4.5Lincoln Home National Historic Site(2.856 reviews) - Great NHS but it's a school group magnet Sunday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • History Museums
The only house Abraham Lincoln ever owned is the centerpiece of this four-block historic neighborhood. Lincoln and his family lived in the two-story house from 1844 until 1861, when their address changed to the White House.See more..
4.5Ulysses S. Grant Home(1.389 reviews) - Interesting glimpse into Grant's family life Sunday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites
This Italianate-style brick house, with original furnishings, looks very much as it did in 1865 when a group of townspeople presented it as a gift to Ulysses S. Grant on his victorious return from the Civil War.See more..
4.5Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio(1.334 reviews)from $27.00 - Learn about an American icon Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
In accordance with CDC recommendations, the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust requests that both vaccinated and unvaccinated persons wear a face mask indoors at all Trust sites. (8/3/21) The Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in Oak Park, Illinois served as Wright's private residence and workplace from 1889 to 1909--the first 20 years of his career. Today, Oak Park is home to the world’s largest collection of Wright-designed buildings. Wright used his first home to experiment with design concepts that contain the seeds of his architectural philosophy. In his adjacent studio, Wright and his associates developed a new American architecture - the Prairie style. Enjoy guided tours of the museum complex and neighboring historic district seven days a week. Trained interpreters offer insights into Wright's family life and architectural legacy. Tour details are available on the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust websiteSee more..
5.0Dana-Thomas House(1.168 reviews) - Historic Frank Lloyd Wright home Sunday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites
95+% original Frank Lloyd Wright house only blocks from the Illinois State capital building. The state-landmark house is a living museum of the socialite Mrs. Dana. She paid Wright a lot for the design a little over 100 years ago. The home is filled with original furniture design by Mr. Wright that takes you back to his original concept. Lots of art glass as well. You need to make reservations online because they only have a few guided tours a day - takes about an hour. Our tour guide was great!See more..
Painstakingly rebuilt after being disassembled in the 1960s, this Greek Revival masterpiece saw Lincoln serve as a lawyer and legislator. In 1858, Lincoln delivered his landmark "House Divided" speech in the Capitol's Representatives Hall.See more..
4.5Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House(848 reviews)from $27.00 - Excellent and informative guided tour Sunday: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
In accordance with CDC recommendations, the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust requests that both vaccinated and unvaccinated persons wear a face mask indoors at all Trust sites. (8/3/21) The Frederick C. Robie House on the University of Chicago campus is considered one of the most important buildings in the history of American architecture. This Prairie style masterpiece is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the 20th Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright List. Discover the residence Wright described as “a cornerstone of modern architecture” on guided tours that take in both the exterior and interior of the building. Inspired by the expansive landscape of the Midwest prairie, Wright’s Robie House is the most famous of the architect’s groundbreaking Prairie houses. Public tours are available Thursday - Monday. The museum is closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Visit flwright.org to learn more.See more..
4.5Garfield Park Conservatory(847 reviews) - Loved this place Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Gardens
The Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago, Illinois is one of the largest and most stunning conservatories in the world, and it’s free. We change lives through the power of nature. Often referred to as landscape art under glass, the Garfield Park Conservatory occupies approximately 12 acres inside and out, and includes cold frames and propagating where thousands of plants are grown each year for displays in City parks and spaces.See more..
4.5Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site(816 reviews) - Surprisingly well made museum. Can walk up gigantic mound! Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites
A sophisticated Native American society of about 20,000 people that operated via a sun calendar and disappeared by 1400.See more..
5.0Cantigny Park(582 reviews) - Alebrije Exhibit is Awesome Sunday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Military Museums • Historic Sites
Welcome to Cantigny! Discover a world of beauty, learning and fun just around the corner! Cantigny was Colonel Robert R. McCormick’s gift to the community and all 500 acres are yours to enjoy. Plan your visit today!See more..
4.5Baha'i House of Worship(473 reviews) - Beautiful All Religions Temple Sunday: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
Every one of us has a soul that longs to connect with its Creator and to contribute to a better world. The Baha’i House of Worship stands as a testament to these purposes, offering a quiet and safe space to go inward and revitalize your sense of purpose in the world.See more..
