Unearth The Voyage
Tucked away in eastern Illinois is a town that looks like it was built by a giant with a sense of humor. Casey, Illinois, home to fewer than 3,000 residents, has quietly turned everyday objects into jaw-dropping landmarks – from towering mailboxes to colossal rocking chairs.
What started as a small-town idea has grown into an internationally recognized collection of Guinness World Record–certified attractions, drawing curious travelers from across the country and proving that even the smallest places can think impossibly big.
Casey Is Home to Multiple Guinness World Record–Recognized Giant Objects
Casey holds several official Guinness World Records for the largest versions of everyday items you can imagine. Walking through town, you will encounter a functional mailbox tall enough to require a ladder, a wind chime that creates deep, resonating tones, and a rocking chair that could seat a giant from a fairy tale.
Each structure was carefully designed and built to meet strict Guinness standards. The golf tee towers over passersby, the pencil stretches longer than most school buses, and the gavel looks ready to call a courtroom of titans to order.
Other record holders include a bird cage large enough to walk inside, a swizzle spoon fit for stirring a swimming pool, and a truck key that weighs hundreds of pounds. These attractions are not temporary exhibits or promotional stunts.
They are permanent fixtures in the community, maintained with pride and celebrated as symbols of local creativity and determination.
The Town Has Fewer Than 3,000 Residents
Despite drawing thousands of tourists each year, Casey remains a genuinely small town with a population hovering just under 3,000 people. Most residents know each other by name, and local businesses still operate with the kind of personal service that disappeared from larger cities decades ago.
The town covers only a few square miles, with neighborhoods of single-family homes, tree-lined streets, and open farmland just beyond the town limits. There are no traffic lights to speak of, no chain hotels, and no sprawling shopping centers.
What makes Casey special is not just its size but the way it has embraced its identity. Rather than trying to grow into something it is not, the community chose to celebrate what makes it unique.
The result is a place where visitors feel welcomed, not overwhelmed, and where the pace of life remains refreshingly unhurried and grounded in Midwestern values.
Big Things in a Small Town Is the Official Motto
The phrase Big Things in a Small Town captures the spirit of Casey perfectly. It refers not only to the physical size of the attractions but also to the creativity, ambition, and community pride that made them possible.
You will see this slogan on welcome signs, T-shirts, bumper stickers, and storefronts throughout town. It has become a rallying cry for residents and a promise to visitors that they are about to experience something unexpected and delightful.
The motto also reflects a deeper truth about small-town life. Casey proves that you do not need a big city budget or a famous name to make an impact.
With imagination, hard work, and a willingness to take risks, even the smallest communities can create something memorable. The slogan reminds everyone that greatness is not measured by population size or square footage but by the willingness to dream big and follow through.
The Giant Objects Are Free to Visit
One of the best parts about visiting Casey is that every single attraction is completely free to see. There are no admission fees, no ticketed tours, and no gates blocking access to the giant objects that put this town on the map.
Visitors can park their cars on the street, walk up to the attractions, take as many photos as they like, and move at their own pace. Families on a budget can enjoy a full day of sightseeing without spending a dime on entry costs.
This open-access approach reflects the values of the community. The goal was never to turn Casey into a commercial theme park but to share something fun and inspiring with the world.
The town benefits from the foot traffic, as visitors often stop for lunch, buy souvenirs, or grab coffee at local shops. But the attractions themselves remain a gift to anyone curious enough to stop by and explore.
Downtown Casey Is Easily Walkable
Most of the giant attractions are clustered within a few blocks of each other in the heart of downtown Casey. You can easily walk from one to the next without needing a car, making it a perfect destination for families with young children or anyone who prefers exploring on foot.
The compact layout also means you can see most of the major landmarks in just a couple of hours. Along the way, you will pass local shops, cafes, and historic buildings that add charm and context to the experience.
