Anytime someone finds out that I love “world’s largest” things, one of their first questions is always, “Have you been to Casey, Illinois?” Now that I have, I can see why so many travelers from near and far flock to this rural community.
For a town of about 2,300 people, Casey has some big things to offer — literally! This small southern Illinois town is home to 12 Guinness World Record-holding attractions, plus a lot of other oversized things to see. Casey also has some truly unique eateries and the most beautiful city landscaping I’ve ever seen. The extra thought and care really added to the experience and shows how the entire town has embraced this larger-than-life gimmick.
So, how did Casey become the home of so many big things? After the town was bypassed by the interstate and lost some of its larger employers, local business owner Jim Bolin decided to use his expertise to engineer some whimsical roadside attractions that would draw visitors (and customers) to the town. And the rest is Casey history.
Keep reading for your ultimate guide to all of the world’s largest things in Casey, Illinois. Plus, all the big things you’ll find here, great places to eat, where to stay and other things to do while you’re in town exploring.
Disclosure: Discover Downstate Illinois hosted my visit to Casey, Illinois. However, all opinions are my own.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Table of Contents
Where to Stay in Casey, Illinois
Eighteen-Ninety Sleepover
If you need a place to stay during your Casey adventure, look no further than the Eighteen-Ninety Sleepover. This historic building from the 1890s has been lovingly renovated into a 12-room hotel that’s as comfortable as it is full of character. It’s also conveniently located in the heart of downtown Casey so all of the town’s oversized attractions are just steps from your door.
All of the boutique hotel’s rooms are thoughtfully decorated and full of modern amenities. But there’s one room that tends to book up more quickly — especially among Harry Potter fans. Opening the door to Room 303 is like stepping into the Gryffindor common room at Hogwarts. This cozy room is full of touches even a muggle can appreciate like a Platform 9 ¾ sign, golden snitch and, of course, Harry Potter books to read. Room 303 includes a king bed as well as a loft with two twin beds, making it a great spot if you’re traveling as a family or with a group. But be sure to plan ahead! This room is popular and tends to book up quickly!
Eighteen-Ninety Sleepover, 14 S. Central Avenue in Casey, Illinois
Additional Accommodations in Casey, Illinois
In addition to traditional hotels, this community also has a number of vacation rentals and short-term accommodations that would be great places to stay in Casey, Illinois.
World’s Largest Things in Casey, Illinois
World’s Largest Barbershop Pole
If it’s time for a trim, then you better pay a visit to the World’s Largest Barbershop Pole. Not only is this attraction a fun photo op, but it’s also a tribute to one of Casey’s long-standing local businesses. Located outside of Tina’s Barbershop, this big barber shop pole needed to actually spin to hold the Guinness World Record. The World’s Largest Barbershop Pole stands at 14 feet and 7 inches tall and measures 3 feet and 11 inches wide.
World’s Largest Barbershop Pole, 12 W. Main Street in Casey, Illinois
World’s Largest Gavel
Head about 25 minutes northeast from Casey to Marshall, Illinois to see the World’s Largest Gavel. After the success of Casey’s big things, their creators wanted to spread the love to other neighboring communities and get visitors exploring even more of the region. Located at the Clark County courthouse, the big gavel measures 16 feet and 8 inches long and stands at 5 feet high.
World’s Largest Gavel, 501 Archer Avenue in Marshall, Illinois
World’s Largest Golf Driver
Fore! The World’s Largest Golf Driver has been a big hit in downtown Casey. After the World’s Largest Golf Tee was created in 2013, visitors kept asking for a big club to go along with it. Finally, the World’s Largest Golf Driver was created using recycled aluminum light poles and persimmon wood. The big club is 45 feet long, weighs 731 pounds and can be found next to the Big Mouse Trap.
World’s Largest Golf Driver, 4 South Central Avenue in Casey, Illinois
World’s Largest Golf Tee
Tee up a good time at the World’s Largest Golf Tee. Located at the Casey Country Club, this giant tee towers over the course’s fairway. Construction began on the World’s Largest Golf Tee in 2012, but it didn’t receive official “world’s largest” status until May of 2013. In fact, it took five months of work alone to laminate the lumber used into the correct tee shape. Now that it’s complete, the tee stands at 30 feet tall and weighs 6,659 pounds.
