83 Museums to Explore in Illinois
Checkout places to visit in Illinois
IllinoisLocated in the Midwestern area of the United States, Illinois is a vast state filled with charming towns, vibrant metropolitan cities, lush coastal plains, and natural prairies. From Chicago to Springfield and all other points in-between, each part of Illinois offers its own unique vibe that locals and visitors alike can appreciate. The region is steeped in history and culture; among its many landmarks are the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum, Cahokia Mounds State Historic site, and
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Museums to Explore in Illinois
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and MuseumThe Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, is a must-see for anyone interested in the life of one of America's greatest presidents. Visitors can explore more than 50,000 artifacts that tell the story of some of Abraham Lincoln's most iconic moments, such as life on the frontier, his rise to power, the Civil War and ultimately to his assassination and legacy. The museum offers daily presentations and interactive exhibits showcasing many significant moments in American history.
Air Combat MuseumThe Air Combat Museum is one of the most remarkable attractions in the area. It showcases an amazingly detailed collection of aviation artifacts and memorabilia dating back to World War I. A striking feature is the F-14 Tomcat cockpit that visitors can climb into for a truly extraordinary experience. The museum also offers its guests many other educational opportunities as well, such as guided tours that highlight the history of military aviation and explain basic interworking of its components.
Anderson Mansion MuseumAnderson Mansion Museum, features a unique collection of items that have been painstakingly collected and researched over many decades. From furniture and pictures to an expansive collection of antiques, Anderson Mansion Museum provides an enlightening glimpse into times long past. Paired with a stellar archival library and knowledgeable staff, the museum offers what many consider to be one of the best preservations of history in all of northern Illinois.
Aurora Regional Fire MuseumThe Aurora Regional Fire Museum proudly houses interactive displays, photographs, and artifacts that tell the stories of past heroic firefights and those who courageously served them. The museum also exhibits documents and equipment dating back to the 18th century that were used to battle fires. Visitors are able to explore interactive setups such as a vintage hand pumper or stationary steam pump engine, reminding them of firefighting's long-standing traditions.
Batavia Depot MuseumThis Museum is a popular historic attraction where visitors learn about the railroad history of Batavia through a variety of artifacts and exhibitions. This museum features an extensive collection of antique railway tickets, timetables, lanterns, china, and photographs for people to explore and gain insight into life on the railroads in the area over the last century. Additionally, there are interactive displays with audio-visual aids as well as model train sets running around the entire museum.
Block Museum of Art, Northwestern UniversityThe Block Museum of Art, is truly a space for arts and culture. From the classic to the contemporary, the museum offers programs of historic and creative importance. The Block Museum offers both permanent and changing exhibitions that are cultural hubs bringing music, film, visual art and spoken word together. The museum also houses preeminent collections from various renowned collecting initiatives such as their Ancient Mediterranean Art collection and print collection.
Boone County Museum of HistoryThe Boone County Museum of History provides its visitors with a wealth of information about the history of Boone County, Illinois. Located in Belvidere, this educational institution covers a range of topics from the Native Americans who first resided in the area to more recent issues related to industry and immigration. Visitors can explore seven permanent exhibits that showcase local artifacts, as well as rotating exhibitions highlighting uncommon stories from Boone County's past.
Burpee Museum of Natural HistoryThe Burpee Museum of Natural History founded in 1942 by the generous donation of Mr. and Mrs. Louie Burpee, this museum aims to provide insight into the cultural and natural history of Illinois and the world. A unique feature of this museum is its life-sized Saber-toothed Cat skeleton, acquired in 1967--a can't miss sight! With impressive exhibitions including Ice Age Discoveries, Rare Gems & Minerals, Indian Artifacts & Animal Exhibits, as well as other topics waiting to be explored.
Cairo Custom House MuseumThe Cairo Custom House Museum is a great place to experience the rich cultural history of the city. The museum features exhibits such as period photographs, artifacts from local events, and even items from the once-thriving cotton trade market. You can also explore a one-room log cabin from 1814 and its furnished living room, kitchen, parlor and bedroom that helps bring to life the lifestyles of early settlers in southern Illinois.
Champaign County History Museum at the Historic Cattle BankThis Museum at the Historic Cattle Bank offers a unique peek into the community's past and present. Located in a renovated brick structure that traces its roots back to 1858, the museum is full of educational and interactive displays featuring artifacts, photographs, timelines and more that explore the community's history. Through an exciting array of interactive activities, visitors can become virtually immersed in key turning points in time as they learn about life in 19th-century Illinois.
Chana School MuseumThe Chana School Museum is a window into early education in the Midwest. Originally opened as a one-room schoolhouse in the 1880s, it continued educating students up until 1956 when consolidation of the local schools took place. Now frozen in time, this unique museum allows visitors to get a glimpse of what schooling was like for earlier generations in rural America. Its many exhibits include desks, period books and artifacts from early schools across the county and region.
Charnley-Persky House MuseumThe Charnley-Persky House is a perfect example of the evolution of American architecture in the 19th century. Built between 1892 and 1894 by world-renowned architects Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright, the house has stood at its current location since 1927. It features intricate design elements from bordered terraces to rich brick patterning. Inside, oak panelings line the walls providing warmth and richness that exemplifies Sullivan's Prairie School style.
Chevrolet Hall of Fame MuseumThe Chevrolet Hall of Fame Museum is an auto enthusiast's paradise! This unique museum houses a collection of rare, vintage and classic Chevrolets that span almost a century. From the early Stovebolt 6s of the 1920s to the modern day Corvettes, visitors can experience a journey through the zooming parallel timelines of the Chevrolet family. The museum also proudly displays personalized memorabilia featuring prized cars from race car.
Chicago Children's MuseumThis Museum is a vibrant and exciting place for kids of all ages and offers hands-on exhibits, workshops, performance art, and interactive activities that help the youngest members of our community discover and explore their natural potential. Continuous year-round programming further engages children in creative arts, science and technology, history, health and nutrition literacy. The museum also hosts regular family days, storytelling events and sleepovers to keep everyone engaged.
Chicago History MuseumThe Chicago History Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Chicago. It has a wide variety of exhibits ranging from Revolutionary War artifacts to displays highlighting popular culture that shaped the city’s history. There are interactive activities for the whole family, such as virtual tours and video presentations, as well as real-life experiences like workshops and craft activities. Visitors can enjoy special events like lectures by local historians or themed story times.
Chicago Sports MuseumThe Chicago Sports Museum is a great spot for any sports fan! It houses decades-worth of sports memorabilia, ranging from equipment used by the Bulls to articles written about the Cubs. Visitors can spend hours exploring its interactive exhibits, including simulating plays with an interactive wall and taking virtual reality tours of Olympic sites. The museum also features a theater where they show classic matches and highlight top players in all your favorite sports franchises.
Christian County Historical Society & MuseumThe Christian County Historical Society & Museum is a wonderful place to explore the rich history of the county. Visitors are able to access artifacts, archives, and photographs related to Christian County's past. In addition, knowledgeable volunteers and staff can provide visitors with exciting stories about the county’s unique heritage. The museum also hosts regular events such as lectures and workshops which allow guests to delve deeper into their research.
Dillon Home MuseumThe Dillon Home Museum is a testament to the area's history. Located on historic Lafayette Street and within sight of the Mighty Mississippi, the museum is nestled in a nineteenth century home. The museum offers guided tours and events throughout the year where visitors can experience not only the original furniture and artifacts from Whiteside County but they can also soak up the unique local flavor of early-day living.