I have always maintained that a road trip is not complete without a detour to something wonderfully bizarre. My brother and I found just that in Casey, Illinois, a charming little town that has taken “thinking big” to an entirely new level. Casey is home to an astonishing number of the world’s largest things, holding multiple Guinness World Records while also boasting a collection of merely very large objects.
Naturally, we took it upon ourselves to hunt down as many as possible. Some were official record holders, others just oversized oddities, but all of them contributed to Casey’s identity as the undisputed capital of unnecessarily large objects.
Guinness World Record Holders: The Official Giants
Casey has been recognized by Guinness for several world’s largest items, and seeing them up close makes you appreciate the sheer scale of what “largest” truly means. Here are the certified champions:
1. World’s Largest Wind Chime
Standing at 55 feet tall, this wind chime was completed in 2012. It sways gently in the breeze, though a determined visitor might be tempted to climb a ladder and give it a push.
2. World’s Largest Golf Tee
Located at the Casey Country Club, this tee measures over 30 feet in height and was completed in 2013. I can only assume it was built for a golfer with arms the size of tree trunks.
3. World’s Largest Rocking Chair
This 56-foot-tall chair was completed in 2015 and looks as though it was stolen from the front porch of a very, very large grandma.
4. World’s Largest Wooden Shoes
These 11.5-foot-long clogs were completed in 2015. I imagine the world’s largest Dutchman must be wandering around barefoot somewhere.
5. World’s Largest Pitchfork
Measuring 60 feet in length, this pitchfork was completed in 2015 and could easily take on a hay bale the size of a house.
6. World’s Largest Mailbox
Standing at 32 feet tall, this fully functional mailbox was completed in 2015. You can actually climb inside and mail a letter, which means I am now considering sending my next utility bill from atop this behemoth.
7. World’s Largest Key
This 20-foot-long key was completed in 2019, though I didn’t see a lock to match. Maybe it’s for the World’s Largest Diary?
8. World’s Largest Gavel
Located in nearby Marshall, Illinois, this 16-foot-long gavel was completed in 2019. Justice has never looked more intimidating.
9. World’s Largest Swizzle Spoon
Measuring 11 feet, 8 inches, this spoon was completed in 2019. I would love to see the cocktail that required a stirring utensil of this magnitude.
10. World’s Largest Golf Driver
At 45 feet long, this club was completed in 2019. Unfortunately, the world’s largest sand trap is probably waiting nearby.
11. World’s Largest Barbershop Pole
This 14-foot-tall spinning pole was completed in 2019, which makes me wonder how big the barber must be.
12. World’s Largest Teeter-Totter
The 82-foot-long teeter-totter was completed in 2019 and is actually rideable. Just make sure you’re prepared for a very long drop.
The Merely “Very Large” Attractions
Not everything in Casey holds a Guinness record, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t impressive. Here are some of the “just because we could” jumbo items scattered around town:
Oversized Everyday Objects:
Big Pencil – At 32 feet long, perfect for writing a resignation letter that really makes an impact.
Big Yardstick – Ideal for measuring ambition.
Big Bookworm and Nail Puzzle – A literary giant’s dream.
Agricultural & Rustic Wonders:
Big Pitchfork & Horseshoe – A farmer’s dream tools.
Big Cactus & Ear of Corn – A nod to Casey’s Midwestern roots.
Playful Oddities:
Big Mousetrap – If you see a mouse big enough to require this, leave Casey immediately.
Big Rocking Horse – Probably the only toy horse that could hold an adult and a week’s worth of regret.
Big Birdcage – Step inside for a “trapped tourist” photo-op.
Pop Culture & Fun Additions:
Big Pokéball – In case a legendary Pokémon appears in Casey.
Big Minion – Because everything is better with a giant Minion.
Big Taco – Sadly, not edible, but still deeply appreciated.
Big Wooden Token and Piggy Bank – Perfect for those who still believe in saving loose change.
Final Thoughts: A Town That’s Thinking Big
Casey, Illinois, is a testament to the idea that if you’re going to build something, why not build it absurdly large? It’s a place where practicality takes a backseat to creativity, and where something as simple as a mailbox can become a full-fledged tourist attraction.
Beyond the novelty, I found Casey itself to be utterly charming. The people were warm and welcoming, and there was something undeniably joyful about wandering around town, spotting yet another comically oversized object around each corner.
If you ever find yourself traveling through Illinois, make the stop. Whether you’re a fan of roadside oddities, Guinness World Records, or just want to sit in a rocking chair built for a literal giant, you won’t regret visiting Casey.
And who knows? Maybe next time, I’ll mail myself home from that very large mailbox.
