Great place to stop with plenty to see . . . giants, quirky atmosphere, large gift shop, ice cream, snacks and welcoming staff. If traveling Route 66 as we were be sure to get your stamp. read more

Pink Elephant Antique Mall - Antiques Near Me - Livingston, Illinois

If you are on the historic Route 66 and see a pink elephant on the horizon, you are not drunk or hallucinating. In addition to the elephant, you'll see a tall Trump, Ken doll and Alvin & the Chipmunks. Plus, the Red Barons plane, Shoney's Big Boy, a huge globe and two vintage police cars. It's junky, but don't let that discourage you from entering the mall. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Once you walk past a miniature Lincoln Memorial and enter the mall, you will be overwhelmed. There will be aisle after aisle of shelves filled with clutter and treasures. You'll have to be patient to look beyond all the clutter to find those hidden treasures.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I have no patience, so went into the other room and did all my shopping there. [[HIGHLIGHT]]In the room to the right, you'll find fudge, mugs, caps, stickers, magnets and bulk candy. You know, all the typical souvenir junk. It was a fun area to browse after dining next door at, Twistee Treat Diner.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I wear a lot of caps and found a Route 66 themed one to wear while we all celebrate its centennial. I also got a couple Route 66 lapel pins to add to my collection. I meant to buy a Route 66 mug, but I set it down to look at another item and forgot to pick it up, again. I'm bummed, I really liked the mug. The service in the mall retail area was not as good as at the diner next door. It was still decent, but it was minimal at best. The young girl who rang me out was on her cell phone when I walked up to the register. She laid it down to process my sale and I could see that she was face timing with a gentleman. She didn't even hang-up, she just had him wait. Beware, the mall is very MAGA and they do not hide it. If that bothers you or if you prefer not to support a MAGA business, you may want to skip shopping here. read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Stopped here expecting a fun roadside antique stop, but it feels more like a spectacle than a functional store.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place is enormous--easily something you could wander through for hours--but its remote location makes it feel disconnected from any real customer base.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] It gives off more "curiosity destination" energy than a place people seriously visit to shop. The vendor setup adds another layer of friction. If you're interested in something, you can't just talk to someone nearby--the employees have to track down the individual vendor and call them. That might be manageable if there were flexibility on pricing, but even with what appears to be minimal buying activity, there's little to no willingness to negotiate. It creates a strange dynamic where items sit, interest is low, and yet prices remain firm. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Another noticeable aspect is the store's heavy lean into political messaging. There's a significant amount of merchandise as you enter openly expressing admiration toward Donald Trump and depicting Charlie Kirk in a particularly positive light.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Regardless of personal views, it's hard to ignore how prominently this is featured, and it shifts the tone from a neutral antique-hunting experience to something more pointed and divisive. Overall, it's an interesting stop if you're curious and passing by, but if your goal is to browse antiques with a chance of actually buying something at a fair price, it may leave you frustrated. read more

Watched two old guys by the counter staring at little girls behinds as the girls walked away from them. They never took their eyes from several young girls. Maybe they were looking at flies flying around from the filthy store. Either way, this place screams "racist creepy republicans are welcome here" read more

You know those places that make you smile before you even get out of the car? The Pink Elephant Antique Mall is one of those places. My brother and I stopped during a Route 66 road trip expecting to grab lunch, browse a few antique booths, and continue on to St. Louis. Four hours later, we were still there. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The giant pink elephant and fiberglass figures outside immediately grab your attention, but that's only the beginning.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Inside the former Livingston High School, you'll find 30,000 square feet of antiques, collectibles, vintage treasures, Route 66 memorabilia, toys, advertising signs, home décor, and enough nostalgia to keep you wandering for hours.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]One of my favorite things about Pink Elephant is that it appeals to far more than antique shoppers. Even if you don't buy a thing, there are countless photo opportunities, fun roadside attractions, a retro diner, and a fantastic candy and fudge shop.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We had lunch at the Twistee Treat Diner, where I enjoyed a burger, onion rings, and a salted caramel milkshake that was worth every calorie. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The diner has a fun retro vibe and was packed during our visit.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Before leaving, we stopped by the Mother Road Fudge Factory and Candy Shop. The homemade fudge was fresh, creamy, and some of the best I've ever tasted. What truly makes this place special, though, is the Pickerill family. Owners Tonia and Wayne clearly love what they do. Their enthusiasm, friendliness, and passion for creating a memorable experience are evident throughout the property. You can tell they genuinely enjoy meeting travelers and sharing this unique Route 66 destination with others. As a photographer, I left with over 100 photos. As a traveler, I left with great memories. As a Route 66 enthusiast, I left knowing this is a stop I'll recommend to everyone. Whether you're traveling Route 66, looking for a fun family outing, searching for antiques, craving homemade fudge, or simply want a memorable roadside adventure, Pink Elephant Antique Mall is absolutely worth the stop. My advice? Allow much more time than you think you'll need. read more

