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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Not only did I learn about Walnut Grove, but I learned that there are 6 historic sites across the Midwest that have a tie-in to Laura Ingalls Wilder.

I knew of the Ingalls homestead in DeSmet, South Dakota, but had no ideas about Walnut Grove and the others.

The mind is blown and a road trip is immediately planned.

My friend, Sara, and I hit the road to explore three of the six sites and had one of the best trips in the history of road trips.

We visited Burr Oak, IA, Walnut Grove, MN and DeSmet, IA.

Each location offers a different insight into the Ingalls family and, more importantly, the heroine of the book, Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Walnut Grove, located in southwest Minnesota, is home to the Laura Ingalls Wilder museum, Dugout Site/Plum Creek and Nellies Cafe, named after Laura’s archenemy.

PLAY ON THE BANKS OF PLUM CREEK

After months of planning we were excited to finally be in Walnut Grove.

In the late 1800’s Laura lived in a dugout on the banks of Plum Creek near the town of Walnut Grove.

The dugout site is located on private property, however, the owners are kind enough to allow Laura Ingalls Wilder and Little House on the Prairie aficionados access to Plum Creek and the site of the dugout.

Pay a $5 fee in the honor box and drive to the back of the property where there is significant parking, signage and picnic tables.

I love that the owners took the time to create storyboards about this area.

The board shares excerpts from the Little House on the Prairie book series, which is a helpful reminder in case its been a while since you’ve read On The Banks Of Plum Creek.

A bridge gives access to both sides of the creek and Sara and I spent quite a while just enjoying the same area that Laura Ingalls Wilder lived and played.

This was one of the moments in time that felt a little surreal.

I took a few moments to just absorb the fact that I was standing on ground that was brought to life in a book.

Quite a moment of historical fiction meeting real life.

I recommend packing a picnic (don’t forget bug spray) and having lunch on the banks of Plum Creek. If you are quiet and still for a few moments you might feel Laura’s presence surround you as you enjoy the peacefulness of the area.

I know for us, it was a bit magical.

LAURA INGALLS WILDER MUSEUM IN WALNUT GROVE MN

Back in town, we visited the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum.

The museum campus has numerous buildings dedicated to the era of Laura’s time. Explore a time period home, schoolhouse, dugout, church, barn and more.

The exhibits are so well done.

Informative, educational and entertaining all rolled into one. There are exhibits dedicated to the Little House on the Prairie tv series with displays showcasing the different characters and a TV looping the program.

Other exhibits have artifacts from Laura’s life on the prairie.

There are plenty of hands-on experiences for kids.

Dress up, play old fashioned games and see the toys from days gone by. Preach at church, attend school, play in a dugout, or pretend to work a general store.

The museum really encourages families to interact with one another and the exhibits.

We read letters written to and from Laura Ingalls Wilder and sat at a writing desk as we think of Laura writing these cherished childhood stories.

In a farm kitchen, we stumbled across a recipe for Laura’s gingerbread which we immediately photographed and make when we return home.

By the way, it’s delicious served with applesauce.

The Ingalls and other from that time were the original pioneers of tiny homes.

Step inside a dugout and see what life would have been like in this small dirt home.

Prairie grasses and flowers cover the grounds of the museum and is full of color adding to the overall character.

After exploring all the exhibits a stop at the gift shop is a must. I’m not much of a shopper, but museum gift shops have the best gifts, in my opinion.

We decided that purchasing bonnets for the remainder of a trip was a must for photos ops along the way.

It’s an amazing experience to explore the life and times of Laura Ingalls Wilder in Walnut Grove and gain more insight into the Little House on the Prairie books.

I adored this museum and highly recommend it to Little House on the Prairie and Laura Ingalls Wilder fans.

WILDER PAGEANT

Visit the area during July weekends and you can attend the Wilder Pageant, “a family-oriented outdoor drama based on the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder in Walnut Grove.

It is a live performance each night with all characters from the Walnut Grove area.  Laura narrates the story, reflecting on her life in Walnut Grove in the 1870s.”

More information for planning a visit to one of Little House on the Prairie sites can be found here: https://walnutgrove.org

SIDE TRIP FROM WALNUT GROVE

After leaving Walnut Grove head West on Hwy 14 to the town of Tracy.

There is a Wheels Across The Prairie museum that looks like a lot of fun for the family to visit.

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Don’t get me wrong, there are a whole lot of corn fields, which I appreciate, but after a while, oye. Please give me something different to see.

It became a joke between Em & I.

Me: “Hey Emma, guess what I spy?”

Emma: “Ummmmm…..Corn???”

Me: “You win!”

Yes, we were getting goofy as heck and would be giddy if it changed from cornfields to hay fields since it was a different view.

However, there are some highlights along I-90 worth mentioning.

TOP HIGHLIGHTS ALONG MN/SD I-90

PANORAMIC VIEWS

First, being able to look across the land and see for-ev-er is amazing. In Michigan, we have a lot of trees that inhibit us from being able to see great distances. Not so in South Dakota.

Honestly, it was amazing.

Disclaimer: most photos were taken out the car window by Em as we were driving 75mph–not always the best quality, but it gives you a good idea of what we saw.

Driving towards Rapid City we saw LOTS of Harleys. The Sturgis Rally was getting ready to start so lots of bikers headed towards Sturgis, SD.

FIRE TRUCK ON END

Of course, there was the occasional oddity along the way like this old fire truck turned up on end.

WALL DRUG BILLBOARDS

We started seeing Wall Drug billboards as soon as we merged onto I-90 in Minnesota.

It became a game to count how many we passed.

Our best calculation from first entering South Dakota until we left I-90 at the entrance to the Badlands is 40 billboards and those are just the ones we saw.

I’m quite sure that we missed some while we were chatting or checking out the Harley’s that were passing.

Yikes! That is a lot of Wall Drug billboards….oh, and each of them are different.

Yes, a cup of coffee really is only 5 cents and they still have free ice water.

More about Wall Drug in another post. 🙂

ALL THE BILLBOARDS

Emma helped combat the boredom of the drive-by either a) sleeping or b) taking photos of billboards.

Quite a few Harley boards and billboards for tourist attractions.

Yes, I will have a post soon about the Corn Palace. Interesting place.

CHAMBERLAIN REST STOP

If you are driving along I-90 in South Dakota and you are near Chamberlain, SD you have to stop at the rest area.

Great view of the Missouri River and a nice interactive historical display inside.

Hope you enjoyed the virtual trip along I-90.

More things to do in South Dakota

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