4.5Field Museum(8.854 reviews)from $68.00 - Tired but satisfied Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Natural History Museums • Science Museums
The Field Museum fuels a journey of discovery across time to enable solutions for a brighter future rich in nature and culture. With almost 40 million specimens and artifacts in our collections—including SUE, the world's most complete Tyrannosaurus rex—there's something for everyone. Start planning your visit at fieldmuseum.org.See more..
In a stunning combination of scholarship and showmanship, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum immerses you in Lincoln's world and time. Journey from a rustic Indiana cabin to the Executive Mansion in the nation's capitol; follow the fate of America's 16th president and share the joys and sorrows of a family - and a nation. (Please be advised, while the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum is open 7 days a week, the Presidential Library is only open on weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.)See more..
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..
4.5Chicago History Museum(1.179 reviews) - Chicago Overview Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours History Museums
From Chicago's sports to politics, the Union Stockyards to the Great Chicago Fire - there's so much to explore at the Chicago History Museum. Dive right in with the Museum's exhibitions and programs or get out and explore the city through guided tours and events. Founded in 1856, the Chicago History Museum shares Chicago's stories, serving as a hub of scholarship and learning, inspiration and civic engagement. If you live in Chicago or visit here and are curious about the city's past, present and future, the museum should be your first stop.See more..
It's worth the climb up the steep stairway to see what's inside this lovely Italianate home built in 1858: an actual lead mine, Civil War memorabilia, items honoring Ulysses S. Grant (including an original painting depicting Robert E. Lee's surrender to Grant), plus other historical articles from Galena and Jo Daviess County.See more..
4.5Illinois State Museum(323 reviews) - Great museum, free admission Sunday: 12:00 PM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Natural History Museums • Science Museums • Art Museums • History Museums
The Illinois State Museum inspires exploration of Illinois' past and present to inform and enrich everyday life and to promote stewardship of cultural and natural resources for the future. The Museum's extensive collections and research activities provide the foundation for exhibitions and public programs that tell the story of the land, life, people, and art of Illinois. The Illinois State Museum is headquartered in Springfield, with branch facilities near Lewistown and Lockport.See more..
5.0Historic Auto Attractions(273 reviews) - A hidden GEM of a museum in our back yard. One of a kind historical items, Cars, Wax figures ,NASA, Elvis, Religous…….. Temporarily closed - Closed until Mar 31, 2023 Spent 2-3 hours Military Museums • Speciality Museums • History Museums
Experience all the History and Artifacts that Historic Auto Attractions has to offer. More than just a display of automobiles, It’s a journey through time! With over 80,000 sq. ft. of exhibits including the world’s largest collection of Presidential and World Leader’s Limousines, a vast collection of Gangster Era vehicles and memorabilia, a large Elvis Presley display and memorabilia, TV Land cars, and Cars from Hit Movies such as Batman, Ghostbusters, and Back to the Future. You’ll love the Old West area with vintage style stage coaches, a full size log cabin, and other interesting turn-of-the-century artifacts. We house one of the most extensive collections of John F. Kennedy & Kennedy Family artifacts & memorabilia in the country. We also have new additions to the museum including the Hall of Christ room, a 911 Memorial room, an Egyptian Artifacts room, Antique Clocks room, NASA exhibit, a huge Animal Kingdom area, plus many more! We are centrally located just north of Rockford, ILSee more..
5.0Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center(267 reviews)from $18.00 - Amazing VR experience Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Architectural Buildings • History Museums
The mission of Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center is expressed in its founding principle: “Remember the Past, Transform the Future.” The Museum is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Holocaust by honoring the memories of those who were lost and by teaching universal lessons that combat hatred, prejudice, and indifference.See more..
4.5Naper Settlement(222 reviews) - Funeral memorial luncheon Sunday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
We went to the Meeting Room building for my Uncle’s funeral memorial luncheon. Easily held 80-90 people. Good accommodation and the gal that was watching over the room was very helpful, cleaning up plates periodically and helping out nicely. The stage could handle plenty of food, and there was a nice big basement to handle the overflow. (I’m not sure if that room was part of the deal or not.). Parking was perfect since the high school parking lot was right across the street. Would love to come back to spend more time at the Settlement.See more..