The walkability of Casey makes it feel less like a tourist trap and more like a real town that happens to have some very unusual decorations. There are benches to rest on, shaded sidewalks, and plenty of spots to stop for a snack or a cold drink.
It is the kind of place where wandering feels natural and unhurried, and every corner offers a new surprise.
The Project Was Started by a Local Business Owner
The story of Casey’s giant attractions begins with Jim Bolin, a local craftsman and businessman who wanted to bring more visitors to his hometown. He built the first oversized object as a way to spark curiosity and draw attention to the area.
Bolin did not have a background in art or tourism. He was a practical man with woodworking skills, a sense of humor, and a love for his community.
His first creation was met with enthusiasm, which encouraged him to keep building.
Over the years, Bolin constructed multiple record-breaking structures, each one more ambitious than the last. His work was not funded by government grants or corporate sponsors but by his own determination and the support of fellow residents.
Today, his legacy lives on in the attractions that continue to draw thousands of visitors each year, proving that one person with a bold idea can change the future of an entire town.
Casey Is Just Off Interstate 70
Location matters, and Casey benefits from being just a short drive off Interstate 70, one of the major east-west highways in the United States. This makes it an ideal stop for road-trippers traveling between cities like St. Louis, Indianapolis, and Columbus.
The town is easy to reach, well-marked with signs, and offers plenty of parking for cars, RVs, and buses. Many visitors plan their trips around Casey, using it as a midpoint break on longer journeys across the Midwest.
The convenience of the location has helped Casey become more than just a local curiosity. It is now a recognized stop on travel itineraries, featured in road trip guides and highlighted on GPS apps.
Travelers appreciate the chance to stretch their legs, grab a bite, and see something genuinely unusual without straying far from their route. The accessibility has turned a small-town project into a regional attraction with national appeal.
The Town Still Feels Authentically Rural
Even with all the attention and foot traffic, Casey has not lost its small-town character. The streets are quiet, the pace is slow, and the people are genuinely friendly.
There are no flashy billboards, no neon signs, and no tourist traps trying to squeeze money out of visitors.
The surrounding landscape is pure rural Illinois, with cornfields, farmhouses, and open sky stretching in every direction. The town feels like a place where people still wave to strangers and leave their doors unlocked.
This authenticity is part of what makes Casey so appealing. Visitors come for the giant objects but often leave with fond memories of the town itself.
The lack of commercialization allows the attractions to shine on their own merits, and the unpretentious vibe makes everyone feel welcome. Casey proves that you can invite the world in without changing who you are at your core.
Tourism Supports Local Businesses
The steady stream of visitors has been a lifeline for Casey’s local economy. Cafes, gift shops, restaurants, and service stations all benefit from the increased foot traffic brought in by the giant attractions.
Many businesses have adapted to serve tourists, offering souvenirs, snacks, and maps of the attractions. Some have even created themed products or menu items that play off the town’s reputation for oversized objects.
The economic impact goes beyond just dollars and cents. Tourism has created jobs, encouraged entrepreneurship, and given young people a reason to stay in town rather than move to bigger cities.
Business owners report that visitors are often curious, polite, and eager to support local shops. The relationship between the attractions and the economy is symbiotic: the town provides a unique experience, and visitors help keep the community thriving.
It is a model of how creative tourism can revitalize small towns without erasing their identity.
The Attractions Celebrate Everyday Objects
Unlike abstract sculptures or high-concept art installations, Casey’s attractions are all based on ordinary, recognizable items. A mailbox, a pencil, a rocking chair: these are things everyone has seen and used, which makes them instantly relatable and fun.
The choice to focus on everyday objects was intentional. It invites visitors to look at familiar things in a new way and to appreciate the humor and creativity in making something mundane into something monumental.
Children especially love the attractions because they can easily understand what they are looking at. There is no need for a guide or an explanation; the appeal is immediate and universal.
