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Cantigny Park is the perfect location to learn about Chicago area history, World War I, and a great way to see how the wealthy lived in the early 20th century. Located in Wheaton, Cantigny served as the country estate for Chicago Tribune publisher, Joseph Medill and his successor, Robert McCormick. Guests should start at the visitors center located in the estate’s refurbished horse stable. Make sure to pick up a copy of the estate map and stop by the exhibits to learn about Cantigny and its rich history. The Robert R. McCormick Museum is located in the 35-room mansion and exhibits priceless family heirlooms, art pieces, and antiques. The estate is also home to the First Division Museum, dedicated to World War I history with thousands of war artifacts. Cantigny has 40 acres of formal gardens as well as a 27-hole golf course. Call (630) 668-5161 for more information.
Located in the old Central Fire Station building, the Aurora Regional Fire Museum was established in 1968. The museum’s purpose is to preserve the artifacts and history of the Aurora Fire Department. There are more than 2,000 photographs on display as well as equipment exhibits and several fire trucks. The Aurora Regional Fire Museum is located at the corners of New York & Broadway in Aurora. Call (630) 892-1572 for more details.
There is something for everyone at the DuPage Childrens Museum. With more than 20,000 square feet of exhibit space, adults and children can discover, learn, and play. The museum’s three floors are full of exhibits that explore art, math, and science. The DuPage Childrens Museum is located at 301 North Washington Street in Naperville. For more information call (630) 637-8000.
Established in 1980, the award-winning Elmhurst Art Museum is home to McCormick House, one of three homes in the United States designed and built by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, considered the father of modern architecture. The museum facility was designed around the McCormick House and also includes three galleries and an education pavilion. The museum’s art exhibits include pieces from Illinois artists. Elmhurst Art Museum is located at 150 Cottage Hill Avenue in Elmhurst. Phone (630) 834-0202 for more information.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Graue Mill & Museum is one of three authenticated Underground Railroad stations in Illinois and the only operating waterwheel gristmill in the state. The mill was constructed in 1852 and was used to grind wheat, corn, and other grains that were produced locally. Mill owner, Frederick Graue, used the basement of his gristmill to hide and shelter escaping slaves. Today, the Graue Mill & Museum serves as a visitor center as well as a museum. The museum exhibits use photographs, videos, and interactive displays to teach about the Underground Railroad, Graue Mill, and DuPage County. Graue Mill is located at 3800 South York Road in Oak Brook. Call (630) 655-2090 for more information.
Located along the Fox River in a beautiful, historic structure, the Sci-Tech Hands-On Museum is a place where people discover that science is fun. The museum has 200+ hands-on exhibits about astronomy, chemistry, electricity, physics, weather, and more. Visitors can make huge bubbles, play with a tornado machine, check out the shadow wall, and much more. The outdoor science park is open during warm weather months and offers a wide variety of activities. The Sci-Tech Hands-On Museum is located at 18 West Benton Street in Aurora. Call (630) 859-3434 for more detailed information.
The Billy Graham Center Museum was established in 1980 and is devoted to the history of Christian evangelism. This 20,000 square feet museum hosts temporary and permanent exhibits covering the history of evangelism in North America and the life and ministry of Billy Graham. Visitors see inspirational art, rare artifacts, interactive displays, a chapel, and a bookstore. The Billy Graham Center Museum is located on the Wheaton College campus in Wheaton. Call (630) 752-5909 for more information.
The Brookfield Zoo is one of the country’s largest zoos. The zoo is home to nearly 3,000 animals from 425 species. Visitors will want to see the dolphin exhibit, the childrens zoo, the family play zoo, and the butterfly exhibit. Black rhinos, penguins, polar bears, kangaroos, and giraffes are just a few of the zoo residents one might see when visiting Brookfield Zoo. The zoo is located in Brookfield at 3300 Golf Road. Call (800) 201-0784 for more specific information about the zoo.
