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A. Phillip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum --
10406 S Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL
The museum's mission is to promote, honor and celebrate the legacy of A. Philip Randolph and contributions made by African-Americans to America's labor history. At this facility this celebration begins with the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, as they educate the public about their legacy and contributions.
The permanent collection displays exhibits which are pertinent to the study of the Pullman Historic District, the Great Migration, American Labor History, A. Philip Randolph, the Pullman Porters, and the American Civil Rights Movement. |
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum --
212 North Sixth Street, Springfield, IL
Combining scholarship and showmanship, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in downtown Springfield, Illinois communicates the amazing life and times of Abraham Lincoln in unforgettable ways.
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library is the premier repository for materials relating to the history of the Prairie State. The Illinois State Historical Library was created in 1889 by the Illinois General Assembly, which charged the new library with collecting and preserving "books, pamphlets, manuscripts, monographs, writings, and other materials of historical interest and useful to the historian, bearing upon the political, religious, or social history of the State of Illinois from the earliest known period of time."
More than a century later the mission is continued at the new Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. The Library is a public, non-circulating research facility that contains material on all aspects of Illinois' history. Particularly noteworthy are the Library's holdings in published resources, manuscripts, newspapers, audiovisual, and Lincolniana.
The permanent exhibit at the museum is comprised of two "Journeys", two Theaters, a Treasures Gallery, Mrs. Lincoln's Attic and Ask Mr. Lincoln totaling more than 40,000 sq ft of state-of-the-art exhibitory. But this is only a VERY small taste of what they have. See the website for more detailed information of your upcoming adventure.
If you are an educator, see the website for a free pass you can print off, and bring a teacher ID with you. |
The Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum --
1300 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL
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The Art Institute of Chicago --
111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
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The Belvedere Mansion --
1008 Park Ave., Galena, IL
Built in 1857 by J. Russell Jones, a steamboat owner and ambassador to Belgium. The 22 room 1857 Italianate mansion contains decorative arts and Victorian period furnishings as well as Liberace's estate items, and "Gone With the Wind" green drapes. Guided tours. Dowling House combo available. |
Betty Rymer Gallery --
280 South Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL
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Bishop Hill State Historic Site --
2 miles north of US 34, Bishop Hill, IL
Bishop Hill was the site of a utopian religious community founded in 1846 by Swedish pietist Eric Janson (1808-1850) and his followers. Many consider the Jansonist emigration as the beginning of Swedish America. A number of historically significant buildings have survived and are scattered throughout the village, four of which are owned by the state and managed as part of the Bishop Hill State Historic Site. |
Brigham Young Home --
Main and Young St., Nauvoo, IL
The restored home of the second president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints contains the office where their westward expansion was planned. |
Bronzeville Children's Museum --
9301 South Stony Island Avenue , Chicago, IL
Looking for an educational and fun trip for your children/students? Visit the Bronzeville Children's Museum, the first and only African-American children's museum in the country. This museum was built to increase self-esteem, literacy, and to provide positive African-American role models and expose all children, to the culture and contibutions of African-Americans.
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Brookfield Zoo --
3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL
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Bryant Cottage State Historic Site --
146 E. Wilson St., Bement, IL
Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas met in this four room cottage in July 1858 to plan their famous debates. The cottage was built in 1856 and is furnished in period. |
Burpee Museum of Natural History --
737 North Main Street, Rockford, IL
Burpee Museum is a natural history museum specializing in paleontology, geology, biology, and Native American life with three floors of exhibits. |
C. H. Moore Homestead --
219 E. Woodlawn, Clinton, IL
John Bishop built this Victorian mansion in 1863, and it later became the home of Clifton H. Moore, an attorney and law partner of Abraham Lincoln. The house incorporates both Italianate and Second Empire styles and is furnished in period. |
Cahokia Courthouse State Historic Site --
107 Elm Street, Cahokia, IL
Originally built in 1737 as a French residence, the building was used as a courthouse until 1814. It is the oldest building in Illinois. |
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site --
30 Ramey Street, Collinsville, IL
At Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is preserved the central section of the largest prehistoric Native American city north of Mexico. Occupied from 700 to 1400, the city grew to cover 4,000 acres, with a population of between ten and twenty thousand at its peak around 1100. The site is dominated by the hundred-foot-tall Monks Mound, the largest prehistoric earthen mound in the Americas. In 1966 Cahokia Mounds was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and in 1983 was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. |
Cantigny --
1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton, IL
The restored Georgian residence of Col. McCormick and his grandfather, Joseph Medill. The museum contains antique furnishings, carpets and paintings. Collections of swords and miniature cannons are also displayed. The house is surrounded by 500 acres of grounds, including 12 acres of formal gardens. |
Carl Sandburg Birthplace --
331 East Third Street, Galesburg, IL
The home where poet and author Carl Sandburg was born and its adjacent grounds containing a park and garden are located at 331 East Third Street. Next door is the Visitor's Center staffed daily from 9 a.m until 5 p.m. -- the same hours the birthplace is open. It contains a museum, a museum shop, a small theater where several informative videos about Carl Sandburg are shown and a renovated "barn" which is actually a small theatre with a few more exhibits and where live performances are often held. The museum contains hundreds of artifacts and modern colorful displays appropriate for all ages.
