Illinois Aviation Museum at Bolingbrook

Providing the nation with access to the rich history of aviation in Illinois, the Illinois Aviation Museum at Bolingbrook focuses on technology, research, education and community service.

CITY: Bolingbrook

DuPage Children's Museum, Inc.

Where children and adults learn to play together. Enjoy exhibits, workshops and materials that stretch the imagination and stimulate creativity. A fun environment for exploration and discovery.

CITY: Naperville

Gurler House

Bea Gurler was nine years old when her father George moved his family into the house in 1893. Her cousins, the children of her father’s brother Henry, had been living since 1888 in the Ellwood Mansion. Everyone said it was magnificent. Bea’s parents George and Zillah, evidently shared a taste in homes that favored the elegance of simplicity. It was the unimposing yet dignified structure on Pine Street–where the back door was always open. George and Henry Gurler were both prominent businessmen, and joint owners of a number of dairies. They quickly became world-famous and respected by many dairy farmers. Bea eventually made it a goal of hers to renovate The Gurler House to be the home that she once new and loved. The Gurler House hosts an annual Folk Music Festival every summer, where people are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the music. While you are at The Gurler House, make sure to take a walk through their beautiful garden.

CITY: DeKalb

Naper Settlement - Historic Museum Village

Chicagoland's only 19th Century Village with historic homes, shops, a chapel, fort and one-room schoolhouse in a 13-acre park-like setting with costumed villagers, exhibits and more.

CITY: Naperville

Rialto Theatre

Historic Vaudeville Movie Theatre listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Wide variety of performances.

CITY: Joliet

Pierce Harley-Davidson Museum

Over 65 antique and modern motorcycles are on display, along with memorabilia and vintage clothing.

CITY: DeKalb

Fabyan Japanese Garden

A tranquil oasis where history melds with nature and design. This historic garden affords the opportunity to experience the uniqueness of Japanese gardening and enjoy a moment of harmony with nature.

CITY: Geneva

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

Lincoln Highway Interpretive Mural - Batavia

Dotted along the 179-mile byway, you’ll find an unprecedented series of interpretive murals. Each artistically embodies the cultural heritage of the community where it is located and the legacy of the historic highway. Needless to say, taking a road trip to all or a couple makes for a nostalgic adventure.

CITY: Batavia

Joliet Area Historical Museum

Travel through time and space! Walk through a replica of the I & M Canal, window shop on a turn-of-the-century street, take a virtual ride on a replica trolley, live the legend of Route 66, land on the moon in a walk-in simulator, and experience space exploration and the Apollo missions. Temporary exhibit change often in our Special Exhibition gallery. There's always family fun in our discovery room, and remember your visit with a souvenir from our Gift Shop.

CITY: Joliet

Egyptian Theatre

The Egyptian Theatre hosts film festivals, special movie screenings, and live entertainment events. This theatre is a 1929, fully restored Egyptian Art Deco movie palace and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The Egyptian is also available for rentals, tours, weddings, graduations, parties and receptions. Capacity: 1,419 Raised stage with dressing room below; balcony and lobby space.

CITY: DeKalb

Maneuvers

A Joliet staple for more than 30 years, this LGBT bar features dancing to live DJs on Friday and Saturday nights, Maneuvers Diva’s Den drag shows and live entertainment.

CITY: Joliet

Phillips Park

Located on over 325 acres, popular attractions include the Mastodon Gallery, the gorgeous Sunken Garden, an 18-hole golf course/driving range, the zoo, a 28-acre fishing lake with a one-mile multiple use trail, war memorials and the Winter Recreation Area. Phillips Park Visitors Center & Mastodon Gallery showcases the mastodon bones that were unearthed in the park during a 1934 Civil Works Administration Project. The skull being the largest of the artifacts, weighs 188 pounds.

CITY: Aurora

Zanies Comedy Club - St. Charles

Popular comedians perform at Zanies, providing an evening of laughter and fun. The "sister" of the legendary downtown Zanies has been making the western suburbs laugh with the same great talent for over 20 years.