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So much junk! Giants out front. Needed to use the restroom but thought better of it. FDT.

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Fun place with weird antiques.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The hamburgers were a little expensive same for some of the items. All together a good time read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Walking through the doors of Pink Elephant is like taking a trip down memory lane, where the echoes of high school still resonate amidst the charming clutter of yesteryear.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]What was once the bustling heart of the old Livingston, IL high school now serves as a treasure trove of nostalgia and antiques galore.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The original hardwood floors from the old gym creak underfoot, a reminder of the countless basketball games and pep rallies that once filled the space with energy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Each space is stocked by a different vendor so you can dig up unique vintage finds throughout the mall.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The prices can be a bit high at some booth spaces, but others have their prices set fair. [[HIGHLIGHT]]They have a plethora of funky statues to take photos with on the outside too, like the giant pink elephant statue![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Whether you're a local looking to reminisce or a visitor seeking unique finds, this place is where you need to stop! read more

Pink Elephant Antique Mall - Soooooo much to explore - Antiques Near Me - Livingston, Illinois

Huge antique shop. Three stories of treasure hunting fun. You can easily spend 3 hours in there if you are into this kind of stuff. Diner and ice cream shop next door. read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Biggest collection of kitsch I have ever seen in my entire life![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]If you are looking for traditional "antiques" - fine furniture etc. keep driving, but if you want to ride down memory lane into the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s, this is IT.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]All the toys, memorabilia, 8-tracks, vinyl records, and nick-nacks your heart desire.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]It is really a hoot! Very tongue in cheek and all in fun![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

I have passed Pink Elephant Antique Mall once or twice on road trips and I've finally visited it now. Twice. Even more going on there than I expected. I could see it was large, had big... whatever you would call the elephant and the other stuff... and I assumed there were many antiques inside. There were many indeed. It's a proper antique mall w/ booths/areas and it isn't curated by the store staff. But most of the stuff was at least OK. This is NOT a place that says it's an antique mall but is full of home decor, black t-shirts w/ rhinestones, etc. And what else was there? A candy shop and an diner/ice cream shop! Yes, please! Good candy selection and food better than expected. Plus it's set in an old school building and that gave the place a fun feel. read more

Pink Elephant Antique Mall - Antiques Near Me - Livingston, Illinois

Review Visit: July 27th, 2014 Pop Quiz! You are driving down the road and you see a giant pink elephant. What do you do? So after driving by multiple times, some of my friends and I stopped by to see what the place is like. What a fun stop it was. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Outside, they have the giant pink elephant. They have a shirtless statue eating an ice cream cone. There is an alien saucer. For the statues, there is a giant tricycle for them to ride. That might be for the giant lumberjack.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] If you are hungry, there is a Twistee Treat that serves up your typical ice cream shack favorites. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Inside, there is a lot of stuff. Seriously. It seems to be an old school converted into an antique mall. Rows and shelves and aisles of old stuff. Some cool, some oddities.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Personally, I am not much into antique stuff, so a lot of the stuff offered doesn't interest me. But it is cool to see stuff from the past... back before even my parents were alive.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]All-in-all, a pretty neat antique mall. Definitely worth a stop to get photos with the fun stuff outside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]This is a large antique shop right off Hwy 55. It's hard to miss with the huge pink elephant out front.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Spend an hour or two browsing both levels and still not see it all.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Enjoy lunch at the 50's style Cafe & ice-cream shop that has all the old fashioned favorites.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food is good, and it won't break the bank. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Take pictures with the many statues outside and have a good time.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Pink Elephant Antique Mall - Antiques Near Me - Livingston, Illinois