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Carl Sandburg State Historic Site --
331 E. Third St., Galesburg, IL
A three room cottage contains a museum of Sandburg memorabilia. The museum is devoted to the life and works of the Pulitzer Prize winning poet and Lincoln biographer. |
Chicago Architecture Foundation --
224 S Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
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Chicago Botanic Garden --
1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
A huge and very beautiful outdoor garden, made up of specialized gardens such as Fruit and Vegetable garden, Japanese garden, English Walled garden, Landscape garden, Bulb garden, Model Railroad garden, Sensory garden (where the kids can touch and smell some very interesting plants), etc. There are classes available, a gift shop, restaurant, and sometimes concerts in the evenings. |
Chicago Children's Museum --
700 East Grand Avenue, #127, Chicago, IL
Fifteen permanent exhibits and programming spaces provide innovative learning experiences for children and their caregivers. |
Chicago History Museum --
1601 N Clark St, Chicago, IL
The Chicago History Museum stands at the crossroads of America's past and its future. If you live in Chicago or visit here and are curious about the city's past, present, and future, this Museum should be your first stop. The Chicago History Museum cares for, showcases, and interprets millions of authentic pieces of Chicago and U.S. history.
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Chicago Playworks/ Merle Reskin Theatre --
60 E. Balbo Drive, Chicago, IL
The Theatre School at DePaul University, home to Chicago's leading children's theatre, is renowned as one of the top theatre training conservatories in the United States. It is here that talent, passion and drama connect to spark fun and dynamic theatre experiences unlike any other. See a show at The Theatre School and discover a treasure in the heart of Chicago's thriving theatre scene.
Founded as the Goodman Children's Theatre in 1925 and recognized as a pioneer of theatre for families, Chicago Playworks welcomes more than 35,000 students and families to their highly-celebrated productions each season. |
Children's Discovery Museum --
101 E Beaufort, Normal, IL
An amazing Agricultural Experience… AgMazing! Paint a masterpiece on the Paint Wall. Climb the two story Luckey Climber, shop the Main Street Market, explore the Toddler Backyard and much more! It's a great little discovery center. Experience unique hands-on exhibits, classes, and programs that stimulate your imagination and curiosity. A visit to the Children's Discovery Museum located in Uptown Normal, Illinois creates a sense of wonder that excites the love of learning in children of all ages.
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The Children's Museum in Oak Lawn --
9600 East Shore Drive, Oak Lawn, IL
The Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn has eight interactive exhibits geared for ages 2 to 10 including a puppet theater, a market, a water table and periscopes. There is an "Art Cart" on hand where children can create their own kite and watch it fly around the museum and different themed craft projects each week. Located in a beautiful park setting, there is an outdoor playground and a nearby lake with a "catch and release" fishing program. |
Children's Museum of Illinois --
55 South Country Club Road, Decatur, IL
The Children's Museum of Illinois is a hands-on,
interactive museum for children ages three to
twelve! Its exhibits and activities complement and
enhance children's educational opportunities,
particularly in the arts and sciences. |
Clarke House Museum of the Dept. of Cultural Affairs --
1827 S. Indiana Avenue , Chicago, IL
Built in 1836 for Henry B. Clarke, the Clarke House Museum is Chicago's oldest house. It is operated as a house museum by the Planning Division of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. This Greek Revival style house shows what life was like for a middle-class family in Chicago during the city’s formative years before the Civil War. It has survived fires and two moves, and is now located in the Prairie Avenue Historic District. Guided tours of the house are available. Clarke House presents an outdoor film festival during the summer, as well as other seasonal events and occasional exhibitions. |
The Colonel Davenport House --
Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island, IL
Built in 1833 by Col George Davenport, the founder of Davenport, Iowa. Currently undergoing restoration, the house contains period furnishings. |
Cosley Zoo --
1356 N. Gary Avenue, Wheaton, IL
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Dana-Thomas House --
301 E. Lawrence St., Springfield, IL
Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for socialite Susan Lawrence Dana. Built from 1902 to 1904, the home is one of Wright's first major Prairie style houses. |
The David Davis Mansion --
1000 East Monroe St., Bloomington, IL
The David Davis Mansion, completed in 1872, is a model of mid-Victorian style and taste. Built for U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Davis and his wife Sarah, the elegant home was occupied by several generations of the Davis family. The mansion and 4.1 acres of the original estate, known as Clover Lawn, were donated to the State of Illinois in 1959 by David Davis IV and his nieces. Today the site is managed by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. |
Dillon Home Museum --
1005 E. Third St., Sterling, IL
This 1857 home contains the original furnishings and accessories of P.W. Dillon. The carriage house displays local history exhibits. A vintage locomotive and caboose are displayed on the grounds. |
Discovery Center Museum --
711 North Main Street, Rockford, IL
A hands-on science experience for the whole family with something new to explore around every corner. |
Discovery Depot Children's Museum --
128 S. Chambers, Galesburg, IL
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Douglas-Hart Nature Center --
2204 DeWitt Avenue East, Mattoon, IL