CITY: St. Charles

Norris Cultural Arts Center, Theatre & Art Gallery

A 1,000 seat live theatre providing family entertainment for more than 20 years. Season tickets are available. Call for gallery hours and reservations.

CITY: St. Charles

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

Fox Valley Repertory (formerly Noble Fool Theatricals) at Pheasant Run Resort

Theater devoted full time to elevating the art of comedy in all its forms comes to Pheasant Run Resort & Spa in St. Charles.

CITY: St. Charles

Fox Valley Symphony

Top-notch pop, classical and family performances are presented under the guidance of Maestro Fusao Kajima.

CITY: Aurora

Sandwich City Hall and Opera House

On August 20, 1878, 25 years after Sandwich first became a town, a contract was signed for construction of the Sandwich City Hall and Opera House. An allotment of $10,000 was given for the project, with the stipulation that it must be completed by the end of the year. The building was finished on time, but there was a cost overrun of $2,000 After much time, money and energy by volunteers to restore and renovate the City Hall and Opera House, a grand re-opening was held on April 12, 1986. Once again the building functions as a community oriented facility, bringing community theatre, lectures, recitals, style shows, weddings and a wide variety of outstanding performers, ranging from country to classical, to its stage.

CITY: Sandwich

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

Albright Theatre

This local theater troupe is located in the "attic" of Batavia's Government Center.

CITY: Batavia

First Street Playhouse

This cozy, professional theater presents year round productions, including comedies, dramas and musicals.

CITY: Batavia

The Farnsworth House Estate

Master architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created the ultimate minimalist masterpiece, the Farnsworth House, in pastoral Plano. The stellar structure of floor-to-ceiling glass seemingly "floats" above the rambling Fox River.

CITY: Plano

College of DuPage McAninch Arts Center

The McAninch Arts Center is home to five resident professional ensembles: Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, DuPage Opera Theatre, Arts Center Jazz Ensemble, New Classic Singers and New Philharmonic.

CITY: Glen Ellyn

Zanies Comedy Club at Pheasant Run Resort

This "sister" of the legendary downtown Zanies has been making the Western suburbs laugh with the same great talent! Great for group outings and motor coaches!

CITY: St. Charles

National Shrine of St. Therese

DuPage County, Chicago's Western Suburbs - The National Shrine of St. Therese sits peacefully on a 50-acre estate owned and operated by the Carmelites. The Shrine is home to the most wonderful collection of relics, personal effects and memorabilia of Therese, "the little flower," outside of France. Religious shop/bookstore.

CITY: Darien

Mastodon Gallery at Phillips Park

Get an up-close view of Ice Age mastodon bones unearthed in Phillips Park in the 1930s, while glimpsing into the rich history of one of the area's most beautiful parks.

CITY: Aurora

Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple of Greater Chicago

This temple is one of only three Sri Venkateswara Hindu temples in the United States, constructed by Native American artisans.

CITY: Aurora

La Galerie

Art gallery featuring original artwork as well as Thomas Kinkade, H. Hargrove and Giuseppe Armani figurines.

CITY: St. Charles

Millennium Carillon in Moser Tower

The Millennium Carillon, a unique musical instrument consisting of 72 bells, is one of only four Grand Carillons in the world. Enjoy carillonneurs perform during the summer concert series and climb 253 steps to the observation area to marvel at the views.

CITY: Naperville

Northern Illinois University

Come tour the Northern Illinois University, catch a show preformed by their Theatre or Dance department, or explore one of their Art Galleries. There is much to do on campus including their new Anthropology Museum, an Observatory, and the Huskies Den. Their Museums are free to visit, some fees may apply for shows or School of Music Concerts. There is never a dull moment on campus!

CITY: DeKalb

The Cottage Stamper, Inc.

St. Charles' newest source for rubber stamps, supplies and classes. Also offering custom invitations and announcements created for your special occasions.

CITY: St. Charles

Arterial Arts Collective

A public, gallery-style market place where local shopers and clients can experience unique local works by unique local artists. DeKalb has a vibrant, outstanding art community that needs and deserves more of a public spotlight. Arterial Arts Collective gives these artists just that. The AAC also offers unique classroom/workroom for artists to take full advantage of the public eye and generate live interest in their creative endeavors!

