Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Wilmington - Atlas Obscura

Unusual Attractions in Wilmington

Wilmington, Illinois

Gemini Giant

This historic Illinois "Muffler Man" has been converted from axe-touting lumberjack to rocket-wielding space ace.

Wilmington, Illinois

Joliet Army Ammunition Plant

This national park dedicated to the tallgrass prairie ecosystem still displays its military past.

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Essex, Illinois

Jack Barker's Metal Art Sculpture Garden

Moving, mind-blowing metal sculpture work of an outsider artist.

8 miles from Wilmington

Manteno, Illinois

Decatur & State Line Railway Bridge Piers

Meant for a railway that was never built because of the Great Chicago Fire, these piers still stand nearly 150 years after they were installed.

9 miles from Wilmington

Gardner, Illinois

2 Celled Jail

This tiny historic jail along Route 66 is the perfect fit for exactly one criminal and their partner-in-crime.

11 miles from Wilmington

Joliet, Illinois

Joliet Iron and Steel Works (Joliet Iron Works Park)

What was once the second largest steel mill in the US is now a sprawling complex of modern ruins.

16 miles from Wilmington

Joliet, Illinois

Joliet Correctional Center

A historic and oft-filmed prison stands in a Chicago suburb.

16 miles from Wilmington

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