Small nature center with live animals, interactive exhibits, and a children's room full of toys, puzzles, dress up clothes, etc. All related to Illinois' natural habitats. Outdoors there are picninc tables and three miles of trails that meander through prairie, woodland, and wetland habitats. |
Dowling House --
220 Diagonal St., Galena, IL
This restored house was built in 1826 and is reputedly the oldest house in Galena. It contains artifacts and household utensils. |
DuPage Children's Museum --
301 North Washington Street, Naperville, IL
DuPage Children's Museum is made up of many different exhibit neighborhoods and has three floors--each one special in its own way. Each neighborhood is packed with exciting ways to explore art, math, science and how they work together in the world. There are also three Young Explorers neighborhoods (adjacent to our other exhibit neighborhoods) designed for children up to 24 months. |
The Early American Museum --
Lake of The Woods Forest Preserve Hwy 47, Mahomet, IL
Devoted to the history of Champaign County. They have lots of interactive exhibits, a large area of Civil War history as it relates to Central IL, a Children's Room with dress up clothes, a little girl's room, a Native American area, and lots more! There is also a one room school house behind the museum. And the setting of the Forest Preserve is a great place for a picnic! |
Edwards Place Historic Home --
700 N. 4th St., Springfield, IL
The oldest house on its own grounds in Springfield, the home displays 19th century furnishings, sculpture, paintings, porcelains, and Indian objects. |
Elgin Public Museum --
225 Grand Blvd, Elgin, IL
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Eli's Cheesecake World --
6701 Forest Preserve Drive , Chicago, IL
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Ellwood House --
509 N. First St., De Kalb, IL
Tours of this 1879 Victorian mansion include all four floors, highlighted by an English-style parlor and three story rotunda. The grounds also feature gardens, a carriage house, and a Victorian era playhouse. |
Ernest Hemingway Birthplace & Museum --
339 N. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL
The Ernest Hemingway Foundation fosters understanding of the life and work of Ernest Hemingway with emphasis on his Oak Park origins and his impact on world literature. Its mission reflects The Foundation's belief in the importance of the written word and the value of thoughtful reading and writing. |
Evanston History Center at the Charles G. Dawes House --
225 Greenwood St., Evanston, IL
The former vice president's 1894 home has exhibits pertaining to Evanston's history. |
The Executive Mansion --
410 East Jackson, Springfield, IL
The Illinois Executive Mansion is the third-oldest, continuously occupied Governor's home in the nation. Seven Presidents, including Lincoln, have been received here. Three levels are open to the public including four formal parlors; a state dining room; ballroom; four bedrooms, including the Lincoln bedroom; and a library handcrafted from Native American Black Walnut. |
The Exploration Station - A Children's Museum --
1095 West Perry Dr., Bourbonnais, IL
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Farnsworth House --
14520 River Road, Plano, IL
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Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory--Leon M. Lederman Science Education Center --
P.O. Box 500, MS226, Batavia, IL
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The Field Museum of Natural History --
1400 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL
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Forest Park Nature Center --
5809 Forest Park Drive, Peoria Heights, IL
Nestled in the beautiful forested bluffs of the Illinois River, visitors to this unique 540-acre Nature Center and Preserve will experience the natural realm of Illinois, where they will find:
-Seven miles of hiking trails through both forested woodlands and prairie openings
-A natural history museum and a viewing room for watching birds
-The Trailhead Nature Store with books and unique nature items
-A variety of musical and educational programs
-Over 500 acres of dedicated Illinois State Nature Preserve |
Frances Willard Home --
1730 Chicago Ave., Evanston, IL
The National Woman's Christian Temperance Union, organized by Frances Willard, is at the rear of the 1865 building. |
Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio --
951 Chicago Avenue, Oak Park, IL
This extraordinary building was the Wright family residence from 1989 to 1909. The Wright family grew up in this home; Wright had six children with his first wife, Catherine Tobin. The studio annex was completed in 1894, and is one of the most marvelous workspaces to be imagined! |
Frederick C. Robie House --
5757 S Woodlawn Ave, Chicago, IL
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Glen Oak Zoo --
2218 N Prospect Road, Peoria, IL
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Glessner House --
1800 S. Prairie Ave, Chicago, IL
The 19th century mansion has been partially restored. Combination tours with the Henry B. (widow) Clarke house are available. |
Goodenow Grove/Plum Creek Nature Center --
27064 S. Dutton Road, Beecher, IL
At nearly 700 acres, Goodenow Grove is one of the largest holdings of the Forest Preserve. It features Plum Creek Nature Center, devoted to the environment and family fun and learning. |
Governor John Wood Mansion --
425 S. 12th St., Quincy, IL
The home is headquarters for the Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County. |
The Governor Oglesby Mansion --
421 W. William Street, Decatur, IL
The restored home of Illinois Governor Richard J. Oglesby, located in Decatur, Illinois, is owned by the Macon County Conservation District, and operated by Governor Oglesby Mansion, Inc. |
Graue Mill and Museum --
3800 York Rd, Oakbrook, IL
One summer morning in 1852, Fred Graue entered his mill and turned the wheel that opened the sluice gates outside. Water from Salt Creek rushed into the millrace and the wooden waterwheel began to turn for the first time. It would turn the machinery that would grind grain for the next seventy years.
