9 Strange Attractions In Illinois That Will Weird Out Your Guests
By Elizabeth Crozier|Published July 25, 2018
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
Illinois is a gigantic state with a plethora of things to see and do. From the normal to the very unique, you can find it all in the Land of Lincoln. Show your friends and family Illinois’ weird side with these nine strange attractions that are perfect for a memorable day.
From roadside attractions to pieces of history, this list has a little something strange for everyone. Check it out:
For just $6, guests can explore a wacky museum that is like something out of a horror film. There are more than 30 different exhibits here that include bizarre artwork, historic torture devices, and mind-blowing illusions. Take your buddies on a self-guided tour at 301 E Broadway, Alton, IL 62002.
Yet another Alton, Illinois oddity, this painting is a replica of Native America art that once appeared on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. It depicts a sort of dragon creature that was a symbol used by the Cahokia. It was a warning to travelers on the river that they were approaching land that belonged to these people and that they were willing to fight to keep it theirs. The creature can be found at Wise St., Alton, IL 62002.
There is a fabulous roadside attraction hiding in a small Illinois town that is a tribute to all things odd and weird and historical. The memorial depicts American culture throughout the decades and was created by a little-known sign artist who liked to put out messages that made people think. You can find this unique structure at N Oak St., Arcola, IL 61910 and learn more about it here.
There's a one-of-a-kind event going on at Illinois' premier tree museum that is the newest of these strange attractions to the state. Guests will hunt for six gigantic wooden trolls that are 15 to 60 feet tall. Inspired by European folklore, these interesting statues are very cool to look at, and you can find them at 4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532. Learn more about this wild attraction here.
Known as the largest 24-gold plated object in North America, this stunning home stands six stories tall and is 17,000-square-feet. It is surrounded by a moat and also features a 50-foot statue of King Tut, a palm tree, and giant four-car garage that has pyramids on top of it. Find this oddity at 37921 N Dilleys Rd., Wadsworth, IL 60083.
When it comes to strange attractions, this one will scare you right out of your shoes. The grave is rumored to be that of a woman who was accused of being a witch. When she wouldn't die by hanging, they burned her alive. There are many other weird things about this grave and the story behind it which you can learn about here. Find this grave at the end of St. Omer Rd., Ashmore, IL 61912.
This southern Illinois water tower is one of the most unique things in the state. Though it may have you scratching your head, it is the pride and joy of this moderate town. Find this roadside attraction at 800 S Morrison Ave., Collinsville, IL 62234.
This wacky tower was built to house the goats of a family in Central Illinois who got inspiration from an image in a magazine. It is 31 feet tall and made with 5,000 bricks. Find it at 1968 N 2500 E Rd., Windsor, IL 61957.
Located in a tiny village, this very strange structure was originally built behind a general store and housed an apartment upstairs. Though the store was torn down in the 1980s, the outhouse still stands and is a tourist attraction that not many know about. Find it at 1022 S Pine St., Gays, IL 61928.