This Illinois Town Is Home To The Worlds Largest Crucifix

Illinois boasts a bunch of roadside attractions to explore, from the World’s Tallest Catsup Bottle to the World’s Largest Rocking Chair in Casey. There is so much to see in this great state, and the World’s Largest Crucifix is high on that list. In fact, the cross is so big that you really can’t miss it.

This enormous crucifix stands tall in Effingham, Illinois, where it is known as the Cross at the Crossroads. This impressive structure is 198 feet (60 meters) tall and 113 feet (34 meters) wide. Its height stops just below 200 feet (61 meters) so that it could avoid an FAA regulation that would require the cross to feature a light at the top. Still, this impressive cross is higher than the 190-foot (58-meter) cross in Groom, Texas. That’s actually why the cross was built—to beat out the other tall crosses. At the base of the structure is a welcome center and a plaque for each of the Ten Commandments. The cross is made out of 180 tons of steel anchored into cement, and it cost more than $1 million to construct.

The cross is symbolic of travel to many who drive through this unique intersection, with several automotive-blessing events taking place here. Corvettes at the Cross and a Blessing of the Bikes are both held here so that travelers can be protected on the road.

The cross is actually so iconic that it’s made its way into pop culture. Singer-songwriter Ben Folds was inspired by the giant cross and wrote a song dedicated to it. The only problem is that the musician got the name of the city wrong. He named his song “Effington” which prompted the mayor of Effingham to invite him over sometime. One of the lyrics of the song asks to be buried there and the then-mayor of Effingham, John Lange, said, “We can bury him here.” He even offered to buy the singer lunch next time he’s traveling through Illinois.

The World’s Largest Cross rising from the ground

Effingham’s giant cross is an inspiration to many. Get inspired by it by taking a trip to the intersection of Interstate 57 and 70 on your way down to Normal, Illinois.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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