Stage Coach Theatre

Stage Coach Theatre is one of the oldest, continuously operating community theatres in Northern Illinois. They have produced over 250 dramas, comedies, and "whodunit" productions, and produce six new shows every year.

CITY: DeKalb

The Yarn Exchange

Bring your needle work and share, or get inspiration on your current or next project! The Yarn Exchange offers "Yarn Geeks Round Table", open knitting/crocheting every Saturday from 10:30am-5:30pm. They also carry a variety of yarns available for purchase such as: acrylic, alpaca, cotton, wool, worsted, and more. The Yarn Exchange also has a variety of needles and tools for the beginner or professional knitter/crocheter. Gift Certificates available.

CITY: DeKalb

Joseph F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center

Built in 1861, the house and brick barn were constructed for local farmer and barbed wire inventor Joseph Glidden. The Illinois State Historical Society has commemorated the barn as the birthplace of barbed wire.

CITY: DeKalb

NIU Art Museum

The Museum serves to educate, preserve, exhibit and enlighten by balancing the challenges of contemporary art with the riches of traditional media for a comprehensive examination of visual culture. The Museum pursues its goal of furthering understanding of the visual arts by presenting a balance of high-quality, professional contemporary art exhibitions supplemented by written educational material, gallery talks, artist lectures, panel discussions, symposia and other related activities.

CITY: DeKalb

Kane County Events and Cultural Center

This 50-acre forest preserve houses the Philip B. Elfstrom Stadium (home of the Kane County Cougars minor league baseball team), the Roberta Campbell Cultural & Conference Center (used for art exhibits and community activities) and a picnic/park area.

CITY: Geneva

Gallery 28 Fine & Functional Art

Tucked away in the quaint historic district of downtown Geneva, in an historic Victorian home is where you'll discover Gallery 28, an art gallery for both fine and functional art. Featuring a fresh mix of breath-taking paintings, exquisite jewelry, sculpture, photography, pottery and unique works in wood and metal along with music by premier musicians. The variety of art will interest serious fine art collectors as well as fine craft enthusiasts.

CITY: Geneva

Country Faire

Afghans, books, baby quilts, birdhouses and feeders, ceramics, goose clothes and geese, southwest artifacts, lawn and garden decor and more.

CITY: Hampshire

Opera House of Sandwich

The Opera House functions as a community oriented facility. It brings to its stage: theatre, lectures, recitals, weddings and a wide variety of outstanding performers, ranging from country to classical.

CITY: Sandwich

The Carving Shop

The Carving Shop features the work of Joe Dillet, Master Craftsman, and specializes in custom hand carved heirlooms for the family, church and architectural carvings. We work from your designs, or ours, to create an awesome look that only hand carving can achieve. All wood is seasoned. All work is protected with a finish that will last many years. All work is guaranteed.

CITY: Somonauk

Jambalya Night Club/Pheasant Run Resort

Jambalya Night Club has entertainment Thursday, 8PM; Friday and Saturday nights 10PM.

CITY: St. Charles

Country Mill Square - Waterman

Gifts and antiques. Cards, gifts, and country furniture built and hand-painted by local artisans. Christmas room, baskets, candles, throws, collectible dolls, pottery, and more. We buy antiques.

CITY: Waterman

Lincoln Highway Interpretive Mural - Cortland

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 Cortland mural depicts the history, heritage, and events of the highway and its impact on Cortland and the other communities along the Illinois route.

CITY: Cortland

NIU Anthropology Museum

The Anthropology Museum houses over 12,000 ethnographic and archaeological objects. The ethnographic collection has regional strengths in Southeast Asia, New Guinea, and the plains and southwest regions of North America. Ethnographic specimens from Africa, Mesoamerica, and South America are also represented.

CITY: DeKalb

The Nehring Gallery

The Nehring Gallery is a space within DeKalb dedicated to promoting arts and culture. It is currently the home of the DeKalb Area Agricultural Heritage Association, an organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the storied history of agriculture in northern Illinois, through exhibits, educational programs and community outreach. Visit their website to see what exhibit is on display today!