Located in a restored 1891 Richardsonian Romanesque building, the DuPage County Historical Museum provides visitors with 150 years of the DuPage County history. The museum’s interactive displays include laundry tubs and wringers, a high-wheeled bicycle, and a model railroad that explores railroad history in DuPage County. The 1890's family sitting room takes visitors back in time for a true peek at history. The museum is located at 102 East Wesley Street in Wheaton. For more details about the DuPage County Historical Museum call (630) 682-7343.
Established in 1981, the William
L. Gregg House Museum in Westmont is a wonderful trip into
history. William L. Gregg built the 2-story Second Empire home in 1872
and it has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1976.
The museum displays collections of items from the early 1900's in an authentic
setting. The outdoor garden area is a must-see for green thumbs. The museum
is located at 117 South Linden Avenue. Call (630) 960-3392 for more detailed
information.
Stacy’s Tavern Museum takes visitors back 150 years
to see what life was like for residents in Northern Illinois. Moses Stacy
built a new house for his family in 1846. Stacy’s home quickly became
a wayside inn, stagecoach stop, and tavern. For 50 cents guests received
lodging, meals, and hay for their horses. The tavern was added to the
National Register of Historic Places in 1974. Today, visitors can stop
by Stacy’s Tavern Museum to see exhibits and artifacts that bring
to life the art, culture, and daily living of the 19th century. The museum
is located at 557 Geneva Road in Glen Ellyn. Call (630) 858-8696 for more
information.
Explore the life of one of the United State’s most famous award-winning authors at the Ernest Hemingway Museum in Oak Park. Temporary and permanent exhibits explore the life of Hemingway and the local influences on his life and writing. Museum tours showcase rare photographs, sample writings, letter, memorabilia, and artifacts. The museum is located at 200 North Park Avenue. Call (708) 524-5383 for more information about the Ernest Hemingway Museum.
Lapidary is the art of cutting and polishing stone and the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art is the perfect place to learn about this unique blend of art and science. The museum displays more than 200 pieces of jade and hardstone carvings. Among the museum’s exhibits is a nephrite jade imperial altar set that was crafted between 1368 and 1644, during the Ming Dynasty. The museum is located at 220 Cottage Hill in Elmhurst. Call (630) 833-1616 for additional information.
Naper Settlement is a 13-acre outdoor living history museum that portrays daily life in Naperville during its frontier outpost days in the 19th century. There are more than 30 authentically preserved historic structures with costumed villagers that help re-create the past with interactive displays, exhibits, and demonstrations. Naper Settlement is located at 523 South Webster Street in Naperville. For more information call (630) 420-6010.
The DuPage Heritage Gallery was established as a way to remember and honor the great people who have roots in DuPage County. The lives and accomplishments of famous residents are explored through photographs, memorabilia, and artifacts. Renovated in 2000, the three-story atrium that houses the gallery is located at 421 North County Farm Road in Wheaton. Call (630) 668-0705 for more information.
The Sheldon Peck Homestead was built in 1839 and is the oldest house in Lombard. The farmhouse was home to the Peck Family before it became, a schoolhouse, a stop on the Underground Railroad, and finally, a studio for Sheldon Peck. Today, the Sheldon Peck Homestead has exhibits on the school, Underground Railroad, farming, pioneer life, and Peck’s folk painting. Group tours are available by calling (630) 629-1885.
The West
Chicago Museum was established in 1975 and is located in
the former Turner Town Hall. The building was constructed in 1884 and
is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum has
two floors of exhibits that document West Chicago history. There is a
special exhibit that explores local railroad history. The West Chicago
Museum is located at 132 Main Street and their phone number is (630) 231-3376.
The Center
for History is a museum and educational center that highlights
our nation’s social heritage with a variety of programs and exhibits.
The Center has four galleries for rotating exhibits as well as a permanent
exhibit that details slavery and the Underground Railroad. For a look
at history from a new perspective, visit The Center for History at 606
Main Street in Wheaton. For more information call (630) 682-9472.
Established in 1969, the American Movie Palace Museum is dedicated to preserving the architecture and culture of America’s theaters. There are artifacts from movie theaters such as slides, photographs, books, playbills, etc., and information is available for more than 14,000 theaters worldwide. The museum is located at 152 North York Street in Elmhurst. For more details call (630) 782-1800.