Today, Graue Mill is the only operating waterwheel gristmill in Illinois. |
Great American Popcorn Company --
205 South Main Street, Galena, IL
The Great American Popcorn Company, located in historic Galena, Illinois, uses the traditional goodness of popcorn and only the finest quality ingredients to create over 80 mouthwatering flavors. |
Great American Pumpkin Patch --
RR 1 Box 100, Arthur, IL
Museum; decorative planting; bridle shop store; one-room Center School; Homestead Bakery; Maize Maze; Wall O'Squash; conifer garden, willow maze; sunflower maze; haybale maze; children's garden; pumpkin tree forest; Noah's Ark of squash; rural farm life; world flags & curcubits; farm animals; squash tasting; sweet shop; creamery. |
Gurler House --
205 Pine Street, DeKalb, IL
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Haeger Pottery Factory --
Van Buren Street, East Dundee, IL
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Haines Museum --
1917 N Sheridan Rd, Waukegan, IL
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Heber C. Kimball Home --
Main and Young Street, Nauvoo, IL
The restored home of a prime counselor to Brigham Young. |
Henson Robinson Zoo --
1100 E Lake Drive, Springfield, IL
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Homestead Prairie Farm --
3939 Nearing Lane, Decatur, IL
Walk into the past to an exciting place where the days before the Civil War live on. Homestead Prairie Farm is built around the Trobaugh-Good House located at Rock Springs Center. It has been restored to let visitors explore rural life on the Grand Prairie of Illinois in 1860 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. |
Illinois Railway Museum --
7000 Olson Road, Union, IL
The Illinois Railway Museum is a Museum in Motion. Watch now, as a little red streetcar clangs across Depot Street on the car line, or as the thundering steam train whistles past on the mainline, or perhaps as the gleaming streamliner simply whispers by. These artifacts don't just sit there, they move! To the casual observer it all looks so simple. Just get into an oldtime outfit, drive a locomotive around a bit, and treat the kids to a train ride. The Museum's operating demonstration railroad consists of two distinct divisions: the 5-mile long mainline, and the mile-long streetcar loop. Also, see many trains which are being refurbished in large garages. Other trains sit outside. Train lovers love it here! There is a gift shop, used-book store, and snack bar, as well. Thomas the Tank Engine visits every summer. |
Illinois State Museum --
502 S Spring St, Springfield, IL
The Illinois State Museum is a system of museums and galleries serving the people of Illinois. The Museums foster an appreciation of the living world, introduce the art of Illinois, open windows to education, and protect irreplaceable state treasures. The ISM mission is fulfilled through collecting, research, exhibits, publications, and interpretive programs that enhance educational experiences, aesthetic values, and in general, the quality of life.
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International Museum of Surgical Science --
1524 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL
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James Millikin Homestead --
125 North Pine Street, Decatur, IL
The Millikin Homestead sits in regal splendor on a large lot at the corner of Pine and Main Streets in Decatur: an ornate mansion in the Italianate style with a French Second Empire roof. |
Jane Addams Hull-House Museum --
800 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL
The mansion where Jane Addams, humanitarian and Nobel Peace Prize winner lived has been restored and contains original furnishings, paintings, memorabilia and photographs. |
John Deere Historic Site --
8393 South Main, Dixon, IL
Meeca for the tractor crowd. This is where John Deere developed the first steel plow that scoured itself clean. The complex includes Deere's restored homestead and furnishings from the 1830s, a visitor center, and archeological exhibition building. |
John Deere Pavilion --
1400 River Drive, Moline, IL
The John Deere Pavilion was created as a celebration of the past, present and future of agribusiness. It has attracted guests from all corners of the globe and is recognized as the world's most comprehensive agricultural exhibit.
