Shiloh House

The residence of the founder of the City of Zion, Dr. John Alexander Dowie, is a stately 23-room mansion that was built in 1901-02 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

CITY: Zion

Kendall County Historical Society's Heritage Hall & Chapel on the Green

Dating back to 1855, the chapel is Kendall County's oldest church building, adorned with stained glass windows and a restored 1899 pipe organ. The adjacent hall houses local artifacts, including photographs and clothing.

CITY: Yorkville

Historic Woodstock Square

A Victorian town square, complete with bandstand and gazebo, is the setting for many unique shops, eateries, antiques stores and art galleries. The square is home to many events, and was the film site for the hit movie Groundhog Day.

CITY: Woodstock

Wood River Museum and Visitors Center

The Wood River Heritage Council has worked diligently to preserve the town's past at the Wood River Museum and Visitors Center. It is here that you will find exhibits on the Wood River massacre of 1814, Olde Downtown, the Flood of 1915, the World's largest swimming pool, and the impact of Standard Oil on this growing community. Hours Thursday - Saturday, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

CITY: Wood River

Yesterday's Farm Museum

A historic 1800s family farm that is maintained in its original location. Programs depict settlers' lives with period accuracy.

CITY: Wood Dale

Winslow Historical Society Museum

Discover the history of Winslow. Featuring displays relating to discovery of cream cheese, which had its beginnings in Winslow and later made famous as Philadelphia Cream Cheese. Also see the history of Doc Carver's Wild West Show.

CITY: Winslow

Winnetka Historical Museum

The growth and history of Winnetka since 1830 is chronicled in this museum, which includes the Carlton Washburne Library.

CITY: Winnetka

Gemini Giant

Located in Wilmington, this converted Muffler Man beckons travelers on historic Route 66 to stop for a burger at the Launching Pad Drive-In. The Launching Pad Drive-in first opened in 1960 as a Dari Delite, and sold only hot dogs and ice cream. Since then, the menu has expanded. In 2000, the Launching Pad Drive-In was inducted into the Route 66 Hall of Fame.

CITY: Wilmington

Cantigny Park

Consisting of the Robert McCormick Mansion Museum, the First Division Military Museum, ten acres of gardens and parks, 27-hole championship golf course and nine-hole Cantigny Youth Links.

CITY: Wheaton

Center for History

Museum and education center highlighting our nation's social heritage through captivating exhibits and programs. Stories of the 1915 Eastland Disaster, and experience life on the run following the Underground Railroad.

CITY: Wheaton

Kline Creek Farm

A "living history" farm depicting life in the 1890s DuPage County. Original structures, authentic recreations and livestock combine to make a realistic 1890s working farm.

CITY: Wheaton

DuPage County Historical Museum

Housed in an 1891 Richardsonian Romanesque building, the museum highlights 150 years of DuPage County history with participatory activities, changing exhibits and extensive model railroad display.

CITY: Wheaton

Billy Graham Center Museum

This museum located on the campus of Wheaton College is devoted to the history of Christian evangelism and its influences on society. View rare artifacts, art and displays that include a powerful 3-D presentation of the gospel message.

CITY: Wheaton

Edman Memorial Chapel - Wheaton College

This large auditorium, seating more than 2400 people, is the site of campus chapels, concerts, commencements, and various community-related events such as the Artist Series.

CITY: Wheaton

DuPage Heritage Gallery

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Located in a three-story atrium, renovated in 2000, visitors learn of the stories, accomplishments and lives of famous DuPage citizens portrayed through memorabilia and photo panels.

CITY: Wheaton

Cantigny Golf

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Set among mature oak and hickory trees, lakes & streams, this full-service event facility with 27 holes of golf offers both 18 and 9-hole play and is nationally recognized as one of the best public courses in America. Cantigny Golf is a part of the McCormick Foundation, committed to making life better for our children, communities and country. As one of the nation’s largest public charities, we’ve granted more than $1 billion to organizations in local communities across the country. The golf course is part of the historic 500-acre Cantigny Park, where memorable family experiences happen. The grounds include museums, formal gardens and picnic areas.