World’s Largest Golf Tee, 203 North East Street in Casey, Illinois
World’s Largest Key
If you often misplace yours, think what it must be like to carry around the World’s Largest Key. Standing at 28 feet 2 inches tall and 11 feet 4 inches wide, this big key can be found just off Casey’s Main Street near the Big Taco.
This giant attraction is an exact replica of the key to Jim Bolin’s work truck. That meant that when it was reproduced, the creators had to get permission from Chevrolet to use their logo on the record-holding final product. Thankfully they agreed and the World’s Largest Key became a Guinness World Record holder in September 2018.
World’s Largest Key, 4 West Alabama in Casey, Illinois
World’s Largest Mailbox
An essential part of any visit to Casey is sending a postcard from the World’s Largest Mailbox. In order to qualify for the Guinness World Record title, the mailbox had to be fully functional, meaning it had to actually be a place where you could send mail.
Visitors can climb up inside the mailbox for a view of downtown before dropping their letters in the mail slot. This big mailbox even has its own postage cancellation stamp and a giant red flag that raises when a letter is dropped in. Luckily for the local mail carrier, all of the mail posted here drops down into a locked compartment at ground level so they don’t have to constantly climb the stairs.
World’s Largest Mailbox, 19 W. Main Street in Casey, Illinois
World’s Largest Pitchfork
You won’t believe how forkin’ big the World’s Largest Pitchfork is until you see it! Located at Richards Farm Restaurant, this roadside attraction measures 60 feet long and weighs 1,940 pounds. Like some of Casey’s other big things, the giant pitchfork’s handle was created using reclaimed western red cedar and its prongs were made using the arms of old streetlight illuminators. The World’s Largest Pitchfork officially received its Guinness World Record title in October of 2015.
World’s Largest Pitchfork, 607 NE 13th Street in Casey, Illinois
World’s Largest Rocking Chair
Of all of Casey’s big things, the World’s Largest Rocking Chair is one of its most impressive. For one, it took two years for the project to be completed. One of the reasons the construction was so extensive was because in order to hold the Guinness World Record, the chair needed to actually rock. The completed rocking chair stands at 56 feet tall and weighs 46,200 pounds.
When it came time for the attempt, it took 10 people to get the chair moving. But it successfully rocked and Casey’s chair became the world’s largest on October 20, 2015. After that, the chair was anchored for safety reasons.
World’s Largest Rocking Chair, 117 East Street in Casey, Illinois
World’s Largest Swizzle Spoon
Get your cocktail order ready! You can also find the World’s Largest Swizzle Spoon in Casey. Also known as a “twizzle spoon,” the smaller form of this 11-foot, 8.5-inch bar tool is typically used for mixing drinks. When you visit Casey, you’ll find this giant attraction conveniently located outside of a local bar called Brownie’s Place.
World’s Largest Swizzle Spoon, 111 S. Central Avenue in Casey, Illinois
World’s Largest Teeter Totter
Get ready for some super-sized fun! Like many of Casey’s other oversized attractions, the World’s Largest Teeter Totter is interactive and can actually rock back and forth. On Saturdays during the tourist season, volunteers man the 83-foot-long seesaw so that visitors can go for a ride. We were lucky enough to be able to ride the teeter totter when we visited Casey and it was an absolute blast.
World’s Largest Teeter Totter, 111 East Main in Casey, Illinois
World’s Largest Wind Chime
The World’s Largest Wind Chime was actually the attraction that started it all in Casey. The frame of the chime was built on-site on November 17, 2011 and chimes were added about a month later. The entire structure stands at 54 feet tall with the longest chime being 42 feet. For safety (and as to not annoy the neighbors), the chimes are secured so they don’t swing too freely. But you can still approach the wind chime and give it a good ring. The World’s Largest Wind Chime is located next to Whitling Whimsy Cafe, which has a patio perfect for taking in all the oversized attractions.