John Deere's dream of producing a superior self-scouring plow for the western farmer became a reality in 1848, with his first manufacturing plant located on the banks of the Mississippi River. This history-shaping development in agriculture is preserved and celebrated at the Pavilion. Interactive exhibits mingle with actual John Deere equipment, creating a unique, hands-on and climb-on experience for visitors. |
Joliet Area Historical Museum --
204 N. Ottawa St., Joliet, IL
Your visit to the Joliet Area Historical Museum is a journey through time. Experience how people lived, worked, traveled and built the foundation for today's thriving community. Walk through a life-size replica depicting the building of the historic Illinois & Michigan Canal. Stroll down a turn-of-the-century street past store fronts showcasing fashions of yesteryear. Browse through a hardware store. Take a virtual ride on a replica trolley. Live the myth of Route 66, the true Main Street of America. Land on the moon to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of NASA's Apollo 11 moon landing and the 2009 International Year of Astronomy! Along the way, meet life-size models, interact with touch-screen visuals, view award-winning audio-visuals and learn how the past shaped the world you now enjoy. |
Joseph Smith Historic Center --
865 Water Street, Nauvoo, IL
The center includes the log building that was the first Nauvoo home of the Smith family. It contains original and antique furnishings. Nearby is the Mansion House, an 1842 home that has been restored to the period that the Smiths were in residence. |
KidsWork Children's Museum --
11 White St, Frankfort, IL
This brand new facility is NOW OPEN!
The KidsWork Children's Museum (KCM) is a cultural institution that brings children, families, and the community together to engage in fun, hands-on interactive play so as to nurture life-long learning and discovery.
This is the first and only children's museum in Will County with 4,000 sq. ft. of interactive, hands on exhibits which support science, art, technology and learning about the world community around us. |
Kohl Children's Museum of Greater Chicago --
2100 Patriot Boulevard, Glenview, IL
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Krannert Art Museum --
500 E Peabody Dr, Champaign, IL
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Lake County Discovery Museum --
27277 Forest Preserve Drive, Wauconda, IL
Hands-on interactive exhibits introduce the history of Lake County in a fun learning environment. The Museum also displays the nation's largest permanent exhibition on the history and significance of postcards. Changing exhibits in the special exhibition gallery are designed to delight visitors of all ages and interests. A local artist gallery displays fine works of art from talented Chicagoland artists. And a variety of programs and events for adults, families and school groups educate and entertain. |
Lakeview Museum of Arts and Sciences --
1125 West Lake Avenue, Peoria, IL
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Lemont Area Historical Society & Museum --
306 Lemont Street , Lemont, IL
The Lemont Area Historical Society is located in the Old Stone Church, a national landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It also contains a rich collection of historical artifacts from Lemont and the surrounding area. The purpose of the Lemont Area Historical Society is to preserve the heritage and folklore of Lemont, and to operate the museum as a repository for memorabilia and artifacts. |
Lincoln Home National Historic Site --
413 South Eighth Street, Springfield, IL
The only home Lincoln ever owned, it was built in 1839 and purchased by him in 1844. |
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site --
400 S. Lincoln Hwy, Lerna, IL
Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site preserves the site of the 1840s farm of Thomas and Sarah Bush Lincoln, father and stepmother of our 16th president. Abraham Lincoln was a lawyer living in Springfield by the time his parents moved here in 1837, but he did visit them periodically and owned a portion of the farm.
Today, Lincoln Log Cabin is an 86-acre historic site that is owned and operated by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, Division of Historic Sites. The site includes an accurate reproduction of the Lincolns' two-room cabin that was constructed on the original cabin site in 1935 as a CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) project. A working living history farm has been developed around the cabin, and a second farmstead, the Stephen Sargent Farm, has been moved to the site to help broaden visitors' understanding of 1840s rural life in Illinois. One mile north is the Moore Home State Historic Site, a reconstructed frame home where Abraham Lincoln bid his stepmother farewell in January of 1861 before leaving to assume the Presidency. |
Lincoln Park Zoo --
2001 N Clark Street, Chicago, IL
The Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the nation's oldest zoos and one of the last free zoos in the country. In 1868, the gift of a pair of swans began Lincoln Park Zoo and its commitment to the world's wildlife. Continually evolving and improving since that time, Lincoln Park Zoo is now a leader in wildlife conservation, community education and recreation. More than 1,000 animals make their home here. Rare and exotic species, as well as more familiar animals, are exhibited in environments that reflect their habitats in the wild. |
Lincoln's New Salem --
15588 History Lane, Petersburg, IL
A reconstruction of the village where Abraham Lincoln spent his early adulthood. 20 Miles NW of Springfield. |
Linden Hill Farm --
8412 W. Middle Rd., Peoria, IL
This is a local dairy farm! They give guided tours of the family owned Linden Hill Farm, located in Peoria. Along with the dairy business, the family runs a self-sufficient farm, producing all their own corn, alfalfa, soybeans, oats and wheat. The majority of crops are grown for livestock feed and the remaining are grown for cash crop. |
The Little Brick House --
621 Saint Clair, Vandalia, IL
A simple 19th century Italianate residence decorated with furnishings from 1820 to 1839. |
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center --
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs, IL
The Little Red Schoolhouse is part of the historic past of Palos Hills in which it is more or less centrally located. It was built in 1886 to replace a one-room log cabin school - the first school building of the area. |
Long Grove Confectionery Co. --
333 Lexington Drive, Buffalo Grove, IL
After seeing a brief video on how chocolate is made from the seed of the tropical cacao tree, visitors embark on a tour of the factory and view production areas through windows. The strong, sweet smell of chocolate pervades every corner of this immense facility, which sprawls over 85,000 square feet.
