The Atlas Obscura Guide To Cairo

2 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Cairo, Illinois

Updated January 3, 2017

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Unusual Attractions in Cairo

Part of abandoned historic downtown Cairo, Illinois.

Cairo, Illinois

Abandoned Town of Cairo, Illinois

A once-booming Mississippi River town with a history of racial violence is now eerie and mostly abandoned.

Life station by Confluence of the Ohio River and Mississippi River at Fort Defiance.

Cairo, Illinois

Fort Defiance Park

The lowest point in the state of Illinois, at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers.

Are we missing something unusual?

Grave of “The Queen” in Charleston, Missouri

Charleston, Missouri

The Queen Tombstone

This curious headstone is labeled simply as "The Queen."

10 miles from Cairo

Thebes courthouse

Thebes, Illinois

Thebes Historical Courthouse

Overlooking the Mississippi River, this building served as the county courthouse from 1848 to 1861.

21 miles from Cairo

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Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Cairo, Illinois

Abandoned 1

Ruins 1

Ghost Towns 1

Railroads 1

Parks 1

Geographic Markers 1

Civil Rights 1

Black History 1

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