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...
Mississippi River Festival
Alton Amphitheater • Jun 27 – Jun 28 @ 6PM
The Mississippi River Festival brings tunes back to the Alton Amphitheater for its 2nd year along the Mighty Mississippi June 27 & 28, 2025!
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Alton Midwest Nationals F1 Powerboat Race
Alton Riverfront Park • Jul 18 – Jul 20 @ 2PM
Alton, get ready! The F1 Powerboat Championship is making waves once again as the 2nd Annual Alton Midwest Nationals returns to Riverfront Park July 18 -…
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Alton Rock the Hops
Downtown Alton • Aug 09 @ 2PM
Get ready to rock out in Downtown Alton for Rock the Hops 2025, where music, art, and craft beer collide for an electrifying celebration of creative…
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