This Antique Mall Along Route 66 in Illinois Is the Epitome of Americana

As the 21st state in the country, Illinois has been an official part of the United States since 1818. Over the last two centuries, Illinois has played an integral role in how our nation's history 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 no other business possibly could. Are you ready to visit an antique mall on Route 66 that's the epitome of Americana in Illinois?

The Pink Elephant Antique Mall in Livingston, Illinois, is a unique roadside destination that is distinctly Illinois. Like many antique malls, it comprises vendor booths, which means that expert pickers always bring in their best finds. You will know you are in the right place as soon as you pull up to the parking lot.

The Pink Elephant is known for the larger-than-life fiberglass sculptures dotted all around. Of course, there is a pink elephant, but if you stop by, be sure to hunt down the dinosaur, a Marilyn Monroe statue, and the UFO to get the full experience. The shop itself is a 30,000-square-foot space packed with furniture, memorabilia, and collectible objects of every kind you could imagine.

Whether you are an avid collector of vintage signs or are very picky about what you bring into your home, I think it would be hard for anyone to leave here empty-handed. While the antique mall is the main attraction, you can’t stop at The Pink Elephant without exploring The Mother Road Fudge Factory & Candy Shop and The Twistee Treats Diner. The Mother Road Fudge Factory confectioners use vintage recipes in the homemade fudge to stay true to the atmosphere of the place, and The Twistee Treats Diner is known far and wide for its cheeseburgers, making this the perfect spot to stop for a mid-road trip meal. These two shops are tucked within the mall and keep to the entire space's retro vibe. Both are 1950s-themed and really take you back to a different era.

The building that The Pink Elephant wasn’t built to be an antique mall. In a previous life, the building was a high school, and there are rumors that the school, after 75 years in operation, ended its existence due to something sinister and of another world. I am not sure that the decor found here 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.

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! If you are in the area around Halloween, stop by the Area 66 Haunted School on the same property as The Pink Elephant Antique Mall. Any time of year, it’s still worth a drive-by. There's no place quite as uniquely nostalgic as this Illinois antique mall on Route 66.

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.

For more information, including the location and hours of operation, visit the Pink Elephant Antique Mall website or Facebook page. Do you know of any other must-see antique malls in Illinois? If so, fill out our nomination form to tell us about them.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own Route 66 road trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.