
Beware the Fire Breathing Dragon in Central Illinois
On the plains of Central Illinois on I-70 roughly halfway between I-55 and I-57 sits Vandalia. Standing over thirty feet tall and visible from the interstate like a guardian to the town is the Kaskaskia dragon.
Built in 1995 for a local Halloween parade, the Kaskaskia dragon didn’t initially breathe fire. That feature was added after everyone realized the dragon was so popular that it wasn’t a one hit wonder at the parade.

The igniter was included to level up the dragon experience. Originally controlled with a starter button on the side, today with a token operated coin-op machine you can control the igniter and propane tank that enable the Kaskaskia dragon to breathe fire.
After the dragon was permanently placed at its home across from a liquor store, car wash and RV park a knight was built and placed opposite the dragon in eternal opposition.
Thousands road trip to the Kaskaskia dragon every year, and some have been using it as a geocaching location.
Offbeat adventures: Travel to the coolest hidden wonders in every U.S. state
Gallery Credit: Sandi Hemmerlein
LOOK: Route 66’s quirkiest and most wonderful attractions state by state
Gallery Credit: Kery Wiginton
More From KICK FM, #1 For New Country