The playful nature of the project also encourages photo opportunities and social media sharing, which has helped spread the word about Casey far beyond Illinois. By celebrating the ordinary, the town has created something extraordinary that resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Families Are a Major Part of the Visitor Base
Casey has become a popular destination for families looking for a fun, affordable, and kid-friendly outing. The attractions are visually exciting, easy to understand, and perfect for children who love anything big, bold, and a little bit silly.
Parents appreciate that the experience is free, safe, and educational in its own way. Kids learn about world records, creativity, and community pride while having a great time posing for photos and exploring the town.
Many of the attractions are interactive, allowing children to climb, touch, or stand next to the giant objects. This hands-on element makes the visit more engaging than a typical museum or monument.
Families often spend the whole day in Casey, combining sightseeing with meals at local restaurants and stops at nearby parks. The town has successfully positioned itself as a family-friendly destination that offers something different from the usual amusement parks and chain attractions found in larger cities.
Casey Has Been Featured by Major Travel Outlets
The town’s unique attractions have caught the attention of some of the biggest names in travel and lifestyle media. Casey has been featured on HGTV, highlighted by Atlas Obscura, and included in guides by Roadtrippers, Fodor’s, and other respected outlets.
These features have introduced Casey to audiences far beyond the Midwest. What started as a local project has become a nationally recognized destination, with travelers from across the country adding it to their bucket lists.
The media coverage has also validated the town’s efforts. Being recognized by major publications and networks has brought pride to residents and credibility to the attractions.
It has shown that small-town creativity can compete with big-city spectacle and that authenticity resonates with modern travelers. The attention has not changed Casey’s character but has amplified its message: big things really can happen in small towns when people believe in their vision and work together to make it real.
Community Pride Keeps the Attractions Maintained
The giant attractions are not just tourist draws; they are sources of deep pride for the people who live in Casey. Residents take ownership of the landmarks, volunteering their time and resources to keep them clean, safe, and in good repair.
Local organizations, businesses, and individuals all contribute to the upkeep. When something needs a fresh coat of paint or a minor repair, the community rallies to get it done.
This sense of shared responsibility has helped the attractions remain in excellent condition year after year.
The pride extends beyond maintenance. Residents enjoy talking to visitors, sharing stories about how the attractions came to be, and pointing out their favorite landmarks.
They understand that the giant objects are more than just novelties; they represent the town’s identity and its ability to achieve something remarkable. This collective investment in the project has been key to its long-term success and sustainability.
Seasonal Events Keep the Town Lively
Casey hosts a variety of seasonal events and festivals throughout the year that bring residents and visitors together. These gatherings celebrate local culture, history, and creativity while showcasing the town’s giant attractions in new and festive contexts.
During the summer, outdoor concerts and farmers’ markets fill the downtown area with music, food, and friendly faces. In the fall, harvest festivals and parades draw crowds from neighboring towns and beyond.
The events help maintain a strong sense of community and give visitors even more reasons to come back. They also provide opportunities for local artists, musicians, and vendors to share their talents and products.
By blending tourism with tradition, Casey has created a calendar of activities that keep the town vibrant and engaged year-round. These events remind everyone that Casey is not just a place to pass through but a living, breathing community with its own rhythms and traditions.
Casey Proves Small Towns Can Succeed Through Creativity
At its core, Casey’s story is about the power of creativity to transform a community. Rather than chasing growth for its own sake or trying to compete with larger cities, the town leaned into what made it unique and built something that could not be replicated anywhere else.
The success of the giant attractions has inspired other small towns to think differently about their own potential. Casey shows that you do not need a famous history, a major industry, or a massive budget to attract attention and create opportunity.
What you need is imagination, commitment, and a willingness to take risks. Casey’s leaders and residents took a chance on an unconventional idea, and it paid off in ways no one could have predicted.
Today, the town stands as a testament to the idea that small places can achieve big things when they embrace their identity and refuse to let size define their ambitions. It is a lesson that resonates far beyond Illinois.