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Fun place.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Bought multiple items here. The service was great. The staff was amazing. I liked the candy store. Would definitely come again. read more

We visitee antique mall on a Sunday during spring break. We were greeted by friendly faces sitting at the register. No one bugged us [[HIGHLIGHT]]It was like a walking museum of my childhood (I was born in the 80s) and my daughter was able to experience with me.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We purchased from their gift shop. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Cool.place to kill time on route 66.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Pink Elephant Antique Mall - Can't not take a photo of the elephant !! - Antiques Near Me - Livingston, Illinois

My husband and I took a short drive from Missouri to check this place out. Had no idea what to expect. [[HIGHLIGHT]]When we entered the already mostly full parking lot, the place was giving me,"Uranus fudge factory" vibes from the outside. Very similar & fun atmosphere[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Inside we had a great time searching for the all the things we never knew we always wanted. Found some really cool stuff![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Some of the prices were negotiable and others were not. After we made our purchases we went over to the candy / fudge shop and stocked up on loads of different types of salt water taffy and other bulk candies to stock the candy bowl at home. Grabbed a Fitz root beer for the road and walked around outside to check it all out before leaving. It was a great few hours. We were back home by lunch and it was well worth the drive. I highly recommend you stop in and check it out.. Oh, and bring a sticker to add to the old VW van out front. read more

Love this place go every few months find something everytime. If your close this place is a must can't say it enough great place I drive over an hour to go read more

The Pink Elephant is a large antique store located in the old high school in Livingston ,Illinois . It houses antiques from over 50 different vendors . There is a nice cafe with a cool 50's theme and a nice menu . It wasn't lunch time so I can't comment on the food but it looked inviting . The Pink Elephant also sells their own homemade fudge . I tried a sample and it was delicious and very affordable . One of the highlights of this place is the wonderful array of old outdoor artifacts such as a huge big boy restaurant big boy and yes a huge Pink Elephant . This is a fun stop if you are close to the St.Louis area or cruising down old Route 66 ! read more

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I had some friends in town (St. Louis) from New York. We spent a day in Springfield and saw Pink Elephant Antique Mall on the way there. They aren't used to Midwestern kitsch so they requested we stop there on the way back to take some photos of the various outdoor statues so we did. We also went in to use the restrooms and buy candy in the candy store. Great selection of penny candy and other hard to find items. I hadn't been here in quite a few years but of course, I'll be back. read more

Pink Elephant Antique Mall - Candy - Antiques Near Me - Livingston, Illinois

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This place was so cool! There's aisle and aisles of antiques and super nostalgic items! It was so nice exploring. They had so much unique stuff and we ended up getting some books! The lady's there were so nice to us as well during check out. After we went and got some ice cream before we got back on the road. My wife got a kids banana split and I got a chocolate sundae with cookie dough crumbles on top! The girls that worked there were so sweet to us and the inside decorations was super neat! Definitely recommend stopping here when you're in the area! read more

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Tons of stuff to look at two floors in excellent burger restaurant and a candy shop next door. I'm definitely going again . read more

Amazing so much to see. It is located in an old school. The main floor is the gymnasium next they have the stage area . There is also an upstairs and a downstairs. From toys I used to play with. To beautiful glass, records, vintage cameras, and Historical political items just to name a few . The staff is very friendly. There is a Twistee Treat Diner adjacent to it . As well as mother Road fudge Candy Store. It's on Historic Route 66. The photo opportunities are amazing from an old phone booth to Marilyn Monroe . Then takeoff in a spaceship or come ride a dinosaur. There is so much to see my grandchildren and I spent most of the day there . Finished it off with chicken strip baskets and ice cream I highly recommend it. read more