4.5Burpee Museum of Natural History(159 reviews) - Excellent Natural History Museum Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Natural History Museums
This is a great natural history museum in downtown Rockford. The dinosaur section is a real standout. They have both a juvenile (complete) T Tex “Jane” skeleton and major sections of a Triceratops (Homer). Surrounding Homer are skulls of similar dinosaurs so you can see how they evolved. The littles also really liked the rainforest section that’s almost like walking through a real rainforest, complete with bugs & gators. There’s another area where the kids can crawl over kid size boxes & handle dinosaur toys & other interesting bits. We spent 2 hours there with a 2 & a 3 1/2 yo. Everything is very kid safe & friendly.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..
4.5Joliet Area Historical Museum(121 reviews) - Great Museum Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
The Joliet Area Historical Museum is a historical museum located in Joliet, Illinois. The museum documents the history of Joliet and surrounding Will County.See more..
4.5Rock Island Arsenal Museum(119 reviews) - A museum that covers wars and weapons the United States have been involved with. Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • Speciality Museums • History Museums
The Rock Island Arsenal Museum is the Army’s second oldest museum. It first opened to the public on July 4, 1905. The museum tells the story of Rock Island Arsenal and Arsenal Island from the establishment of Fort Armstrong in 1816 to today. Among the museum's highlights is its firearms collection. Consisting of more than 1200 military and civilian firearms, the collection is one of the most unique in the country. Visitors can see a wall-gun from the American Revolution, rifles from the Little Bighorn Battlefield and Custer’s last stand, and experiment firearms from Rock Island Arsenal’s Rodman Laboratories. The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from Noon to 4:00pmSee more..
4.5Hegeler Carus Mansion(107 reviews) - Interesting..... Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM History Museums
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..
4.5Fabyan Villa Museum & Japanese Garden(92 reviews) - Great Place to Visit Summer or Winter Sunday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
Step back in time and experience the 1907 Frank Lloyd Wright renovation of the Fabyan Villa in Geneva, Illinois. Owned by Colonel George Fabyan and his wife, Nelle, the Villa and estate were home to a wide variety of eclectic collections, from taxidermy to Samurai suits, and sharks to mummies. Live animals also lived on the estate: monkeys, alligators, and bears. The Fabyans were more than just wealthy eccentrics—they also funded scientific research, including the earliest code-breaking research in the United States. The estate also holds a historic Dutch Windmill and Japanese Garden, owned by the Fabyans.See more..
The McLean County Museum of History traces its roots back to 1892, the year the McLean County Historical Society was founded. It is a nationally accredited award winning museum with five permanent exhibit galleries and two rotating galleries. The Museum is located in the historic 1903 McLean County Courthouse that includes an architectural tour throughout the building. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for senior citizens, and FREE for children and students with I.D. This educational institution is dedicated to telling the rich story of McLean County through programs which serve people of all ages. The Museum preserves 19,000 objects, makes available more than 11,500 rare and hard to find reference books, manages 1,700 feet of historical papers and images in its archives. It also houses the new Cruisin' with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center and the McLean County Genealogical Society. Tuesdays are FREE days.See more..
The Ellwood House Museum is a historic site situated on ten acres of parkland in the heart of DeKalb, Illinois. The museum campus consists of seven historic structures, including the 1879 Ellwood Mansion and 1899 Ellwood-Nehring House, four gardens, and 6,000 square feet of exhibit space in the Patience Ellwood Towle Visitor Center, a converted and expanded 1912 multi-car garage. Originally built for barbed wire entrepreneur Isaac Ellwood, the Mansion was home to three generations of the Ellwood family from 1879 to 1965. The museum's parking lot is located at 420 Linden Place, DeKalb, IL.See more..
4.5The Lincoln Home Visitor Center(66 reviews) - Reopened as of June 11, 2021 Sunday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour History Museums
The Lincoln Home Visitor Center has reopened as of June 11, 2021 when the state of Illinois reopened. Inside, the rangers will print you a ticket for later in the day. The building opens at 8:30am and the first tour is at 8:45am. Their Facebook page is also a good source of information. Normally, you pay for parking in their lot but they said it is currently free. Inside the Visitor Center are maps and guidebooks for other local activities as well as a few small exhibits that only take a few minutes to view. There is also a film about Lincoln (I did not see). There are also clean bathrooms here. Make sure you pick up their map/guide for the Lincoln home since it is very detailed.See more..
