Capitol – Historic Greek Revival building.
          • Illinois Firefighter Memorial – Cairn with bronze statues.
          • Lincoln Home National Historic Site – Restored 12-room home and district.
          • Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices – Where Lincoln practiced law.
          • Old State Capitol – Site of Lincoln’s “House Divided” speech.
          • Lincoln Funeral Train Monument – Amtrak station marker for final journey.
          • Lincoln Ledger – 1853 bank ledger showing Lincoln’s deposit.
          • Lincoln’s Tomb and Lucky Nose – Visitors rub the bronze nose.
          • Race Riot Memorial – Chimney sculptures honoring 1908 victims.
        • Museums
          • Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum – Interactive exhibits about Lincoln’s life.
          • Ace Sign Company Museum – Neon and vintage sign collection.
          • Air Combat Museum – WWII and vintage aircraft.
          • Dana-Thomas House – Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home.
          • Daughters of Union Veterans Civil War Museum – Civil War artifacts.
          • Edwards Place Historic Home – 1857 Victorian home with Lincoln artifacts.
          • Elijah Iles House & Springfield History Museum – Springfield’s oldest home.
          • Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Museum – Civil War relics.
          • Illinois Fire Museum – Firefighting history museum.
          • Illinois State Museum – Illinois natural and cultural history.
          • Illinois State Military Museum – Includes Santa Anna’s prosthetic leg.
          • Santa Anna’s Leg – At Illinois State Military Museum.
          • Pearson Museum – Medical school museum (limited access).
          • Springfield Visitors Center – Includes Route 66 explorer passport.
        • Route 66 & Roadside Attractions
          • Historic Brick Road – 1.4-mile hand-laid brick Route 66 section.
          • Route 66 Drive-In – Vintage drive-in movie theater.
          • Route 66 Experience – Fairgrounds walk-through with neon park.
          • Cozy Dog Drive-In – Birthplace of the hot dog on a stick.
          • Lauterbach Tire Muffler Man – Giant fiberglass man with flag.
          • Mahan’s Gas Station – 1917 station relocated for display.
          • Route History, Inc. – Black history site along Route 66.
          • Route 66 Motorheads Museum – Classic cars and memorabilia.
        • Natural Attractions & Parks
          • Adams Wildlife Sanctuary – 40-acre Audubon park with trails.
          • Lincoln Memorial Garden – Native woodland garden with trails.
          • Washington Park – Walking paths, botanical garden, conservatory.
          • Rees Memorial Carillon – Bell tower with daily concerts.
        • Quirky / Novelty Sites
          • 30-Foot-Tall Skinny Abe Lincoln Statue – Young Lincoln with an ax.
          • Pinky: Elephant with Martini – Pink elephant statue with drink.
          • Abe Lincoln Pixel Mural – Pointillist mural of young Abe.
          • Abe Lincoln Totem Pole – Replica of 1883 totem pole.
          • Car Bumper Deer – Sculpture made of welded bumpers.
          • Carpet Spartan Mascot – High school mascot from Carpet Viking.
          • Green Elephant – Trailered green elephant with skull damage.
          • St. Anne: Caboose on a Lawn – Vintage caboose in yard.
    • Tazewell County
      • Pekin
        • Tazewell County Courthouse – Historic courthouse.
        • Pekin Theatre Guild – Local theater with historic roots.
    • Vermilion County
      • Danville
        • Brick People – Danville USA – Architectural brick crowd sculpture.
        • Lindley Sign Post Forest – Signs pointing to Danville from all over.
        • Wall of Hometown Celebrities – Mural of famous Danville natives.
    • Woodford County
      • Eureka
        • Eureka College – Alma mater of President Ronald Reagan.
        • Woodford County Courthouse – Historic building

    SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (Below I-70)