CITY: Wheaton

William L. Gregg Museum

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Victorian, red-bricked house displays collections typical of the 1920s through 1940s in authentic lifestyle settings. Open Wednesday and Sunday. Admission free.

CITY: Westmont

Frankfort Area Historical Museum

The former two-story brick Logan School is now a museum featuring area mining history, memorabilia from 1802-1976, a genealogy library, and the Red Geranium Tea Room that serves homemade lunch.

CITY: West Frankfort

Depot Veteran's Museum

This restored railroad depot houses memorabilia from all wars. Outside is a Southern Illinois Miners Memorial dedicated to coal miners of the region.

CITY: West Frankfort

West Chicago City Museum

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Housed in historic Turner Town Hall (National Register site), the museum features community history exhibits and a research collection including local history and railroad materials. The Kid Zone Gallery offers changing hands-on displays for all ages.

CITY: West Chicago

Waukegan Main Street

Representing a variety of downtown restaurants, an array of shops and services and entertainment. Stroll downtown and enjoy shopping the unique stores, visiting the art galleries, eating at one of the many restaurants and end the day with a show at the famous Genesee Theatre, the new Clockwise Theatre or enjoy live entertainment at one of the downtown eateries. Join the fun at one of the many events throughout the year, including the monthly ArtWauk. Waukegan has something for everyone.

CITY: Waukegan

Lake County Discovery Museum

Hands-on interactive exhibits introduce the history of Lake County in a fun learning environment. The Museum also displays the nation's largest permanent exhibition on the history and significance of postcards. Changing exhibits throughout the year.

CITY: Wauconda

Iroquois County Historical Society Museum

This old ourthouse museum houses numerous exhibits, as well as collections of natural and cultural objects that reflect the dinstictive characteristics of the county.

CITY: Watseka

Veterans Memorial

This nine-ton cannon, used in WW II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, stands alongside Veterans Parkway in honor of the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces.

CITY: Watseka

Bellefontaine House

Meriwether Lewis is reported to have stayed here. It is home to some of the earliest settlers in Illinois (1782) and was named by the French for a spring located on the beautiful site.

CITY: Waterloo

The History Museum of Monroe County

Anchored by items gifted by Col. Edd & Violet Kueker, this collection represents the settlement of the West, numerous U.S. wars and early transportation. There is even a display of items from the Stone Age retrieved during a local archaeological dig. Changing displays and Special Exhibits from the Museum collection and "on loan" items provide awesome journeys through the pages of history.

CITY: Waterloo

Peterstown House

Built in 1830, this is the only stagecoach stop still intact along the 60-mile Kaskaskia-Cahokia trail.

CITY: Waterloo

Rex's Museum

A Lionel train set shares space with a Li'l Abner Dogpatch Band windup toy and British toy soldiers. Antique collectibles, clothing, glassware, a mule deer antler chandelier, and many more unusual items fill the 2,000 sq. ft. "extra room" added onto the house.

CITY: Waterloo

Holland's Mercantile

Old fashioned general store, bulk candy, ice cream, hand dipped shakes, popcorn and gourmet chocolates.

CITY: Washington

Sentimental Journey

When looking for the perfect personal gift, adding to someone's collection or decorating your home. Sentimental Journey should be the place to shop. We carry a large selection of Vera Bradley, Isabel Bloom, Crabtree & Evelyn, Jewery, New Baby, Inspirtational and Specialty Occasion gifts, along with Wee Forest Folk, Dept 56 and Byers' Choice Carolers. We also offer a large selection of pictures, decorating and home accessories to help you make your house a home.

CITY: Washington

Warrenville Historical Society

DuPage County, Chicago's Western Suburbs - The Warrenville Museum is located in an 1858 Greek Revival Methodist Church that was later used as an art studio by Adam Albright and his sons, Ivan and Malvin. Exhibits include art, featuring works by the Albrights, and local history.

