Abraham Lincoln Watermelon Monument

Lincoln, Illinois

IllinoisRoadside Attraction

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In Lincoln, Illinois you’ll find one of the weirdest monuments erected in Abraham Lincoln’s, or any president’s for that matter, honor: the Abraham Lincoln Watermelon Monument. This attraction is just as it sounds: a big pink and green metal watermelon slice on a pedestal dedicated to our sixteenth president and the christening of Lincoln, Illinois.

As the story goes, on August 27, 1853 the first sale of lots in the new town of Lincoln, Illinois, took place near where the watermelon monument now stands. Abraham Lincoln, in whose honor the town had been named, was present and was asked to officially christen the town. He chose a watermelon from a nearby pile, cut into it with his pocketknife, and then bumped it on a pile of lumber. He squeezed the juice into a tin cup, gave a brief speech, and christened the town.

In celebration of that fateful day, the Lincoln Kiwanis, Lions, and Rotary Clubs and the Illinois State Historic Society constructed this monument in the shape of a slice of watermelon in 1964.

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Abraham Lincoln Watermelon Monument in Lincoln, Illinois Route 66 Roadside Attraction

Abraham Lincoln Watermelon Monument

4 based on 1 reviews

Address:

101 N Chicago St, Lincoln, IL 62656

Hours:

Visible 24/7

Cost:

Free

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Photos of the Abraham Lincoln Watermelon Monument in Lincoln, Illinois

Abraham Lincoln Watermelon Monument in Lincoln, Illinois Route 66 Roadside Attraction
Abraham Lincoln Watermelon Monument in Lincoln, Illinois Route 66 Roadside Attraction
Abraham Lincoln Watermelon Monument in Lincoln, Illinois Route 66 Roadside Attraction

Know Before You Go

To make the most of your visit to the Abraham Lincoln Watermelon Monument in Lincoln, Illinois, here are some things to know before you go.

Where is the Abraham Lincoln Watermelon Monument located on Route 66?

Find the Abraham Lincoln Watermelon Monument at 101 N Chicago St. in Lincoln, Illinois. The site is on the south lawn of the Logan County Visitor Center and Historic Train Depot in Lincoln, and is visible from the street.

Where can you park?

Some free street parking is available right around the corner from the watermelon.

Where to Stay Near the Abraham Lincoln Watermelon Monument

Complete your travel itinerary and get a good night’s rest with a stay at one of these nearby hotels on Illinois Route 66.

State House Inn

State House Inn, a landmark hotel in Springfield, Illinois, features a business center, gym, ironing service, and complimentary breakfast with a convenient location directly across the street from the Illinois State Capitol. Book a stay in one of the two themed Presidential Suites: the Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd.

Inn at 835

Located near the Illinois State Capital and numerous Lincoln Historical sites, Inn at 835 offers 11 guest rooms, plus two additional suites in the Bell House. Accommodations include private baths with plush towels, hand-milled French soaps, soft linens, antique furnishings, flat screen TVs, and WiFi.

Attractions Near the Abraham Lincoln Watermelon Monument on Route 66

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Planning your Route 66 road trip? Our Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your go-to resource for crafting the perfect itinerary! With over 1,300 stops, including quirky roadside attractions, historic sites, and classic diners, our toolkit helps you prioritize what matters most to you. It’s the ultimate guide to making your road trip truly unique and memorable. Ready to hit the road? Start planning your adventure now! #Route66 #Route66RoadTrip #Route66TravelPlanning

Is road trip planning driving you crazy?

Let the Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit be your guide.

Are you ready to hit the Mother Road but feeling overwhelmed with planning? The Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your one-stop solution! Spanning 2,448 miles of pure Americana, Route 66 is packed with quirky attractions, historic sites, and unforgettable experiences—so why settle for a generic, outdated itinerary? Our toolkit offers a customizable travel spreadsheet with over 1,300 stops, a detailed eBook, and a step-by-step video guide to help you craft your dream Route 66 road trip. Don’t miss out—start planning your perfect Route 66 adventure today!

Reviews & Ratings

4 based on 1 reviews

1 Review of Abraham Lincoln Watermelon Monument in Lincoln, Illinois

  1. This one feels like such a random roadside attraction! I wouldn’t necessarily drive out of my way to see this Lincoln watermelon but it is definitely a funny stop off Route 66!

    Reply

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