10 Most Unconventional Towns In Illinois

Going against the grain and doing things in your own way is an interesting way of earning admirers, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the unconventional towns of Illinois. While the Land of Lincoln may be known for its bustling metropolises and sweeping farmlands, a closer look reveals a diverse array of communities that have embraced their quirks and eccentricities, carving out their own unique identities in the process.

These unconventional Illinois towns defy expectations, offering visitors a chance to step outside the realm of the ordinary and immerse themselves in the delightfully unexpected. Whether ticking off the Guinness Book of World Record entrees in Casey or joining other Superman enthusiasts in Metropolis, these unconventional towns in Illinois invite travelers to embrace their inner nonconformist and discover the joys of the unexpected.

Alton

Situated along the picturesque banks of the Mississippi River, Alton lures fans of the dark and mysterious with its multiple haunted locations and ghost tours. McPike Mansion is a prominent town attraction known for its Victorian charm and mystic feel. It is rumored that the spirits of the former residents continue to wander the halls, making it a sought-after stop for guests seeking paranormal experiences. Alton is also home to the American Oddities Museum, which features a quirky collection of exhibits that will leave you scratching your head, from haunted objects and medical quackery to funeral artifacts and supernatural items.

The Piasa Bird monument commemorates an ancient bird-like monster in Native American mythology believed to terrify the community. It was described as having red eyes, deer-like antlers, and a body coated with black, red, and green scales.

Casey

If there is a town in Illinois obsessed with world records, it has to be Casey. This small community takes pride in its larger-than-life and eccentric roadside attractions. It boasts 12 Guinness World Record holders, highlighted by the World's Largest Rocking Chair. Weighing 46,000 pounds and 56 feet tall, this downtown attraction draws multitudes of admirers looking for a unique photo opportunity. The World's Largest Mailbox, which sits on the same street corner, is another notable eye-catcher.

But that is only the tip of the iceberg; Casey is also home to the World's Largest Golf Club, the World's Largest Wind Chime, the World's Largest Barber Pole, and more. Unsurprisingly, tourists always have a camera in hand, hunting for the perfect photo op.

Galena

Galena goes above and beyond the call of duty to preserve its rustic structures and Victorian buildings. Stacked with old-world architectural displays and historical landmarks, its downtown district looks like a scene from a 19th-century movie. The DeSoto House Hotel sticks out on Main Street Galena with a conspicuous red-brick design. It is not only Illinois' oldest operating hotel; rumors of hauntings add to its unusual allure. Galena has several more notable historical markers, including the Italianate Ulysses S Grant Home.

Meanwhile, the Dowling House is the oldest structure in the town. Tracing its origins to 1826 and initially built as a trading post, the home transports guests to the formative years with its collection of primitives, artifacts, pottery, and similar memorabilia.

Fulton

Fulton's unique flair stems from its Dutch pioneers, who decided to settle here in 1823 and establish this quaint community. However, Fulton is not the only Dutch village in America; what makes it stand out is the effort dedicated to celebrating its rich heritage. The town comes alive every May as residents go all out to mark a long-held tradition. The Fulton Dutch Days features activities ranging from folk dancers and traditional Dutch food to craft vendors and a parade.

Besides the festival, other notable landmarks that reflect Futon's European roots include the De Immigrant Windmill. This stunning windmill, built in the Netherlands before being shipped to Fulton, sits on the banks of the Mississippi River. Finally, a critical part of the Fulton experience involves savoring the tasty traditional treats at Krumpets Restaurant and Bakery.

Niles

This adorable village in Cook County promises travelers an opportunity to experience an authentic piece of Italy in Ohio. Similarly to the iconic Tower of Pisa, it was inspired to create its own leaning tower, which was named the "Leaning Tower of Niles." The town even made an agreement with the Italian city of Pisa to help it restore its tower. Today, tourists flock to the half-sized replica for photos and to listen to its heavenly chimes every three hours between 9 am and 6 pm.

