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Illinois Camping | Things to Do

Fun & Funky Things to Do | Illinois

Illinois is an amazing state filled with fun and funky attractions. In addition to the many destinations that people usually enjoy in Illinois, here are a few of those destinations that are a bit out of the ordinary.

Smiley Face Water Towers
Visitors to Illinois should keep an eye out for the Smiley Face water towers that are found in various towns throughout the state. These water towers, painted yellow with large smiling faces are difficult to miss. In fact visitors to Calumet City can see two Smiley Face water towers.

Purple Martin Capital of the World

The town of Griggsville, Illinois is known as the "Purple Martin Capital of the Nation." Visitors to this town will see all sorts of bird houses. In the center of the town there is even a bird high-rise for the Purple Martin's. These birds, once endangered, thrive in this area during the summer due the large quantity of mosquitos. Griggsville is unique in its claim to the "Purple Martin Capital of the Nation" because the town's main industry is the manufacture of the bird houses seen throughout the town.

Popeye Statue
Chester, Illinois is home to a large six-foot bronze statue of Popeye. This town's Popeye statue was built to commemorate the creator of the character. Elzie Segar, creator of Popeye, was born in Chester. Today visitors can enjoy the large statue of the cartoon character, and during certain times of the year attend the Popeye Picnic.

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum
Appropriately located in Springfield, Illinois, this museum is a fun spot to learn all about the life of the president. Although this museum does not have the most genuine artifacts from Lincoln's life, the museum still has plenty to see. Visitors se life-sized wax figures of the Lincoln family and other historic figures during the time. The museum also has 4-D theaters, pictures, paintings and much more.

Villa Katherine

Villa Katherine is located on the banks of the Mississippi near Warsaw, Illinois. It is actually a Moorish castle built in the late 1800s. The interior is filled with ornate woodwork and carvings.   Villa Katherine has a very authentic feel of the Moorish Castle and is a great, fun, Illinois attraction.

 

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