While most may argue against me, I think nothing goes better with a hot dog than ketchup. In fact, I am the sort who takes a little hot dog with her ketchup. Seriously, I SMOTHER those sausages in the red blood of the gods to the point where most of it will drip all over my lap after one bite. So, of course, it’s probably not surprising that one of my favorite weird roadside attractions is the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle in Collinsville, Illinois.
Unfortunately there is no actual ketchup in the 170-foot tall catsup bottle that stands high above the Southern Illinois town, instead the structure serves as a water tower for Collinsville, Illinois — original home of the W.E. Caldwell Company for the G.S. Suppiger who bottled Brooks catsup. The Brooks catsup bottle water tower was completed in 1949.
The world’s biggest bottle of ketchup was erected as a way to supply water for plant operations and sprinkler system. Today’s the ketchup bottle water tower is a shining red condiment in the sky that brings locals together, stops travelers in their tracks…and may be the only bottle of ketchup big enough to satisfy my cravings.
If you ask me, the world’s largest ketchup bottle is a must-see Illinois roadside attraction and an essential stop on your next Illinois road trip, road trip to St. Louis, Route 66 road trip, or drive on the Great River Road.
So now that we know where this giant ketchup bottle, is it’s time to find the world’s largest mustard bottle, the world’s largest hamburger, and the world’s largest hot dog (does this Muffler Man holding a hot dog count?)
Did the Collinsville catsup bottle fall?
No. Every time I mention this Illinois Route 66 roadside attraction someone inevitable asks me, “Did the Collinsville catsup bottle fall?” But the answer is no. On April 1, 2020 Bert’s Chuckwagon posted a Facebook status complete with pictures declaring the fatal crash of this big bottle. But notice the date: April 1. It was an April Fools Day prank and the roadside attraction is still standing.
World’s Largest Catsup Bottle FAQ
Collinsville, Illinois.
The world’s biggest ketchup bottle is found in Collinsville, Illinois at 800 South Morrison Avenue. It is located near Route 66 and the Great River Road.
The entire structure of the giant bottle of ketchup is 170 feet tall. The big bottle itself is 70 feet tall and it is hoisted in the air on top of 100-foot tall legs. The big ketchup bottle ranges from a 25 foot diameter at the base to an 8-foot diameter at the cap and holds 100,000 gallons of water (or, I suppose, ketchup).
There sure is! This Illinois roadside attraction is a 70-foot tall ketchup bottle that fully extends 170 feet above ground!
Nope. In 2020 a big Collinsville Catsup Bottle collapse was rumored – but the demise of the
big ketchup bottle was just an April Fool’s Day prank played by Bert’s Chuckwagon.
Parking is available just down the block at Black Friday Liquidators Restaurant Equipment at 800 S Morrison Ave.
Photos of the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle, 2015:
Photos of the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle, 2009:
June 5, 2009
Photos of the World’s Largest Ketchup Bottle, 2007:
July 15, 2007
World’s Largest Catsup Bottle
Location: 800 South Morrison Avenue, Collinsville, Illinois
Cost: FREE!
Hours: Visible at all hours.
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