CITY: Warrenville

Tempel Lipizzans

Home of the famous Lipizzan stallions known for their beauty, strength and intelligence. The beautiful rolling hills of Tempel Farms have been home to the Tempel Lipizzan for more than 50 years. For the past 27 years, the farm setting has been backdrop for the 90-minute performances in the tradition of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. Performances chronicle the horses’ training from the youngest foals to the most highly trained stallions all performing to musical accompaniment. Performances are held on the one Sunday a month July through September and one Saturday night a month July through September. Saturday night performances include a self-guided tour where complimentary hors d'oeuvres, wine and beer will be served as the sun sets.

CITY: Wadsworth

Gold Pyramid House

At one time, this was the world's largest gold structure. Now available for group tours (15+) and private event rentals. The six-story-tall, 17,000-square-foot architectural oddity is located in Wadsworth, Illinois and has to be one of the most bizarre homes ever constructed. It is believed to be the largest 24-karat gold-plated object in North America.

CITY: Wadsworth

Volo Auto Museum

The most under priced attraction in the area! 36 acres of family fun. See 300 classic, antique and muscle cars, including the country's largest display of Hollywood TV and movie cars! Experience the Military Combat Zone, a life-like battle scene with rare military vehicles and weapons. Shop 5 Antique Malls. Take a Haunted Trolley Tour. Enjoy great food in a Betty Boop themed diner and more. All in one location!

CITY: Volo

Historic Volo Country Village

Come visit our 30-acre antique theme park. Anchored by the nationally recognized Volo Auto Museum, the site also boasts great shopping in five separate malls selling antiques, unique gifts and collectibles. Over 400 dealers.

CITY: Volo

Cuneo Mansion And Gardens

Historic mission dating from 1914 nestled on 75 acres of vistas and formal gardens. The Italianate architecture is the work of architect Benjamin Marshall, who was commissioned by Samuel Insull to create a summer villa.

CITY: Vernon Hills

Madonna of the Trail Statue

The Madonna is one of 12 statues in the U.S. that honors the pioneer women who traveled along the National Road.

CITY: Vandalia

Lincoln Marker

Vandalia, Illinois is where Abraham Lincoln began his historical political career and his life and achievements are commemorated on the marker.

CITY: Vandalia

Glen Carbon Heritage Museum

This museum is located in a beautiful brick building that is a renovated 1914 school located in the "Old Town" section of the Village. The museum has old dolls, weapons, pictures, and much more.

CITY: Vandalia

Old State Cemetery

Bronze markers give biographical information about prominent citizens from the earliest history of the community.

CITY: Vandalia

The Farmers Monument

This impressive black granite piece located on the grounds of Vandalia's Tourist Information Center is a tribute to prairie farmers.

CITY: Vandalia

Fayette County Museum

Located behind the Statehouse in a century-old church, this museum is full of Lincoln-era memorabilia, including his letter cabinet and an axe carved with his initials.

CITY: Vandalia

Little Brick House

Listed on the National Register, it has six restored rooms with china, furniture, engravings, and books that belonged to the settlers when Lincoln attended the legislature.

CITY: Vandalia

Veterans Educational Museum

Items on display are from the Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and Desert Storm along with flags from 45 countries.

CITY: Vandalia

Lincoln Park

Located across from the Statehouse in Vandalia, the park features a life-size, bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln. This is a favorite spot for photos with the 16th president.

CITY: Vandalia

National Road Interpretive Center

The National Road Interpretive Center in Vandalia, Illinois tells the story of the surveyors, laborers and travelers of the National Road, sometimes called the Cumberland Road or National Pike. The Interpretive Center is a museum with hands-on activities for children including a Conestoga wagon that the youngsters can load for its journey. Abraham Lincoln’s connection to Illinois National Road towns is also spotlighted. One of the largest artifacts is an original National Road timber dating to the 1830s. Visitors will develop a better understanding of the importance of this road to Illinois and American history as well as an appreciation for the people that were involved in its construction.

