Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
🌆 Illinois Things to Do
21
items A collection of places we visited and enjoyed while traveling through Illinois.
Saved for memories and for anyone planning a trip.
Map
Sections
5
📍 Must-See Places
🏛️ History & Culture
🍴 Food & Local Eats
🛍️ Shopping & Wandering
🎭 Fun Stops
📍 Must-See Places
Superman-themed museum and gift shop in Metropolis.
Fun stop if you’re passing through southern Illinois.
The Super Museum
🏛️ History & Culture
Stopped at the historic Postville Courthouse — where Abraham Lincoln studied law
One of the oldest surviving courthouses in Illinois
Direct connection to Abraham Lincoln’s early law career
Postville Courthouse State Historic Site
🍴 Food & Local Eats
Massive, multi-level Starbucks experience with exclusive drinks and a full food menu. Fun to see at least once, especially if you like coffee or unique interiors.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
Classic Chicago hot dog spot with retro vibes and the iconic rooftop hot dog figures. Fun to experience at least once, but a little overpriced in my opinion. Worth it if you’re already in the area and want a classic Chicago-style dog.
Superdawg Drive-In
A classic Route 66 soda fountain with old-school vibes. Good stop for lunch or dinner, especially if you want a nostalgic meal and a milkshake break while road-tripping.
Docs Just Off 66
🛍️ Shopping & Wandering
Fun stop for Harry Potter fans with themed rooms and exclusive merch. You don’t need long here, but it’s a cool walkthrough if you’re already downtown.
Harry Potter Shop Chicago
Trendy designer toy and blind box shop. Fun to browse and a quick stop if you’re already downtown, especially if you like collectibles.
POP MART
Fun, quirky antique mall with lots of booths and Route 66 vibes. Great stop if you enjoy browsing and odd finds. Worth it if you’re already nearby.
Pink Elephant Antique Mall
A charming antique shop along Route 66 with a fun mix of vintage finds. Great place to browse, try on quirky pieces, and hunt for one-of-a-kind treasures.
Tammi’s Treasures, Antiques & More
🛣️ Classic Route 66 stop in Lincoln, IL! This flea market is packed with vintage finds, collectibles, and hidden gems at great prices. I scored 3 vintage Garfield plush for an amazing deal, and they looked brand new. Fun to browse, friendly vendors,...
Route 66 Flea Market Lincoln Illinois
🎭 Fun Stops
A scaled-down version of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Fun photo stop and worth a quick visit if you’re already in the area, but not something to go far out of your way for.
Leaning Tower of Niles
Fun, quirky roadside stop and an easy photo op if you’re already passing through the area. Doesn’t take long to see, but it’s a classic Route 66–style landmark and worth a quick stop.
Worlds Largest Catsup Bottle
Fun Route 66–themed stop with bright murals, classic signage, and quirky oversized roadside art. Easy to walk, quick to see, and great for photos if you’re already passing through.
It's Electric Neon Sign Park on Route 66
Fun, quirky antique mall with lots of booths and Route 66 vibes. Great stop if you enjoy browsing and odd finds. Worth it if you’re already nearby.
Henrys Rabbit Ranch | Staunton IL
Small but iconic Route 66 stop featuring a restored historic Shell service station. It’s mostly about the signage, history, and photo ops rather than a long visit.
Illinois: Soulsby Service Station
A small, peaceful roadside shrine just off historic Route 66. It features a religious statue and landscaped area meant for quiet reflection rather than sightseeing.
Shrine of Our Lady of the Highways in Raymond, Illinois - Route 66 Road Map
A fun roadside landmark featuring the World’s Largest Covered Wagon with a statue of Abraham Lincoln. Quick, quirky, and perfect for a Route 66 photo stop.
World's Largest Railsplitter Covered Wagon
Classic Route 66 roadside stop in Atlanta, Illinois. The Bunyon Giant is a fun, oversized Paul Bunyan statue holding a giant hot dog — quick, quirky, and perfect for photos.
Paul Bunyon Hotdog Statue
Classic Route 66 roadside stop in Atlanta, Illinois. The Bunyon Giant is a fun, oversized Paul Bunyan statue holding a giant hot dog — quick, quirky, and perfect for photos.
American Giants Museum
Iconic Route 66 fiberglass giant holding a rocket, originally created during the Space Race era. One of the most recognizable roadside attractions in Illinois.
Gemini Giant
A classic roadside photo stop featuring the giant Big John statue out front. Quirky, nostalgic, and fun for a quick picture—especially if you’re already passing through Metropolis. Not a destination by itself, but a memorable roadside stop that’s per...
Metropolis Big John Super Str