Robert Wadlow Statue
2800 College Ave., Alton, IL 62002
Historic Sites
Visit the statue of the tallest man in the world, Alton's Gentle Giant.
In 1918, Alton became the famous birthplace of Robert Wadlow, "The Gentle Giant." Born a normal eight pounds in 1918, Wadlow suffered from a pituitary gland problem. He was almost nine feet tall and 500 pounds when he died of complications from a foot infection at age 22. He is noted in the Guinness Book of World Records as the tallest man alive. A life-sized statue on College Avenue lifts visitors' heads in amazement. The Alton Museum of History and Art has devoted an entire room to Wadlow, including his third-grade desk and oversized grade school ring.
What's happening nearby...
Javapalooza 2026
Great Rivers & Routes Region • Sep 01 – Nov 30
Javapalooza 2026 is brewing Sept. 1-Nov. 30! Sip signature drinks, explore coffee shops, join scavenger hunts, follow the Coffee Trail that celebrates the bean, baristas and…
Read more about Javapalooza 2026
Rocky Horror Picture Show at ALT
Alton Little Theatre • Oct 29 – Nov 01 @ 7:30PM
Experience the cult classic Rocky Horror Picture Show live on stage with outrageous fun, unforgettable music, and interactive audience participation.
Read more about Rocky Horror Picture Show at ALT
Alton Halloween Parade 2026
Broadway Street, Downtown Alton • Oct 31 @ 7PM
Ghost and goblins beware! The "Most Haunted Small Town in America" will be out in full force at this year's annual Halloween Parade!
Read more about Alton Halloween Parade 2026You might also be interested...
Confederate Prison Site
Alton
Visit first Illinois State Penitentiary and learn about the ghastly history of the overcrowded, often disease-infested prison. Today, it is a monument dedicated to those who…
Read more about Confederate Prison Site
Elijah P. Lovejoy Monument
Alton
Visit the monument of an amazingly persistent and inspirational freedom fighter, Elijah P. Lovejoy.
Read more about Elijah P. Lovejoy Monument
Lincoln-Douglas Square
Alton
Stand the same ground once stood as Abraham Lincoln and Stephan A. Douglas near the Alton riverfront.
Read more about Lincoln-Douglas Square