4.5Root Beer Revelry(375 reviews) - How many varieties of Root beer are there? Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops • Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas
We are a Root beer store with 50 bottles of root beer from around the country to mix and match. We also have a large selection of ginger ale and ginger beers , cream sodas and unique flavors . We also have six Regional root beers on tap, with go cups and root beer floats.See more..
Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site is a CCC reproduction of the early 19th century New Salem, where Abraham Lincoln spent over 6 years of his life at as a young man. The site is owned and operated by the State of Illinois Department of Natural Resources.See more..
3.5Belvedere Mansion(350 reviews) - Historical house Sunday: 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM Historic Sites
The green drapes from "Gone with the Wind" are one of the many interesting items on display at this 22-room Italianate-style home. Built in 1857, the mansion now exhibits period furnishings and also includes items from the estate of flamboyant entertainer Liberace.See more..
4.5Historic Nauvoo(328 reviews) - Heritage town Sunday: 12:30 PM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Educational sites
Tribute to Mormon industry and vision. Glimpse of 1840's life in Illinois' 2nd largest city. Beautiful location on banks of the Mississippi. Restored homes and shops. Horse-drawn wagon rides. Pioneer craft demonstrations. Live entertainment. Free to the public. Open 365 days a year.See more..
4.5Genesee Theatre(268 reviews) - Las Vegas like concert Sunday: Historic Sites • Theaters
The historic Genesee Theatre is a 2,400 seat entertainment venue located in Waukegan, Illinois. Located along the northern shore of Lake Michigan between Chicago and Milwaukee, the Genesee Theatre is a hub of activity for Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. Hosting a variety of music, comedy, and dance, the Genesee marks Waukegan as a destination for high-quality entertainment once reserved for major cities. The Genesee was built in 1927 as a vaudeville stage and movie palace before being restored in 2004 to its modern glory as a live entertainment venue boasting one of the largest stages in the Midwest, an acoustically dynamic auditorium, and a beautifully restored grand lobby for intimate and elegant events.See more..
Built in 1840, this building is where Abraham Lincoln maintained working law offices.See more..
4.0Dowling House(220 reviews) - Enjoyable Tour Sunday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites
Oldest house is Galena built in 1826, has a great tour guide & dog :) She’s very knowledgeable of its past and brings you along on its journey over time. Outside of the main room downstairs, there’s 2 rooms, a kitchen & eating area on the second floor. It was once a Trading Post along with a residence back in its day. There’s many items relating to its time period along with pottery and other items. Her older dog followed us around to each room and tried to nap.See more..
4.5Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple(207 reviews) - Not to be missed FLW church. Sunday: Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
Unity Temple (1905-08) is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the 20th Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright List, and represents a defining moment in Frank Lloyd Wright’s early career. Designed in Wright’s Oak Park Studio for his own Unitarian congregation, it is one of the first public buildings in America to feature exposed concrete and is Wright’s greatest public building of his Prairie era. The harmony of the building’s strikingly geometric architecture and decorative elements exemplifies Wright’s theory of organic design. Unity Temple announced a new era of innovation in modern architecture.See more..
House in excellent condition for it’s age. Our guide was very knowledgeable and there were so many original pieces of furniture and even a carpet. Books in the library also original. It is a beautiful mansion and worth a stop to see itSee more..
➢ Midway Village Museum is situated on 13 acres of the beautiful grounds which offers visitors the opportunities to learn about life as it was in the late 1890s-1910s. The grounds include 26 structures which create the Village and heritage gardens, all representing a rural community. During the months of May through August, interpreters in authentic period clothing lead tours and depict life and customs of the times. ➢ Permanent exhibits highlight local Rockford and regional Illinois history. The construction continues on one of the largest museum expansions to date entitled, "Many Faces, One Community," an exhibit featuring immigrant stories. Gallery," "Old Dolls' House Museum," and signature "Millhouse," standing at the front entrance to the museum's property. ➢ Hours Vary Seasonally ➢ Visitors Enjoy . Seasonal Victorian Village Tours with year-round Exhibits in the Main Museum Center Year-round special events and programsSee more..
