Governor Coles Memorial

This memorial in Valley View Cemetery honors Edward Coles, the second governor of Illinois (1822-1826). A former slaveowner from Virginia, Coles became an abolitionist and won the 1822 gubernatorial election as the candidate of anti-slavery forces.

CITY: Edwardsville

Conrad Park Pioneer Cabin

Check out this pioneer cabin that gives a glimpse of Illinois' earliest settlers' way of life on the frontier.

CITY: Kankakee

Hot Metal Heaven Museum

This museum features a collection of letterpress printing memorabilia.

CITY: Beneld

Fairbury Echoes Museum

This local museum features a Fairbury Room and exhibits that change periodically. Open Wednesday and Fridays, or by appointment.

CITY: Fairbury

Discovery Depot Children's Museum

Discovery Depot Children's Museum is a non-profit institution providing fun and educational programs for children and families. Interactive exhibits, programs, and collections will stimulate curiosity, promote discovery and encourage learning. Creative playground facilities outside for children too. Through these resources, visitors will gain a better understanding of our world.

CITY: Galesburg

David and Alfred Smart Museum of Art

The Smart Museum of Chicago's Fine Art Museum. Located on the University of Chicago Campus, the Smart Museum houses a collection of over 7,500 objects, spanning 5,000 years of artistic creation.

CITY: Chicago

Byron Museum Of History & Lucius Read House

The Byron Museum Complex consists of a large Exhibit Hall and the historic Lucius Read House, which was on the Underground Railroad and is a listed site on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. The Read House features a permanent exhibit entitled, ‘From Shackles to Freedom: The Underground Railroad’ which shines a spotlight on Byron’s participation in the Underground Railroad. We are happy to accommodate group tours outside regular hours. Tours are free and are self-guided or a docent can be arranged. We also have ample meeting space available.

CITY: Byron

Illiana Genealogical & Historical Society

The Illiana Genealogical & Historical Society was the first genealogical society in Illinois. Our primary interest is gathering and preserving genealogical and historical information pertaining to Vermilion County, Illinois and the surrounding counties of Illinois and Indiana. The library contains some information on most all of the United States. The Governor Bradford Chapter of the Daughter's of the American Revolution maintain their collection of information here.

CITY: Danville

Spinach Can Collectibles Museum

A museum inside the 1875 Opera House is full of Popeye merchandise and memorabilia.

CITY: Chester

Union School House

Built in 1865, Union School served rural Logan County for over 80 years. More than a museum, Union School is a hands-on learning center. Local history is displayed in old photographs and memorabilia. A year-round interpreter is available to enhance the visitor experience.

CITY: Clinton

Champaign County Historical Museum at the Cattle Bank

The museum is located in the oldest commercial building in Champaign County, the beautifully restored Cattle Bank, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Exhibits showcase more than 150 years of Champaign County's people, events, architecture and lifestyles. A feature of the museum is the 19th century dry goods store and businesses. The museum has a gift shop and publishes the Champaign County Historical Quarterly.

CITY: Champaign

International Latino Cultural Center

Most recognized for the production of the Chicago Latino Film Festival, ILCC has screened more than 900 films and videos, including many award-winners that otherwise would have never been shown in Chicago.

CITY: Chicago

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

Clarke House Museum

Built in 1836, Clarke House is Chicago's oldest home.

CITY: Chicago

Elgin Fire Barn No. Five Museum

Get caught up in the history and spirit of firefighting. View the 1929 American Lafrance Fire Engine and 1869 Horse Drawn Silsby Steamer.

CITY: Elgin

Birks Museum

Once the original reading room of Millikin University's Gorin Library, Birks Museum maintains a montage of memories: Among them, a Belleek mirror made for Queen Victoria; a life mask of Abraham Lincoln circa 1864; and 700 paperweights.

CITY: Decatur

Historic Wabash Train Depot

This historic train depot features a preserved facade and a renovated interior that houses specialty shops.