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Super fun stop, lots of things to look around at - found so much Pyrex. The antique mall is inside an old gymnasium, and is filled with all sorts of hidden treasures. The fudge and candy shop is very good, they alley you sample all the fudge and the staff is very kind. Lots of saltwater taffy available in a large variety of flavors. We stopped in for lunch at the diner attached and everything as delicious (and at a very low cost). It's simple American staples like hamburgers and hot dogs, but executed wonderfully with a 50s diner atmosphere. read more

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For fun roadside attractions you can't go wrong here. It definitely has the vibe of old Route 66 to it, with kitschy statues outside AND a Twistee Treat where you can get a soft serve cone. The antique shop is actually quite good. It's inside of what was once a high school gymnasium and is large. In the past I've bought old radios, beer glasses, knives and various other items here. The folks working here are older and very kind. read more

Great prices and super sweet employees. Always there to help. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Whenever me and my family are in there, we always feel welcome.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Keep your friggin' politics to yourself! Driving up and seeing the giant Trump statue was almost enough to make us turn around and leave. If we hadn't driven as far as we did we would have just left. Why some business owners feel the need to shove this loser down their patron's throats is beyond me. As an antique mall it's a mixed bag. Some booths are organized and tidy, but most just have stacks of stuff just crammed into and onto shelves. There's no way on planet earth that most of this stuff will ever be sold, because most of it is impossible to see (unless you rummage through everything, and I'm not about to do that). It's almost as though some of the dealers would rather rent a booth instead of paying for a storage unit somewhere. Astonishingly, I did manage to find something, and it was reasonably priced. Still, if the owners had a policy that booths must be tidy, and items must be clearly seen, I've no doubt I would have found more. But I guess as long as dealers are paying the rent the owners don't care that they're making it nearly impossible to provide a good shopping experience to their customers. I will say, the lady at the candy store was very friendly. We actually spent more there than at the antique mall. In the end we were less than impressed, and don't really see a need to return. read more

Some of the items there were concerning. Mammy statues...confederate imagery... It surely left an certain impression. read more

Pink Elephant Antique Mall - Mammy cookie jar - Antiques Near Me - Livingston, Illinois

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The Pink Elephant sits about 45 minutes outside of St. Louis. It's definitely a fun place to stop by and visit. The whole place is filled to the brim with random Knick knacks. Attached to the antique mall is also a diner and a candy shop, so it's a convenient place to stop. I gave 4/5 because the prices are really high, almost unreasonable. Random empty soda bottles or mugs are priced outrageously. I've stopped in a few times in the past year and I feel prices have increased, even though it was expensive to begin with. So, I feel like this really deters you from purchasing anything. Nevertheless, I think it's worth while visit to just look around. read more

For this place, which is dedicated to attracting Route 66 and interstate travelers, I'm dividing it into three different ways: The outdoor statues (5/5) - the best photo opportunities lie here. Some may call this a tourist trap, as there really isn't a whole lot about this place. The statues are just random at its best. There is, of course, the pink elephant, but not much else. Sure, there are some cool statues here and there, like the modern Alvin and the Chipmunks. So, bring a camera! The antique mall (4/5) - as reviewers have pointed out, yes it is a year-round flea market and just about everything you might collect is found here. All sorts of stuff (or junk) for sale. It kind of brings in a musty smell, here and there. The restaurant (3/5) - It's a typical retro diner, complete with a jukebox (though its not real, just eye candy). They have specials every day at a reasonable price. The food is okay, and so is their ice cream. They do have lots of flavors and mixtures, but they don't have anything similar to a concrete or Blizzard. They just whip up a soft serve with the toppings on top. Nothing special, but definitely look around the diner. (It does connect to the mall, but until 5) Final thoughts...well there you have it. It's not really a historic Route 66 place, though it lies literally on the classic road. The place actually used to be a school, as you will sense that from the outside and inside. But check it out anyway. read more

Pink Elephant Antique Mall - Statues - Antiques Near Me - Livingston, Illinois

So I took my kids for an adventure on a Saturday. Something odd and different and it was exactly that. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Crowded rows of junk.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]They had a decent time looking at the different booths but when I say junk I mean it and very expensive.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]There is one booth upstairs that had some cool metal signs that are appropriately priced.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We then ate at the diner. Kids ate chicken strips and I had the burger. Frozen chicken tenders which is blah but the burger was delightful. Would I go again?? Probably not. Will I call and find out the info on the one booth with the metal signs?? Possibly. If you're close maybe check it out. If it's out of your way don't waste your time. read more