4.5The Old Blacksmith Shop(152 reviews) - Step back in Time Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops • Speciality Museums • Historic Sites
Historical, working blacksmith shop/museum in Galena. We are open to the public from May through October, with shop hours of 10am-4pm Friday through Monday. Stop in and see how Smiths worked back in Galena's heyday!See more..
This was a neat stop. There is parking nearby at no cost. You start at the visitor's center with a short film. They have a gift shop there as well as where you purchase tours of the home. The house tour itself was educational. There is only one piece of furniture actually used by Ronald Reagan, a chair, the home is furnished with period pieces. The docent did an excellent job capturing the essence of a young Reagan.See more..
4.0Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum(139 reviews)from $20.00 - Great tour, great guide, friendly people Sunday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops • Historic Sites • History Museums
Ernest Hemingway's Birthplace Museum is nestled just west of downtown Chicago in Oak Park, Illinois. This is the ideal place to begin exploring the roots of the author's life and work. It is here that Ernest Hemingway was born in a second floor bedroom on July 21, 1899. This Queen Anne home was built in 1890 by his maternal grandparents and was the first home in Oak Park to have electricity. The famed Pulitzer Prize winning author spent the first six years of his life at what is now 339 N. Oak Park Ave. The restoration, which began in 1992, authentically returned the house to its 1890s’ Victorian heritage; ensuring that your experience of the furnishings and stories told reflect the young man who lived there.See more..
One of the 7 Wonders of Illinois as designated by the Illinois Bureau of Tourism. Away from the distractions and noise of city life, enjoy luxurious surroundings in a century-old, Georgian-style mansion with gleaming floors, marble fireplaces, and elegant furnishings. Expansive windows offer picturesque views of a reflecting pond, natural meadow, and 1,500 acres of peaceful forest filled with deer, birds, and other wildlife.You will find this enchanting setting just 25 miles from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign—an easy drive from the University’s Willard Airport and a simple excursion from Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis, or the Quad Cities. Plan your next meeting, conference, retreat or wedding at Allerton Park and Retreat Center. We look forward to welcoming you soon!See more..
5.0Farnsworth House(133 reviews) - Gem of a House Tucked in Remote Area Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops • Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Glass and steel residence notoriously designed by architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Dr. Edith Farnsworth. Famous for its "almost-nothing" design and the legal battle between architect and client, the House is an architectural pilgrimage site for students and professionals from around the world. Open for public tours as a National Trust for Historic Preservation Historic Site. Part of the National Register of Historic Places.See more..
4.0Illinois Governor's Mansion(128 reviews) - Open for Tours- Do it! INCREDIBLE! Sunday: Historic Sites • Government Buildings
The Illinois Governor's Mansion has been home to Illinois governors and their families since 1855. It is the third oldest continuously occupied governor’s mansion in the United States and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Over the years, Illinois governors have hosted U.S. presidents, ambassadors, and most importantly, generations of Illinois residents at the People’s House. The Mansion has just completed a spectacular, privately funded 3-year renovation. More than a renewal of building and landscape, its purpose has been reimagined. It is now a place where visitors can glimpse Illinois history, witness its artistic side, and experience its long-heralded hospitality.The Governor's Mansion is ADA accessible. Please visit our website to schedule your tour.See more..
5.0Wright Plus Architectural Housewalk(115 reviews) - Great Experience Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Join the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust on May 22, 2021 for the annual Wright Plus Architectural Housewalk. Wright Plus celebrates architecture, design, Frank Lloyd Wright's innovative vision and the talents of his fellow architects. It is an enjoyable day featuring rare interior tours of private homes and public buildings designed by Wright and his contemporaries.See more..
4.5Rock Island Arsenal(109 reviews) - Well worth your time Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Government Buildings
Rock Island Arsenal is an active US Army facility located on a 946-acre island in the Mississippi River. In 1969, the arsenal was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1989, the original arsenal buildings were designated a National Historic Landmark. Today, Rock Island Arsenal is our nation's largest government owned and operated arsenal. The importance of the island was identified as early as 1809, when it was set aside as a federal military reservation by an Act of Congress.See more..
