Casey, Illinois

Overview

Get ready to recalibrate your sense of scale, because Casey, Illinois, is where "big" gets a whole new meaning! This ain't your average sleepy Midwest town; oh no, Casey is the proud home to the world's largest collection of ginormous roadside attractions, pulling in over 50,000 gobsmacked visitors every year with its larger-than-life quirky charm. With a cozy population of 2,404 (as of 2020), this titan of triviality sits about 140 miles east of St. Louis and 40 miles west of Terre Haute, Indiana, conveniently perched along Interstate 70. Born in 1851 as a humble railroad stop, Casey got a colossal makeover in the 2010s thanks to local visionary Jim Bolin. This dude decided to put Casey on the map by building ridiculously oversized versions of everyday items – think a 32-foot rocking chair that actually rocks and a 56-foot wind chime that sings to the sky – all to supercharge tourism. Surrounded by those classic rolling farmlands, Casey is an unmissable, offbeat diamond in the rough for road trippers, families looking for epic photo ops, and anyone who hunts down oddities and craves a playful, supersized detour through Illinois' quiet plains. It's big, it's bold, it's Bolin's brilliant brainstorm!

Top Attractions (Get Ready to Feel Tiny!)

World's Largest Rocking Chair

A 56-foot-tall, 46,000-pound cedar behemoth! Guinness certified in 2015, it’s the ultimate selfie spot on Route 40. Go on, try not to look small.

World's Largest Wind Chime

Standing 56 feet long with 49-foot chimes, this giant gently rings its tune at 109 E. Main St. Another Guinness record from 2012. It's musically massive!

World's Largest Mailbox

A 32-foot interactive marvel! You can actually climb inside to mail a postcard at 6 E. Main St. Record set in 2015. Special delivery, indeed!

Big Things Small Town Museum

A FREE showcase of Casey's oversized obsession. Check out the world's largest knitting needles, golf tee, and more. It's a big deal!

Casey Candy Depot

All aboard the sugar express! This 1906 train depot is now a sweet shop paradise. Grab some fudge and soak in the historic charm on Main Street.

Richards Farm Restaurant

Hungry after all that gawking? This barn-style eatery serves up hearty Midwest fare like killer fried chicken, right near the big attractions.

Unique Stories & Facts (It Gets Bigger!)

• One Man's Big Vision: Local hero Jim Bolin kicked off this oversized obsession in 2011 with the wind chime. Just eight years later, Casey proudly held 12 Guinness World Records! Talk about dreaming big!
• Rocking Chair Rivalry & Revival: Casey's colossal rocking chair snatched the "world's largest" title from a Missouri contender in 2015. Locals celebrate its majestic sway with an annual "Rock-In" event. Take that, Missouri!
• Mailbox Milestone That Delivers: Built in 2015, this ain't just a giant prop. The World's Largest Mailbox actually works! Letters mailed from inside get a special Casey postmark. How cool is that?
• From Rails to Rockers (and Candy!): Casey's railroad past hit its peak in the 1890s. Now, its historic depot sells candy – a sweet nod to sweeter, simpler times, and a delicious pit stop.

Best Travel Seasons (When to Get Your Giant On!)

Popular Activities (More Than Just Gawking!)

• Big Thing Hunting & Selfie Safari: This is what you came for! Snap pics with the rocking chair, wind chime, mailbox, and all 12 oversized stops that dot downtown Casey. It's a scavenger hunt of epic proportions!
• Museum Browse & Oddity Ogling: Explore the Big Things Small Town Museum. It's free, and packed with quirky displays like a giant mousetrap and the world's largest wooden shoes.
• Candy Shopping & Sweet Escapes: Sample delicious fudge at the Casey Candy Depot. Pair it with a leisurely stroll down Main Street and soak in that small-town charm.
• Picnicking with Giants: Grab a lunch (maybe some of that candy!) and relax near the rocking chair. It's the perfect spot to enjoy Casey's unique, larger-than-life vibe.
• Get Your Rock On (Literally!): If you're here in August, join the Big Things Rock-In event (August 16, 2025). Expect music, food, and a whole lotta chair-swaying fun!
• Historic Main Street Meander: Wander down Main Street and admire the old brick storefronts that whisper tales of Casey's railroad past. It's a charming step back in time.

Casinos Nearby (~30 Miles)

Don't Bet On It! No full casinos within a 30-mile radius of Casey. This town is all about quirky charm and giant novelties, not slots and poker chips! The nearest is Harrah's Hoosier Park in Anderson, IN, a whopping 130 miles away. Stick to betting on how many giant things you can photograph in an hour!

More Oddities Nearby (The Giant Tour Continues in Casey!)

Haunted Tourism Nearby (Mostly Giant Shadows!)

