Our Picks
Burpee Museum of Natural History - Rockford, ILL
This is a small but interesting museum along the Riverfront in Rockford. One must see Jane, the young T-Rex, as well as other Natural History exhibits.
More...Chicago Culinary Museum & Chefs Hall of Fame
“The mission of the Chicago Culinary Museum and Chefs Hall of Fame is to promote and celebrate Chicago as a culinary Mecca.” Through hard work and dedication to this endeavor, the organization will take a leadership role with the entire industry to create a culinary environment that fosters education, awareness, innovation, and growth to our industry.
More...DuSable Museum of African American History
Founded in 1961 by a diverse group of Chicago artists and educators, it was originally housed in the former residence of John Griffin and called The Ebony Museum of Negro History and Art.
More...Glessner House Museum
Located in the Historic Prairie Avenue District, the Glessner House looks more like a huge granite castle. The building, built in the Romanesque style, was designed by the famous East Coast architect Henry Hobson Richardson, who wanted to create a house different from what people were used to seeing. So in 1886 he created a new and grand living space for John and Frances Glessner.
More...Kohl Children's Museum
In recognition for its outstanding exhibits and impact on Chicago land families, Kohl Children’s Museum was recently named one of the country’s Ten Best Children’s Museums by Parents Magazine. The Museum was ranked sixth out of more than 300 children’s museums nationwide and was the only Chicago area museum recognized.
More...Kohl McCormick StoryBus
The Kohl McCormick StoryBus is a children's literacy museum on wheels that visits schools and community events in the Chicago area. Housed inside a 37-foot Winnebago, the bus promotes reading to students at the kindergarten and pre-k levels. Filled with a rotating collection of hands-on interactive exhibits, the StoryBus transports children inside the worlds of favorite children's stories, such as The Little Red Hen, The Gingerbread Man, The Three Little Pigs, and Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
More...Orpheum Children's Science Museum - Champaign, IL
The Orpheum Children's Science Museum is a children's science museum located in an old Orpheum Theater in Downtown Champaign. The Museum covers all of the entrance to the theater, and some adjoining space outside. There are plans to turn the stage and theater part into exhibits soon. The Orpheum has many exhibits, ranging from a simple machines castle to a musical instrument made of pvc tubing.
More...SciTech Hands On Museum - Aurora, IL
Come to SciTech, where science is an adventure! Play with our engaging exhibits while you explore our spacious and colorful museum. At SciTech we give our visitors an opportunity to explore science in a comfortable, family-friendly environment. More than 200 hands-on exhibits and daily science shows will intrigue and excite you and your family.
More...Super Museum - Metropolis, IL
The mission of the Super Museum is to preserve and showcase an array of Superman collectables and information for the education and enjoyment of visitors and fans of the Man of Steel.
More...Thornton Historical Society Museum & Quarry Tours
Thornton Quarry is one of the largest aggregate quarries in the world, located just south of Chicago. Work at the quarry began in 1924 by Colonel Hodgkins, and since 1938 has been operated by the Material Service Corporation. The quarry is 1.5 miles (2.5 km) long, 0.5 miles (1 km) wide, and 400 feet (125 m) deep. Gallagher Asphalt Corporation has been operating on the grounds of the quarry since 1928. A dry-land dike carries Inter-State 80/Inter-State 294/Tri-State Tollway over the quarry.
More...Chicago Design Museum
Welcome to the Chicago Design Museum, an annual pop-up featuring innovative, interactive exhibitions. This year’s theme? Work at Play.
The Chicago Design Museum strives to unite, inform, and inspire. As a resource for the Chicago design community, it facilitates an open dialogue about contemporary and historical design through limited-engagements exhibitions, events, and digital media. It is an adaptable and non-traditional organization that celebrates design excellence.
Monticello Railway Museum
View various pieces of steam and electric railroad equipment. Offers vintage train rides on Saturday and Sunday May through October, as well as a number of special events throughout the year.