Stroll through the John Deere Historic Site and see where John Deere got his start. Our guides are very knowledgeable and will guide you through the buildings or if you choose you can venture on your own. We have a blacksmith working in the shop daily producing items for our gift shop. We also have a covered pavilion if you wish to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the site. We are wheel chair accessible and it is all free.See more..
4.5Grosse Point Lighthouse(100 reviews) - Beautiful Lighthouse with Lovely Beach Historic Sites • Lighthouses
The lighthouse is closed for the winter October through May, but you can still walk the grounds and down to the beach. The sight was spectacular with icicles hand from the trees and breakwater. Very picturesque. When teh lighthouse is open (Jun-Sep) the admission is only $ 6.00 (they do not accept Credit cards for admission).See more..
The tour guide was excellent. She was full of information and her presentation was very good. I love history so enjoyed it from that perspective. My wife loves old homes with unique furniture and architecture and she enjoyed it from that perspective. Glad we chose to visit.See more..
4.5Lewis & Clark State Historic Site(95 reviews) - The Confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums
Lewis & Clark State Historic Site interprets Camp River Dubois and Illinois’s role in the famous Lewis & Clark Expedition with an interpretive center, guided tours, educational programming, and reconstructed winter camp. Visitors and school groups come to learn about the Corps of Discovery expedition that connected the United States from sea to sea. Visitors also get the opportunity to see how the nearby frontier settlers lived and interacted during the early 19th Century. Annual programs at Lewis & Clark State Historic Site, including Education Day, Point of Departure Celebration, Arrival Event, and Junior Explorer Camp, help visitors experience the history and context of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. The Lewis & Clark State Historic Site is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources – Historic Preservation Division. The Lewis and Clark Society of America operates the Store of Discovery and provides invaluable support to the site.See more..
Vendors peddled their wares at this Greek Revival Market House in the 19th century, which now hosts changing exhibits, meetings and special events.See more..
4.0Great Western Depot(80 reviews) - Real American History - A Must Stop Sunday: Historic Sites
This is where Lincoln departed Springfield and headed to DC - it is full of Presidential history. We went by, found a parking spot, and took some photos - they have two free flyers on a sign out front and it is, as you would expect, literally next to the train tracks. There is a cool sign on the building next door which also makes a good photo. If you are into Presidential history, this is a must visit. Go Enjoy!See more..
I had a presentation at the Windmill Cultural Center but we arrived early so we went to the windmill and had a tour. It is just amazing and everyone is so knowledgeable, warm and friendly.See more..
Volunteer tour guides give a warm welcome and leisurely tours of this authentically restored 1840s mansion where U.S. Grant received the news of his presidential win via a telegraph set up in the home's library. This was a real treat to see a family home from the period and not having it commercialized. Donations are appreciated and go for ongoing restoration projects. A must see while in Galena but it is only open on Friday mornings. Convenient parking.See more..
The beautiful home of John F. Cuneo is surrounded by 75 acres of lakes, fountains and botanical gardens.See more..
4.5Fort de Chartes(50 reviews) - Interesting place to visit Historic Sites
My wife and I had not been here for over 50 years. We went for a drive to get out of the house during the COVID-19 lockdown. We were surprised to find that they had just opened the Fort for visitors. The museum and other sites within the fort were not open, but the front gates to the fort were open and you could walk around and get the experience of life there about 300 years ago. We really enjoyed our limited visit.See more..
4.5Apple River Fort(49 reviews) - Worth a stop Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites
This fort was very quickly built by the residents of Elizabeth IL to fend off attacks by natives in the Black Hawk War. It is an interesting place for a short stop as you are driving by on highway 20. I would have hated to depend on this structure for protection but apparently it worked. Free admission.See more..
4.5Lincoln Log Cabin(48 reviews) - Fantastic historic site Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites
This is an amazingly good historic site that includes a living farm, an informative visitor center and museum, picnic grounds and nice gift shop. Wow - spectacular. See more..
4.5Carthage Jail(47 reviews) - A Sobering Place of Sadness But Shouldn't Be Missed Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Religious Sites
This is a place of sadness and reflection. It is beautifully maintained by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the sister missionaries do a great job telling the tragic tale of Joseph and Hyrum Smith's last days. It is sobering to think about what happened there and of John Taylor singing "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief" because Joseph asked him to. I thought of children left without a father and wives left as widows. The Church was left without a prophet until Brigham Young was made prophet - what shoes he had to fill! This is a meaningful place for members of the LDS faith but others can also learn and feel the spirit which will guide and teach.See more..