CITY: Litchfield

Asa Crook Home

The Asa Crook Home is the first frame house built in 1839 by Whiteside County's first settler. The restored home is open for tours.

CITY: Prophetstown

Aurora Regional Fire Museum

This museum features vintage firefighting equipment, memorabilia from the 1871 Chicago Fire, photographs and a gift shop.

CITY: Aurora

Galena & U.S. Grant Museum

Discover Ulysses S. Grant, one of the most celebrated Generals of the Civil War, and United States President in this museum bearing his name. Featuring ‘Ghosts of the Grants’ hologram, Civil War exhibits, 1830s lead mine shaft. Book/gift shop. Galena merchandise.

CITY: Galena

Rieso Farm Museum & Antiques

There is a large collection of machinery and primitives dating back to the 1800s.

CITY: New Athens

Washington County Historical Museum

Built in 1871 as a private residence, this building now holds hundreds of artifacts from the country including a display of period wedding dresses.

CITY: Nashville

Mount Pulaski Township Historical Museum & Research Center

This museum contains numerous artifacts and memorabilia from the Mt. Pulaski area, as well as Abraham Lincoln items and information.

CITY: Mount Pulaski

Katherine Dunham Museum

Katherine Dunham is probably best known as a legendary dancer who propelled the awareness of the cultures of the African Diaspora via her choreography. Her famous dance technique reflects a fusion of many cultures. Miss Dunham was a true renaissance woman. She was an artist, anthropologist, author, activist, manager, movie star, producer, educator, wife, mother, and so much more. The world needs to know about her wonderful life story and there's no better learning environment than the Museum and Centers for Arts and Humanities she created. The museum houses Miss Dunham's outstanding collection of symbolic and functional art, including more than 250 African and Caribbean art objects from more than 50 countries.

CITY: East St. Louis

Atkinson Historical Society Museum

This historical society museum has diplays and entertaining stories about the people and history of Atkinson, the Hennepin Canal, Rolle Bolle and Henry County.

CITY: Atkinson

Madison County Historical Society Museum & Archives

The 1836 Weir House is filled with an amazing display of artifacts representing local and county history, in addition to a historic research library.

CITY: Edwardsville

Air Classics Museum of Aviation

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

CITY: Sugar Grove

Historic Charleston Courthouse Square

See the majestic Coles County courthouse and discover historic murals in Charleston's Courthouse Square.

CITY: Charleston

Aurora Art and History Museum

Discover the "City of Lights" through the Aurora Historical Society's collection of photographs, books, maps and other memorabilia. The Aurora Public Art Commission hosts six to eight rotating exhibits.

CITY: Aurora

Little White Schoolhouse Museum

Constructed in 1854 as a church, this Greek Revival building also served as a schoolhouse for nearly 50 years. A later addition now serves as a museum of Oswego memorabilia.

CITY: Oswego

Colonel Benjamin Stephenson House

This two-story brick home is a wonderful example of Federal-style architecture from 1820. Col. Stephenson, who was a contemporary of Lewis & Clark, moved there in 1809.

CITY: Edwardsville

Emma Kunz House

Visitors are invited to walk through this home, considered to be the oldest Greek Revival-style home in Illinois.

CITY: Belleville

Gateway Classic Cars & Museum

Car enthusiasts are tempted by every make from Model T's to muscle cars. Shop the Antique Mall for Collectibles or attend their monthly sales and auctions.

CITY: Fairmont City

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

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

Logan County Genealogical & Historical Society

The genealogical and historical society encourages the preservation of Logan County's history and maintains a research center that treasures and collects Logan County family histories. They're the only research center that includes ALL of Logan County. Their research resources include historical books, maps, obituaries, cemetery records, marriages, births, family surname genealogy and more! Stop by for a visit to see the artifacts, old photographs, museum pieces, veteran's exhibit, as well as the new "Abraham Lincoln Room."

