Volo Historic Village is an incredible place to visit if you love antique and vintage items. But, it's so much more than just an antiques shop; it's an entire theme park of things from the past! Bring the whole family to explore the vintage collectibles, auto museum, kids' museum, and more.
The 30 acre property is brimming with things from years past.
Peruse the three antique malls; there are so many things to discover! From collectibles to furniture to housewares, there is an endless supply of antique and vintage items.
There are typically around 400 cars for sale, so you might just be tempted to buy your dream vintage car. If simply looking is more your style, take a look at the Hollywood cars that have been featured in movies!
Beyond the auto museum, the diner, and the antiques, there's even more to discover.
This Antique Mall Along Route 66 In Illinois Is The Epitome of Americana
Published Sep 4, 2024
Written by
Contributor
As the 21st state in the country, Illinois has been an official part of the United States since 1818. Over the course of the last two centuries, Illinois has played an integral role in how the history of our nation has panned out. The same could be said of all states, but Illinois has contributed everyday essentials like the zipper and the brownie. More consequentially, four U.S. Presidents were born in Illinois. Not only have we contributed a great deal to the essence of America, but we also have spots all over the state that celebrate American culture in a big way. One spot right along Route 66 captures the essence of Americana in a way that now other business possibly could.
advertisement
The Pink Elephant Antique Mall in Livingston, IL is a one-of-a-kind roadside destination that is distinctly Illinois.
The Pink Elephant is known for the larger-than-life fiber glass sculptures dotted all around. Of course, there is a pink elephant but if you stop by be sure to hunt down the dinosaur, Marilyn Monroe statue and the UFO to get the full experience.
The shop is a 30,000-square-foot space packed with furniture, memorabilia, and collectible objects of every kind you could imagine.
Whether you are a hardcore collector of vintage signs or are very picky with what you bring into you home, I think it would be hard for anyone to leave here empty handed.
advertisement
advertisement
While the antique mall is the main attraction, you can’t stop to The Pink Elephant without exploring The Mother Road Fudge Factory & Candy Shop and The Twistee Treats Diner.
The cooks use vintage recipes in the homemade fudge to stay true to the atmosphere of the place. The diner is known far and wide for their cheeseburgers, making this the perfect spot to stop for a mid-road trip meal. These two shops are tucked within the mall and still keep to the retro vibe of the entire space.
The 1950’s-themed diner and sweet shop really take you back to a different moment in time.
Visiting The Pink Elephant might feel like walking through a dream. Just imagine if your own high school was suddenly filled with ceramic animals and old military posters!
In a previous life, the building was a high school. I am not sure the decor today would be all that appropriate for a school setting, but there’s definitely a lot to learn walking around The Pink Elephant Antique Mall.
There are rumors that the school met its end after 75 years in operations due to something sinister and of another world.
If you are in the area around Halloween, be sure to stop by the Area 66 Haunted School that’s on the same property as The Pink Elephant Antique Mall. Any time of year, it’s still worth a drive-by.
The Pink Elephant Antique Mall celebrates all things America including the very American activity of going on a long road trip and stopping to grab a burger. For some, the place itself carries memories of high school years gone by, but for others, picking up a vintage toy can also teleport them back in time to recollections of their youth. Check out these other antiquing destinations around Illinois if you are on the hunt for something specific. While The Pink Elephant Mall is located just along Historic Route 66, the best part of any road trip is when you chart your own path and take the road less traveled. Every time I do that, I end up lost. I'd suggest bringing an up-to-date road atlas with you when you set out for The Pink Elephant Antique Mall if you like to follow side roads like me. Do you know of any other must-see antique malls in Illinois?
As the 21st state in the country, Illinois has been an official part of the United States since 1818. Over the course of the last two centuries, Illinois has played an integral role in how the history of our nation has panned out. The same could be said of all states, but Illinois has contributed everyday essentials like the zipper and the brownie. More consequentially, four U.S. Presidents were born in Illinois. Not only have we contributed a great deal to the essence of America, but we also have spots all over the state that celebrate American culture in a big way. One spot right along Route 66 captures the essence of Americana in a way that now other business possibly could.
advertisement
The Pink Elephant Antique Mall in Livingston, IL is a one-of-a-kind roadside destination that is distinctly Illinois.
The Pink Elephant is known for the larger-than-life fiber glass sculptures dotted all around. Of course, there is a pink elephant but if you stop by be sure to hunt down the dinosaur, Marilyn Monroe statue and the UFO to get the full experience.
The shop is a 30,000-square-foot space packed with furniture, memorabilia, and collectible objects of every kind you could imagine.
Whether you are a hardcore collector of vintage signs or are very picky with what you bring into you home, I think it would be hard for anyone to leave here empty handed.
advertisement
advertisement
While the antique mall is the main attraction, you can’t stop to The Pink Elephant without exploring The Mother Road Fudge Factory & Candy Shop and The Twistee Treats Diner.
The cooks use vintage recipes in the homemade fudge to stay true to the atmosphere of the place. The diner is known far and wide for their cheeseburgers, making this the perfect spot to stop for a mid-road trip meal. These two shops are tucked within the mall and still keep to the retro vibe of the entire space.
The 1950s-themed diner and sweet shop really take you back to a different moment in time.
Visiting The Pink Elephant might feel like walking through a dream. Just imagine if your own high school was suddenly filled with ceramic animals and old military posters!
In a previous life, the building was a high school. I am not sure the decor today would be all that appropriate for a school setting, but there’s definitely a lot to learn walking around The Pink Elephant Antique Mall.
There are rumors that the school met its end after 75 years in operations due to something sinister and of another world.
If you are in the area around Halloween, be sure to stop by the Area 66 Haunted School that’s on the same property as The Pink Elephant Antique Mall. Any time of year, it’s still worth a drive-by.
The Pink Elephant Antique Mall celebrates all things America including the very American activity of going on a long road trip and stopping to grab a burger. For some, the place itself carries memories of high school years gone by, but for others, picking up a vintage toy can also teleport them back in time to recollections of their youth. Check out these other antiquing destinations around Illinois if you are on the hunt for something specific. While The Pink Elephant Mall is located just along Historic Route 66, the best part of any road trip is when you chart your own path and take the road less traveled. Every time I do that, I end up lost. I'd suggest bringing an up-to-date road atlas with you when you set out for The Pink Elephant Antique Mall if you like to follow side roads like me. Do you know of any other must-see antique malls in Illinois?