    • Alexander County
      • Belknap
        • Tunnel Hill State Trail – Scenic rail-trail with a long tunnel, popular for biking and hiking.
        • Cache River State Natural Area – Wetlands with ancient cypress trees, boardwalk trails, and canoe access.
      • Cairo
        • River Merge Observation Deck – Viewpoint where the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers meet.
        • Magnolia Manor — 1869 Victorian house museum.
        • Fort Defiance Park — Civil War fort and river confluence.
        • Custom House Museum — Historic post office and customs building.
        • Safford Memorial Library — Queen Anne–style civic landmark.
        • Toll House Museum, St. Patrick Catholic Church, Ward Chapel A.M.E., Riverlore Mansion, Peter T. Langan House, Whitehaven Welcome Center — Historic landmarks.
        • Mayor Wilson’s Clock, Eagle & Globe Monument, Duncan Cannon, BL 60-Pounder Gun — Civic monuments.
        • Abandoned Downtown Cairo — Empty historic district.
        • Ohio & Mississippi River Bridges — Historic steel truss spans.
      • Golconda
        • Lightning Rod Jesus – 35-ft bronze statue with lightning rod neck at a retreat center.
        • ★ Lock and Dam 51 – closed
      • Herod
        • ★Garden of the Gods – Iconic 300-million-year-old sandstone formations with a short trail.
        • Herod Cave & Fairy Cliff Ruins – Rock shelter remains of a historic café.
        • Sassy the Bigfoot – 7-ft Bigfoot statue marking a local sighting hotspot.
      • Tamms
        • Old Depot Museum — Historic rail depot.
        • Cache River State Natural Area Trails (~35 mi SE) — Paved and gravel bike-friendly routes among wetlands and cypress trees.
      • Vienna
        • Heron Pond Trail – Boardwalk trail through swamp habitat.
        • Home of the Big Bike – Giant bicycle sculpture near the Depot Museum.
        • Tunnel Hill State Trail Headquarters – Visitor center for the trail.
        • Dixon Springs State Park – Wooded park with waterfalls, rock formations, and historic CCC-era structures.
        • Johnson County Courthouse – Historic 1871 courthouse in town square.
    • Effingham County
      • Effingham
        • America’s 2nd Largest Cross – 198-ft religious cross.
        • Duct Tin Man – HVAC duct figure.
        • My Garage Museum – Vintage cars and Herbie the Love Bug VW.
        • Restored 1920 Gas Station.
      • Teutopolis
        • Monastery Museum – 1858 religious artifacts and cord weaving.
    • Fayette County
      • Vandalia
        • Abe Lincoln Reading Newspaper – Young Lincoln statue.
        • ★ Gateway Arch Replica – Mini St. Louis-style arch from 1960s.
        • ★ Old State Capitol Building – Illinois’ third statehouse and  last capitol where Abraham Lincoln served as a state legislator.
        • ★ Kaskaskia Dragon – 35-ft metal fire-breathing dragon.
      • Greenville
        • ★ Marcoot Jersey Creamery – Dairy farm with tours and fresh chees. Monday – Friday: 10 AM to 4 PM
        • Hoiles-Davis Museum – Closed in 2018. Its collection (or many of the artifacts) was moved to the new Bond County Museum.
        • Bond County Museum – Saturday, Sunday
        • ★ DeMoulin Museum – Quirky museum of lodge paraphernalia and odd initiation devices.
        • American Farm Heritage Museum – Antique tractors and farming tools.
        • Richard Bock Sculpture Museum – Works from Prairie School sculptor tied to Frank Lloyd Wright. 
        • ★ Third Street Market – antique mall
        • ★ The Milk House – he Milk House, a modern dairy shop and creamery run by Rolling Lawns Farm.
      • Kaskaskia
        • Liberty Bell of the West – Older than Philadelphia’s bell.
      • University Park
        • Exhausted Paul Bunyan – Reclining muffler man statue.
    • Franklin County
      • Benton
        • Benton Street Murals – Public murals depicting local history.
      • Sesser
        • Forest Park – Local park with walking trails and picnic areas.
      • West Frankfort
        • West Frankfort Coal Festival – Celebrates mining heritage.
    • Jackson County
      • Alto Pass
        • Bald Knob Cross of Peace – 111-ft cross on scenic hilltop.
      • Carbondale
        • Natural
          • Giant City State Park — Sandstone bluffs, trails.
          • Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge — Wildlife refuge with scenic byways.
          • Little Grand Canyon — Hiking canyon.
          • Cedar Lake — Paddling and fishing.
          • Pomona Natural Bridge — Sandstone arch.
          • Boo Castle Park — Fantasy-themed park.
        • Historical & Cultural
          • Historic Downtown & Town Square — Vintage buildings.
          • Reef House (1892) — Queen Anne cottage.
          • R. Buckminster Fuller Dome Home — Iconic landmark.
          • Old Illinois Central Railroad Depot Museum — Rail history.
          • Veterans Memorial Plaza — Civic memorial.
          • Sharp Museum (SIU) — Cultural museum.
          • Woodlawn Cemetery — Civil War graves.
          • SIU Campus Landmarks — Altgeld Hall, Banterra Center, Itchy Jones Stadium.
          • African American Museum of Southern Illinois — Heritage center.
        • Quirky & Local
          • Jeremy Rochman Memorial Park — Dungeons & Dragons–themed park.
          • Science Center of Southern Illinois — Hands-on exhibits.
          • Carbondale Farmer’s Market — Local crafts and produce.
          • Honker Hill Winery, Kite Hill Vineyards — Wine tastings.
          • Pyramid of King Tut the Dog – Mascot grave with pyramid.
      • Bike Trails
      • Makanda
