The Atlas Obscura Guide To Wilmington

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

Updated April 21, 2020

Unusual Attractions in Wilmington

Wilmington, Illinois

Joliet Army Ammunition Plant

This national park dedicated to the tallgrass prairie ecosystem still displays its military past.

Wilmington, Illinois

Gemini Giant

This historic Illinois "Muffler Man" has been converted from axe-touting lumberjack to rocket-wielding space ace.

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The entirety of the front yard of Jack Barker’s workshop. (Anne Remy/Atlas Obscura)

Essex, Illinois

Jack Barker's Metal Art Sculpture Garden

Moving, mind-blowing metal sculpture work of an outsider artist.

8 miles from Wilmington

Manteno, Illinois

Decatur & State Line Railway Bridge Piers

Meant for a railway that was never built because of the Great Chicago Fire, these piers still stand nearly 150 years after they were installed.

9 miles from Wilmington

Gardner, Illinois

2 Celled Jail

This tiny historic jail along Route 66 is the perfect fit for exactly one criminal and their partner-in-crime.

11 miles from Wilmington

Joliet, Illinois

Joliet Iron and Steel Works (Joliet Iron Works Park)

What was once the second largest steel mill in the US is now a sprawling complex of modern ruins.

16 miles from Wilmington

Joliet, Illinois

Joliet Correctional Center

A historic and oft-filmed prison stands in a Chicago suburb.

16 miles from Wilmington

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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Wilmington

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

Updated April 21, 2020

Unusual Attractions in Wilmington

Wilmington, Illinois

Joliet Army Ammunition Plant

Wilmington, Illinois

Gemini Giant

Essex, Illinois

Jack Barker's Metal Art Sculpture Garden

Manteno, Illinois

Decatur & State Line Railway Bridge Piers

Gardner, Illinois

2 Celled Jail

Joliet, Illinois

Joliet Iron and Steel Works (Joliet Iron Works Park)

Joliet, Illinois

Joliet Correctional Center

Plan Your Trip

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Wilmington, Illinois

Wilmington Leaderboard

Places Added

Places Edited

Places Visited

Recent Wilmington Activity

Become an Atlas Obscura Member

Join our community of curious explorers.