A tasting of fresh chocolate ends the tour.
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Lotton Art Glass --
24760 Country Lane, Crete, IL
Welcome to Lotton Glass, the home of Charles Lotton and son, Daniel Lotton. Jerry Heer, Scott Bayless, and third generation Timothy Lotton together, form Lotton Studios. Begun in 1970, Charles with a dream and prayers decided to teach himself the art of glassblowing in his backyard. The first pieces were made out of old brown coke bottles and green Fresca bottles. Little could we forsee that his work today would span some 400 museum collections. Here Charles learned not only the skill it takes to manipulate the glass, but the study to formulate his own colors. Today, Charles creates some of the most breathtaking colors in the world of glass. Charles, joined by his son Daniel and family produce the most unique designs and colors in glass today. |
Loyola University Museum of Art --
820 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
The museum with 35,000 sq. feet contains eight exhibition main galleries, the William G. and Marilyn B. Simpson Lecture Hall, the Solomon Cordwell Buenz Library of Sacred Art and Architecture and the Museum Store, the Push Pin Gallery and the Harlan J. Berk Ltd. Works on Paper Gallery. The mission of the museum is illustrated and introduced in the first floor lobby with the Windows of Faith representing the five major world faiths of Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam.
The Museum interprets and displays the university's medieval, renaissance and baroque collection, known as the Martin D'Arcy, Collection, other museum permanent collections and rotating exhibitions. As a museum with an interest in education and educational programming, the Loyola University Museum of Art reflects the university's Jesuit mission and is dedicated to helping men and women of all creeds explore the roots of their own faith and spiritual quest. |
Macon County Historical Society Museum Complex --
5580 North Fork Rd., Decatur, IL
The three acre complex includes galleries and a historic prairie village. |
Madison County Historical Museum --
715 N. Main St., Edwardsville, IL
Housed in a restored Federal style residence built in 1836, the museum contains period furnishings, displays of Indian and pioneer artifacts, and changing exhibits of quilts and costumes. |
Magnolia Manor --
2700 Washington Ave, Cairo, IL
Charles A. Galigher built this showplace in 1869 when the citizens of Cairo were trying to displace Chicago as an industrial center. The home is furnished with Victorian antiques and much of the original furniture. |
McDonald's #1 Store Museum; Original Restaurant --
400 N. Lee Street, Des Plains, IL
An operating McDonald's restaurant is located across the steet from the museum. |
Midway Village and Museum Center --
6799 Guilford Rd., Rockford, IL
Midway is a late 19th century village on 133 acres with nearly 25 buildings. |
Miller Park Zoo --
1020 S Morris Avenue, Bloomington, IL
Reindeer and wolves and bears - oh my! Miller Park Zoo offers many exhibits and Zookeeper interaction opportunities that are enjoyed by the whole family. Some highlights include: sun bears, reindeer, Sumatran tiger, sea lions, river
otters, red pandas, lemurs, Galapagos tortoise, bald eagles, pallas cats, Amur leopard, gibbons, and red wolves. The Zoo features many large exhibits such as a Wallaby WalkAbout, ZooLab, Children's Zoo, Animals of Asia, and the Katthoefer animal building. The Zoo's newest exhibit is the Tropical America Rainforest. Guests will see an array of animals and plants whose species make their home in the rainforests of Central and South America. Throughout the relaxing stroll, on a winding path, over a bridge, beside a water fall, visitors are sure to be surprised by the mammals, reptiles, and beautiful free flying birds spotted along the way. |
The Morton Arboretum --
4100 Illinois Rt. 53, Lisle, IL
The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to the planting and conservation of trees. Its 1,700 acres hold collections of more than 4,000 kinds of trees, shrubs, and other plants from around the world.