CITY: DeKalb

McAninch Arts Center, College of DuPage

Home to five resident professional ensembles, student productions and world-class touring attractions plus the Gahlberg Gallery for visual arts.

CITY: Glen Ellyn

The Comedy Shrine

Whether you're here to watch improv or stand-up, you're in for a great time! Come early and enjoy a drink and the thousands of pieces of comedy memorabilia that puts the "shrine" in The Comedy Shrine. Interested in classes? We have those too! You are never too old or too young to try your hand at comedy. Check out our website for upcoming class dates and prices.

CITY: Aurora

Ewe and Me Fiber Studio

Ewe and Me Fiber Studio offers their shoppers great gift ideas, accessories, classes, knitting groups, patterns, and yarn.

CITY: Sandwich

Muirhead Farmhouse Bed & Breakfast

Private Master Suite surrounded by nearly 800 acres of prairie, this Frank Lloyd Wright designed home offers a private bath, historical artifacts, hearty country breakfasts and beautiful views.

CITY: Hampshire

The Haeger Potteries

World's largest manufacturer of art pottery. Factory outlet salesroom and Haeger Museum open to the public at original manufacturing site.

CITY: East Dundee

Lincoln Landing

Dedicated on February 12, 2009, Lincoln Landing is Lockport's newest attraction. This park, located on the original Public Landing platted as a dock area by Canal Commissioners in 1836, features a unique bronze statue of a young Abraham Lincoln created by artist David Ostro. Interpretive signage through the park highlights the history of the I&M Canal, its impact on the Lockport community, and Lincoln's connections to both. This open-air museum is self-guiding, but is enhanced by a website with school lesson plans.

CITY: Lockport

Lockport Street Gallery

Incredible place to browse and shop. Glass jewelry, art and more. From Tiffany to Nedobeck.

CITY: Plainfield

Above and Beyond Framing and Gallery

Custom framing, art and gift gallery. Featuring Steve Hanks, Tom Lynch and Scanlan.

CITY: Bartlett

iPic Theaters & Salts Sports Bar & Lounge

IPic Theaters has a passion for movies and provides you with the ultimate escape. A premium and affordable movie-going experience, there is something for everyone. Enjoy fresh seasonal cocktails at Salt Sports Bar, full menu selection, billiards and more.

CITY: Bolingbrook

City of West Chicago’s Gallery 200

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Gallery 200 is fast becoming a haven for art lovers as a quality destination for buying and browsing great local art. The gallery, a cultural initiative supported by the City of West Chicago, hosts artist opening receptions, art talks and workshops.

CITY: West Chicago

Fine Line Creative Arts Center

The Fine Line has year-round classes and workshops for adults in weaving, hand and machine knitting plus many more. Yearly events include Raku Day, Uncommon Threads Fashion Show of wearable art and Christmastime at the Fine Line.

CITY: St. Charles

Goodrich Randall 15

The Goodrich Randall theater complex includes the only IMAX screen in the Fox Valley area.

CITY: Batavia

River Trading Post

Native American art and antiquities including Navajo weavings, Pueblo pottery, sculptures by Cliff Fragua, and work by other Plains Native American artists.

CITY: East Dundee

The Abbey Theatre at the Jacob Henry Mansion Estate

Located on the Jacob Henry Mansion Estate, guests are greeted with our famous family hospitality, homemade meals and heartwarming musical productions. Lunch matinees and dinner shows are complimented by itineraries that include tours of our other historic properties, or excursions into Joliet's vibrant downtown. The Jacob Henry Mansion Estate Dinner Theatre welcomes groups with onsite motorcoach parking and handicap accessibilty.

CITY: Joliet

SciTech Hands On Museum

An interactive, hands-on science and technology center with over 200 hands-on exhibits and an outdoor science park. Discover science and math can be interesting, accessible, and fun!

CITY: Aurora

Aurora Downtown Walking Tour

Take a self-guided tour of Aurora's historic downtown. Tour brochures are available at the Aurora Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau.

