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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Alton

5 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Alton, Illinois

Updated October 12, 2026
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Unusual Attractions in Alton

World's Tallest Man Statue

Alton, Illinois

World’s Tallest Man Statue

This life-size bronze statue remembers the tallest recorded human in his Illinois hometown.
Funeral home artifacts, “haunted” dolls, and weird medicine are just a few of the hundreds of items at the American Oddities Museum.

Alton, Illinois

American Oddities Museum

A taxidermy “mermaid,” vampire-killing kits, and hundreds of other bizarre objects are housed at this quirky museum.
The illusive (and mythical) Piasa Bird

Alton, Illinois

Piasa Bird

A mythical bird etched into the face of a rock doubles as the mascot for a nearby school.
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The McMike Mansion offers paranormal tours with a medium.

Alton, Illinois

McPike Mansion

The owners of this Victorian-era estate say it’s still visited by the spirits of long-gone residents.

Alton, Illinois

Alton Military Prison Site

The ruins of Illinois's first state penitentiary, and former Federal Military Prison, from 1833.
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The last and only Mister Donut in the U.S.

Godfrey, Illinois

Godfrey Mister Donut

Though it's thrived abroad, this forgotten Dunkin' rival has just one store left in the States.
2 miles from Alton
The grand staircase leads to the river.

St. Louis, Missouri

Fort Belle Fontaine

During the 19th-century, this park was a vital trading fort.
4 miles from Alton
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Hoaxes And Pseudoscience 1
World's Tallest 1
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History 1
Oddities 1
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