Chester IL Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
At the foot of the bluffs on the east bank of the Mississippi. The town sits up on the heights; local shuttles or the line's coach carry passengers to the visitor centre near the bridge.
Because it's the birthplace of Elzie C. Segar, the cartoonist who created the character. He filled his comic strip with local figures: Popeye himself was inspired by Frank Fiegel, a real Chester resident.
Follow the statue hunt through the streets, where Olive Oyl, Wimpy and the sailor's other companions turn up on street corners, then step into Spinach Can Collectibles, part shop and part museum.
A shop-museum packed with decades of spinach-eating-sailor memorabilia: vintage tins, figurines, posters and rare pieces. The owners know the story of every object and welcome cruise passengers warmly.
No. The statue trail walks you from one neighbourhood to the next and gives the stroll a thread; locals play along with obvious pleasure. It's easy to catch the smile even without being a fan.
Yes. The town rises on the east-bank bluffs, giving fine views over the river. From the heights you can follow the slow procession of barge tows pushed by their towboats.
Downtown, yes: the statue trail is built for walking. But the climb up from the river is done by local shuttle or the line's coach, since the town sits on the bluffs.
US dollars and English. Bring cash: small shops in a town this size appreciate it, and tipping is standard.
May through October, the middle Mississippi cruise season. Sunset over the limestone bluffs is the best moment of the day for photography.
Very much so. The statue hunt works as a treasure trail for children, and the shop-museum keeps them busy easily. It's a short call, but a cheerful one.
