Atlanta, IL has always been a “must see” on Route 66, but in the last couple of years something special has been going on in this small town. Yes, there’s murals, cafes, a cool library and clock tower, and even a grain elevator museum, all the Route 66 requirements, but the up and coming feature of Atlanta is The American Giants Museum. Located at the corner of Arch & Vine Streets stands The American Giants Museum.
Before I get into the museum, I feel like I’d be doing an injustice to the town if I don’t mention The hotdog eating Paul Bunyon. He’s been a Route 66 mainstay for about 60 years now. He originally stood. He is an original Muffler Man who stood in front of Bunyon’s in Cicero, IL for about 40 years until the sandwich shop closed and he Moved to Atlanta. To read his full story visit this link on Roadside America Hot Dog Muffler Man, Atlanta, Illinois
Fast-forward to 2020, something, actually earlier, when Joel Baker, the current Muffler Man authority teams up the Atlanta Betterment Fund, and the idea for the museum is hatched. In October of 2022. The reproduction of a vintage Texaco station is completed. In June of 2023 the first “Muffler Man” was set on the premises. The museum would officially open in July, with work continuing throughout the year.
In 2024 the museum would have its grand open coinciding with the installation of a very rare giant known as the Texaco big friend. One of only 7 in existence.
Later in 2024 the first gal would arrive on the scene she is a recently created version of what was commonly know as a Uniroyal Gal. She is Known as Lumi and she works at Country-Aire Restaurant just down the road from the museum.
So if you’re keeping track that’s 4 giants in Atlanta so far. I believe they have 3 more planned for the museum, and now couple that with the displays of giant’s heads, and body parts, you can see why Atlanta is quickly becoming the Rout 66 Land of The Giants.
