Skip to Main Content

Pontiac, Illinois: Pistol-Shaped Building

The former Illinois State Police District 6 Headquarters is shaped like a handgun if seen from above. On the ground you can look at an explanatory historical marker.

Address:
15551 Historic Hwy 66, Pontiac, IL
Directions:
On the west side of Old Route 66 about 1.5 miles south of Pontiac.
Save to My Sights

Visitor Tips and News About Pistol-Shaped Building

Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.

Pistol building.

Gun-Shaped State Police Headquarters

This was a State Police Headquarters, built in 1941, that closed in 2003. It has a historical marker and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. According to the marker, the architect allegedly designed the building in the shape of a Derringer pistol as seen when viewed from above, and it showcases the Art Moderne style of architecture popular in the 1930s, with long linear lines, curved corners, and structural glass.

[Sue Freeman, 05/26/2022]

The Motor Police are waiting for you.

Pistol-Shaped Building

The Motor Police...are waiting out in front of the pistol-shaped building.

[Craig Grondfeldt, 08/04/2020]

Pistol shaped building.

Pistol-Shaped Building

It's in use, outside of town.

[Rebecca Keeler, 08/27/2015]
Pistol-Shaped Building

Don't go too far out of your way to see it. It was interesting enough only because we are having fun.

[Troy, 04/11/2015]
Pistol Shaped Building

We had a hard time finding this. It is on the west side of the road between two cornfields. If you get to the nursing home, you have gone too far. From the ground it looks like an old radio station, not a pistol, but it has a historical marker that shows you the shape from ABOVE! Still fun to stop.

[Kelly Lopez, 07/30/2014]

Nearby Offbeat Places

Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and MuseumIllinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum, Pontiac, IL - 3 mi.
Abe Lincoln Hair StrandsAbe Lincoln Hair Strands, Pontiac, IL - 3 mi.
Burma Shave SignsBurma Shave Signs, Pontiac, IL - 4 mi.
In the region:
Sprague's Super Service: Restored 1930s Gas Station, Normal, IL - 29 mi.

Latest Tips Across Roadside America

Catch up on the latest discoveries from the road.

Explore Thousands of Oddball Tourist Attractions!

Unique destinations in the U.S. and Canada are our special obsession. Use our attraction recommendation and maps to plan your next road trip.

My Sights

My Sights on Roadside America

Map and Plan Your Own Roadside Adventure ...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