        • Boomer the 3-Legged Dog Monument – Tribute to heroic dog.
        • Buck Rogers Water Tower – Futuristic water sphere with viewing platform.
        • Non-Gyrating Gyrator – Giant sundial modeled after a toy top.
        • Rainmaker Art Grotto – Yard filled with metal and stone sculptures.
        • Smiley Face Water Tower – Yellow tower with bowtie mascot.
        • Historic Makanda Boardwalk — Artsy boardwalk with shops.
        • Rainmaker Art Studio — Whimsical gallery.
        • Shawnee Hills Wine Trail — Wineries.
        • River to River Trail (section) — Cross-state trail connecting Shawnee National Forest areas, accessible near Makanda. Popular with long-distance hikers and bikers. (Bike Trail)
    • Jasper County
      • Newton
        • Burl Ives Statue – Granite statue of folk singer/actor.
        • Minions in Metal – Large cartoon figures outside a welding shop.
        • Mug Tree – Tree covered in coffee mugs.
    • Lawrence County
      • Sumner, IL
        • The Roseanne House — TV sitcom living room set replica.
        • The Speakeasy Arcade — Retro arcade with classic games.
        • Berryville Vineyards — Winery with country charm.
    • St Francisville (near Vincennes, IN)
      • ★ Lincoln Crossing the Wabash Monument – This crossing marked Lincoln’s first step into the state
    • Massac County
      • Brookport
        •  ★ Lock and Dam 52 –
      • Metropolis
        • ★ Fort Massac State Park – Historic fort with museum and reconstructed buildings.
        • ★ Super Museum – Superman memorabilia and collectibles.
        • ★ Superman Statue – Iconic 15-ft fiberglass statue downtown.
        • ★ Lois Lane Statue – Bronze tribute to comic book journalist.
        • ★ Big John – Giant grocery clerk statue with shopping bags.
        • Birdman of Alcatraz Grave – Grave of Robert Stroud in Masonic Cemetery.
        • ★ Kincaid Mounds State Historic Site – he site of a 1,000-year-old Mississippian-era village.
    • Perry County
      • Pinckneyville
        • Perry County Museum – Local history and artifacts.
        • Pyramid State Recreation Area – Large forest preserve with hiking, camping, and hunting.
        • Du Quoin State Fairgrounds (nearby) – Annual events and entertainment.
    • Pulaski County
      • Mound City
        • Mound City National Cemetery – Civil War cemetery.
        • Cache River State Natural Area (bordering) – Access points nearby.
    • Randolph County
      • Chester
        • Popeye Museum – Dedicated to cartoon creator Elzie Segar.
        • Popeye Statues – Numerous character statues throughout town.
        • Sherlock Holmes Statue – Unique U.S. statue of the detective.
        • Mississippi River Lock & Dam 13 – River navigation and fishing spot.
        • Kaskaskia River State Fish and Wildlife Area – Outdoor recreation.
    • Richland County
      • Olney
        • ★ Auto Parts Family – Quirky sculpture family made from junk parts.
        • ★ Birthplace of Solar Power – Plaque marking first experimental solar power plant.
        • ★ Home of the White Squirrels – Albino squirrel folklore.
    • Saline County
      • Eldorado
        • Big John – Giant fiberglass grocery clerk statue.
      • Harrisburg
        • Buncombe
          • Yard Skull – 5-ft decorative skull.
      • Carrier Mills
        • Saline County Historical Museum – Exhibits on local mining and coal history.
    • St. Clair County
      • Alton
        • Civil War Prison Ruins
        • Curiosity Museum
        • Lincoln-Douglas Debate Statues
        • Miles Davis Statue
        • Museum of History and Art
        • ★ Piasa Bird Mural
        • Robert Wadlow Statue
      • Belleville
        • ★ Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows – LED prayer spire.
      • Brussels
        • Small Jail (1876)
      • Collinsville
        • ★ Early 1900s Bull Durham Sign
        • ★ World’s Largest Catsup Bottle
      • Edwardsville
        • 25-Foot-Tall Geriatric Walker (SIU Edwardsville)
        • Geodesic Dome Mini-Earth (SIU campus)
        • Only Genuine Pair of Robert Wadlow’s Shoes (Madison County Historical Museum)
      • Hartford
        • Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower
      • Breese
        • Cholera Cross – Large cross for 1800s cholera victims.
        • ★ Excel Bottling Co. – Home of Ski soda & craft beers.
    • Union County
      • Anna
        • Union County Historical Society Museum – Local heritage exhibits.
      • Jonesboro
        • Trail of Tears Memorial – Commemorates forced Native American relocation.
        • Lincoln Memorial — Lincoln–Douglas debate site.
        • Trail of Tears State Forest Loops — Gravel/dirt roads through forested hills, popular with mountain bikers. (Bike Trail)
    • Vermilion County
      • Danville
        • Brick People – Architectural brick crowd sculpture.
        • Lindley Sign Post Forest – Signs pointing to Danville from all over.
        • Wall of Hometown Celebrities – Mural of famous Danville natives.
    • Washington County
      • Mount Olive
        • Grave of Mother Jones – Monument to labor activist Mary Harris “Mother” Jones.
      • Nashville
        • Washington County Historical Museum – Local history collections.
    • Williamson County
      • Herrin
        • Herrin Massacre Site Marker – Historic 1922 coal mining conflict site.
        • Herrin City Park – Recreation area with playgrounds and trails.
      • Marion
        • Marion Cultural and Civic Center – Community events and arts performances.
        • Veterans Park – Military memorials.