To maintain the Italian theme for your itinerary, you can cross the road and stop by Papa Chris' Place for real Italian dishes. The welcoming restaurant serves traditional comfort foods, including gyros, Italian beef, and burgers.

Morton Grove

This unassuming village of Cook County takes its Fourth of July celebrations to the next level. The spectacle with the Morton Grove Days festival, so instead of a single-day celebration, Morton Grove's party lasts multiple days and incorporates an assortment of family-friendly fun. These range from the trademark fireworks display and carnival rides to parades and lots of delicious food.

But if you are not lucky enough to visit in early July, there are several points of interest to explore. You can head to the Morton Grove Historical Museum for the area's backstory, expressed using photographs, documents, and pictures. Alternatively, discover the great outdoors by venturing into St. Paul Woods and making the most of its hiking, camping, and canoeing opportunities.

Metropolis

Metropolis has an overbearing attachment to Superman, making it one of the quirkiest towns in Illinois. Proclaiming itself as the adopted home of Superman, it houses the World's Largest Superman Statue. The 15-foot bronze monument stands in the heart of downtown, and tourists converge around it to pose for photos. Enthusiasts also come to explore the Superman Museum, which intrigues with a vast collection of Superman-themed memorabilia. It exhibits over 20,000 related toys, shirts, comics, and similar items.

However, Metropolis demonstrates its extreme fanaticism during the annual Superman Celebration, when comic super fans from across the country convene in the city with celebrities from TV and film to honor their hero. The spectacle involves a whole day of panel discussions, road races, bike treks, and other fun activities.

Belvidere

Known to many as the "City of Murals," this riparian community on the Kishwaukee River intrigues first-timers with its elaborate public art installations. It started in 1997 when the local Chamber of Commerce introduced a festival, Wall Dog, that resulted in ten downtown murals. However, the tradition gained traction, and today, you can find dozens of them throughout the North and State Street old town districts, both listed on the National Register. Vacationers can learn more about the murals and other aspects of Belvidere's history at the Boone County Museum of History.

Besides its history and art, Summerfield Zoo welcomes visitors to exotic encounters with beautiful wildlife. The family-friendly sanctuary harbors animals such as camels, reindeer, zebras, sloths, alligators, and others.

Woodstock

Woodstock gained national acclamation when it was chosen as a filming location for Bill Murray's Groundhog Day. Ever since the movie made a splash at the Box Office, the town refused to let go of its "fifteen minutes of fame." The film had an indelible mark on the community, and you can find it marking its own Groundhog Day starting in late January. This popular tradition features diverse activities where townsfolk watch the movie in the local cinema, hold a trivia contest about the movie, and perform a musical version at the opera house.

But there is more to the village than its whacky celebration; it houses the Woodstock Square Historic District, where its historical heritage comes alive. The neighborhood offers notable treasures like the Woodstock Opera House and Classic Cinemas Woodstock XQ.

Collinsville

Collinsville prides itself on being home to the "world's largest catsup bottle," a quirky roadside attraction rising 170 feet high. The distinct water tower, designed to resemble a ketchup bottle, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a hub for various social events and festivals.

Collinsville is also full of history and heritage, boasting a wealth of recognizable sites and landmarks. Tourists from around the region come to witness the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. This UNESCO World Heritage Site represents the biggest pre-Columbian village north of Mexico. It was believed to have hosted the great city of Cahokia, a vibrant hub for religious worship and trade. Legend has it that it was used for mass human sacrifice.

Final Thought

If you are a fan of the bizarre, unusual, and nonconformist, these unconventional towns in Illinois offer a captivating escape from the ordinary in the United States. From the whimsical artists' haven of Belvidere to the self-proclaimed "home of Superman" Metropolis, they have embraced their unique identities with infectious enthusiasm, carving out their own delightfully whimsical niches within the Land of Lincoln. By stepping off the beaten path and immersing themselves in the spirit of the eccentric, travelers can uncover a side of Illinois that is as refreshingly unique as it is thoroughly enchanting.