Attractions

Atlanta Coal Mine Museum New in 2023! Look down an old mine shaft and learn about Atlanta’s attempt to mine coal for more than 40 years. See how the city utilized the running water inside the mine shaft and hear the water still flowing inside. Hours: Vary Address: 204 SW 1st Street
Atlanta Museum The Atlanta Museum tells the story of Atlanta’s growth and development since the city’s founding in 1853. Local artifacts tell the story of life in Atlanta, including businesses, schools, and social life. The museum is housed in the Downey Building, 1 of Atlanta’s 3 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally built to house the Exchange Bank, the tin ceiling, textured glass, wood paneling, and two vaults are still intact. Be sure to take a photo inside the bank vault on the ground floor of the museum! Itching for a sneak peak? Check out Looking for Lincoln's video on the Lincoln Collection at the Atlanta Museum here. Website: Atlanta Public Library and Museum Hours: Seasonal (April-September), hours vary. Address: 114 SW Arch Street Phone: (217) 648-2112
Atlanta Public Library and Clock Tower Marvel at Illinois’ only 8-sided public library! This beautiful limestone building was constructed in 1908 and is restored to its original condition. Rest awhile on the benches of the Memorial to Atlanta’s veterans on the front lawn. Don’t forget to check out the Clock Tower, built to house the 1907 Seth Thomas Clock from the former Atlanta High School. The clock is hand-wound up to three times a week by residents, known as the “Keepers of the Clock.” When you look at each side, do you notice anything slightly different? Website: Atlanta Public Library and Museum Address: 100 SE Race Street Phone: (217) 648-2112
The Bunyon Giant A trip to Atlanta isn’t complete without a picture with Atlanta's most iconic landmark standing in the heart of the historic downtown, on Route 66. The 19-foot tall Bunyon Giant arrived in Atlanta in 2003, with the blessing of Art Stevens, owner of the once-famous Hot Dog restaurant in Çicero, IL, due to the “spirit of Route 66.” These giants were created by International Fiberglass of Venice, CA in the 1960s, and were originally designed to hold an ax, but were eventually used to hold other "attention-getters" such as mufflers. The Atlanta Giant is one of 3 giants in Illinois but is the only one that holds a hotdog. Address: 104 Arch Street
Downey Building Walk into one of Atlanta's oldest standing buildings (since 1867), home to Missy's Sweet Shoppe inside The Palms Grill Café and the Atlanta Museum. Located on the 1926 alignment of Route 66, this Italianate building is one of 3 Atlanta locations on the National Register of Historic Places. The Palms Grill Café was a popular diner stop and pick up point for the Greyhound Bus in the 1930s. Now, the Downey Building is home to Missy's Sweet Shoppe, Atlanta's newest bakery. Hours: Missy's Sweet Shoppe hours vary by week. Hours can be found on Facebook Address: 110 & 112 SW Arch Street Website: Atlanta Public Library and Museum, Missy's Sweet Shoppe Facebook Phone: (217) 648-2112
High-Striker Challenge How hard can you hit? Take the challenge and see where you land on Route 66. Can you make it all the way to California? If the mallet is not out to take your chance hitting the bell, please pop into Arch Street Artisans and let them know. Hours: Tuesday- Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (April-September) Address: 107 SW Arch St.
Historic U.S Route 66, Illinois Route 4 Driving Exhibit Cruise down this ¼ mile stretch of original Route 66 pavement from 1926! Reach the end of the stretch, and check out the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway panel on the construction of the road. The stretch deadends at a gravel lot. Address: Corner of NE Arch Street and Sycamore Street in Google Maps, and across from Holland Trucking Company.
J.H. Hawes Grain Elevator View Illinois' only fully restored and operational wooden grain elevator! Atlanta’s J.H. Hawes Grain Elevator was built in 1904 and was used to store grain for transport across major Midwestern cities. Restored to its original condition, this museum is one of a handful of wooden grain elevators on the National Register of Historic Places. Please call for a guided tour. Hours: Outdoor walking tour is always open, inside is seasonal (May-September) Address: 301 SW 2nd Street Phone: (217) 648-2056
J.P. Hieronymus Carriage House Catch another glimpse into the past at the J.P. Hieronymus Carriage House. This carriage house is the last one still standing in Atlanta. Stop by the 1907 building and see the interior and short film on the carriage house. Hours: Seasonal (April-September) Address: 204 SW 1st Street
Logan County Welcome Center Enjoy seeing what there is to do in and around Atlanta. Make sure to check out the beautiful mural on the wall right on the inside! Traveling from out of town? Grab a pushpin to pin your home. Want to take a self-guided walking tour? Pick up a book from inside or click here to use our online guide. Hours: Seasonal (April-September), hours vary Address: 114 SW Arch Street
Memories: Route 66 Museum Step back into time when you enter this eclectic private collection. Relive your childhood wandering around. The owner even has his mother’s wedding dress on display! Hours: Seasonal (April-September), hours vary Address: 104 SW Arch Street
Route 66 Arcade Museum Kick back and play a game or ten on the 1940s-1990s arcade games. It is located right inside the Welcome Center on Arch Street, We recommend a $5 donation to play and to help maintain these vintage games. It’s a great place to enjoy an afternoon of games and laughter when the weather chases you indoors. Children must have an adult present to play. Hours: Seasonal (April-September), hours vary Address: 114 SW Arch Street (inside the Logan County Welcome Center)
Route 66 Park Take a walk through mementos of the past. featuring the Atlanta Fair, Atlanta High Schools, and Knights of Pythias. Feeling adventurous? Grab a sip of water from the “bubbler” water fountain, one of four that originally stood on the four corners of the downtown square in the 1930s. Address: 101-103 SE Race Street
Route 66 Shields on Arch Street “Route 66 Reimagined” through artists’ interpretations of the famous Route 66 shield are on display on this stretch of the 1926 Route 66 alignment that runs through downtown Atlanta, Illinois. As you view them, take a selfie with your favorite, and tag us (@visitatlantail). Address: 111-113 SW Arch Street
Smiley Water Tower We mean it, when we say, “Welcoming the world with a smile.” The widely recognized yellow water tower was painted with a smile in 2003, at the recommendation of Atlanta’s alderwoman, Billie Cheek. Residents and visitors alike have been cheered by the water tower’s welcome ever since. Address: Best viewing point, Nutrien Ag Solutions parking lot, 303 SW Arch Street
Walldog Murals In 2003, the Walldogs came to Atlanta on their “Letter Rip on 66” Festival. During their 3-day stay in Atlanta, they worked with local residents to paint 7 murals around the city as a way to practice and share the tips & tricks of the trade. The Walldogs used ads from the Atlanta Argus newspaper archives as inspiration for their designs. Take a stroll and admire their work at the fire station and along Arch Street. Atlanta’s Walldog Murals Guide: Click here