Skip to Main Content

Franklin County Garage Museum.

Franklin County Garage Museum

Field review by the editors.

Benton, Illinois

Built in 1910, the first Ford dealership in Franklin County was 90 years old when it was restored and turned into a museum. The building still has its original belt drive machinery, and displays several restored vintage cars, including one of the first Model Ts in a color other than black. Another highlight of the collection is the 1912 Ford owned by notorious local gangster Charlie Birger.

Franklin County Garage Museum

Address:
211 N. Main St., Benton, IL
Directions:
I-57 exit 71. Drive east into town. At courthouse square turn north onto Hwy 37/Main St. Drive north one block; you'll see the museum on the left, the building with the barrel-shape roof.
Hours:
M-F 8-4; Sa 11-4 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
618-435-5777
Admission:
Adults $4.
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

Marker: First Beatle in AmericaMarker: First Beatle in America, Benton, IL - < 1 mi.
Charlie Birger Gallows and George Harrison ArtifactsCharlie Birger Gallows and George Harrison Artifacts, Benton, IL - < 1 mi.
Giant George Harrison Cut-OutGiant George Harrison Cut-Out, Benton, IL - < 1 mi.
In the region:
Pollard's Collection, Salem, IL - 45 mi.

More Quirky Attractions in Illinois

Stories, reports and tips on tourist attractions and odd sights in Illinois.

Explore Thousands of Unique Roadside Landmarks!

Strange and amusing destinations in the US and Canada are our specialty. Start here.
Use RoadsideAmerica.com's Attraction Maps to plan your next road trip.

My Sights

My Sights on Roadside America

Create Your Own Bizarre Road Trips! ...Try My Sights

Mobile Apps

Roadside America app: iPhone, iPad Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. On-route maps, 1,000s of photos, special research targets! ...More

Roadside Presidents app: iPhone, iPad Roadside Presidents app for iPhone, iPad. POTUS landmarks, oddities. ...More

Illinois Latest Tips and Stories

Latest Visitor Tips

Sight of the Week

Sight of the Week

JFK's World Famous Twine Ball, Highland, Wisconsin (Mar 18-24, 2024)

SotW Archive

USA and Canada Tips and Stories

More Sightings