CITY: Aurora

African American Heritage Museum and Black Veterans Archives

This museum dedicated to black veterans includes a sculpture garden featuring African-American art.

CITY: Aurora

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

Isle A La Cache Museum

Isle A La Cache Museum is devoted to the history of the 18th century fur trade between voyagers and Native Americans.

CITY: Romeoville

Judy's Quilt 'N' Sew

A nice selection of fabric, notions, books and threads. Experienced quilters to assist with all your quilting needs. Quilting classes available.

CITY: Hampshire

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

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

Paramount Theatre

This historic landmark theater offers affordable, live entertainment, comedy, concerts, dance and plays in both The Paramount Theatre & Copley Theatre. Group discounts. Theater rentals are perfect for meetings, performances, fundraisers and banquets.

CITY: Aurora

Public Enemies - Stateville Correctional Center

The Feds hunt notorious American gangsters John Dillinger, Pretty Boy Floyd and Baby Face Nelson during a 1930s crime wave. The restored period exterior of Chicago’s Biograph Theater, site of Dillinger’s infamous demise, is featured in a pivotal scene in the movie.

CITY: Crest Hill

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

Air Classics Museum of Aviation

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

CITY: Sugar Grove

Fermilab

Fermi is the site of the world's most powerful particle accelerator, where particles circle the four-mile ring 57,000 times each second. Restored prairie grass areas, historic barns and a buffalo herd are also on display.

CITY: Batavia

Joliet Mosaic Walking Tour

Take a self-guided walking tour of the magnificent murals, sculptures and mosaics found throughout Joliet's city center.

CITY: Joliet

Illinois State Museum - Lockport Gallery

Changing exhibitions focus on Illinois art and artisans.

CITY: Lockport

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

Steel Beam Theatre

Live theatre in an intimate, historic setting.

CITY: St. Charles

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

Tivoli Theatre

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Current movies, bargain prices in a beautifully restored French Renaissance 1920s movie theatre. Over 1,000 seats and Dolby Sound. Wurlitzer Pipe Organ player Friday and Saturday.

CITY: Downers Grove

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

Fabyan Estate and Forest Preserve

Created by Colonel and Mrs. George Fabyan, who lived on the 600-acre estate from 1905 to the 1930s, the estate includes a restored villa with diverse collections, a Japanese garden and a Dutch windmill.

CITY: Geneva

Will County Historical Society

Incorporated in 1964, the Will County Historical Society exists to connect people and organizations to the county's rich history. The Society's museum is housed in the original headquarters of the I&M Canal. Built in 1837, the structure played a central role in the design, financing, and construction of the Canal and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. Changing exhibits highlight the history of Will County and the Canal. The Society's extensive collection includes significant county and canal-related records, including maps, plats, land records, obituaries, photographs, newspapers, receipts, and correspondence.

CITY: Lockport

Contagion - Tellabs

An international team of doctors is contracted by the CDC to deal with the outbreak of a deadly disease.

CITY: Naperville

"Much Ado About Nothing" at Circle Theatre

Circle Theatre's Emerging Young Artists presents Shakespeare's classic comedy of courtship.

CITY: Joliet

Hollywood Palms, A Cinema, Bar & Eatery

Experience first run movies at Hollywood Palms while you enjoy our full bar and dinner menu including appetizers, entrees, desserts all while catching a flick, 18 & older after 5:30 pm. Call for “all-ages” showtimes.

CITY: Naperville

Swimming Stones

This kinetic water sculpture, created by Christian Tobin, combines art with the law of physics to enable giant stones to rock, spin and swivel on a cushion of water.

CITY: Aurora

Lincoln Highway Interpretive Mural -- DeKalb

The Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition has produced many Interpretive Murals along the Illinois Lincoln Highway National Scenic Byway and its corridor in northern Illinois. The DeKalb mural depicts the history, heritage, and events of the highway and its impact on DeKalb and the other communities along the Illinois route.

CITY: DeKalb

Jacob Henry Mansion

Elegant National Historic Landmark offers unique Victorian setting for weddings/receptions. Groups and tours welcome.

