World's Largest Catsup Bottle
This iconic 170-foot-tall water tower is shaped like a giant bottle of Brooks Rich & Tangy Catsup. Built in 1949, it serves as a beloved landmark of roadside Americana. It was saved from demolition by passionate locals and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Admission
- Free
- Hours
- Open 24/7 (best viewed during daylight hours)
- Duration
- 10-15 minutes
- Parking
- Free parking available in the adjacent lot at the base of the tower
- Access
- Wheelchair accessible paved viewing areas and parking lot
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Built in 1949, this iconic 170-foot-tall water tower was constructed to supply water to the nearby Brooks tomato products bottling plant. Shaped like a classic Brooks Catsup bottle, it stands as a prime example of mid-century roadside Americana.
Today, the structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a beloved local landmark. Visitors will find a towering, meticulously restored red bottle complete with its distinctive blue cap, towering over the landscape.
Located just off Route 159, it makes for a quick and delightful photo opportunity for travelers exploring the historic Route 66 corridor. The surrounding site features information plaques that share the history of the bottle and its community-led restoration.
Ratings
roadside attractionVisitor Tips
- ◆ Stop by during the day for the best lighting to capture vibrant photos of the bright red bottle against the blue sky.
- ◆ Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, located just a short drive away.
- ◆ Look for the commemorative plaques at the base of the structure to learn about the preservation efforts that saved it from demolition.
- ◆ Grab some local Brooks catsup at a nearby grocery store to complete the experience.
Heads Up
- ◆ The attraction is a water tower on private property and is fenced off, so you cannot climb it or access the immediate base.
- ◆ Parking is limited near the site, so be cautious of passing traffic when pulling off the main road to take photos.
Common questions
Can you go inside the Collinsville Catsup Bottle?
No, you cannot go inside the bottle as it is a decommissioned steel water tower. Visitors can only view and photograph it from the outside.
Where do you park to take a picture of the Catsup Bottle?
You can park briefly in the adjacent commercial parking lot directly beneath the tower or along the shoulder of Morrison Avenue. There is no dedicated visitor parking lot.
Is there a gift shop at the World's Largest Catsup Bottle?
No, there is no physical gift shop or visitor center at the attraction site. Souvenirs can sometimes be purchased at local businesses in downtown Collinsville.
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