CITY: Vandalia

Starved Rock State Park

Seasonal waterfalls, awe-inspiring bluffs and rugged canyons dominate the storied landscape at Starved Rock. Rich with history and beauty, Starved Rock’s hiking trails meander through towering trees and scenic overlooks along the Illinois River. Outdoor activities include hiking, canoeing, paddleboat cruises, cross-country skiing, trolley rides, fishing and picnicking. Visitors can stay at the historic Starved Rock Lodge or in one of its cozy cabins.

CITY: Utica

Grand Village of the Illinois

In 1673, this was the site of the first Native American contact with Europeans when Father Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet passed up the Illinois River. Located in the middle of the site is the 1851 Sulphur Springs Hotel, a resort for travelers and visitors.

CITY: Utica

LaSalle County Historical Museum

LaSalle County history including Native American artifacts in an I & M Canal era warehouse, plus a blacksmith shop, a one room school and pioneer farm equipment.

CITY: Utica

Lewis Seed Company

The Lewis Seed Company presents seed processing and sales operations during group tours.

CITY: Ursa

University of Illinois Library

The largest public university library in the world and the third largest academic library in North America. Self guided audio tours may be checked out at the Information Desk in the Main Library.

CITY: Urbana

UI Arboretum

See a beautiful collection of gardens, flowers and habitats at this University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign arboretum. Visitors can experience nature's four seasons in a single setting.

CITY: Urbana

Spurlock Museum

The Spurlock Museum celebrates the people of the world with feature galleries on Africa, Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, Europe, East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania, the Americas, and the Ancient Mediterranean. Special facilities include a focus gallery for temporary exhibits, learning center, auditorium, and educational resource center.

CITY: Urbana

Wind Water & Light Gallery

Located in historic Lincoln Square Mall next to the Framer's Market, this store features all sorts of arts from paintings, sculptures, and pottery works. Stop in and just browse, or perhaps purchase one of these fine pieces of art.

CITY: Urbana

Foellinger Auditorium

Foellinger Auditorium is a unique facility situated at the Southern end of the U of I Quadrangle. Since its construction in 1907, Foellinger Auditorium has been a cultural and entertainment center for the campus by serving two distinctly different functions: classroom and performance.

CITY: Urbana

University of Illinois

An atmosphere of innovation at Illinois is based on a history of interdisciplinary exploration. Faculty and students pursue projects with other top scholars from around the world and across disciplines. Campus resources include the world’s largest public university library, outstanding centers for the arts, and many world-class research facilities, including the National Center for Supercomputing Applications. In 2003, Illinois’ faculty members won national and international awards including two Nobel Prizes, the Crafoord Prize in Biosciences, and two Guggenheim Fellowships. Students choose from more than 150 majors and 1100 clubs and organizations.

CITY: Urbana

Donley's Wild West Town

See a Wild West show and museum of Western memorabilia, then dine at Donley's Old West Steakhouse.

CITY: Union

Donley's Wild West Town

Wild west displays and genuine cowboy memorabilia including train rides, horse rides, panning for gold, cowboy shows and more. Extensive antique phonograph and music box collection on display. Seasonally open April - October.

CITY: Union

McHenry County Historical Society Museum

Preserved buildings include an 1847 log cabin, an 1885 town hall, an 1895 one-room school house, and a 20th Century modern tourist cabin.

CITY: Union

Illinois Railway Museum

The award winning Illinois Railway Museum (IRM), open from April through October, celebrates railway preservation with electric cars, steam trains, diesel trains, trolley buses and motor buses operating throughout the grounds. This museum was the film location for all of the scenes on the train and at the railroad depot in A League of Their Own.

CITY: Union

Syngenta Seeds

Take one-hour seasonal tours through Syngenta Seeds, a soybean processing plant.

CITY: Tuscola

Douglas County Museum

The award-winning museum features short-term exhibits about a wide range of topics pertinent to the history of Douglas County and East Central Illinois. The museum’s collections include clothing and textiles, military and medical equipment, decorative arts, archives and more! Plus, it’s also host to the Rural Life Antique Show held in March and November of each year

CITY: Tuscola

The Last Stop Abraham Lincoln Statue

The world's only statue of Abe Lincoln and a pig commemorates Lincoln's bemused request for a "writ of quietus" to calm noisy pigs gathered under the courthouse floor. "The Last Stop" refers to the location on the old 8th Judicial Circuit.