Bronzeville Children's Museum
The Bronzeville Children's Museum is the first and only African American children's museum in the country. The museum was founded on August 20, 1993. Named after Bronzeville, where African Americans settled in Chicago after coming from the South. In this area, they created a booming business, cultural, political and residential center known at first as Black Metropolis and later as Bronzeville.
A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum
The A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum is a 501(c)3 institution. Their mission is to promote, honor and celebrate the legacy of A. Philip Randolph and contributions made by African-Americans to America's labor history. When you visit their facility this celebration begins with the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, as they educate the public about its legacy and contributions.
Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture
Billy Graham Center Museum - Wheaton College
Devoted to the history of Christian evangelism and influence on society. Rare artifacts and a presentation on society.
Burpee Museum of Natural History - Rockford, ILL
This is a small but interesting museum along the Riverfront in Rockford. One must see Jane, the young T-Rex, as well as other Natural History exhibits.
Chicago Blues Museum
Keep an eye out for the Chicago Blues Museum. It had closed its Bronzeville facility at this update time, but was promising to re-open somewhere in the neighborhood. Call or email for current details.
Chicago Culinary Museum & Chefs Hall of Fame
“The mission of the Chicago Culinary Museum and Chefs Hall of Fame is to promote and celebrate Chicago as a culinary Mecca.” Through hard work and dedication to this endeavor, the organization will take a leadership role with the entire industry to create a culinary environment that fosters education, awareness, innovation, and growth to our industry.
Chicago History Museum
Stroll through beautiful Lincoln Park and head to the Chicago History Museum.
Chicago history is truly America’s history.
Chinese American Museum of Chicago
The mission of the Chinese-American Museum of Chicago is to promote exhibitions, education and research relating to Chinese American culture and history in the Midwestern United States. This new museum features antique furnishing from the Chinese American Civic Association, photos from an original 1930's Chinese laundry and much more.
Clarke House Museum
Du Page Children's Museum - Naperville, ILL
The DuPage Children’s Museum mission is to stimulate curiosity, creativity, thinking and problem solving in young children. Through self-directed, open-ended experiences integration of the arts, science and math, and the child-adult learning partnership.
Durant House Museum - St. Charles, ILL
The Durant House is fondly recognized as Kane County's own "Little House on the Prairie." The Museum functions as a "house for all seasons," with special programs designed to highlight a prairie family's routines of work and play throughout the year.
Each season exerts its unique charm; with heirloom apples offered in October, and the comforting aromas of hearth cooking a February attraction.
Costumed docents and Prairie Children interpret our rich heritage in this lovingly restored prairie house and enliven the atmosphere at all Durant House events making the Museum a Must-See.The Museum beckons visitors of all ages and interests to enjoy a delightful "hands-on" experience.
DuSable Museum of African American History
Founded in 1961 by a diverse group of Chicago artists and educators, it was originally housed in the former residence of John Griffin and called The Ebony Museum of Negro History and Art.
Elgin Public Museum - Elgin, ILL
This 100 year-old Natural History & Anthropology Museum is located within the beautiful 108 acre Lords Park - and offers exhibits and educational programs for the entire family.
Elmhurst Art Museum
Named the “Best Suburban Art Museum in Chicago” by Chicago Magazine, the museum continues to grow and expand on a path to success.
Glessner House Museum
Located in the Historic Prairie Avenue District, the Glessner House looks more like a huge granite castle. The building, built in the Romanesque style, was designed by the famous East Coast architect Henry Hobson Richardson, who wanted to create a house different from what people were used to seeing. So in 1886 he created a new and grand living space for John and Frances Glessner.
Great Lakes Naval Museum Foundation
Hellenic Museum and Cultural Center
The Hellenic Museum and Cultural Center is a place where one can come to learn about the Greek immigrant experience in America. It is a place to view vignettes from a permanent collection of over 6,000 objects, photos, and century old books and textiles, and hear the recordings and visual testimonials that capture growing up Greek in America; living through homeland wars and famine or the joy of experiencing a new generation of success.