    CHICAGO METRO

    Northwest Suburbs

    (Communities in Kane and DuPage Counties, northwest of Chicago)

    • Aurora
      • Giraffe Bursts Through Roof – Quirky roadside giraffe sculpture crashing through a building.
      • Lifesize Mastodon Statue – Full-size mastodon model on public display.
      • Mastodon Slide – Kids’ slide shaped like a mastodon.
      • Wayne’s World Car Replica – Movie replica of the Mirthmobile.
    • Batavia
      • Batavia Depot Museum, Mary Todd Lincoln’s Bed – Exhibits including Mary Lincoln’s bed.
      • Broken Symmetry: Particle Physics – Interactive physics display.
      • City of Windmills – Outdoor windmill display.
      • Dress-Up Oil Tank Cow – Painted oil tank resembling a cow in costume.
      • Fermilab Pi Power Poles – Light poles forming the digits of Pi.
      • Man With A Fish Head – Surreal sculpture installation.
      • Particle Accelerator Buffalo Herd – Buffalo statues at Fermilab.
      • Particle Physics Playground – Physics-themed playground.
      • Self‑Made Man – Sculpture of a man chiseling himself from stone.

    West Suburbs

    (Cook and DuPage County communities directly west of Chicago)

    • Addison
      • Nike Missile Complex Remains – Historic radar tower and control site amid park facilities.
    • Carol Stream
      • Giant Jukebox Entrance – Oversized jukebox facade.
    • Deerfield(Listed per coverage as a northwest suburb in some definitions)
      • Minifig Vault – LEGO Minifigures museum.
    • Des Plaines
      • Giant Golf Ball and Club – Driving range entrance sculpture.
      • Meals Delivered by Train – Model train dining at Choo Choo Restaurant.
      • Robert Wadlow Shoes – Display of the world’s tallest man’s shoes.
    • Oak Brook
      • (Regional reference, no attraction listed here yet.)
    • Rolling Meadows
      • Puppet Opera in Focus – Live puppet operas in a storefront.