CITY: Taylorville

Christian County Coal Mine Museum

Featuring historical items pertaining to coal mining in Christian County, this museum includes coal mining equipment, memorabilia and more. Be sure to visit the coal miner monument on the courthouse lawn.

CITY: Taylorville

Christian County Genealogical Society

The Genealogical Society is a research resource where you can find history on your family background, microfilm and microfiche, and books. The Society will also research your family for a donation.

CITY: Taylorville

Burial Site of "Kay" The Circus Elephant

View the farm grave and marker for Kay, the beloved Carson & Barnes Circus elephant who died on October 21, 1994. Kay is only the second elephant to be buried in Illinois.

CITY: Taylorville

Christian County Historical Society Museum

See an 1820s log house, the 1839 Christian County courthouse where Lincoln argued cases, an 1854 farmhouse and an 1856 one-room school. Also view military weapons from five wars, a collection of 1800s antiques and much more.

CITY: Taylorville

Tampico Area Historical Museum

This museum that focuses on the Tampico area features exhibits related to schools, agriculture, prominent families and businesses. Items on display include newspapers, funeral records and memorabilia.

CITY: Tampico

Ronald Reagan Birthplace & Museum

This quaint apartment, featuring the bedroom where the President was born, restored and decorated to its original 1900's style, sits on the second floor at the site of the First National Bank which has also been restored. Next door is a gift store and museum of Reagan memorabilia.

CITY: Tampico

Joiner History Room

The Joiner History Room is a cooperative effort of the DeKalb County Board, the County Judiciary, the County Clerk’s Office, the County Facilities Management Office, Sycamore Library and DeKalb County Citizens concerned with safeguarding their historical documents. The Joiner History Room is an archives that has many items of museum quality. Our historical materials date back to the hand written minutes of the first session of the County Commissioners in 1837. As there has never been a fire to destroy any of the county valuable historical files, they have been meticulously preserved to meet the needs of today’s researchers. The collection includes Civil War papers, newspaper files, old photographs and numerous boxes of manuscript materials.

CITY: Sycamore

Wards Museum

Visit the museum's beautiful grounds and see a collection of over 10,000 items that include sea shells, primitive furniture and antique glassware.

CITY: Sullivan

Air Classics Museum of Aviation

Vintage military and training planes, plus displays of aviation uniforms and memorabilia. Open by appointment only.

CITY: Sugar Grove

Weber House and Garden

Historic home long associated with the rich and famous, Weber House sits in an English garden of meandering paths, hollyhocks and old oaks. Inside cozy candlelit rooms reflect the 18th century.

CITY: Streator

Streatorland Historical Society Museum

Displays include 19th-century clothing, music room, local artifacts, and many photographs depicting Streatorland history.

CITY: Streator

Hoosier Grove Schoolhouse Museum

Originally built as a one-room schoolhouse in 1904 on the corner of Old Church and Barrington Roads, the museum was moved to its present site in 1991.

CITY: Streamwood

Woodbine Glass Museum and Gift Shop

Museum displays 4,000 pieces of hand-blown glass, including contemporary and antique work from many countries. Glass blowing video. Gift shop.

CITY: Stockton

Stockton Heritage Museum

Stockton Heritage Museum is a not-for-profit entity dedicated to the preservation and teaching of Stockton area history. Discover exhibits on the Chicago Great Western Railroad, model trains, history of Kraft Foods, and Stockton area history exhibits.

CITY: Stockton

Sterling Mural Society

The town of Sterling features 10 colorful murals in its downtown area that depict the history of the community.

CITY: Sterling

New River Model Railroad Museum

See model trains in operation, an HO-scale model of the Chesapeake & Ohio RR circa 1950s West Virginia, and running diesel and steam locomotives on a double main line.

CITY: Sterling

Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society Museum

This local museum explores the history of Sterling and Rock Falls.