5.0Lincoln Heritage Museum(63 reviews) - Great museum on Lincoln Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
This museum is fantastic. I enjoyed all the information in the first floor as well as the guided tour that Ron provided me on the second floor which story-tells the thoughts that may have gone through Abraham Lincoln's mind during his last hours. This small museum is a very good complement to the Lincoln Museum in Springfield and I am glad I was able to visit both.See more..
The Evanston History Center is located in the National Historic Landmark Charles Gates Dawes House. Dawes was a U.S. Vice President, World War I general, Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Ambassador to the Court of St. James and philanthropist who lived in Evanston, Illinois. It is an intact house museum and includes exhibits on Evanston history and a research room. It is open Thursday through Sunday, for tours on the hour from 1 - 4pm.See more..
4.5Mitchell Museum of the American Indian(54 reviews) - Wonderful culture experience. Enlightening information presented in an intimate atmosphere. Great gift shop. Sunday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM History Museums
Focusing exclusively on the history and culture of North American native civilizations, the collections range from the Paleo-Indian period through present day.See more..
4.0Dickson Mounds Museum(50 reviews) - Museum is closed - wait until they reopen Sunday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums • Ancient Ruins • History Museums
Dickson Mounds is one of the nation's top archaeological museums.See more..
Grew up in LaSalle County and heard lots of history but just found out there was a historical museum. It's definitely worth checking out. We were only in town during the week so we contacted ahead of time and were able to be given a tour by reservation. There is a lot of great information here, more than you would expect. The stuff from the original inhabitants up until the 1800s is in one building, and the 1900s is in another building. The workers are great and full of knowledge. I highly recommend this museum to see lots of historical artifacts and hear the meaningful history of this small county.See more..
5.0Beall Mansion Tour(36 reviews) - Great tour and hosts Spent < 1 hour History Museums
No visit to Alton, IL is complete without a tour of the turn-of-the-century mansion built as a wedding gift. Museum tours are by appointment. Call now to schedule.See more..
Located in the heart of downtown on Third Street, the Geneva History Museum is a non-profit museum offering a permanent Geneva history exhibition "Geneva's Story", a feature gallery for traveling exhibitions, research facilities, climate controlled storage for collection and artifacts, gift shop and a meeting room.See more..
4.5Dave's Down to Earth Rock Shop(30 reviews) - Great place to pick up a piece of earth's history Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops • Natural History Museums
Hello All! Well, we made it through another holiday season! Thank you again for your continued support! Please note that our hours are back to normal. Sundays and Wednesdays. we are now closed. We hope you had an excellent holiday season! (Please note that along with us now back to normal hours of operation, we will also be close this Sunday & Monday. January 1st & 2nd.) Happy New Year! Since 1970, Dave's has been providing "Art Created by Mother Nature", to both novice and professional collectors of unique fossils, mineral specimens, Native American Artistry and semi-precious stones, set in fine sterling silver. At Dave's, you'll never be a a loss when looking for that unique gift item for yourself or another. Come on in and check out our "Free Prehistoric Life Museum"!!! It's the largest private collection on display to the general public, and totally free. See you soon!!!See more..
4.5Elgin History Museum(27 reviews) - Nice local history museum Sunday: History Museums
This museum had a good collection of local history items and interesting information. While I don't have any real tie to Elgin (was there for business), I still found it very interesting because the story of Elgin has much in common with the settling of the rest of the midwest. The rooms were arranged logically and had a good mix of visual and written. Definitely worth a visit.See more..
4.5Veterans Memorial Park(23 reviews) - I was confused about parking here Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
I was happy to find this place but I wasn't sure where to park to visit it. The parking area is not marked properly, it is not visible. Actually it seams like parking is on the street along the curve.See more..