CITY: Lincoln

Ernest Hemingway Museum

Explore displays featuring rare photos of Hemingway, his childhood diary, letters, early writings, and other memorabilia. Enjoy videos documenting the author's life and work. Bookshop on site.

CITY: Oak Park

Ernest Hemingway Birthplace

Visit the Victorian home where Nobel Prize-winning author Ernest Hemingway was born in 1899 and learn about his early family life.

CITY: Oak Park

Williamson County Historical Museum

Located in an historic brick building in Marion, the museum features artifacts, antiques, and records of a bygone era. 17 rooms contain exhibits, including an old-fashioned school room. Tours may be arranged through the Marion Chamber of Commerce.

CITY: Marion

Jackson County Historical Center

The museum has expanded, adding about 1,000 square feet to its headquarters building for more exhibit area. Included in its displays is a pump organ, a collection of early cameras, a display of Daniel Grocery Store items, and many textile items, military uniforms, 1850-era Chandler Printer Press and county courthouse records containing hundreds of files available for genealogy study.The museum also has an exhibit of women's vintage clothing ranging from 1865-1970s and continues to add exhibits.

CITY: Murphysboro

Village of Greyslake Heritage Center and Museum

The Grayslake Historical Society was founded in 1976 and is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the greater Grayslake area. The Historical Society stages regular programs, works with the Executive Director on engaging exhibitions, conducts tours and keeps residents and visitors connected with Grayslake’s rich past. For more information, visit the Grayslake Historical Society's website at www.grayslakehistory.org.

CITY: Grayslake

Halfway Tavern

In 1779 George Rogers Clark led his army from Kaskaskia through this area to Vincennes, Indiana, where they captured Ft. Sackville from the British. At the time, this building was named for being near the midpoint of the Vincennes-St. Louis Trail.

CITY: Iuka

Geneseo Historical Museum

The museum is housed in a historic home that features 27 rooms displaying exhibits that include a general store, dentist office, children's room and thousands of local artifacts.

CITY: Geneseo

Charleston Historic District

Downtown Charleston includes a historic courthouse and many historic homes listed on both the Coles County Register for Significant Places and the National Register of Historic Places.

CITY: Charleston

Harvey Pitts Waterfowl Museum

This privately owned museum features displays of more than 425 antique wooden duck decoys and over 100 species of waterfowl.

CITY: Du Quoin

Byron Natural History Museum

This natural history museum displays prairies, woodlands, wetlands and other interesting exhibits illustrating life as it existed hundreds of years ago in Northern Illinois. Be sure to make a stop at the museum gift shop.

CITY: Byron

National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum

The National Veterans Art Museum inspires greater understanding of the real impact of war with a focus on Vietnam. The museum collects, preserves and exhibits art inspired by combat and created by veterans.

CITY: Chicago

Labor & Industry Museum

The Labor & Industry Museum is the only public institution devoted to the history of the labor and industry of Belleville and southwestern Illinois. The centerpiece is Jumbo, a 19th-century steam engine along with coal mining, carpentry, and stove-making exhibits.

CITY: Belleville

Mascoutah Heritage Museum

The museum focuses on the businesses that helped the city grow, particularly milling.

CITY: Mascoutah

Rock Mill and Museum

The entire village of Maeystown is on the historic register with much of the history preserved in the museum.

CITY: Maeystown

Atlanta Public Library & Museum

Built in 1908, this octagon-shaped building is one of the few of its kind in the state. The museum in the basement of the library houses pieces of local history. The library and museum are both on the National Register of Historic Places.

CITY: Atlanta

Macktown Living History Education Center

Built in 1834 on the Pecatonica River by fur trader Stephen Mack, one of the area's first settlers. See the walnut cradle Mack made for his children, plus Native American artifacts, donated by Mack's descendents. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Macktown is where Stephen Mack, his Native American wife, Hononegah, and the people who inhabited the village conducted their daily business. Remnants of 8,000 years of Native American occupation of this same site can be seen. Stephen Mack’s Home and the Whitman Trading Post still stand, and a reconstruction of the village is being undertaken, including the disassembly of the 2-story shop and schoolroom to be rebuilt at its original site. There are many historic and prehistoric artifacts in the Education Center.

