It’s a town steeped in history where you can immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the fruits of the land.

Just a short 30 minutes north of St. Louis, fall is the perfect time to explore all that it has to offer.

From parasailing to ghost hunting and everything in between you are sure to fill up on fun during your adventures in this Illinois town.

(c)visitalton.com

What to See & Do in Alton, IL

Named one of the most haunted small town in America there is no shortage of strange phenomena. There are a number of guided tours available and some take you into buildings where the odd and paranormal have been known to happen.

This is one of my favorite towns to go ghost hunting and I’ve written about it a couple times.

You can read about Ghost Hunting in Alton and Haunted Alton to learn more.

To get the best view of the Alton and Mississippi Rivers a visit to the Melvin Price Locks & Dam is in order.

An eight story view awaits you as well as a guided tour which will let you in on all of the action on one of the busiest locks of the river.

The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center is the perfect destination for anyone interested in the expedition of Lewis and Clark. An impressive 55 foot full scale replica of the keel-boat of the party will stir your imagination of the preparations that went into the famous expedition!

The Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower is the place to hear the story of Lewis and Clark while getting an amazing view of the river in 50-foot increments. Enjoy a guided tour and prepare to be amazed by the views that await you on a clear day.

During the age of slavery, a pastor in the Alton area was moved to write editorials that were so strong and moving that the slaveholding element of the area made him their object of hatred.

The Lovejoy monument stands in honor of Elijah Lovejoy, who was killed in 1837 for his views of equality. Pay a visit here to take it all in, and ponder peace for a moment.

Alton is a premier site for Eagle viewing during the winter, but a number of species of birds spend time in the area throughout the year. The Aubudon Center at Riverlands offers a great spot for bird watching and even has binoculars to borrow during your visit.

Take the free ferry over to Calhoun County, located on a narrow strip of land between the Illinois and Mississippi rivers, and enjoy a taste of the region.

Roadside farm stands dot the two-lane road through the county as farmers sell fruits, veggies, jams, and more. Bring the kids and find the perfect pumpkin for home. While there shop for antique and see how many quilt barns you can find.

Drive the Great River Road along the Mississippi to the village of Grafton where the more adventurous can go ziplining.

Everyone else can visit the Grafton Winery & Brewhaus.

(c)https://www.pmlodge.net/

Where to Stay in Alton, IL

The Pere Marquette State Park/Lodge offers a magnificent stay for couples, families, and groups. You can get away from it all here while enjoying amazing meals, shopping opportunities, boat rentals and even a chance to play life-size chess.

This is a rustic yet breathtaking place to visit in the Alton area.

(c)https://www.facebook.com/AltonDesserts

Where to Eat in Alton, IL

Josephines Tearoom has been offering exceptional experiences since 1979. From shopping to mouthwatering meals, Josephine’s will become one of the places you never forget visiting.

The tea rooms and shopping experiences for ladies make this a must stop here location for a spot of tea, something delectable and a unique souvenir to take home.

Grafton Brewhaus and Winery is a spot for all seasons. It is centrally located, features so many adult beverages ranging from local wines, including many award winners to Craft and Micro-brewed beers that I never wanted to leave this place.

Oh! And you can eat here too if the liquid lunch isn’t quite your thing! I loved the family operated atmosphere and the setting.

Maeva’s Coffee is Alton’s only independent coffee shop, and it is a must stop at the place because there is so much to see and do in the Alton area, a great cup of coffee is exactly what you need to keep going!

I admired that fair trade goods are used in the shop. The Baked Goods? Oh, yeah! These are worthy of an article all on their own.

My Just Desserts is THE spot to go for dessert (& maybe lunch, but eat dessert first). The owner is simply lovely and seriously knows how to bake a great pie!

Located in historic Alton and only open from 11a-4p so make sure you don’t miss your window of opportunity.

A visit to Alton, IL wouldn’t be complete without enjoying a meal at Tony’s, an old-school Italian steakhouse and bar since 1954. Their wine list alone is worth a stop.

They offer 60 wines by the bottle and 30 by the glass. If you aren’t up for a full meal, stop in the Prohibition Lounge for a nightcap.

Find more information about Alton, IL and the surrounding area at https://www.visitalton.com/

(c)visitalton.com

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I’m going to admit that I was more than a little nervous. I was scared spitless. Alan & Em were a little nervous as well, but I think in a good way. We agreed to try at least three lines, at which point we could continue or take the “walk of shame”. I was really hoping that we would all love it.

