Livingston IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Livingston, Illinois.
1. Pink Elephant Antique Mall
ROUTE 66 ICONIC STOP
The Pink Elephant Antique Mall is a popular Route 66 attraction that draws thousands of visitors with its unique exterior décor, including a giant pink elephant statue. Inside, visitors can explore a wide assortment of vintage collectibles, memorabilia, and antiques housed in a historic red-brick high school building from 1927. The property features numerous oversized fiberglass statues that make it an unmissable and photogenic roadside attraction for travelers along the iconic highway.
2. The Winery at Shale Lake
RUSTIC WINE EXPERIENCE
The Winery at Shale Lake offers visitors a rustic wine tasting experience in the countryside near Livingston. Guests can sample locally produced wines while enjoying the picturesque views of the lake and surrounding landscape. The venue frequently hosts events and provides a relaxing atmosphere for wine enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
3. Decamp Junction
LOCAL HISTORY SPOT
Decamp Junction serves as a historical point of interest in Livingston, reflecting the town's railroad heritage. Visitors can explore this site to gain insight into the transportation developments that shaped the region's growth and economy. The junction represents an important piece of Livingston's past and connection to broader Illinois history.
4. Henry's Rabbit Ranch
QUIRKY ROUTE 66 STOP
Henry's Rabbit Ranch is a delightful and eccentric Route 66 attraction featuring both live rabbits and Volkswagen Rabbits in an unusual combination. This roadside curiosity shop offers Route 66 memorabilia, souvenirs, and the chance to meet the friendly resident rabbits that roam the property. Visitors often stop to photograph the unique VW Rabbit display and enjoy the warm hospitality of this charming Route 66 landmark near Livingston.
5. Macoupin Art Collective
COMMUNITY ART CENTER
Macoupin Art Collective serves as a vibrant community art center showcasing local talent and offering creative workshops for all ages. The center hosts rotating exhibitions featuring artists from Macoupin County and surrounding areas, providing cultural enrichment to the region. Visitors can participate in art classes, view current exhibitions, or purchase unique handmade items from local artisans.
6. Bowles and Meyer Standard Station
HISTORIC GAS STATION
The site of Bowles and Meyer Standard Station represents one of Livingston's historic Route 66 gas stations that once served travelers along the Mother Road. Though now primarily of historical interest, this location helps visitors understand the development of automobile culture and roadside services during Route 66's heyday. The station site offers a glimpse into mid-20th century Americana and the evolution of highway travel.
7. Meyer's County Inn and Motel
CLASSIC ROUTE 66 LODGING
Meyer's County Inn and Motel stands as a reminder of classic Route 66 accommodations that once welcomed weary travelers along the historic highway. This vintage motel represents the mid-century development of roadside lodging that transformed American travel in the automotive age. Visitors interested in Route 66 history often stop to view this piece of Americana that recalls the golden era of road trips.
8. Beach Boy Statue
QUIRKY ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
The Beach Boy statue stands as one of Livingston's eye-catching fiberglass figures that draw Route 66 enthusiasts to stop and take photos. This whimsical roadside attraction contributes to the town's collection of unusual sculptures that have become signature elements of the Route 66 experience. Visitors enjoy posing with this colorful character that exemplifies the playful, kitschy aesthetic found along America's historic Mother Road.
9. Uniroyal Gal Statue
VINTAGE ADVERTISING ICON
The Uniroyal Gal statue represents a classic example of mid-century roadside advertising that has become a cherished piece of Americana along Route 66. This towering fiberglass figure once promoted Uniroyal tires but now serves as a nostalgic photo opportunity for travelers exploring the Mother Road. The statue stands as part of Livingston's collection of oversized figures that celebrate the golden age of American highway culture.
10. Harley Davidson Muffler Man
ICONIC ROADSIDE GIANT
The Harley Davidson Muffler Man towers as one of the famous 'giant men' fiberglass statues that became roadside landmarks across America during the mid-20th century. This imposing figure, customized with Harley Davidson themes, catches the eye of Route 66 travelers passing through Livingston. Visitors frequently stop to photograph this classic example of American roadside architecture that represents a unique form of commercial folk art.
11. Livingston High School Building
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL LANDMARK
The Livingston High School Building, completed in 1927, stands as a handsome red-brick testament to the town's educational history. With its Art Deco-style gymnasium added in 1949, the structure now houses the Pink Elephant Antique Mall after the local school district was annexed to Staunton's in 2005. Visitors can admire the architecture while exploring the antiques and collectibles that have given this historic building a second life.
12. Flatliners Movie Statue
HOLLYWOOD FILM MEMORABILIA
The Flatliners Movie Statue, a large male figure from the 1990s thriller, stands as an unexpected piece of Hollywood memorabilia in this small Illinois town. This unique statue attracts film buffs and curious travelers who stop to photograph this unusual roadside attraction at the Pink Elephant Antique Mall. The figure represents the eclectic collection of Americana and pop culture artifacts that make Livingston a memorable stop along Route 66.
13. Weber House & Garden
ENGLISH TUDOR ESTATE
Weber House & Garden features a charming storybook Tudor cottage set within a two-acre English Arts and Crafts Garden filled with meandering paths, roses, hollyhocks, and ancient oaks. Inside, visitors discover cozy candlelit rooms reflecting 18th-century design, while outside, a crushed stone path leads through a series of garden 'rooms' showcasing hundreds of flowers, shrubs, trees, statues, and fountains. The tour concludes at Luther Hall where guests can enjoy refreshments after exploring this picturesque estate near Livingston.
14. Starved Rock State Park
NATURAL ILLINOIS WONDER
Starved Rock State Park offers visitors a breathtaking natural landscape featuring 18 canyons formed by glacial meltwater, stunning seasonal waterfalls, and towering sandstone bluffs overlooking the Illinois River. Hikers can explore more than 13 miles of well-marked trails that wind through lush forests and reveal spectacular views of the park's unique geological formations. The park's rich history, diverse wildlife, and natural beauty make it one of Illinois' most beloved outdoor destinations within driving distance of Livingston.
15. Route 66 Scenic Byway
HISTORIC AMERICAN HIGHWAY
The Route 66 Scenic Byway passes directly through Livingston, offering travelers the chance to experience the nostalgic charm of America's most famous highway. This historic corridor features numerous roadside attractions, vintage gas stations, and classic diners that harken back to the golden age of American road trips. Visitors can follow the well-marked route to discover both preserved and repurposed landmarks that tell the story of how this legendary road shaped American culture and travel in the 20th century.