From albino squirrels to the world’s largest mailbox: How Illinois’ small towns make a name for themselves with offbeat attractions

You won’t find fancy water parks or beaches in Casey, Ill. There are no museums to speak of. And if you want to catch a major league baseball game, you’ll need to make the two-hour drive to St. Louis.

But Casey, population 2,700, does have the world’s largest mailbox, part of a collection of oversize items that has helped put the city on the map. In the decade since the first one was built, these giant items have helped drive traffic to the town and spur a bit of a renaissance on Main Street.

Samantha Bomkamp

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-small-towns-tourism-gimmick-20180717-story.html