CITY: Rockton

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

Woodlawn Cemetery and Civil War Soldiers Plot

The first burial at Woodlawn Cemetery was that of a Union Soldier in 1861. The plot is the resting place for over 80 Civil War Soldiers. An interpretive sign provides history of the plot and a listing of the soldiers buried there. Also located here are Civil War era cannons. Several others buried outside of the Civil War Soldiers plot were contemporaries of Abraham Lincoln.

CITY: Clinton

Atlanta Heritage Waysides

Located at the Atlanta Museum, these three exhibits and 20 other prints depict a variety of Lincoln and Logan County events. It is located at the site of an early political rally during Abraham Lincoln's campaign for President.

CITY: Atlanta

International Walldog Mural and Sign Art Museum

Free admission to a museum featuring the history of outdoor sign and mural art. Videos, drawings, and artifacts tell the story of advertising art. Art work for sale. The International Walldog Mural & Sign Art Museum is dedicated to the preservation and appreciation of the outdoor wall advertising signs painted in the days before electronic mass media. The painters who created those early signs called themselves "Walldogs." The displays which are found at the museum tell the history of the early sign painters who created their art on the sides of brick buildings, barns, and other structures. Examples of those early signs can still be seen throughout the Midwest and, though faded, peeling, and sometimes barely readable, these "ghost signs" remain an important part of our collective cultural and commercial history.

CITY: Pontiac

Ageless Classics

Air Classics Museum and Bannockburn's Ageless Classics showcases classic cars, aircraft memorabilia and a gift shop in downtown Aurora's transportation museum.

CITY: Aurora

Harris Agricultural Museum

The museum houses an agricultural display that includes antique tractors (1922-1937), engines, a 1919 grain/dump truck, a replica of a 1920s farmstead kitchen, and more.

CITY: Atwood

Carlinville Historic District

The Historic District includes the Macoupin County Jail, Million Dollar Courthouse, and the largest collection of Sears & Roebuck mail-order homes in the U.S.

CITY: Carlinville

The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design

This international museum has a satellite facility in Galena featuring contemporary art, architecture and photography from around the world.

CITY: Galena

Woodlawn Farm - Underground Railroad Site

This farm was established in 1824 by Michael Huffaker, who built four cabins for free black families and later hid fleeing slaves there. Tours by appointment.

CITY: Jacksonville

Captain Richard A. Schram Memorial Museum

The Captain Richard A. Schram Memorial Museum was originally erected at the Glenview Naval Air Station in 1945, then later restored by the Village of Glenview and moved to its present location just south of Park Center.

CITY: Glenview

Mattoon Welcome Center/Peterson House

The historic Peterson House serves as the Mattoon Welcome Center, offering information about area events and attractions.

CITY: Mattoon

Illinois State Museum - Lockport Gallery

Changing exhibitions focus on Illinois art and artisans.

CITY: Lockport

Alexis Museum

The Alexis Museum houses numerous fascinating displays that depict the early days of the community.

CITY: Alexis

A.G. Spalding: From Byron to the Big Leagues Exhibit

Located at the Byron Museum of History, this exhibit features Hall of Fame baseball pitcher Albert Spalding, from his youth in Byron to his league pitching career and the founding of the Spalding Sporting Goods Company.

CITY: Byron

Independence Pioneer Village

Visit this log home village from the early 1800s, including a blacksmith shop, church and schoolhouse.

CITY: Oakland

Mexican Fine Arts Center and Museum

The MFACM has become the nation's largest Latino cultural institution and the first Latino museum accredited by the American Association of Museums.