The Arboretum offers extensive educational programming for all ages, conducts leading research on tree health and tree improvement, breeds and introduces hardy and disease-resistant trees and shrubs for distribution throughout the Midwest, and presents nature-related activities year-round for people of all ages and interests. |
Museum of Broadcast Communications --
78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL
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Museum of Contemporary Art --
220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL
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Museum of Funeral Customs --
1440 Monument Ave, Springfield, IL
The Museum of Funeral Customs provides the public with a deeper understanding of the history of American funeral and mourning customs, funerary art and practice; fosters an appreciation of history within the funeral profession; and encourages further study on the subject. |
Museum of Science and Industry --
57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL
Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry, one of the largest science museums in the world, is home to more than 35,000 artifacts and nearly 14 acres of hands-on exhibits designed to spark scientific inquiry and creativity. World-class, permanent exhibits such as the U-505 Submarine, the only German U-boat in the United States, and world-premiere temporary exhibits such as 2008's Smart Home: Green + Wired. Their vision is to inspire and motivate children to achieve their full potential in the fields of science, technology, engineering and medicine. |
Naper Settlement --
523 South Webster Street, Naperville, IL
The 13 acre museum village has 25 historic buildings and costumed docents to explain them all. Travel back in time. Visit with costumed villagers. Discover rich history and charm. Enjoy award-winning programs and exhibits.
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Notebaert Nature Museum --
2430 North Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL
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Oberweis Dairy --
951 Ice Cream Drive, North Aurora, IL
Interested in seeing what happens behind the scenes at Oberweis? Sign up for a tour and you'll get to see where we make our world-famous milk and ice cream. You'll enjoy a video presentation full of behind-the-scenes action at Oberweis Dairy including the farms where their rGBH hormone free cows live, the life of an Oberweis Milkman and how our plant operates.
Ffinish off the tour in the Retail Store where everyone enjoys a cup of our classic vanilla ice cream!
Tours must be scheduled in advance. Your tour group must be at least 10 people and a maximum of 30 people can take the tour at a time. Attendees must be at least 8 years of age.
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Okaw Valley Orchard --
RR 2 Box 124, Sullivan, IL
Activities include: Children's playground, prescheduled tours, working cider press and pasteurizer, and private walks in the orchard, bed & breakfast inn. Peaches & several varieties of apples. Great group tours which include a snack (apple donut), apple slushie, apple sipper cup, & color/activity book. |
Oriental Institute Museum --
1155 E 58th St, Chicago, IL
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Orpheum Children's Science Museum --
346 North Neil Street, Champaign, IL
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The Peace Museum --
100 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL
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Pierre Menard Home --
4230 Kaskaskia, Ellis Grove, IL
Built in 1802 the French Colonial style home contains some of the original furnishings. The house also has a small museum on local history. |
Pilcher Park Nature Center --
2501 Highland Park Drive, Joliet, IL
This is a small facility with a lot to see and do. There are several animals, including a hawk, fish, snakes, turtles, frogs, and the like. They have books and toys for the little ones. And there is a beautiful area for hiking and picnics. |
The Pleasant Home --
217 Home Ave., Oak Park, IL
A grand Prairie style home designed by George Maher in 1887. |
The Renaissance Society --
5811 South Ellis Avenue, Chicago, IL
The Society presents art seldom seen in the midwest, giving the public opportunities to investigate the most recent developments in contemporary art. At the same time, the museum is equally committed to fostering the development of Chicago's own rich artistic resources. |
Robinson-Stewart House --
110 S. Main Cross St., Carmi, IL
The former residence of John M. Robinson, who served in the U.S. Senate between 1835 and 1843 was built in 1815 and is furnished in period. |
Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society --
7344 N. Western, Chicago, IL
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Ronald Reagan's Boyhood Home --
816 S. Hennepin Ave., Dixon, IL
The restored house was the home of the Reagan family from 1920 to 1923. |
SciTech Hands-On Museum --
18 West Benton Street, Aurora, IL
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Scovill Zoo --
71 S Country Club Road, Decatur, IL
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Shedd Aquarium --
1200 S Lake Shore Dr,, Chicago, IL
One of the world's best aquariums, featuring the newly remodeled Oceanarium (with dolphins, beluga whales, penguins, sea otters, etc.) and the Wild Reef (with sharks, coral reefs, eels, lion fish, etc.). There are hands-on activities for the little ones in the Polar Play Zone (dress up like penguins, touch a star-fish). Fantasea, Shedd's new aquatic show will debut Oct. 16. Also, enjoy narrated chats, animal encounters, dives. |
Smith Museum of Stained Glass --
600 East Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL
The Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows is a permanent display of 150 stained glass windows housed in an 800-ft.-long series of galleries along the lower level terraces of Festival Hall. Open since February 2000, it is the first museum in the United States dedicated solely to stained glass windows. It showcases both secular and religious windows and is divided by artistic theme into four categories: Victorian, Prairie, Modern and Contemporary. All of the windows were designed by prominent local, national and European studios and most were originally installed in Chicago area residential, commercial and religious buildings. |
Songhay Studios Group --
629 W. Cermak #205, Chicago, IL
This is an art studio that offers African tie dye workshops with geography, vocabulary & cultural connections and mosaic workshops/classes. Classes are open to all. Groups can schedule their own private class or workshop. Call to schedule a group guided tour and see fascinating mosaics and painted murals. The founding artist of Songhay Studios Group is a homeschooling mom of 3. |
Spertus Museum --
618 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
Spertus Museum reexamines Jewish culture in order to celebrate, challenge, and advance modern Jewish identity. Spertus Museum aims to demonstrate the endlessly powerful and reciprocal effect between Jewish and broader culture. Spertus Museum reaches visitors of every generation and background and kindles their active pursuit of learning. |
Stephenson County Historical Society --
1440 S. Carroll Ave., Freeport, IL
The two story 1857 stone house is surrounded by trees brought west by covered wagon. It is furnished in period. The grounds include a log cabin, an old schoolhouse, a farm museum and an arboretum containing 60 different types of trees. |
Sugar Grove Nature Center --
4532 N. 725 East Road, McLean, IL
Individuals of all ages enjoy the interpretive exhibits, sensory displays, and live animals. A wildlife viewing area provides a cozy atmosphere for reading books or perusing field guides and invites visitors to enjoy birds and other wildlife up close. |
Terra Museum of American Art --
664 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
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Thorn Creek Nature Center --
247 Monee Rd, Park Forest IL, IL
At 830 acres, Thorn Creek Nature Preserve lies at the headwaters of Thorn Creek and consists of bottomlands, ravines, white-oak forest interspersed with marsh and meadows. Thorn Creek Nature Center, located within the preserve, houses a variety of exhibits, nature displays, maps, photographic studies, and a research library. The Nature Center also offers a variety of nature-oriented programs for families and adults such as owl prowls and astronomy programs.