This is a very cool historic jail/museum in Benton Illinois. It’s five dollars to get in and is self-guided. Back in the day if used to be part house, part jail. It’s really cool the way you could see how the sheriff lived in the front part with his family and the prisoners lived in the rear. There’s lots of cool things to see in this museum including a George Harrison exhibit when he was first interviewed on the radio, the first time in the United States and some other cool Civil War related items as well. Very interesting story about the southern gangster Charlie Birger as well. Well worth the time to visit. Plan about at least an hour.See more..
4.5Midwest Museum of Natural History(20 reviews) - Animals from Africa and much more. Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Natural History Museums
Opened in 2004 after renovating the old Sycamore Community Center, the Midwest Museum of Natural History began with a donation of animal displays & grew rapidly from there. Today the museum seeks to inspire an appreciation for the great diversity of the natural environment & human culture through education & recreation. Please visit our website for scheduled events-- there's something every week!See more..
5.0Vermilion County Museum(17 reviews) - Very cool place Sunday: Historic Sites • History Museums
The former home of Dr. William Fithian, one of Abraham Lincoln's cronies.See more..
5.0Champaign County History Museum(17 reviews) - Cattle Bank Museaum Sunday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour History Museums
I’ve driven past this building many times, never even realizing this is the oldest remaining business building in Champaign. I was pleasantly surprised at the museum exhibits. Very well done! A lot of history to learn here.See more..
4.5Westclox Museum(14 reviews) - Very fun find! Sunday: Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • History Museums
My friend and I were in the area for a ghost hunt and found out this is where our clocks were made. We started collecting some and had no idea the factory was here. The museum is small but really nice. The people that were working there were very knowable and friendly. The entrance is free and it is one room. See more..
Not much to do here, but so interesting to see this building still standing in Old Shawneetown, that was once a bustling downtown. You can walk all around the bank, and also up the stairs to take a peek in the door/windows. Old Shawneetown was settled in 1798 and is the oldest town in the state of Illinois. It is listed on the State Historic Site. Across the street is an old Texaco gas station as well. In front of the gas station, there are markers about the Lewis and Clark Expedition in Illinois. I think there might be one or 2 businesses still open on the street, but that's about it. If you take the time to stop and see this, there is also a historical house down the street. An interesting piece of Illinois history within a few blocks. Worth the stop.See more..
On a Saturday afternoon visit to Edwardsville, my family took a guided tour of the Col. Benjamin Stephenson House. Our guides, who were dressed in period clothing, were experts at explaining what life might have been like in that area in 1820. (The 184-acre farm is now in the heart of Edwardsville and occupied by a major road, many businesses and a residential area.) The tour begins with a 15-minute introductory film about the Stephenson family. It then moves outside to a separate brick building that is a replica of the once-attached kitchen had two women in it making beeswax candles. We learned that volunteers are almost always making candles, baking bread, stringing beans, or doing one of the many chores that would have been done in 1820. The home remains quite functional, especially during the holidays. It's the only historic home I've been in that allows visitors to sit on the furniture and try on the clothes. For $6, this tour is a bargain!See more..
The St. Charles History Museum houses permanent and temporary exhibits, the Colonial Anderson Research Room, the Jack & Kathy Brens Exhibit Hall photo and research archives, the Curious Fox Gift Shop, administrative offices, and the collections storage facilities. The Museum is located in the 1928 McCornack Oil Company building at 215 East Main Street. The building served St. Charles as a Texaco gas station from 1928-1990. After renovations, the Museum opened to the public in May 2001. Prior to 2001, the Museum was located in the St. Charles Municipal Building. Leave your mark on history by supporting the St. Charles History Museum. The Museum relies on the generosity of its members and supporters throughout the community. The St. Charles History Museum is a 501(c) 3 and all charitable donations are tax deductible.See more..
The Mission of the Illinois Rural Heritage Museum is to educate the public about the rural heritage of Illinois in a manner that tells the life lessons of success. The Museum explains the ever changing story of rural life from different perspectives: agriculture, business, conservation, education, medicine, natural resources, technology and transportation. A critical element of the Museum’s Mission is to preserve and restore important items that would otherwise be lost with the passage of time.See more..