CITY: Chicago

Alfred Brown Museum

This museum has a large collection of post cards from the 1904 World's Fair, a drum from the civil war, Native American artifacts, old uniforms, and school artifacts.

CITY: Sparta

Berger-Kiel Log House

The log house gives a glimpse into local life in the 1800s. While at the park, visit the refurbished caboose and passenger train.

CITY: Mascoutah

St. Clair County Historical Society Museum

This Victorian adaptation of a Greek Revival home was built in the early 1800s. In addition to period furniture and vintage clothing, artifacts, and quilts, the museum contains an extensive research library and gift shop.

CITY: Belleville

Mother Rudd House and Museum

This original 1844 building was once a stagecoach stop, tavern, post office, town hall, and candy store. Completely restored by the Village of Gurnee, this historical home is reported to have been part of the Underground Railroad. Slaves would be housed in the basement or the barn. View artifacts from the Civil War, see the "Crystal Ballroom" where traveling guests would be entertained or the room dedicated to the family of a local man that died on the Titanic.

CITY: Gurnee

McCormick Tribune Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum

Climb the five-story historic tower on the Michigan Ave. bridge and learn how the Chicago River changed with the city it inspired. You can also view the massive gears that allow the bridge to open. Seasonal May-Oct.

CITY: Chicago

Wyatt Earp Birthplace Home

Deputy U.S. Marshal Wyatt Earp, an American hero who helped tame the Wild West, was born in Monmouth in 1848. Visit his birthplace and see historical documents and artifacts that tell the story of this great American hero. Tours by appointment only.

CITY: Monmouth

Lincoln Douglas Debate Museum

Charleston's newest heritage tourism attraction. Learn more about the 1858 political debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas. This site is a designated, "Looking for Lincoln" site.

CITY: Charleston

David Lee's Cola'zeum

Come and see 100+ years of Coca Cola history. In addition to the wonderful Coke items, you will see a collection of Elam Root Beer memorabilia. Souvenirs and refreshments are available as well.

CITY: Forsyth

Erlander Home Museum

The cultural centerpiece of Rockford's Swedish-ancestry community, Erlander Home Museum is located in Rockford's first brick home, built by John and Inga Stina Erlander family in 1871. Restored to its original Victorian decor, the twelve-room home features collections that include Rockford-made furniture, a renowned collection of more than 50 dolls created by Charlotte Weibull and many artifacts recalling Swedish immigration to northern Illinois and Rockford's Swedish heritage. Don't miss the Midsommar festival in mid-June; the First Annual KUBB Tournament in early June; Julmarknad in late November; Lucia in early December; Camp Sweden, a youth camp, in July; Swedish language classes offered in the fall and spring.

CITY: Rockford

Princeville Heritage Museum

The Princeville Heritage Museum opened to the public in 1999. The museum is a part of the Historical Association of Princeville (incorporated in 1987). The 15,000 square foot handicap accessible facility features antique agriculture equipment, steam powered tractors and threshers, area artifacts, a genealogy research area, and much more. In 2004 the Akron Townhouse School was moved to the museum grounds. The townhouse school allows children and adults alike to take a step back in time and participate in a day in the life of a student in the early 1900’s. With seating for 35, the conference facilities are equipped with state of the art audio visual equipment and wireless internet connection. The facility also includes a full kitchen.

CITY: Princeville

Amboy Depot Museum

Built in 1876, this 19-room museum, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was the division headquarters for Illinois Central Railroad. The museum showcases local artifacts from Amboy and the surrounding area.

CITY: Amboy

Little Red Schoolhouse

Originally called the Mount Airy School, the Little Red Schoolhouse was moved to its present location in 1983. This 1850's school house has been restored and contains period memorabilia and artifacts. (Circa 1853). Open by appointment only.

