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.

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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.

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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.

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[WARNING: Under no circumstances should you enter private or abandoned property. By doing so you risk bodily harm and/or prosecution for trespassing.]

Gallery Credit: Sandi Hemmerlein

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