Starting Our Adventure:

 

 
Walking out to the first platform everything looks great. Our fabulous guides go over the safety rules and its time to zip along to the next platform.
 

Of course, the first line was easy peasy…a mere 300 feet, you just leave one platform and you are at the next one. The next one is a bit longer at 700 feet, but still a nice ride along the line.

I could do these two lines all day long (hey, we aren’t all meant to be really adventurous). At this point I’m not quite sure what the appeal of ziplining is, but Em & Alan were absolutely loving it.

Line three is a bit longer at 1000 feet and after that run I’m pretty much done.

I zipped the three lines as promised, but I was not enjoying it all. Grafton Zipline Adventure employees are absolutely awesome though. They gently encouraged me to try the fourth line and even offered to tandem ride with me.

They really wanted me to finish the course, but they never made me feel bad for calling it quits. Their attitude and compassion made me love Grafton Zipline Adventures even more. Its the walk of shame for me, but Em & Alan stick with it and complete the entire course.

Em & Alan LOVE their ziplining adventure. They enjoy zipping along the lines and embrace the exhilaration of flying along the tree tops. They can’t wait to go again and Em has decided that she would love a job working for a zipline adventure company. I’m so happy they love it.

Grafton Zipline Adventures offers 7 lines that cover almost 2 miles and takes around 2 hours to complete. One thing I will say about zipping is that it is extremely easy. Just sit down, legs out in front of you with ankles crossed, and go for a ride.

Your hands stay on top of your brake and when you need to stop you just slide your hands back a bit and apply pressure, that’s it, easy peasy. Other than using your brake you never have to touch your equipment.

Just step up to the line and the employees hook you onto the cable and unhook you at the end.

 
If you love ziplining you need to add Grafton Zipline Adventures to your bucket list and give their lines a try. Besides Alan & Em, I spoke to lots of locals that have given the lines a try and everyone raves about how much fun it is.

If you have been debating on trying ziplining Grafton Zipline Adventures is the perfect place to give it a try. The first three lines give you a nice taste of ziplining so you can decide if you love it or not.
 
Know Before You Go To Grafton Zipline Adventures:

Location: 800 Timber Ridge Dr., Grafton, IL; just a short drive from St. Louis

Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m.- 6p.m.

Cost: $79 Sunday-Friday $80 Saturday

Contact: https://www.graftonzipline.com or 618-786-8439

In The Area: Be sure to stop by Grafton’s local wineries and gift shops!

*subject to change

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This is, hand’s down, the one way that I’ve survived thousands of miles in the car. Knowing that there is some really cool roadside attraction or World’s Largest item in the near future makes those long car rides easier to handle.

I’ve put together a list of the ones I’ve visited and I’ll be adding to this list as I check the rest of the World’s Largest in the Midwest off my list.

The list is put together by state. I’ve included notes, if needed, about visiting each of the attractions. What you may need to know, best time to visit, etc.

Without further ado I give you

The World’s Largest Things in the Midwest

INDIANA

Worlds Largest Ball of Paint, Alexandria, IN

Give them a call to schedule a time to view the World’s Largest Ball of Paint. You can also inquire and see about adding another layer of paint!

ILLINOIS

Casey, Illinois – “Big Things, Small Town“

This small town in Illinois is packed full of 12 of the World’s Largest things and 19 really, really big things that don’t quite qualify as World’s Largest.

Some things you’ll find:

Worlds Largest Wind Chime
Worlds Largest Rocking Chair
Worlds Largest Key
Worlds Largest Barber Pole
Worlds Largest Mailbox
Giant Mouse Trap
Giant Wooden Coin

Be sure to click over to their website to print a map and see where everything is located. If you’re within a short drive of Casey on your next road trip it is worth the stop and/or detour!

World’s Largest & Most Intricate Corn Maze, Spring Grove

At Richardson Adventure Farm you’ll find the World’s Largest and most intricate Corn Maze with almost 10 miles of trails through 28 acres of corn.

The maze design is unique for each year. In 2019 they celebrated the 50th-anniversary of the Apollo moon landing.

If corn mazes are your jam this one is not to be missed!

MICHIGAN

World’s Tallest Ore Miner “Big John”, Iron Mountain

While you’re visiting the World’s Tallest Ore Miner step inside and take a guided tour into the mines. Big John watches over the Iron Mountain Iron Mine where you can take a step back in history and learn about this way of life.

World’s Largest Indian – Ironwood

Not too far off US-2 and well worth the short detour, you’ll find the World’s Largest Indiana at a small park. Plenty of parking is available.