CITY: Kankakee

Illinois Central Railroad Historical Society Headquarters

The Illinois Central Railroad Historical Society is dedicated to preserving historical and educational information about the Illinois Central Railroad and the many predecessor railroads that have been part of the IC system. This headquarters feature a depot, museum and library.

CITY: Paxton

Quincy Museum

Housed in a historic 1890s home, this museum covers everything from the history of the Mississippi River to dinosaurs, Native Americans and NASA.

CITY: Quincy

Illinois State Museum - Chicago Gallery

This museum gallery features rotating theme-based exhibitions of works created by past and contemporary Illinois artists and artisans.

CITY: Chicago

Ottawa Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum

A museum established to promote and preserve the history of the Ottawa area and the colorful and proud traditions of Boy/Girl Scouting and Camp Fire. Features national traveling exhibits from museums and libraries. Open Thursday-Monday 10:00 AM-4:00 PM, Closed on Holidays.

CITY: Ottawa

Ray A. Kroc Museum

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Experience the story of the life and values of McDonald's Corporation founder, Ray A. Kroc. Here you will be able to "Talk to Ray" at individual monitors with interactive scrapbooks.

CITY: Oak Brook

General John A Logan Museum

General John A Logan (1826-1886) is the most significant nineteenth century native Illinoisian. Creator of Memorial Day, he's named in the state song with Lincoln and Grant. The General John A Logan Museum's mission is designed to interpret the the turbulent life and times of Logan.

CITY: Murphysboro

Chanute Air Museum

The Chanute Air Museum encompasses over 126,000 sq. ft. of display space, boasting the largest aerospace museum in Illinois. The museum's special memorial items are dedicated in honor of pioneer aviators of Illinois and Chanute AFB commanders and heroes. A gift shop, visitors reception suite, library, Children's Discovery Room, snack bar and helpful volunteers await visitors' arrival.

CITY: Rantoul

Assumption Historical Society/Museum

This museum displays old school pictures and artifacts from the town of Assumption. Open by appointment.

CITY: Assumption

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

Fulkerson Mansion and Farm Museum

Colonel William H. Fulkerson's mansion and farm museum contains many rare agricultural items and equipment with emphasis on large, rare farm steam traction engines, utilized for plowing the prairie, threshing the grain, and for powering early sawmills. The estate is 14-room Southern-style Victorian mansion that has remained virtually unchanged to this day. It was placed on the National Historic Register of Historic Places in 1998.

CITY: Jerseyville

Ben Winter Museum

This museum's fascinating collection of memorabilia includes scale model locomotives and stationary industrial engines. Take a trip on the miniature train that travels through the surrounding orchards.

CITY: Altamont

Log Cabin Museum

In the park next to Hamel School, this building was built between 1820 and 1852 and moved to Hamel in 1980. Artifacts from the period are displayed inside.

CITY: Hamel

Cedarhurst Center for the Arts & Mitchell Museum

Exhibitions, a children's gallery, a permanent collection and special events. Grounds include 85 acres sculpture park, nature trails and bird sanctuary. Hosts annual Cedarhurst Craft Fair.

CITY: Mount Vernon

Garnhart's Oliver Museum

Explore the largest Oliver Hart-Parr collection in the Midwest, including farm toys, advertising, and collectibles dating back to 1860, and real antique tractors and machinery. Bus and group tours are available, but should be scheduled in advance.

CITY: German Valley

Kibbe Hancock Museum

The majority of this large collection of historic artifacts was donated by Dr. Alice Kibbe. The collection now includes Civil War and Indian artifacts, fashion items dating from 1840 to 1920, fossils, rocks, and geodes, and other historic artifacts from around Hancock County.

CITY: Carthage

Lincoln Highway Seedling Mile and Interpretive Gazebo

Malta is home to the "first seedling mile" on the Lincoln Highway. As one of the 16 Interpretive Gazebos located along the Lincoln Highway, the Malta gazebo offers a unique way for visitors to enjoy stories of the early Lincoln Highway and its Illinois communities.

CITY: Malta