Illinois is home to some iconic landmarks, but it also has its share of quirky, offbeat roadside attractions that’ll make your road trip unforgettable. From giant statues to bizarre museums, here are 11 of the weirdest Illinois roadside attractions you definitely should stop for!
1. The Giant Fish at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows (Belleville)
You’ll definitely do a double take when you spot the giant fish sculpture at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. It’s a huge fiberglass fish, standing at a towering 35 feet tall. While it might look a little out of place at a religious site, it’s become a beloved oddity in the area. It’s a perfect photo op for lovers of quirky roadside art!
2. The Mummy Museum (Long Grove)
Who doesn’t love a good mummy? Long Grove’s Mummy Museum features an impressive (and somewhat strange) collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts and mummies. While it’s a small exhibit, the weirdness factor of seeing real mummies displayed so casually is definitely worth a stop.
3. The World’s Largest Catsup Bottle (Collinsville)
Standing tall at 170 feet, the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle in Collinsville is an absolute must-see for lovers of all things giant and ketchup-related. This towering water tower was built in 1949 and is shaped like a ketchup bottle, and has since become a nostalgic roadside gem. You can even take a selfie with the oversized bottle!
4. The Leaning Tower of Niles (Niles)
If you don’t have time to go to Italy, the Leaning Tower of Niles is your next best option. Located in Niles, a suburb of Chicago, this replica of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa is 94 feet tall and leans at about a 7-degree angle. It’s an odd and charming little spot to snap a picture, and it’s right in the middle of a park!
5. The Cross at Effingham (Effingham)
The Cross at Effingham, also known as the “Giant Cross,” stands 198 feet tall and is one of the largest cross structures in the world. It’s not just a religious monument but a strange sight in the flat Illinois landscape, where you can see it from miles around.
You can also climb a 10-story observation tower to get a stunning (if slightly dizzying) view.
6. The Illinois Amish Interpretive Center (Arthur)
If you’re looking to step back in time, the Illinois Amish Interpretive Center in Arthur is a quirky, educational stop. It features exhibits on Amish culture, but it’s also full of oddities like vintage farming equipment, a faux Amish village, and a “real-life” Amish buggy.
It’s an interesting look at a more traditional lifestyle, set against the oddity of seeing it in the middle of the modern world.
7. The Mystery Spot (St. Ignace)
Located just over the state line in Michigan, the Mystery Spot in St. Ignace is still worth a mention. Visitors can marvel at the seemingly “gravity-defying” weirdness of the place, where objects appear to move on their own, and people seem to be taller or shorter depending on where they stand.
It’s a quirky and fun spot for the curious traveler looking for a little odd science.
8. The Giant Wooden Nickel (Niantic)
Another odd roadside marvel is the Giant Wooden Nickel in Niantic. Standing 20 feet tall, this oversized wooden coin was once part of a defunct tourist attraction, but it still stands proudly by the side of the road today. The giant wooden nickel is just one of those charmingly strange things you’ll only find in small-town America.
9. The Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum (Pontiac)
While it’s not “weird” in the traditional sense, the Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum in Pontiac showcases some pretty unusual memorabilia from the iconic highway.
With items like vintage gas station signs, quirky roadside art, and an odd collection of historic kitsch, this museum is definitely worth the stop for anyone who’s a fan of the nostalgic Route 66 culture.
10. The Giant Sock Monkey (Rockford)
Rockford’s Giant Sock Monkey might be the weirdest stuffed animal you’ve ever seen! At a towering 15 feet tall, this oversized sock monkey stands in front of the Sinnissippi Park. It’s a nod to Rockford’s history as the birthplace of the sock monkey, and while it’s strange, it’s also delightfully fun and photo-worthy.
11. Cahokia Mounds (Collinsville)
While Cahokia Mounds is a significant historical site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has an eerie, mysterious vibe. The ancient mounds were built by the Mississippian culture over 1,000 years ago, and their purpose remains somewhat unknown.
Standing among the giant mounds, you can’t help but feel like you’ve stumbled upon something strange and otherworldly — a surreal experience for history buffs and curious travelers alike.
From giant ketchup bottles to leaning towers and mysterious cross monuments, Illinois is full of weird and wonderful roadside attractions that make road trips through the state a little more exciting.
Whether you’re looking for quirky art, giant statues, or bizarre museums, these spots are definitely worth stopping for — and they’ll give you some great stories to tell when you get home!
SOURCES
- (https://www.iheart.com/content/2025-04-04-odd-illinois-spot-crowned-weirdest-roadside-attraction-in-the-state/)
- (https://roamingnelsons.com/100-weird-things-illinois/)
- (https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/illinois/roadside-attractions)