World’s Largest Stormy Kromer Hat (dubbed so by me 😉 ), Ironwood

Ok, I can’t say that it’s officially the World’s Largest Stormy Kromer hat, but I’ve not heard of any others in the Midwest or U.S. for that matter. Located at the Stormy Kromer headquarters. If you visit during business hours be sure to check out the store and take home your own hat. 

World’s Largest Front Porch, Mackinac Island

Located at one of the most iconic hotels in Michigan, the Grand Hotel is home to the World’s Largest Front Porch coming in at 660′ long.

Indulge in a stay here and enjoy an afternoon sitting on the porch, sipping a cocktail and watching the freighter and boats pass through the straights. Seriously, this should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Honestly, this is just one of the many reasons to visit Mackinac Island.

Note: If you don’t want to stay you can pay a small fee to tour the grounds and then stay for a cocktail or beverage on the porch.

World’s Largest Christmas Store, Frankenmuth

Open 361 days of the year, Bronner’s is THE place to find anything and everything to do with Christmas. Ornaments galore, decor, trees, outdoor light displays.

If you are looking for something Christmas related there’s a really good possibility that they’ll have it!

MINNESOTA

World’s Largest Turkey, Frazee

The World’s Largest Turkey is located right off the highway making it a quick and easy stop. It’s on a hilltop at the entrance to Lions Park (note, there are bathrooms there if needed) which also makes a great place to have a picnic.

World’s Largest Dilly Bar, Moorehead

Great place to stop for a refreshing treat AND get a photo of the World’s Largest Dilly Bar. Right next door to Fargo and off of I-94. 

World’s Largest Northern Fish, Erskine

Well, it’s a pretty big Northern fish at a small park. Not much to write about it except to check it off our list of World’s Largest Things in the Midwest.

On a fun note, it’s been there 30-years and going strong.

MISSOURI

World’s Largest Fork, Springfield

When you’re near the World’s Largest Fork you stop and take a photo. Located in a business district. I remember it being a little challenging to find, but as you can see we finally found it.

This is also a good reminder of how far I’ve come on my weight loss/getting healthy journey. Stunning the difference a couple of years makes. 

NORTH DAKOTA

Ok, it’s not a World’s Largest, but it is pretty cool and there is only one place in the World you can see it so there’s that.

If you’re anywhere in north-central North Dakota you MUST stop by and see the Geographic Center of the United States in Lebanon.

Worlds Largest Buffalo, Jamestown

Located in Frontier Village (free admission) if it’s not too busy you’ll be able to park close by and make the short walk to the buffalo. He’s also visible from I-94!

Located in a western town style district. 

Worlds Largest Cow, New Salem

 Known as Salem Sue she is visible from the highway. You can exit the highway and drive to the top of the hill to get up close with Salem Sue, but if the weather is bad you may want to skip it as it’s a steep road to the top. 

The views, however, once you are at the top are incredible. Highly recommend taking 15 minutes and making this stop.

World’s Largest Dala Horse (maybe), Minot

It’s not an “official” designation, but it’s a 30′ tall Dala horse!

If it’s not the World’s Largest Dala Horse it just might be the largest in the U.S. 

Still worth a visit to Minot to see it. While you’re in town swing by downtown and visit one of their many murals.

World’s Largest Sandhill Crane, Steele

I love that so many of these World’s Largest are right off the highway and often time visible from the highway. Of course, I always recommend taking the extra few minutes and making the stop.

Since they are usually so close to the exit it only adds 5-10 minutes to your trip. 

You can almost drive right up to the World’s Largest Sandhill Crane. Bring a travel partner with you as there are signs on where a photographer can stand and where the other person stands to create the absolute best photo!

World’s Largest Turtle Riding a Snowmobile, Bottineau

Because when you find something as quirky as the World’s Largest Turtle Riding a Snowmobile you absolutely MUST go.

While in Bottineau be sure to grab a coffee at Rx Coffee, lunch at Metigoshe Drive-In and take a paddle around Lake Metigoshe.

World’s Largest Toothbrush, Fargo

You’ll find the Worlds Largest Toothbrush right off the highway in Fargo at a dentist office. It’s so random and because it’s right off I-94 there’s really no reason not to stop.

OHIO

World’s Largest Washboard, Logan

You’ll find plenty of parking here making it a breeze to stop and take a photo. Plus, Logan is in one of the prettiest areas of Ohio, in my opinion, located in Hocking Hills.

