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
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Cigars & Stripes Muffler Man in Berwyn, Illinois
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.
Mini Spindle Replica in Berwyn, Illinois
Created in 1989 by Dustin Shuler, The Spindle (AKA the Car Kabob AKA Cars on a Spike) had graced the shopping center at Cermak Plaza in Berwyn for nineteen years. Sadly, in 2008, the roadside attraction was bulldozed to make way for a Walgreens. Fourteen years later, the Spindle has returned to Berwyn, Illinois. In 2022, a mini Spindle replica was erected outside of Paisans Pizzeria in Berwyn.
Six on 66 Monument in Hamel, Illinois
In Illinois, they’re going big for the Route 66 Centennial with a collection of giant interactive Route 66 shield monuments that make the perfect backdrop for Instagram posts and Facebook statuses. This Six on 66 Monument in Hamel, Illinois is just one of the selfie spots you’ll find.
American Giants Museum in Atlanta, Illinois
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.
Snerd Muffler Man in Atlanta, Illinois
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.
Texaco Big Friend in Atlanta, Illinois
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.
Gemini Giant Muffler Man in Wilmington, Illinois
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!
Pig Hip Sign & Restaurant Memorial in Broadwell, Illinois
At the site of the former Pig Hip restaurant you can find a stone marker that tells the story of the restaurant and a restored Pig Hip sign.
Pinky the Pink Elephant with a Martini Glass in Springfield, Illinois
If you’re “seeing pink elephants” on a road trip, you should probably pull your car over and sober up. But you should also definitely pull over if you are seeing this particular pink elephant ahead: Pinky, the Pink Elephant with a Martini Glass and Glasses in Springfield, Illinois. Because you don’t want to miss this fun Illinois roadside attraction!
Route 66 Park in Joliet, Illinois
Joliet kicks on 66, and so can you. Stop at Route 66 Park in Joliet, Illinois to stretch your legs, get some ice cream, admire a historic prison, and maybe sing the blues.
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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
