Granite City in Madison County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Magic of Roadside Attractions
Photographed by Jason Voigt, July 11, 2025
1. The Magic of Roadside Attractions Marker
Before GPS, travelers found adventure not just in the destination - but in the stops along the way. Roadside attractions were born from a spirit of curiosity, creativity, and good old-fashioned American ingenuity. Whether it was a ball of twine, a neon-lit diner, or a mysterious museum tucked off a two-lane highway, these attractions lured travelers off the beaten path and into small towns and cities where stories were waiting to be told.
Roadside attractions were more than just photo ops - they were invitations. They invited people to pause, to wonder, to laugh, and most importantly, to connect. With a community. With a slice of history.
Granite City is embracing this legacy with its own growing collection of roadside gems. From larger-than-life murals and neon sign parks to cultural landmarks and quirky stops that make you pull over just to say, "What is that"- our city is celebrating the magic of the Mother Road and rekindling the charm that once made Route 66 the most iconic highway in America.
As travelers find themselves wandering through this industrial city with a heart of steel, they may stumble upon something unexpected - a sign, a story, or a simple reminder of where they've been and where they're headed.
Like a fork in the road .
Erected
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the U.S. Route 66 series list.
Location. 38° 42.034′ N, 90° 9.07′ W. Marker is in Granite City, Illinois, in Madison County. It is at the intersection of 19th Street and Delmar Avenue, on the right when traveling east on 19th Street. Marker is at a neon sign park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1304 19th St, Granite City IL 62040, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater St. Louis. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, in the Corn Belt, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Giant Graniteware Coffee Pot (here, next to this marker); Make-It Toy Monument (here, next to this marker); Hudson Jewelers (a few steps from this marker); The Washington Theatre (a few steps from this marker); Reese Drug Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Ruben Mendoza (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Victory Mothers (approx. 0.2 miles away); In Honor of Our Heroes (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Granite City.
Photographed by Jason Voigt, July 11, 2025
2. The Magic of Roadside Attractions Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 8, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 8, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 119 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 8, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
