theo5p's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
Alto Pass, Illinois

Bald Knob Cross of Peace

Even with its slightly risible name this colossal cross is still able to inspire awe.
Alto Pass, Illinois

Root Beer Saloon

permanently closed
Taxidermy, Cigar Store Indians, A Model of a New York Tenement and Delicious Draft Root Beer.
Chester, Illinois

Popeye Character Trail

The hometown of Popeye's creator is littered with a growing collection of granite cartoon characters.
Oregon, Illinois

Black Hawk Statue

This monolithic statue was erected in honor of Chief Black Hawk (even if it wasn't made to look like him).
Geneva, Illinois

The Viking

A replica viking ship from the Chicago World's Fair is still in dry dock in an Illinois park.
Batavia, Illinois

Fermilab

World's second largest particle accelerator, where nature reveals its secrets.
St. Louis, Missouri

World's Largest Amoco Sign

This titanic oil company sign is a reminder of the Americana boom of the 1970s and also its commoditization.
St. Louis, Missouri

Turtle Playground

This is not your typical jungle gym.
St. Louis, Missouri

World Chess Hall of Fame

A chessmaster's dream destination.
Alton, Illinois

Piasa Bird

A mythical bird etched into the face of a rock doubles as the mascot for a nearby school.
Collinsville, Illinois

World's Largest Catsup Bottle

Quirky water tower advertises the long-gone Brooks Tomato Products Co.