Robert Wadlow Statue
2800 College Ave., Alton, IL 62002
Historic Sites
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.
What's happening nearby...
Alton Midwest Nationals F1 Powerboat Racing
Alton Riverfront Park • Jul 17 – Jul 19 @ 2PM
Alton, get ready! The F1 Powerboat Championship is making waves once again as the 3rd Annual Alton Midwest Nationals returns to Riverfront Park July 17-19!
Read more about Alton Midwest Nationals F1 Powerboat Racing
Rock the Hops 2026
Downtown Alton • Aug 08 @ 2PM
Get ready to rock out in Downtown Alton for Rock the Hops 2026, where music, art, and craft beer collide for an electrifying celebration of creative…
Read more about Rock the Hops 2026You might also be interested...
McPike Mansion
Alton
When just about any native of the Alton area thinks of a haunted house, normally one name comes to mind - the infamous McPike Mansion.
Read more about McPike Mansion
Elijah P. Lovejoy Monument
Alton
Visit the monument of an amazingly persistent and inspirational freedom fighter, Elijah P. Lovejoy.
Read more about Elijah P. Lovejoy Monument
Alton's National Cemetery
Alton
Fought on American soil, the Civil War was the deadliest war in American history.
Read more about Alton's National Cemetery