• Ashmore Estates (Ashmore, 15 miles): If you're craving some serious spooks, this 1916 almshouse turned asylum is your best bet. Ghostly footsteps echo, and tours are available for the brave.
• Casey's Own "Spooks": No major formal haunts right in Casey. The town's pretty quiet on the ghost front – the big things tend to steal the spooky spotlight!
• Old Railroad Depot (Casey Candy Depot): Staff at the Candy Depot sometimes hear mysterious creaks and groans, possibly tied to 1890s rail workers. No official hauntings, just sweet history with a side of mystery!

Local Events & Festivals (Big Fun in a Small Town!)

• Big Things Rock-In (August 16, 2025): Rock out by the World's Largest Rocking Chair! Live music, food, and good old-fashioned chair-swaying fun celebrates Casey's giant star.
• Casey Popcorn Festival (September 5-7, 2025): A tribute to local crops since 1988! Expect popcorn tastings, parades, and plenty of corny fun.
• Christmas in Casey (December 6-7, 2025): See the big things decked out in holiday lights! Pure small-town Christmas cheer that's larger than life.
• Spring Fling (May 17, 2025): Kick off the tourist season with crafts, food, and fun downtown. A great way to welcome warmer weather and giant adventures!

Lodging Options (Rest Your Head After a Big Day!)

Luxury-ish: Sleep Inn & Suites

Modern comfort right off I-70. A solid choice for a good night's sleep. (From $100/night).

Mid-Range: Casey KOA Journey

Offering cozy cabins and RV sites for those who like a bit of outdoor comfort. (From $60/night).

Budget: Budget Inn

Simple, clean, and conveniently located on Route 40. Perfect for a no-frills stay. (From $50/night).

Camping: Casey KOA

Pitch your tent and enjoy those Midwest nights with fire pits and starry skies. (From $30/night).

Dining (Midwest Eats & Sweet Treats!)

Richards Farm Restaurant

The go-to spot for classic Midwest comfort food. Famous for its fried chicken and delicious pies in a charming barn-style setting.

Casey Candy Depot

Your sweet tooth will thank you! Indulge in homemade fudge and nostalgic sweets in a beautifully restored 1906 train depot.

Whitling Whimsy Café

A cozy downtown stop perfect for delicious sandwiches, fresh coffee, and a relaxing break from big thing hunting.

Jo's Pizza

Craving a slice? This local favorite on Central Avenue serves up classic, delicious pies that hit the spot every time.

Travel Tips (Navigate the Giants Like a Pro!)

• What to Pack: Comfortable shoes are a MUST for walking between giants! Pack layers, especially if visiting during the Rock-In event in August (temps 75-90°F). And don't you dare forget your camera! Check caseybigthings.com for event details.
• Safety First: Casey is a super safe, low-crime town. Just be mindful of traffic when crossing streets, especially around I-70. The big things are sturdy and built for photo ops, so snap away safely!
• Accessibility: Downtown Casey is very walkable, and most attractions are easily accessible. For specifics on lodging, like the Sleep Inn, give them a call at 217-932-2600.
• Map It Out: Grab a map of the "Big Things" locations (often available locally or online) to make sure you don't miss any of these colossal creations!

Nearby Destinations Within 20-25 Miles (More Quirky Stops!)

• Marshall, IL (15 miles): A charming, historic Main Street offering a quiet taste of small-town Illinois life.
• Ashmore, IL (15 miles): Home to the famously haunted Ashmore Estates – if you're looking for a spooky detour!
• Charleston, IL (20 miles): Check out this small college town vibe, home to Eastern Illinois University.
• Paris, IL (25 miles, just a smidge over): Why not add another quirky photo op? See their very own Eiffel Tower replica! Oui, oui!

Recommended Duration of Stay

1-2 Days: That's the sweet spot to see all the big things, pop into the museum, grab some candy, and enjoy a hearty meal at Richards Farm. You'll leave with a camera roll full of giants and a smile on your face!

Target Travelers (Who's Ready for BIG Fun?)

• Families on an Adventure: Kids (and kids at heart) will go NUTS for the oversized fun and the delicious Casey Candy Depot!
• Road Trippers & I-70 Cruisers: Looking for the ultimate quirky pit stop? Casey is an unmissable detour that'll break up any long drive.
• Oddity Hunters & Record Chasers: Guinness World Records galore! If you collect unique experiences, Casey is your mecca.
• Foodies with a Sweet Tooth (and a Big Appetite!): From Midwest comfort food at Richards Farm to the nostalgic treats at the Candy Depot, your tastebuds will be happy.
• Lovers of Small-Town Charm (with a Giant Twist!): Experience genuine Midwest hospitality in a town that dared to dream BIG.

Listen to Our Podcast Episode!

"Casey, IL: How One Man's Giant Dreams Built a Roadside Empire!" - Your audio tour of titans!