If you love seeing new and unusual things, you’ve got to take a road trip across the Midwest. There is no shortage of curious and downright strange attractions across the U.S. and many of them you’ll find along the road in towns such as Collinsville, Illinois, in the Midwest.
A Catsup Bottle with a Fan Club
You’ll find the world’s largest catsup bottle in Collinsville, Illinois, along Route 159. Just head south of the downtown area, and you can’t miss the 170-foot-tall water tower in the shape of a catsup bottle. It’s been around for a long time. It was built in 1949 by the W.E. Caldwell Company, who made it look just like a bottle of Brooks Catsup. This roadside attraction is so popular it even has a fan club!
Stop and Shop at the Pink Elephant Antique Mall
If you’ve ever driven the iconic Route 66 through Livingston, IL, you’ve probably come across the Pink Elephant Antique Mall. If you haven’t, it’s worth the trip and a must-stop attraction. The vendors in the mall sell everything from jewelry to antique furniture, candles, and home decor.
The mall is surrounded by a variety of large statues that range from Alvin and the Chipmunks to a muffler man, and, of course, a giant pink elephant.
A Whole Collection of the World’s Largest Objects
If you head to Casey, IL, you’ll get to see a whole collection of the world’s largest objects. This small Midwest town is home to the world’s largest wind chime, rocking chair, and mailbox. You’ll also get to see the world’s largest knitting needles and crochet hooks.
If you’re a golfer, you might enjoy seeing the world’s largest golf club and golf tee. Although you‘ll have to go to two different spots to see them. One is at the visitor center, and the other is at the public golf course.
World’s Largest Rubber Stamp
Make the drive to Cleveland, OH, to see the world’s largest rubber stamp. The giant “Free” stamp is actually a reference to the Civil War, but it’s often misinterpreted. It sits in Willard Park and is a sight to see if you’re in the area.
The Gnome of All Gnomes
Ames, Iowa, is the proud owner of the world’s largest concrete gnome. It beat out all the other competitors to earn the title, standing 15 feet tall at the top of its pointy hat. You’ll find this gnome at Iowa State University in Elwood. It beat out Gnome Chomsky, a gnome that lives at a mini golf course in upstate New York.
A Cow That Talks
Chatty Belle is not just a huge cow; she is one that used to talk. Standing 16 feet tall, Chatty Belle lives in Neillsville, Wisconsin. She was part of an exhibit during the 1964 World’s Fair and moved to Neillsville when the fair was over. The voice box no longer works, making Chatty the quiet cow these days.
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