4.5Joseph Smith Historic Site(47 reviews) - Overpriced Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
This section of the Historic part of Nauvoo is owned by another church. There is a charge of $5/adult (not sure child price) for the tour. Our tour guide was informative and gave a good tour. There were 2 homes we saw, I just felt like $5 was high for what we got to see, especially compared to the other area of Historic Nauvoo where every tour was free and included demonstrations from a blacksmith and such. You do also see the grave sites for some of the Smith Family Members and that section is free. There is a gift shop with a lot of books a few other knick knacks, this is also where you buy your tickets for the tours.See more..
3.5Alton Prison(46 reviews) - Some thing for the history lover Historic Sites
This site is something for the history lover especially if you are interested in local history and/or Civil War history. This site is what remains of the Civil War prison and although it is a sad story it does give one a true idea of the conditions of the Civil War. If you are interested in the Civil War or local history this is a must see.See more..
4.5Heritage Canyon(44 reviews) - A cool pioneer village inside a former rock quarry. Historic Sites
Upon our visit to Fulton's Annual Dutch Days Festival, we toured Heritage Canyon - an 1850's village. The Canyon provided a great walking tour of historic buildings from a time long ago. My husband and I especially enjoyed the swinging bridge and log cabin settlement. We were amazed that just one couple built all of the buildings and outfitted each one with appropriate artifacts. The one-room school house, Canyon Church, and Blacksmith Shop were very impressive. We will definitely visit again with family and friends.See more..
4.5Birthplace of Ronald Reagan(41 reviews) - WONDERFUL MUSEUM AND TOUR. Sunday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites
I made my way to the small town of Tampico just to visit the Birthplace of Ronald Reagan. Tampico is a very small town and I was able to find parking right in front of the First National Bank Building where President Reagan was born in the second floor apartment. The birthplace and museum are open Monday - Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday's 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable not only about President Reagan but also the other historic building of historical significance. After a guided tour of the museum and the bank we were escorted up stairs to the apartment where President Reagan was born. While not of the furniture is original to the Reagans, the apartment is furnished with period pieces making it appear much as it did when the Reagans lived here. The complete tour of the museum, bank and apartment took a little over an hour. It was a very interesting tour and I highly recommend it if you find yourself anywhere close to Tampico.See more..
4.5University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign(38 reviews) - If You Want A Job - Graduate from the U of I Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Monuments & Statues • Educational sites
The U of I has over 150 undergraduate majors. 95% of the graduates have a job in their major field within 6 months of graduation. Companies want U of I graduates.See more..
4.5Pleasant Home(35 reviews) - Stunning architecture and stained glass by FLW contemporary. Sunday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites
While in Oak Park to visit the restored Unity Temple by FLW we finally decided to visit another Prairie Style house by a contemporary of FLW-George Maher. Much more ornate with stained glass but still in the Prairie Style this was a pleasant (no pun intended) surprise. The staff there were very friendly and enthusiastic. We couldn’t ask for a better way to finish our day in Oak Park. Although we had passed this house a number of times in years past somehow we never found time to visit it. We finally visited it this year and consider it a not to be missed architectural wonder in the area.See more..
5.0Weber House and Garden(32 reviews) - Storybook House and Amazing Gardens Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Gardens
The entire complex is worth a day trip. The overlook, the fort mounds, the cemetery, and the connected Menard house sheds light on early Illinois European colonization history. See more..
The Gaylord Building played a vital role in one of the great enterprises of the 19th century: the Illinois & Michigan Canal. A landmark since 1838, its many tenants and uses exemplify the canal’s commercial success as the key to mastery of the American mid-continent. This handsome limestone warehouse originally stored canal construction materials and later housed a variety of commercial ventures. Today it serves as a national example of adaptive re-use and is a gateway to the Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor. Visitors will discover in the exhibition galleries the unique heritage of the site and the corridor. The Gaylord Building is a historic site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.See more..
