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Around Illinois by Amtrak
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Step back in time to the golden age of train travel and settle in for a peaceful ride to discover some of Illinois’ most charming towns and hidden treasures.
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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.
Contact Details
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Address:
2800 College Ave.
Alton IL 62002 - Phone: (618) 465-6676
- Toll Free: (800) 258-6645
- Email: info@riversandroutes.com
- Website: Visit Website
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What's Happening Near Alton
Alton Food Truck Festival
Love food trucks? Love fast take-out? Join in delicious fun at the Alton Food Truck Festival!
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