World’s Largest Stamp, Cleveland 

Parking can be challenging to find. My suggestion, go really early and have someone drive you by really SLOW as you take a photo out your window.

World’s Largest Outdoor Chandelier, Cleveland

After you do the slow drive by the World’s Largest Stamp drive over to the World’s Largest Outdoor Chandelier and do another slow drive past it to grab a photo.

Disclaimer: I hate city parking so I always try to find a workaround lol.

World’s Largest Candy Store in Cleveland

Life is sweet when you visit Sweeties, the World’s Largest Candy Store in Cleveland.

Check their site for current hours. Know that there is also a pretty big ice cream shop inside as well.

World’s Largest Gavel, Columbus

Located downtown, I snapped this one out the car window as we were driving past. Not always my first choice, but sometimes you just have to make do with you got.

World’s Largest Corn Field, Dublin

Fun roadside attraction in Dublin, just outside of Columbus. I’m not sure how many ears of corn are here, but it’s a fun photo op!

World’s Largest Geode, Put in Bay

There’s a lot of reasons to visit Put in Bay but being home to the World’s Largest Geode tops our list. You have to pay to take a tour of the geode and you should be able to navigate stairs. It’s definitely NOT handicap accessible, but worth the price of admission to stand inside the geode.

SOUTH DAKOTA

Worlds Largest Drugstore, Wall

If you are driving west towards Wall, SD you’ll start seeing billboards almost as soon as you enter SD (maybe even before).

I know Em and I made a game of counting the billboards on a road trip we took some years back. Of course, I’ve forgotten how many there are, but there are quite a few. 

Once in Wall, Wall Drug is just about the entire town so there is no missing it. Be sure to explore and see all there is at Wall Drugs because it does not disappoint.

WISCONSIN

World’s Largest Corkscrew (just across the state line from Michigan)

If you find yourself in Ironwood, MI visiting the World’s Largest Indian and World’s Largest Stormy Kromer hat drive west a couple of miles and visit the World’s Largest Corkscrew. 

Located on US-2, you can’t miss it.

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Check out our favorite reasons why you will want to visit this winter and create a fun family itinerary that everyone will love.

(c)Starved Rock Lodge

Winter Escape to Starved Rock Lodge, IL

Are you looking for a place to take your family this winter?

This is the perfect family destination. Located in central Illinois the lodge is part of the Starved Rock State Park system.

There is something for everyone to do at the park. Hiking, eagle viewing, trolley tours, entertainment & events.

Around the lodge, you will find local dining, activities of all sorts, and even places to stay including the main lodge or one of their 5 cabins that are out in the woods during your vacation.

Let’s explore the lodge a bit more, shall we?

(c)Kathy Casstevens

MUST TRY ACTIVITY

A must try activity to do around the lodge is the famous Trolley tours, where you can explore the area in one of two of their trolleys, the Ranger or the Bella.

You can take an everyday historic where you will get to experience and explore the area while learning all about the history of the area.

Alternatively, you can catch one of their winter tours which include the Discover the Eagle Tours with an eagle presentation at the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center.

(c)Starved Rock Lodge

WINTER HIKES 

Wanting to do some more in depth exploring in the great outdoors?

Venture out to one of the amazing guided hike tours where you will be able to explore the area more in depth.

(c)Starved Rock Lodge

Looking to enjoy yourself, wind down, and go into a state of relaxation?

Lounge around by the indoor pool, soak in the hot tub, or even hang out in one of the two saunas.

They have a closed off children’s pool for your little ones and is a great area of children.

Spa services are also available!

You will have an amazing day filled with relaxation and spa treatment.

(c)Starved Rock Lodge

This is a great place to gather up your whole family and enjoy a nice, relaxing stay for your family winter vacation.

Don’t worry about having to leave your furry friends behind. The lodge offers pet-friendly accommodations.

Book your reservation today.

More Nearby Travel Destinations:

• Ghost Hunting In Alton, IL
• Ten Fun Reasons To Visit McHenry, IL
• Why You Should Plan A Girlfriend Getaway To Homewood, IL
• Haunted Places That Will Leave You Scared

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Soon, the Mississippi River is windy alongside the road and I know we are getting close to our destination.

This is the first day of our 9-day Laura Loopers road trip to visit Laura Ingalls Wilder sites in Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota.

We decided to start our trip in Galena, IL (a completely non-Laura related town) based solely on all the great things I’d been hearing about it and it’s proximity to our first stop in Burr Oak, IA.

Needless to say, I wasn’t misled and I ended up falling just a little bit in love with this small midwestern town.