CITY: Sterling

Dillon Home Museum

Built in 1858, this Italian Renaissance-style home displays the history of the Dillon family and Northwestern Steel, as well as fine antiques which belonged to the Dillons.

CITY: Sterling

Lincoln Manahan Museum

Abraham Lincoln, then 47, came to Sterling to speak at a rally for presidential candidate, John C. Fremont. On July 18, 1856, a twist of fate brought Mr. Lincoln to the home of Sheriff William Manahan to spend the night. He slept on a sofa with two chairs placed at its end to accommodate his long legs. In the morning he graciously thanked his host and left Sterling for a speaking engagement in Chicago and the rest is history! The home has been restored and its interior, furnishings, and facade reflect the time when Lincoln visited in the late 1850s.

CITY: Sterling

Henry's Ra66it Ranch

This quirky must-see Route 66 attraction, information center and souvenir gift shop is home to rabbits of all kinds, bunny and VW, as well as Mother Road memorabilia.

CITY: Staunton

Durant House Museum

This authentically restored and furnished 1843 prairie farm house features costumed interpreters who involve visitors in mid-19th century farm life.

CITY: St. Charles

St. Charles Heritage Center

Rotating exhibits of St. Charles history, including Civil War artifacts, local industry and other fascinating facts. Local history research archives available by appointment. Gift shop.

CITY: St. Charles

Pioneer Sholes School

Restored, One-room schoolhouse serves as living museum. Open June to early September. Groups welcome by appointment. They actually sit at desks in the one room schoolhouse while a docent explains how teaching was done in 1872. They also participate in playing the games the students played during their recess periods.

CITY: St. Charles

Knight's Action Park & Caribbean Water Adventure

The theme park offers miniature golf, go-karts, batting cages, carnival rides and an arcade. While the water park features a wave pool, bumper boats, water slides, paddle boats and a lazy river. Catch a movie at the old-fashioned drive-in, adjacent to Knight's.

CITY: Springfield

Grand Army of The Republic Memorial Museum

A cornucopia of Civil War memorabilia, the museum features "Tinytype" by Civil War photographer Matthew Brandy. It was donated to the National Woman's Relief Corps in tribute to the Union Veterans of the war between the states.

CITY: Springfield

Illinois Fire Museum

The museum is home to one of the nation's largest collections of firefighter patches, as well as antique fire service memorabilia, art works, equipment and sculptures.

CITY: Springfield

Lincoln Ledger

Abraham Lincoln's original account ledger with the Springfield Marine and Fire Insurance Company is on display at Chase Bank during banking hours.

CITY: Springfield

Lincoln's Family Pew

Abraham and Mary Lincoln maintained a family pew in their place of worship. You can quietly view the pew and beautiful Tiffany stained glass windows in the First Presbyterian Church.

CITY: Springfield

Shea's Gas Station Museum

Take one look at the guest book and you’ll see that this unique spot attracts visitors from all over the globe. A former Texaco gas station owner, Bill Shea has amassed an impressive collection of Route 66 memorabilia during his more than 50 years on the Mother Road. Shea's is closed during the Illinois State Fair, held every August.

CITY: Springfield

Edwards Place

Built in 1833 this Italianate mansion entertained prominent solialites and politicians at many lavish dinner parties, summer picnics and political rallies in mid-19th century Springfield, Hold hands with your honey next the the authentic "Lincoln Courting Couch" still present in the home.

CITY: Springfield

Union Station Visitors Center/Union Square Park

Located in a historic train depot across from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, here you'll find tourism information for the whole state. The adjacent Union Square Park hosts many free events and performances throughout the year.

CITY: Springfield

Frank Lloyd Wright's Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site

One of the best-preserved examples of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie design, this 35-room mansion contains some 100 pieces of original Wright-designed furniture and stunning art glass. Photo copyright Doug Carr, courtesy of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.

CITY: Springfield

Air Combat Museum

This museum traces the role of military aviation in protecting and advancing the cause of freedom.

CITY: Springfield