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Established in 1976, the Lake County Discovery Museum is a popular spot to learn about the history of Lake County. The museum has a variety of hands-on, interactive exhibits, local artwork on display, and the largest postcard collection in North America. Lake County Discovery Museum is located within the Lakewood Forest Preserve in Waukonda. For more information call (847) 968-3400.
The Bonner Heritage Farm was established in 1842 and four generations of Bonners lived and worked on the farm before it was donated to the Lake County Forest Preserve in 1995. Visitors learn about the Bonners and farming over the years through a self-guided, interactive tour. There are fun and educational exhibits as well as historic structures to experience. The Bonner Heritage Farm is located on Route 45 in Lindenhurst. Call (847) 968-4300 for more details.
Located on Route 45 in Millburn, Martin’s General Store is an authentic 1920's general store that serves as a community history museum. There are local and regional exhibits for visitors to see. Artifacts and collections include vintage clothing, ceramics, art, photos, toys, and much more. Call (847) 265-5744 for more information.
The Cuneo Museum is located in an Italianate mansion that was built in 1914 by Samuel Insull, founder of CommonWealth Edison Company. The mansion was sold in 1937 to John Cuneo and it remained in the Cuneo Family until 1990. Guided and self-guided tours explore the Cuneo Museum’s 75 acres of formal gardens and elegant structures. Guests learn about Cuneo family history, view rich European furnishings, and tour the museum’s art gallery. This grand country estate is located at 1350 North Milwaukee Avenue in Vernon Hills. For more information about Cuneo Museum call (847) 362-3042.
Waukegan’s Haines House Museum is located in a historic farmhouse that was built in 1843. John Haines purchased the house in 1857, one year prior to his election win as mayor of Chicago. Haines made additions to the house and lived there until he died in 1896. The house has a Victorian decor, maintains an 1870's appearance, and offers exhibits on local history. Haines House Museum is sponsored by the Waukegan Historical Society and is located at 1917 North Sheridan Road. Call (847) 336-1859 for more information.
Kohl Children’s Museum provides fun, interactive exhibits where children of all ages can explore, play, learn, and discover. The museum’s ten permanent exhibits cover natural sciences and history with exhibits on construction, water, music, technology, food, and much more. The museum is located at 2100 Patriot Boulevard. Call (847) 832-6600 for additional information.
Volo Auto Museum is a 30-acre museum complex with a collection of more than 300 cars. This multi-million dollar collection includes antique cars as well as cars that are historically significant. Famous cars at Volo Auto Museum include the Batmobile, the General Lee, K.I.T.T., Stephen King’s Christine, Vin Diesel’s RX-7 from the Fast & the Furious, and many more. The museum also has an antique mall, food court, and an armed forces exhibit. Volo Auto Museum is located at 27582 Volo Village Road in Volo. Call (815) 385-3644 for more information.
Didier Farms was established in 1912 and today it provides families with a wide array of activities. Hayrides, a pumpkin patch, pony rides, a corn maze, and a petting zoo are some of the activities at Didier Farms. The farm also has a greenhouse, produce for sale, and an educational farming exhibit. Visit Didier Farms at 16678 West Aptakisic Road in Prairie View. Phone (847) 634-3291 for more details.
Great Lakes Museum is a government-sponsored museum located at Camp Barry on Lake Michigan. Dedicated to preserving boot camp training history, Great Lakes Museum has artifacts, memorabilia, and photographs that explore Great Lakes naval history and the life of a U.S. sailor. Visitors are treated to a guided tour of the Great Lakes Naval Training Center, the Navy’s only Naval Training Command. The museum also features a special section dedicated to women that have served in the United States Navy. For more details call (847) 688-3154.
If seeing rare and exotic reptiles is on the agenda, a visit to Serpent Safari is in order. This reptile zoo has a guided safari tour where guests see a variety of reptiles from a Nile crocodile to a real-live anaconda. Serpent Safari is also home to the world’s largest snake. Visit Serpent Safari at 6170 West Grand Avenue in Gurnee. Call (847) 855-8800 for more information.
Tempel Farms
is the only place in the United States where Lipizzans are bred, trained,
and perform. The Lipizzan horse is Europe’s oldest breed, a majestic
white horse that has performed for presidents and kings. In 1958, Tempel
Smith imported 20 Lipizzans from Austria, making the Tempel Farm Lipizzans
the largest privately owned herd. These horses require three to five years
of sophisticated training to master their traditional, centuries-old dressage.
Tempel Farm has offered shows to the public since 1982. These shows reveal
the beauty and grace of this rare horse. Guided tours at the farm visit
the stables, horses, the carriage collection, and the café. Tempel
Farm is located at 17000 Wadsworth Road in Wadsworth. For more details
call (847) 623-7272.