Livin' Large

Adventure is Bigger in ILLINOISouth!

When it comes to living large, ILLINOSouth is all about it. Our area is home to MANY of the largest things in the world, as well as some of the largest things in the state.

World’s Largest Rocking Chair in Casey, IL

Photo Credit: @dataddict42

For those who are outdoor enthusiasts, ILLINOISouth is home to the LARGEST state recreation area in Illinois. Pyramid State Recreation Area in Perry County contains 19,701 acres – which includes 24 separate lakes and bodies of water, which are mostly used for fishing and kayaking. If hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding are more your speed – Pyramid State Recreation area boasts over 16 miles worth of trails. The Illinois DNR manages sections of the park for the hunting of deer, doves, pheasants, wild turkeys and water-fowl as well.

The largest collection of BIG things can be found in Casey, which has taken the nickname ‘Big Things in a Small Town.’ Here you’ll find over two dozen big attractions; including a functioning wooden top, a birdcage, a rocking horse, and a mouse trap among others. There are also 11 Guinness World Record holders in Casey including the World’s Largest Rocking Chair, the World’s Largest Truck Key, and the World’s Largest Mailbox. The great thing is, Casey keeps adding to their collection of BIG things so you never know what giant attraction will pop up next!

Photo Credit: @visitcaseyil

Nobody does BIGGER better than the folks in Clark County. Scattered throughout the county you’ll find a HUGE horseshoe and anvil in Martinsville, and the World’s Largest Gavel at the Clark County Courthouse in Marshall.

If you’re looking for one of the largest instruments in the world, head to Centralia! The Centralia Carillon is a bell tower, comprised of 65 bells with a total weight of over 61 thousand pounds! The Centralia Carillon ranks in the top ten of all carillons worldwide in terms of size. There are frequently musical programs for folks to enjoy depending on the season – so enjoy the sights AND sounds of the Centralia Carillon!

World’s Largest Golf Club in Casey, IL

Another LARGE attraction in ILLINOISouth sits in St. Clair County. Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park is positioned right next to Casino Queen and is home to the Gateway Geyser - the tallest water fountain in the United States, and the third tallest in the world! The Geyser can reach up to 630 feet in the air, which is the height of the Gateway Arch directly across the river in St. Louis. The Gateway Geyser erupts at noon each day, from the spring through the fall. Take in the fountain in all of its glory from a covered gazebo, or climb up the 43 foot tall observation deck near the river for more of a ‘birds-eye’ view!

Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park in St. Clair County

Photo Credit: Justin Barr @stl_from_above

For more travel and tourism ideas, visit ILLINOISouth.org.