CITY: Joliet

Esteban’s

Known for its live salsa music and dancing, Esteban’s hosts Expression Nite on Thursdays, featuring drag performers. The dinner menu, served Wednesday through Saturday evenings, offers Latin American specialties.

CITY: Naperville

The Old Barn Museum

Housed in an original 1840s barn, this museum features thousands of Native American artifacts, including arrows, axes, drills, stone implements, trade beads, beaded garments and natural history items.

CITY: Newark

Rox City Grill Lounge

Relax or celebrate with your friends amidst the contemporary urban decor highlighted with authentic historic detailing. Enjoy the offerings of our full bar, our exceptional wine list, select samples from the extraordinary Rox City Grill menu, and live entertainment of piano bar favorites every Thursday through Saturday.

CITY: St. Charles

Elgin Community Theatre

Award-winning community theatre featuring classical and contemporary musicals and play selections.

CITY: Elgin

Premium Cinema at Yorktown

First of its kind in the nation! Includes 60 high-back chairs with cocktail tables in between. While enjoying a first-run movie, dine on appetizers, entrees, or desserts served at your table. Admission includes movie, endless popcorn, and valet parking.

CITY: Lombard

Cinemark Imax Theatre

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - The Cinemark Imax experience is a 5-story tall, 7-story wide version of educational and recreational film subjects of both 2-D and 3-D.

CITY: Woodridge

Aurora Historical Society.

This local history research archives houses historic photos, books, documents and maps covering Aurora's history from the 1830s to the present. Open by appointment only.

CITY: Aurora

Riverfront Playhouse

This popular local theater group performs original plays, musicals, murder mysteries, comedies and children's theater.

CITY: Aurora

Ellwood House Museum

Perhaps the most notable of historic gems in DeKalb. This grand Victorian mansion was built by barbed wire millionaire Isaac Ellwood. Looks just as it did when the family lived there.

CITY: DeKalb

Garfield Farm Museum

The Garfield Farm Museum is an 1840s living history farm featuring the story of the Garfield family, the Brick Tavern & Inn, restored barns, heirloom gardens, rare farm animals, restored prairie and more.

CITY: Lafox

River Rockhouse

Restaurant. bar, and music venue features live music. food, drinks. Enjoy St. Charles' largest covered patio with a great view of downtown and the river. Live local and national music acts. Large outdoor patio. Banquet space for 500.

CITY: St. Charles

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

David L. Pierce Art & History Center

The Aurora Public Art Commission hosts year round rotating exhibits of innovative visual arts. The Historical Society Galleries feature changing historical displays throughout the year.

CITY: Aurora

Wayne's World - Downtown Aurora

This excellent comedy follows the pursuits of a pair of suburban Aurora slacker friends who have a public access cable show and a penchant for ‘70s rock. The movie was filmed on location in Aurora and Chicago. One of the notable Chicago sites includes a kitschy gift shop with a large Indian statue on its roof.

CITY: Aurora

Children's Theater of Elgin

Exceptional theater productions are performed by children for children.

CITY: Elgin

Elgin Area Historical Society Museum

Housed in an 1856 landmark building, permanent exhibits include artifacts from the Elgin National Watch Co. and Elgin Road Race memorabilia.

CITY: Elgin

Geneva History Center

We offer award winning educational programs and professional exhibits that make the Geneva History Center a source of great community pride.

CITY: Geneva

Fabyan Windmill

Authentic, five-story, 1850's working windmill located on Fox River Trail, Volunteer millers serve as docents on the weekends. Open May 15-Oct 15.

CITY: Geneva

Public Enemies - Joliet Prison

The Feds hunt notorious American gangsters John Dillinger, Pretty Boy Floyd and Baby Face Nelson during a 1930s crime wave. The restored period exterior of Chicago’s Biograph Theater, site of Dillinger’s infamous demise, is featured in a pivotal scene in the movie.

CITY: Joliet

Victorian Cottage Museum

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - This Victorian home features rooms furnished with artifacts exemplifying the lifestyle of the emerging middle-class during the 1870s. Group tours welcome seven days a week with advanced reservations. Walk-in hours Wednesdays & Sundays. Free admission.

CITY: Lombard