Back in the day, Galena was a booming lead mining town and steamboat hub. 10s of 1,000s of people settled here to make their fortunes including the Grant family, who gave us one of the greatest military leaders in the American Civil War, Ulysses S. Grant.

Today, the town has fewer than 4,000 residents, but has fully embraced tourism and does their utmost best to welcome you.

The Grant family store building still stands on Main Street and the architecture along the curvy road is reflective of an era gone by.

Now, the street is lined with boutique shops, restaurants, antique stores, and hotels.

The history, architecture, great food, and walkability make Galena the perfect place to play for a day or three.

WHERE TO STAY IN GALENA, IL

I was fortunate enough to stay at the Greenbriar Country Inn.

Housed in a recently renovated 1838 historic home the Greenbriar is warm and welcoming with gracious hosts that make you feel at home.

The inn offers a screened-in porch and inviting sitting room.

Books and games can be found throughout the inn if you prefer a night in.

A hearty continental breakfast is included with your room and is served buffet style at your leisure.

Each room at the Greenbriar offers an en-suite bathroom and the privacy you expect. The rooms also offer a small tv, but there is no WIFI (shudder).

Honestly, that was the only downside of the inn. It’s perfect for those that are really wanting to get away from it all, not so good for a travel writer with deadlines (yikes!)

Seriously, though, the inn is so adorable and in such a perfect location that I can forgive them this small trespass 😉

I wouldn’t hesitate to stay at the Greenbriar on a future visit and hope to do so again soon.

There are many other hotels, inns and guest houses in the area. We passed many during our walks and drive around town. The DeSoto hotel on Main St is the oldest hotel operating hotel in Illinois.

If you have time, walk in the main doors, past the reception desk, and into the next room and take a look at the old photos adorning the walls.

Peek in the downstairs restaurant to see where the Lady in Black is seen passing through the wall.

Yep, the DeSoto is reportedly haunted and the perfect place to stay for all my ghost loving friends.

When you are in Galena I highly recommend staying in a historic inn or hotel to fully experience the historic value that the area offers.

WHERE TO PLAY IN GALENA, IL

We had a short visit to Galena and focused most of our attention on the historic downtown.

I love the curves of Main Street with its historic storefronts and great architecture.

I could spend another day just wandering up and down this street and exploring all its nooks and crannies.

After wandering around Main Street take a ghost tour, Main Street walking tour or trolley tour.

We ended up on the All About A Ghost tour with local historian, Steve. It was more history tour than ghost tour.

If you want to know more about the beginnings of Galena and famous visitors than take the All About A Ghost tour (not sure why it’s called this since there really isn’t much talk about ghosts).

For more ghostly stories, I’ve heard that Amelia’s Galena Ghost Tours is the one to take.

While walking around Main St. be sure to look down and check out the bricks lining the sidewalk.

These are the original bricks that paved the road.

They have repurposed them into sidewalk edging which I think is a great way to keep the town’s history alive.

Galena offers a number of historic sites and museums.

Tour the home of Ulysses S. Grant, an old stockade, Galena’s oldest home, Dowling house, and many others.

For those who want something more quirky stop by the Belvedere House, an Italianate 1857 mansion.

View Victorian furnishings, Liberace’s estate items, ‘Gone with the Wind’ green drapes and a number of other interesting artifacts.

There is no shortage of wineries, breweries or distilleries in the area. Sadly, we didn’t have time to visit any (it’s my excuse to go back), but you can find a list of places to visit here.

Be sure to go to Blaum Brothers Distilling Co and report back. I really meant to buy a bottle of their whiskey before I left, but it didn’t happen.

Spend time outdoor along or on the Galena River which runs along downtown.

There is a  nice paved pathway that winds its way along the top of the river embankment providing scenic views of the river as well as the town.

The Galena area provides a number of outdoor activities including hiking, camping, paddle boarding and more.

WHERE TO EAT IN GALENA, IL

According to Chris Hamilton, president of VisitGalena.org, there is “more eclectic dining than you can enjoy in a week.”

If you are visiting on the weekend you’ll want to make a reservation for dinner or be prepared to wait a while for a table.

There are so many great restaurants in the area. It really can be considered a foodie dream destination. In addition to restaurants, you’ll find bakeries, markets, and specialty food shops. Stop by a few places and pick up everything you need for a picnic or grab a table at a sidewalk cafe.

During the summer, it is nice to dine outdoors, but even during the winter months, Galena is a culinary delight.

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