World’s Largest Wind Chime, 107 East Main Street in Casey, Illinois
World’s Largest Wooden Shoes
You’d need some pretty big feet to fill the World’s Largest Wooden Shoes. In fact, 15 people once stood in just one of these giant shoes as part of the photo shoot. At 4 feet, 9 inches tall and 11 feet, 5 inches long, these wooden shoes are substantial, weighing approximately 2,500 pounds each. You’ll find the supersized shoes in the historic building that now houses Wildflower Bakery and Candy Co. But this attraction also helps visitors support the community. The tradition goes that any money thrown into the wooden shoes is donated to the local food pantry.
World’s Largest Wooden Shoes, 20 W. General Robey in Casey, Illinois
Other Big Things in Casey, Illinois
Sure, Casey has lots of “world’s largest” things. But this small town has a lot of other just plain big attractions as well! From functional toys and fun photo ops to tributes to local business owners, this town has truly supersized its commitment to the wacky and whimsical. The next time you visit, be sure to check out these 20+ big attractions in Casey, Illinois.
Where to Eat in Casey, Illinois
After so many big adventures, you’ll probably have worked up an appetite. Thankfully, Casey is also full of amazing eateries, cozy cafes and enticing sweet shops.
Whether you’re looking for a full meal or just a quick snack, you’re sure to find something tasty in this town. The next time you’re in the area, be sure to bring your appetite and check out these eight places to eat in Casey, Illinois.
Let's Be Social
Want even more offbeat adventures, roadside attractions and world's largest things? Follow Olio in Iowa on your favorite social media platforms, and tag #OlioOnTheRoad when you have quirky adventures of your own.
Other Things to Do in Casey, Illinois
Model Tees Trolley Tours
Experience Casey in a new way by hopping on one of Model Tees’ Trolley Tours. Tours cost $8 per person and begin on the hour during the regular tour season. During the hour-long tour, you’ll traverse the town and learn about Casey’s big attractions as well as how they came to be.
But this trolley isn’t like others you may have ridden. This unique vehicle was made by hand and added to a S-10 truck frame by a Casey local named Archie who used it to tour locals around the town. When he passed away, Model Tees helped continue his legacy by purchasing the trolley and aptly naming it Archie’s Dream.
Model Tees, 22 W. Main Street in Casey, Illinois
Shop Small
If you’re looking for another way to support Casey, there are plenty of local shops to wander through and pick up a souvenir or two. From clothing to home goods and so much more, there are plenty of places to shop in between dining at some delicious restaurants and snapping photos of big attractions.
The next time you visit Casey, be sure to check out these local shops:
- Deborah’s Attic (18 S. Central Avenue in Casey, Illinois): If you like antiques, you won’t want to miss a visit to Deborah’s Attic. This well-organized store is filled with vintage items of all kinds. Even if you’re not in the market for something specific, it’s fun to browse here!
- Olive Tree Marketplace (11 W. Main Street in Casey, Illinois): If you’re in the market for some seriously stylish home decor, this is the spot for you. Olive Tree Marketplace is full of fun seasonal items to add some extra flair to your home. You can also find lots of zero waste cleaning products as well as a refill station in this shop.
- Terra Cottage (4 W. Main Street in Casey, Illinois): Located next to Casey Coffee Company, Terra Cottage is a beautiful floral and plant market sure to make your inner botanist swoon. Whether you’re looking for something to brighten your day or need a unique, nature-themed gift, this cozy shop has got you covered.
- Wildflower Bakery & Candy Co. (20 W. General Robey in Casey, Illinois): Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to the delectable bakery and candy company. Here you’ll find all sorts of delicious treats from cupcakes and cake pops to handmade chocolates and so much more. Plus, when you stop inside you can pay a visit to the World’s Largest Wooden Shoes.
Free Resource: Explore Casey, Illinois with an Interactive Map
Want to easily explore all of the big things that Casey has to offer? I’ve got you covered!
Complete the form linked below to receive an interactive Google map of all the big attractions, places to eat and other activities you won’t want to miss in this small town delivered right to your inbox.
Let's Be Social
Want even more offbeat adventures, roadside attractions and world's largest things? Follow Olio in Iowa on your favorite social media platforms, and tag #OlioOnTheRoad when you have quirky adventures of your own.
Share Your Thoughts
I would love to hear from you! Have you been to see the “world’s largest” things in Casey, Illinois? Do you have a favorite big attraction?
