Casey, Illinois: A small town where “too much” is just the right amount of quirky

Casey, Ill., is the town that proves size really does matter, especially when it comes to quirky roadside attractions. This tiny little town has colossal creations that defy logic and physics. From a towering wind chime to a 60-foot pitchfork, Casey, Ill., is where big things and bigger smiles go hand in hand.  

Casey has been dubbed "Big Things in a Small Town" and is home to the 12 "world’s largest" sculptures certified by the Guinness Book of World Records (GBOWW). This small town has established a reputation that attracts curious travelers worldwide. For lovers of quirky roadside attractions, aspiring photographers, or people simply looking for something a little different, Casey promises to deliver.

Located approximately 80 miles southeast of Champaign, Ill., Casey has become an unofficial mecca for lovers of the unusual. The quirky landmarks reflect the town’s creative spirit and willingness to embrace the unusual. 

Jim Bolin, responsible for the larger-than-life sculptures, devised a brilliant marketing plan to promote his hometown and attract more visitors to thecharming, locally owned shops–which really do line Main Street.

The Bolin family's roots run deep in Casey. They own a pipeline and tank maintenance company that has been in operation for over 30 years. One night, while on vacation with his family, he found inspiration in a set of wind chimes, sparking the idea. 

While collaborating with the team at GBOWW, he commissioned several employees from his family business to create the world’s largest functioning wind chimes. The crew utilized recycled pipeline materials, assisted by a skilled welder. They worked on the project between jobs and during their free time, creating record-breaking wind chimes that stand 54 feet tall. 

Bolin then rented billboards along Interstate 70 to advertise the chimes. People began flooding into the sleepy little town, which had only one stoplight on the main road. In the town center, Casey began to experience its first historic traffic jam. 

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

In a 2017 interview with CBS News, Bolin described the chimes as "my fishing lure. " They were intended to attract visitors to the town, and they succeeded. A year later, the Casey Country Club requested that he build them the world’s largest golf tee, which has also been certified by GBOWW. 

There are32 giant sculptures scattered throughout the town, 12 of them record-holders. Some of them are interactive, such as the world’s largest functioning mailbox, which measures an astonishing 5,743 cubic feet and allows visitors to send postcards anywhere in the world. For a fun twist on a childhood favorite, there’s also the world’s largest teeter-totter, an 82-foot-long seesaw that offers visitors an interactive and nostalgic experience.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Bolin uses recycled telephone poles, metal from damaged pipes, and decommissioned oil tanks. Visitors are welcome to stop by the Big Things Small Town Workshop to track the progress of current projects. 

Casey is a year-round destination, providing unique and engaging experiences every season. The town consistently updates its Facebook page with the latest news and events. Expedia and TripAdvisor feature numerous rave reviews and travel tips for visiting Casey. 

If the four-hour trip from Chicago feels long, there are a few noteworthy roadside attractions along the way to provide a welcome break. A stop at Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch in Rantoul, Ill., or a lunch break in Champaign are two ways to make the journey feel shorter.

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