Thorn Creek's 2.5 miles of hiking trails display the loveliness of the preserve's surroundings and are a must see. The trails include a trip around Owl Lake and along a boardwalk through the marsh. |
Tinker Swiss Cottage --
411 Kent St., Rockford, IL
The 1865 Victorian mansion built by Robert Tinker contains objects he collected from his world travels. |
Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site --
500 Bouthillier St., Galena, IL
The 1860 house was presented by the people of Galena to Gen. Grant on his return from the Civil War in 1865. He lived here until 1867, and then again from 1879 to 1881. |
Venus Harps --
3868 W. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL
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Vermilion County War Museum --
307 N Vermilion St , Danville, IL
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Vermillion County Museum --
116 N. Gilbert, Danville, IL
Built in 1855, the house has been restored and furnished in the Victorian style. Abraham Lincoln made a speech from the balcony while campaigning for the U.S. Senate in 1858. He also stayed in one of the bedrooms while visiting friends. |
Volo Auto Museum --
27582 Volo VIllage Road, Volo, IL
Now in its 48th year, the Volo Auto Museum draws international attention to the beautiful country village of Volo, Illinois. The Volo Auto Museum has over 300 classic cars on display all for sale! The Volo Auto Museum is home to the world's largest muscle car collection and the George Barris TV & Movie Car Collection. The Volo Auto Museum, 50 miles northwest of Chicago, is open year round. The Volo Auto Museum's store features a large selection of automotive gifts, including car t-shirts, car hats, car books, car signs, car posters, car clocks and diecast cars. If you love classic cars, you'll love the Volo Auto Museum. It's Lake County's High-Octane Theme Park. |
Volo Bog State Natural Area --
28478 W. Brandenburg Road, Ingleside, IL
Volo Bog is significant in that it exhibits all stages of bog succession. A floating mat of sphagnum moss, cattails and sedges surrounds an open pool of water in the center of the bog. As substrate material thickens, a shrub community dominated by poison sumac and leatherleaf invades the mat. This is eventually replaced by tamarack forest. Surrounding this forest is a second, more extensive shrub zone which abruptly ends and becomes a marsh/sedge meadow community. Check the "Friends of Volo Bog" site for additional information: http://www.friendsofvolobog.org/ |
Wheels O'Time Museum --
11923 N Knoxville Avenue, Peoria, IL
See, feel and listen to the products of the past. A Museum of the Twentieth Century. Enjoy the reminders of your childhood and how Grandma and Grandpa lived. Folks of all ages can see items representing transportation, industry, farm and home life, as well as entertainment, from times past. They have a multitude of exhibits showing life 50 to 100 years ago, in the Peoria area. Many displays are visitor-activated. Since construction of the main building in 1981, there are now four large buildings, one for storage and three open to the public. |
Wildlife Prairie State Park --
3826 N. Taylor Rd., Hanna City, IL
Wildlife Prairie State Park is a nature park devoted to the animals that originally lived in Illinois. They are particularly well known for their large herd of bison and elk. There are wonderful animal exhibits featuring native animals in their natural habitat. Great hiking trails, playgrounds, and a farm area/petting zoo are available. Frequent animal programs and other educational programs are featured. Overnight lodging is also available. |
William Browning House --
325 N Kellogg St., Galesburg, IL
Built 1858 in Italianate style and remodeled after 1886 with the addition of bays, dormers and gingerbread. The restoration began in 1975 by Galesburg Historical Society. |
Wonder Works, A Children's Museum in Oak Park --
6445 West North Avenue, Oak Park, IL
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