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Where To Find The World’s Largest Things in the Midwest

Deb Thompson — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 20:00:25 +0000

Want to know one thing that makes epic road trips even better? Something that breaks up the monotony of endless miles? Searching out and stopping at the World’s Largest Things in the Midwest!

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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6 Things To Do In Jefferson City MO

Deb Thompson — Sat, 11 Feb 2023 21:00:00 +0000

Jefferson City, is smack dab in the middle of Missouri and acts as the capital for the state.

From indoor entertainment to outdoor activities you are sure to find something that will entertain everyone in your group when you’re visiting this midwest city.

These recommendations will simply get your adventure started.

What charmed us during our visit were tree-lined streets, friendly residents, quaint shops and so much history.

As towns go it can definitely be classified as a small town, but that alone is part of its charm it’s also a great day trip or perfect for a weekend getaway.

We found a great selection of things to do in Jefferson City MO. We are sharing our favorites here.

6 Things To Do In Jefferson City MO

MISSOURI CAPITOL BUILDING TOUR

If you love architecture and art you absolutely have to tour the Capitol Building. The building is modeled after the nation’s Capitol in D.C. The rotunda is simply amazing.

Take a guided tour and have them take you to the artwork that changes as you walk past it.

I could have spent a lot of time walking back and forth in front of it.

As much as I loved the inside of the building there are also great sculptures and works of art outside as well.

Plan at least 2 hours so you can fully soak up the experience here in Jefferson City, Missouri.

There are all kinds of hidden gems here. Take the time to enjoy them.

This may not be at the top of your teen’s list, but Emma survived the tour and even learned a thing or two.

Missouri State Capitol
201 W. Capitol Ave.
(573) 751-2854
www.MOCapitolTours.com
Tours: Monday – Saturday every hour on the hour, Sunday 10:00, 11:00, 2:00 and 3:00
Free admission

MISSOURI STATE PENITENTIARY TOUR

This prison was established in 1836 and decommissioned in 2004. It has 180+ years of history lying within its prison walls. A guided tour brings all that history to life.

We visited the oldest building still standing on the site, the dungeon, the upper yard and the housing unit.

Our guide provided insight into infamous inmates (did you know that Martin Luther King’s assassin escaped from here?), the 1954 riot and so much more.

I highly recommend taking a historical tour and then taking a ghost tour of the prison.

Sadly, there wasn’t a ghost tour available on the day that we visited, but that just gives Em & I a reason to go back.

By the way, Em loved the prison tour so it’s definitely teen approved.

Missouri State Penitentiary Tours
115 Lafayette Street
(866) 998-6998
www.missouripentours.com
Tour prices start at $15 per person
Age restrictions apply, please see their site for complete details.

MUSEUM STATE PENITENTIARY MUSEUM

If you are unable to make it to the Missouri State Penitentiary (there are limited, seasonal hours) you definitely need to visit the Missouri State Penitentiary Museum in the Col. Darwin W. Marmaduke House.

The museum shares an insider look at prison life inside the cold stone walls.

In addition to historical facts, there is an actual prison cell with bars, bunk bed and graffiti wall to show size and living conditions.

The museum highlights the following four categories:

Prison Industries
Contract Labor/Private Industries
Inside the Walls
Control & Counter Control (ie: riots).

Plan an hour to completely absorb all that the museum has to offer.

Missouri State Penitentiary Museum
700 E Capitol Ave
Jefferson City, MO
(866)998-6998
https://www.missouripentours.com/museum

RUNGE NATURE CENTER

Learn about Missouri’s habitats and the fish, forest and wildlife that call Missouri home. There is hiking, bird watching, and 3,000 square feet of exhibits showing off Missouri’s nature.

The trails are self-guided and there is even a trail that is accessible to people with disabilities. The center offers educational opportunities throughout the year.

Be sure to check their special events calendar to see what is happening while you are visiting Jefferson City, Missouri.

Runge Nature Center
MO Hwy. 179
Jefferson City, MO 6510
(573)526-5544
https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/runge-conservation-nature-center
FREE Admission

PRISON BREWS

Great eats can be found at Prison Brews, a unique brewpub located in the historic east side of Jefferson City two blocks from the old Missouri State Penitentiary.

In addition to having a delicious brew and great food, Prison Brews is the only place in Jefferson City that you can play Bocce Ball.

305 Ash St
Jefferson City, MO 65101
573.635.0678
https://www.prisonbrews.com/

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