In Ottawa, Illinois, there’s a curious little landmark that never fails to grab attention. Out in the middle of a small lake, perched on its own tiny island, sits a lone 2001 Volvo S80. For more than a decade, this abandoned-looking sedan has puzzled passersby and amused locals, earning the spot its nickname: Volvo Island. The story of how it got there is just as strange as the sight itself, and it has made it to the news.
The idea came from mechanic Scott Mann back in 2012. He wanted to do something unusual with the old car, something that would spark curiosity. Using a tow truck, he placed the Volvo at the tip of a narrow peninsula in the lake. But rather than leave it connected to the shore, he had the land bridge dug away and flooded, cutting it off completely. What was once just a parked car was suddenly transformed into a surreal roadside attraction sitting on its own private oasis.
Image Via: X
Originally, Mann toyed with making it part of a guessing game, encouraging visitors to wonder how the car ended up stranded. But the plan never took off, partly because swimming across the lake would have been too risky. The water is around 40 feet deep, making it less of a fun contest and more of a potential safety issue. Still, the car stayed put, and over time, it became a beloved oddity.
Today, Volvo Island has a kind of cult following. It’s visible on Google Maps, and tourists often swing by to catch a glimpse. The online reviews are full of people laughing about how bizarre it looks while others note how strangely serene the sight is. You don’t expect to see a car marooned in the middle of a lake, yet here it is, becoming part of the landscape.
What’s even more surprising is the car itself. Despite Illinois’ harsh weather, the Volvo has aged gracefully. After more than a decade outdoors, it’s still rust-free, almost as if it was meant to stand as a monument rather than decay.
Volvo Island may not be a major tourist attraction, but that’s what makes it so charming. It’s a quirky reminder that sometimes a simple, whimsical idea can create something that sticks in people’s minds far longer than expected.