Lots of great things, there is so much to see and a Lil bit of everything to purchase. The people are very inviting, informative, and just all-around great!!! We love this place, don't miss out on this gem of a place! read more

The actual mall is chockfull of all kinds of things - old books, record albums, toys, etc. Some people would call it "junk" and they might be right. The diner part is great. How can we not love a corndog for $2, fries for $2 and a big root beer for $2. Really cheap prices and the food was quite good. Another thing I loved about this place is the jukebox, which plays late 50s and early 60s music. Fun, fun, fun. read more

This place is fantastic in every way. You either get it or you don't. You either have a sense of whimsy, a curiosity about the world and all it's complexity, or you don't. If you are writing a review on the food, you've missed the point. If you don't like a bunch of "junk" crammed into an old school, then by all means don't come here. Maybe you're more of a JC Penney type? Everyone was super nice to us because we were nice to them. There IS Trump "statue" out front, it seems to be made of paper mache, and is hilariously disproportional. If you don't find the humor in it all I can't help you. Perhaps the world is too scary for you and you should stay home. read more

Pink Elephant Antique Mall - Antiques Near Me - Livingston, Illinois

If you have traveled 55, you have probably seen the Pink Elephant Antique Mall. You probably said we should stop there someday. Well, stop! Make today the day that you go and visit the Pink Elephant. This place has a large assortment of different antiques. The Pink Elephant has old toys, dishes, books, and signs. There's a lot to see. The Pink Elephant also has an old fashion diner where you can grab a tasty bite to eat or treat yourself to some ice cream. read more

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Lots of stuff to look at, organized well enough, but many of the stands' pricing is absolutely ridiculous. Things a few years old being sold for more than brand new. Some great stuff but be ready to spend a decent amount of money for used goods. read more

Fun, eclectic and HUGE!! Be sure to make this a stop on your next road trip!! Something for everyone including yummy fudge and specialty sodas read more

Pink Elephant Antique Mall - It's 'huge' - Antiques Near Me - Livingston, Illinois

Heavens. To. Betsy. If you are looking for a photo op and lots of fantastic antique items, get your rear in gear and head to the Pink Elephant. This place is a tourist dream and not a shabby place for those who love nostalgia and deals. They even have a candy shop with delicious fudge and a diner. Not sure what more you could ask for while trudging through the flatlands of the state. Secure an hour or two to ensure that you can scan every nook and cranny of this place. Oh and they have a bathroom and it's clean which is always a rarity in antique stores. Both the availability and the cleanliness of course. Just go and check it out. read more

Pink Elephant Antique Mall - Diner - Antiques Near Me - Livingston, Illinois

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Oh my goodness, what a fabulous place! Antiques, candy, fudge, ice cream, and darling diner. Absolutely will stop again read more

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My mom likes to stop in and get a bite on road trips. I had my new ESA (Emotional Support Animal) with me and she needed to cool down too so the ladies there hooked her up with a free ice cream. Her first taste. She didn't complain! I'm sure it won't be her last nor our last time stopping through! And the food is always good! read more

Pink Elephant Antique Mall - Selah got her first taste of ice cream at The Pink Elephant and she loved it! - Antiques Near Me - Livingston, Illinois

This serves 2 purposes: 1.) A tourist attraction for those on I-55, or doing a historic tour of Route 66. 2.) A flea market for stuff that people would have sold via garage sale - yet with dozens of times the amount of stuff. Gives a good sense of Americana before the freeways. It is an old high school that served the small town of Livingston, IL - right off the freeway. It has caught my attention several times as you can't miss it with the pink elephant statue and other major statues... Very large assortment of "antiques" - generally as if 100 people had gone in and cleaned out their grandparents' old house. Cool to find stuff that you may have grown up with (generally if you're over age 40) but has since been long gone. We spent 90 minutes looking at it all. Has a retro diner - average food but at a great price. They have lots of ice cream choices. Really feels like going back in time about 60 or 70 years. Nice stop to get out and stretch and do something different. read more