Experience the lights, sites, history, and energy of Illinois Route 66 in one convenient stroll. The Route 66 Experience at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois takes you through a Mother Road crash course with neon signs, photography exhibits, replicas, and more.
Tulsa’s Buck Atom Muffler Man might not be an original Route 66 roadside attraction, but since being installed in 2019 he has risen to the stars among his Mother Road peers. In fact, he’s so popular that he has attracted visitors from around the globe and now, his very own girlfriend. In June 2024 the Stella Atom Uniroyal Gal landed in Tulsa and has lassoed herself into his, along with every visiting traveler’s, hearts.
Muffler men roadside attractions were built to hold a variety of objects: American flags, mufflers, even hot dogs. This one was built to hold a cigar. And a chicken wing. And a bottle of hot sauce. Find the over-the-top Cigars & Stripes Muffler Man in Berwyn, Illinois watching over Route 66 from the top of a popular local restaurant and bar.
This small museum on Route 66 celebrates all things big. The American Giants Museum in Atlanta, Illinois pays tribute to Muffler Men and other oversized fiberglass creations that once were a mainstay of American advertising.
What, me worry? About this roadside attraction? The Snerd Muffler Man in Atlanta, Illinois is one of the many muffler men on Route 66. And you should have no worries adding him to your road trip itinerary, because he is in good company.
In May 2024 as part of the grand opening celebration for the new American Giants Museum in Atlanta, Illinois a newly restored, ultra-rare giant was erected out front: an original Texaco Big Friend. The Texaco Big Friend is an offshoot of the Muffler Man roadside attraction. But the Big Friend is unique with its signature stance, impressive size, and standard issue Texaco uniform.
Meet one of the newest muffler men on Route 66: the Big Bill Muffler Man in Vinita, Oklahoma. This roadside attraction took his own road trip on the route with Mobil 1, traveling from California to Illinois, before settling into a permanent home in The Sooner State.
The Gemini Giant is a 28-foot tall muffler man who originally stood on Route 66 outside the Launching Pad restaurant in Wilmington, Illinois. He weighs in at a whopping 438 pounds: not counting his base or the giant 8-foot rocket he holds in his hands!
In 1966 a muffler man was erected in Cicero, Illinois at a hot dog and burger restaurant named Bunyon’s hot dog stand. Due to that this giant hot dog muffler man (a modified Paul Bunyan statue) is known locally as “The Bunyon Giant.” In 2002 the Cicero restaurant closed but the legacy of the hot-dog-wielding giant mufflerman lives on. “Tall Paul” was restored and relocated to Route 66 park in Atlanta, Illinois.
The Carl’s Ice Cream Muffler Man in Normal, Illinois, is a 15-foot tall version of the classic muffler man roadside attraction. The “soda jerk” style muffler man stands outside of Carl’s Ice Cream Factory in Normal holding up a plump cheeseburger and a soft serve ice cream cone with a smiley face.
Enjoy fun games and challenges to pass the time on your next road trip and have a keepsake to look back on for years to come with this entertaining must-have for your next vacation.
Silly America is a roadside attractions blog designed to help travelers find unique stops for their next road trip. The website is a tribute to the great American road trip, devoted to all that is odd in America: roadside attractions, tourist traps, peculiar destinations, bizarre events, road food, fun festivals, and more! It’s a travel website and trip planner for those seeking an offbeat road trip.
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