Get ready to hit the road! Pull over and discover the best Illinois roadside attractions you won’t want to miss. From larger-than-life statues to quirky museums and tasty pit stops, the Land of Lincoln is packed with gems that’ll make you say, “Well, I never saw that coming!”
We’ve rounded up the wildest, weirdest, and most wonderful roadside attractions in Illinois. Whether you’re after giant ketchup bottles, big things in a small town, Route 66 classics, or a bite at a diner straight out of a time warp, we’ve got ‘em all. So start browsing below to plan a road trip that’ll make your GPS jealous!
Fasten your seatbelt and get ready to explore all the quirky, cool, and downright silly sights Illinois has to offer!
Plan Your Illinois Road Trip
Illinois Roadside Attractions & Road Trip Planning
Ready to hit the open road and explore Illinois in all its roadside glory? Explore more of the best Illinois attractions that are the perfect pit stops to keep the fun rolling. From wacky wonders to iconic sights, they’ll make your travel itinerary as unforgettable as that last tank of gas you didn’t think would last!
Need some road trip inspiration? Explore our roadside attractions blog to find even more tips, tricks, and must-see spots to help plan the ultimate Illinois adventure!
Browse All Illinois Roadside Attractions
Found 35 Results
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Big Red Pig at Beach Avenue BBQ in Brookfield, Illinois
Looking for great barbecue in Brookfield, Illinois? Look for the big red pig. Or, just look for the big red pig! If you love roadside attractions this one will definitely catch your sty…I mean eye! The Big Red Pig at Beach Avenue BBQ in Brookfield, Illinois.
Wally’s in Pontiac, Illinois (Home of the Great American Road Trip)
Wally’s was founded by cousins Michael Rubenstein and Chad Wallis who came up with the idea on a drive home from Colorado. They wanted to open their own gas station and store that would also attract visitors as a tourist attraction. What they came up with was Wally’s, a concept similar to Buc-ee’s but with a theme concentrating on the Great American Road Trip.
Mahan’s Filling Station in Springfield, Illinois
Mahan’s Filling Station in Springfield, Illinois is a gas station on the move. While the building has seen many owners, many businesses, and many locations, over the years, it’s been a popular stop for travelers since the early 1900s.
World’s Largest Route 66 Sign in Springfield, Illinois
Looking for a unique Route 66 selfie you’ll find nowhere else on The Mother Road? Stand under the World’s Largest Route 66 Sign in Springfield, Illinois. Find it outside Route 66 Motorheads Bar and Grill & Museum!
Route 66 Motorheads Bar and Grill & Museum in Springfield, Illinois
Route 66 Motorheads Bar and Grill & Museum in Springfield, Illinois is a gathering place for lovers of The Mother Road, car culture, and a good time. Stop in to grab a delicious bite to eat from their curated menu of American favorites, drink an ice-cold drink from the bar, listen to live music, or explore a treasure trove of Americana memorabilia.
Route 66 Experience at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois
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.
3D Route 66 Shield Sculpture in Gardner, Illinois
Looking for some of the best selfie spots on Route 66? Look no further than the 3D Route 66 Shield Sculptures that have been cropping along the first 100 miles of The Mother Road. Stop at one or all of them for unique selfies, and be sure to pull over for this particular photo op in Gardner, Illinois.
3D Route 66 Shield Sculpture in Dwight, Illinois
Get your pics on Route 66 at one of the 3D Route 66 Shield Sculptures that have popped up along the first 100 miles of The Mother Road. Stop at one or all of them for unique selfies, and be sure to pull over for this particular photo op at Ambler’s Texaco Gas Station in Dwight, Illinois.
Cow in the Corn Sculpture in Lincoln, Illinois
If you’re traveling Route 66 be sure to MOO-ve over and stop at this roadside attraction: the Cow in the Corn Sculpture in Lincoln, Illinois. This abstract sculpture was created by local Lincoln artist Moses Pinkerton and was built at the Hoffman School of Sculpture. It was erected in 2014.
Cow on a Restaurant Roof in Brookfield, Illinois
The Cow on a Restaurant Roof has been an icon of Brookfield, Illinois since at least the early 1980s and will hopefully watch over the intersection for a long time to come.
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Plan Your Illinois Road Trip
Ready to hit the road and explore the Land of Lincoln? Whether you’re dreaming of cruising Route 66, hunting for the quirkiest roadside attractions, or indulging in deep-dish detours, planning your Illinois road trip is the first step to adventure! Check out our guides packed with tips, tricks, and must-see stops.
Casey, Illinois Map of Big Things
Illinois Route 66 Map
Route 66 in Illinois: a complete list of Illinois Route 66 Attractions
