World's Largest Railsplitter Covered Wagon - Lincoln, Illinois

The World’s Largest Railsplitter Covered Wagon – A Unique Illinois Attraction

For travelers seeking an engaging and historically significant detour, the World’s Largest Railsplitter Covered Wagon presents a compelling destination. Located in Lincoln, Illinois, this impressive landmark offers a tangible connection to the past and a memorable experience for visitors of all ages. The wagon, a meticulously preserved testament to 19th-century logging practices, stands as a powerful symbol of the region’s heritage and a captivating stop along any journey through central Illinois.

Location and Accessibility

The wagon is situated at 1750 5th St, Lincoln, IL 62656. Its convenient location, just a short distance from the main thoroughfare, makes it easily accessible. Visitors can readily locate the site using GPS coordinates and road signs. Parking is readily available, with a dedicated wheelchair accessible parking lot ensuring inclusivity for all guests. Furthermore, a wheelchair accessible entrance is provided, fostering a welcoming environment for individuals with mobility challenges. The site is thoughtfully designed to accommodate visitors with diverse needs, prioritizing ease of access and enjoyment.

Historical Significance and Features

This remarkable wagon is a genuine antique, dating back to the late 19th century. It served as a vital tool in the logging industry, demonstrating the arduous labor involved in splitting rails for railroad construction. The wagon's massive size – truly earning it the title of “world’s largest” – is a striking visual representation of this historical reality. The wagon’s design is remarkably intact, showcasing the craftsmanship of the era. Visitors can observe the intricate details of the wood construction, the massive splitting head, and the overall functionality of the machine. The wagon’s preservation is a significant achievement, allowing future generations to appreciate its historical importance. The site also provides informative signage detailing the wagon's history, construction, and role in the logging industry. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn about a pivotal period in American history and the industries that shaped it.

Nearby Attractions and Amenities

While the Railsplitter Wagon itself is the primary attraction, the surrounding area offers additional points of interest. Destination Logan County, the broader tourism destination, provides a wealth of information and resources for visitors. The website, destinationlogancountyil.com, offers details on local events, lodging, dining, and other attractions. The area boasts several family-friendly activities, making it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway. The site is conveniently located near Interstate 55, offering easy access for travelers passing through the region. A quick exit from the highway leads to the wagon, minimizing travel time and maximizing the opportunity to experience this unique attraction.

Visitor Information and Reviews

The World’s Largest Railsplitter Covered Wagon has garnered significant attention and positive feedback from visitors. Currently, the company maintains 441 reviews on Google My Business, reflecting the enthusiasm of those who have experienced the attraction. The average opinion is 4.4/5, highlighting the overwhelmingly positive impressions. Visitors consistently praise the wagon's impressive size, historical significance, and the overall enjoyable experience. Many appreciate the site's commitment to accessibility, ensuring that individuals with mobility limitations can fully participate. The location's proximity to the highway and the availability of convenient parking further enhance the visitor experience. The site’s maintenance and preservation efforts are also frequently commended, showcasing a dedication to safeguarding this important piece of history.

Specialties and Other Points of Interest

The wagon’s specialties are primarily focused on providing a historical landmark and a tourist attraction. However, it also serves as a valuable educational resource, offering insights into 19th-century logging practices and the evolution of American industries. It’s a fantastic location for good for kids, offering a hands-on learning experience about history and machinery. The site is well-maintained and clean, providing a pleasant environment for visitors. A short walk around the area offers opportunities for photography and exploration. The wagon’s imposing size and intricate details make it a popular subject for photographs. The surrounding area provides a tranquil setting for reflection and appreciation of the region’s heritage.

Phone: 2177328687

Website: destinationlogancountyil.com

👍 Reviews of World's Largest Railsplitter Covered Wagon

Mister B.

5/5

This is a nice little excursion on a road trip. It is only a few miles off the main road, and you can continue to pick up the highway at the next exit. It is well preserved and clean with plenty of parking. Fun to see things like this and break up the trip and walk around for a minute with really losing a lot of time. Well worth the few minutes it took.

Colleen R.

5/5

We stopped on our way to St Louis. This was a pretty cool stop. I recommend a stop. It’s only 6 minutes from I55.

Anthony S.

5/5

Handicapped parking. Surrounded by grass, so a wheelchair might be able to get up close, it might be a chore though. No rest rooms, just the parking lot and the wagon to see. Prety cool. My wife and I are doing the Route 66 trail through illinois and farther as we go. 1st trip toilet to Pontiac. Second trip Pontiac to Atlanta Illinois. 3rd trip Atlanta to Elkhorn Illinois. We're starting to see some cool stuff now.

Joshua D.

5/5

Review Date: March 11th, 2014

To quote my friend; “It’s not even covered!”

Now, to be fair and to preface this blog post, we did stop by after it received some storm damage. So the state it was in when we visited is not a representation of what it actually looks like. The low score is from my initial visit. Should I happen to make it back, I will update the score and post new photos to reflect what it really presents. Looking into it for this blog post, I would rather like to see it in it’s former glory as it looks really cool!

Okay, so with all that in mind, my friends and I left Springfield after a day of exploring. On the way home, we saw the sign for this covered wagon. I asked everyone if they wanted to stop and check it out. They didn’t care… so 10 minutes later, we find ourselves looking at the wagon… or the damaged wagon. As stated above, it seemed to have received some storm damage and was in the process of being restored, so it was in really bad shape.

But we had some fun taking goofy photos in front of it. It was muddy out, so we couldn’t explore around the area too much. I have visited Lincoln, IL a few times since this photo was taken, so next time I am down there, I hope to have new/better photos of the wagon. It really does look cool from seeing other people’s online photos.

Plus, it’s a nod to Illinois and the USA’s history since it has Abraham Lincoln on it.

The link to the website provided below is not to the Wagon’s actual website… because it does not have one. But I do like Atlas Obscura, so I linked to their website. That way there is some reference material if you are interested in learning more about the wagon.

Darrell P.

5/5

Cool Roadside attraction along Route 66 in Lincoln Illinois, plenty of parking nearby with a information kiosk in front. Definitely a sight to see if you are in the area.

Leon D.

5/5

It's lost it's cover but it's still huge. You can't climb on it. Technically they call it the world's largest rails platter. I think they should add some ox in front of it so Abe can get moving lol.

brittny92

5/5

Cool photo opportunity, and it's so awesome to see the size and think about it actually having to work to qualify for "world's largest". Very fun little side stop for us!

Jeremy S.

5/5

This covered wagon in Lincoln, Illinois, is the largest covered wagon in the world and is located near historic Route 66. The 24 foot tall statue of Abe Lincoln reading a law book is quite impressive to say the least.