Small girl in a small town with big things

Okay, so you've seen a glimpse of our incredible Ashmore, IL adventure, but let me tell you, this charming small town holds so much more! If you're looking for a genuinely unique road trip or a fun day out with friends, Ashmore and its surrounding area in Illinois are an absolute must-visit, especially for the 'Big Things in a Small Town' experience. My bestie and I seriously felt like treasure hunters on Women's Day. Each giant sculpture was a delightful surprise, like uncovering hidden gems. It wasn't just about seeing them; it was the thrill of the hunt! We loved spotting the incredible giant mailbox where you can actually stand inside, and posing with the vibrant golden cactus sculpture. The creativity behind these installations is just amazing. Imagine encountering a huge knitting needle and yarn ball sculpture or a massive wooden rocking chair that makes you feel tiny! We even found a cheerfully smiling green caterpillar sculpture outside the Kline Memorial Library – perfect for a quirky photo op. And don't even get me started on the towering metallic wind chime sculpture; the sheer scale of it is breathtaking. If you're planning your own Ashmore, IL excursion, here are a few tips I wish I knew beforehand. First, wear comfy shoes because you'll be doing a fair bit of walking and exploring. Second, bring a good camera (or make sure your phone is charged!) because every 'big thing' is a photo opportunity waiting to happen. We made a game out of trying to get the most creative shots. Third, while the hunt is fun, sometimes a little pre-planning helps. We did find the giant ruler sculpture proudly proclaiming 'BIG THINGS IN A SMALL TOWN,' which was a great landmark, but we missed the Pencil! Definitely look up a map or a list online before you go to make sure you don't miss any of your favorites. And speaking of big things, a little secret we learned is that Ashmore is just one stop on a larger 'Big Things' trail in Illinois! If you have extra time, you absolutely HAVE to head over to nearby Casey, Illinois. That's where we spotted the famous giant mousetrap sculpture (with a funny 'HELP ME! I'm Trapped' sign!). Casey is practically the capital of 'Big Things,' boasting several Guinness World Records for its oversized attractions. It really adds another layer of fun to your Central Illinois adventure. Honestly, our trip to Ashmore, IL, was more than just seeing giant objects; it was about the joy of discovery, the laughs with my bestie, and appreciating the quirky charm of small-town America. It’s a fantastic way to spend a day if you're looking for something off the beaten path. So pack your bags, grab a friend, and get ready to discover the 'big things' that await you!