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Atlanta, Illinois: J.H. Hawes Grain Elevator Museum

The museum is inside the oldest wooden grain elevator in Illinois, built in 1904.

Address:
1st St., Atlanta, IL
Directions:
I-55 exit 140. Drive west on Hwy 25 into town, and continue straight on South St. Turn right onto Arch St., then left onto Race St., then left again onto 1st St. The grain elevator will be straight ahead.
Hours:
Summer Su 1-3 pm or by appt. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
217-648-2056
Admission:
Free.
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Visitor Tips and News About J.H. Hawes Grain Elevator Museum

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J.H. Hawes Grain Elevator Museum.

J.H. Hawes Grain Elevator Museum

Wasn't open for tours when I was there, but there are still things to see. A small self-guided tour with signage explains what all is there and offers interactive questions to consider when designing a grain elevator.

[Clark W, 10/31/2023]
J.H. Hawes Grain Elevator Museum

Just off of the interstate, the self-guided tour of the grounds was educational for a city boy who has been looking at grain elevators along the road for days and knew nothing about them. Only open Sunday afternoons; getting inside would have been good, but still worth the brief stretch stop. They also preserved and displayed a wind-driven pump and carriage house.

[Jim Mitsche, 07/07/2021]

Grain Elevator Museum.

Grain Elevator Museum

Museum dedicated to grain elevators, which seem to be in endless numbers in Illinois. The next exit up is the Dixie Truck Stop and the house built into the side of a hill.

[Phil, 11/30/2003]

Photo added September 2008. The J. H. Hawes Grain Elevator is the oldest wooden grain elevator in Illinois, built in 1904. It houses the museum. In 2003, Atlanta also became the new home of the Hot Dog Muffler Man.


Nearby Offbeat Places

Smiley Face Water TowerSmiley Face Water Tower, Atlanta, IL - < 1 mi.
Hot Dog Muffler ManHot Dog Muffler Man, Atlanta, IL - < 1 mi.
Mattingly Automotive: Official Route 66 MechanicMattingly Automotive: Official Route 66 Mechanic, Atlanta, IL - < 1 mi.
In the region:
Dead Man's Curve, Towanda, IL - 27 mi.

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