4.5National Road Interpretive Center(12 reviews) - Great History Spent 1-2 hours History Museums This is a great place to learn about the Historic National Trail, US Highway 40. Great artifacts, pictures, maps, and videos. It is also great to piggyback with the Old State Capitol in Vandalia.See more..
Built in 1857, our historic 20,000-sf structure is Illinois oldest standing brewery and distillery. These walls have endured everything from a tornado in 1901 to government raids throughout prohibition. The tour begins in the old cellar where guests learn about the early immigrant brew master, John Bielfeldt who started brewing on the property in 1850. Our collection of artifacts, curiosities, and breweriana is displayed with original photos from the property dating back to the mid 1800’s. Guests will then venture deep underground, far beneath the cellar into our subterranean artesian well. The cavernous limestone space is the source of many local legends, and the fountain head still flows with the same pristine water that made the early brewers famous. (please note - guests are welcome to take a group photo while underground). The group will then journey to the distillery production floor. The tour concludes with a guided tasting. After the tour, stay for dinner & drinksSee more..
5.0Heath Candy Bar Museum(11 reviews) - Heath Candy Bar Birthplace Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • Children's Museums • History Museums
Crawford County is where the Heath Candy Bar was created. The Heath Family was instrumental in a lot of developments in the area. The air in Robinson still smells like candy several days out of the month because of the large Hershey Plant in town. The Heath Museum on the square has many historical pieces and a place to purchase candy, as well as fountain drinks.See more..
4.5Friends of the Viking Ship(11 reviews) - Very interesting Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • History Museums
The purpose of Friends of the Viking Ship is to facilitate the preservation of the 1893 Viking Ship as an important artifact from the Columbian Exposition and to advocate its public display in a permanent museum setting with adequate security and climate control. As a part of this mission, Friends of the Viking Ship hosts a number of open days and private tours throughout the year. Make on of these tours part of your next visit to Geneva, IL.See more..
My aunt and I were fortunate to spend a bit of time at the Kibbe Museum this week. We were both impressed with the quality of the displays. I can unequivocally say that some displays rivel those I have seen in Washington DC. I particularly enjoyed the funeral display--- and the focus upon the different era of the surrounding area. Well done! Well organized! You will need more time than you think, so plan for it! You will not regret it!See more..
This is fabulous not-for-profit county museum. There Civil War artifacts, a 20,000+ local photo collection as well as a great Native American treasure trove. Well worth a detour.See more..
The Frances Willard House is the 1865 Gothic Revival home of the famed 19th century reformer and women's rights advocate. A museum since 1900, the collection of Frances Willard's furniture and belongings is largely intact. Head of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, Willard organized and led the largest mass movement of women in the country.See more..
Visit the Stockton Heritage Museum and learn about the important people and events that shaped Stockton and the surrounding area in Northwest Illinois. The Stockton Heritage Museum: -Collects and preserves the oral, written, and pictorial memoirs and data of the past, relating to Stockton and Northwestern Illinois. -Assembles and displays artifacts that provide a window into Stockton's past -Encourages and aides individuals interested in historical research -Presents programs that share the stories and rich history of Stockton and the area.See more..
Started in 1936, our historical society has grown from a group of passionate volunteers collecting artifacts to a three story museum in the heart of Belvidere. We work hard to preserve our county’s history for the next generation. We are continually holding events, lectures, and exhibit openings to educate the public on the intricate and exciting history of our community.See more..
4.5Bishop Hill Heritage Association Museum(8 reviews) - Visited before Christmas and enjoyed the train layout and antique farming instruments on display Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
Enjoyed the train layout and antique farming instruments on display. Had some free cookies and hot cocoa, which added to the cozy ambiance.See more..
Explore and celebrate the French involvement in the history of the Kankakee River Valley: the first explorers and missionaries, the coureurs de bois and fur traders, and the pioneer settlers from France, French Canada, and Belgium. Our French Heritage continues to play a distinctive role in our community's identity.See more..
The "Gardner Museum", now called the Quincy Museum is great for a stopover. Monthly changes to the "featured display" in addition to the other more permanent displays make it a charming museum. Great location upstairs for a small ensemble concert. Also, it could be a "small-wedding" venue.......Lovley!See more..