    Southwest Suburbs

    (Cook and Will County communities southwest of Chicago)

    • Berwyn
      • World’s Largest Laundromat – Huge laundromat with fish tanks and kids’ area.
    • Blue Island
      • Doughboy Cannon – WWI memorial statue and cannon.
    • Braidwood
      • Braidwood Zoo Animal Sculptures – Fiberglass animals scattered around town.
      • Nine-Foot Guitar-Playing Elvis – Large Elvis statue with guitar.
      • Polk‑a‑Dot Drive In – Retro diner with celebrity statues.
      • Superman and Phone Booth – Life‑size Superman near vintage phone booth.
    • Stickney
      • Reverse Relief Jesus – Marble Jesus face whose eyes follow visitors at Mt. Auburn Cemetery.
    • Chicago Heights
      • Cow with a Chef’s Hat – Playful cow sculpture wearing a chef’s hat.
    • Cicero
      • Bobby Hull Statue – Bronze statue honoring hockey legend.
      • Large Hot Dog Topped with Fries – Oversized hot dog sculpture with fries on top.
    • Elmwood Park
      • Large Radio Flyer Wagon – Giant red wagon sculpture near playground.
    • Evergreen Park
      • Muffler Man – Bunyan – Classic lumberjack muffler man statue.
    • Forest Park
      • Giant Wind‑Up Teeth – Oversized chattering teeth on a dentist’s chimney.
      • Showmen’s Rest – Circus train wreck memorial with elephant statues.
      • Zombie Dad – Life-sized ceramic sculpture on a porch.
    • Hillside
      • Al Capone’s Grave – Burial site of infamous gangster.
    • Homewood
      • Richard Haas Murals – Large 3D illusion murals on numerous buildings.
    • Justice
      • 20‑Foot‑Tall Pope – Statue of Pope John Paul II.
      • Resurrection Cemetery – Ghost lore of “Resurrection Mary.”
      • World’s Largest Stained Glass Window – Massive mausoleum window.
    • Lemont
      • Touch a Piece of the First Nuclear Reactor – Graphite block you can handle from the original pile.
    • St. Charles
      • Humpty Dumpty in Art Park – Nursery rhyme sculpture.
      • Sculpture with Puns – Witty wordplay outdoor artworks.
    • Villa Park
      • Animals of Safari Land – Indoor zoo and amusement center with animatronic safari animals.
    • Wheaton
      • Billy Graham Center Museum – Evangelism history display with “Cloud Room.”
      • DuPage County Hall of Fame – Local figures honored.
      • Perry Mastodon Exhibit – Rotating display at Wheaton College.
      • Tolkien’s Desk at Wade Center – Artifacts from Tolkien, Lewis, and others.
      • World’s First Radio Telescope Site – Marker commemorating Grote Reber’s 1937 invention.

    North Suburbs / North Shore

    (Cook and Lake County, north of Chicago along Lake Michigan)

    • Crystal Lake
      • Muffler Man – Indian, Bunyan, Lumberjacks – Multiple themed muffler men.
    • Fox River Grove
      • Castle Replica Home – Private home styled like a medieval castle.
    • Gurnee
      • Planes, Trains, and Automobiles Motel – Movie‑themed motel rooms.
    • Harvard
      • Harmilda the Cow – Milk Day cow statue.
      • Ravenstone Castle B&B – Bed & breakfast styled like a stone castle.
    • Hebron
      • Basketball Water Tower – Painted tower celebrates 1952 championship.
    • Highland Park
      • Ferris Bueller Garage Scene Location – Ferrari crash filming site.
      • Giant Hawk Head and Nest – Oversized hawk sculpture.
    • Inverness
      • Al Capone’s Silo Hideout – Former Capone lookout silos now offices.
    • Libertyville
      • Muffler Man and Bessie the Cow – Fiberglass duo.
    • Lynwood
      • Plastic Barrel Man – Sculpted entirely from recycled plastic barrels.
    • North Aurora
      • Store Filled with Oddities – Curiosity shop packed with artifacts.
    • South Elgin
      • Fox River Trolley Museum – Historic electric trolley rides.
    • Wadsworth
      • Golden Pyramid House – Private residence built as a gold pyramid.
    • Waukegan
      • Big Onan Man with Garage – Mascot statue atop a garage.
      • Ray Bradbury Rides a Rocket – Sci-fi author rides rocket sculpture.
    • Zion
      • Russell Military Museum – Tanks, aircraft, and war memorabilia.

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