CITY: DeKalb

Mendota Hills Wind Farm

The largest commercial wind farm in Illinois features 63 towering windmills that are an awesome sight to see, and generate an alternative source of electric power.

CITY: Paw Paw

Noble Fool Theatricals at Pheasant Run Resort

Brand new theater includes stadium seating for 320 people with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems.

CITY: St. Charles

Midwest Museum of Natural History

The mission of the Midwest Museum of Natural History is to encourage an appreciation of the world's diverse natural environment and human culture through exhibits and interactive learning experiences for children and adults. Offering a kid's play area with hands-on learning fun, a gift shop, national traveling exhibits, and world-renowned celebrities Ruud Kleinpaste, Jack Hanna and Jeff Corwin.

CITY: Sycamore

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

Geneva Underground Playhouse

Producing mainstage productions throughout the year, and also hosting performances by comedy groups, musicians, playwrights and any number of other entertainers.

CITY: Geneva

Lincoln Highway Interpretive Mural -- Malta

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

CITY: Malta

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

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

Farnsworth House

Master architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created the ultimate minimalist masterpiece, the Farnsworth House, in pastoral Plano in 1951. The stellar structure of floor-to-ceiling glass seemingly "floats" above the rambling Fox River.

CITY: Plano

Aurora Area Architecture

The Aurora area features diverse architectural styles, including designs by Frank Lloyd Wright, Mies van der Rohe, Bruce Goff and George Grant Elmslie. The area is also home to one of the largest collections of Sears mail order homes.

CITY: Aurora

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

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

Lincoln Highway Interpretive Mural - Genoa

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 Genoa mural depicts the history, heritage, and events of the highway and its impact on Genoa and the other communities along the Illinois route.

CITY: Genoa

Kishwaukee Valley Heritage Society

In 1977, the Kishwaukee Valley Heritage Society was formed to bring together area people who had an interest in local and regional history and its preservation.

CITY: Genoa

Marie Olmstead Museum

Described as "a hidden gem" of local cultural, natural and prehistoric history for lower DeKalb and upper LaSalle Counties. Three rooms comprising some 5,000 square feet packed full of artifacts and antiques that could be featured on "Antiques Raodshow". One of the "must-sees" is a 32-round flitlock rifle reportedly presented to Chief Shabbona at the signing of the peace treaty at Prairie du Chien in 1829. A favorite of the youngsters to see while visiting the museum is a stuffed, two-headed calf.

CITY: Somonauk

The Arcada Theatre

The Arcada Theatre is a historic theatre dedicated to being a true showcase of the Arts. Our main goal is to provide St. Charles, the Fox Valley Area, and the Chicagoland Area a wide variety of arts and entertainment. Conveniently located downtown in charming St. Charles.

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

Emerson Creek Pottery

It happens the moment you turn onto the long, gravel road; it might be the charm of the converted century-old farmhouse filled with handcrafted pottery, homemade candles and other unique finds. It might be savoring the last bite of Blackberry Peach Cobbler after a delicious, freshly prepared lunch in the tearoom. Or it might be the peaceful serenity found only in the countryside. Whatever “it” is, friends young and old, male and female, have been coming back to Emerson Creek to experience it again and again.

CITY: Oswego

Fox River Trolley Museum

Celebrating more than 100 years of electric trolleys, this museum has original electric trains and cars that travel a three-mile circuit along the scenic Fox River.

CITY: South Elgin

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

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

Fermilab Ramsey Auditorium

The mission of the Fermilab Arts and Lecture Series is to celebrate the artistic and intellectual vision of Fermilab by actively fostering an appreciation of science and the performing arts in neighboring communities.

CITY: Batavia

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

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

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

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

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

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

Steel Beam Theatre

Live theatre in an intimate, historic setting.

CITY: St. Charles

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

Riverfront Playhouse

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

CITY: Aurora

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

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

Air Classics Museum of Aviation

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

CITY: Sugar Grove

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

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

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

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

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

Krafty Korner - Located inside R & D Do It Best Hardware

Unique gift items including, paintings from Spain, tractor collectables, yard art, candles, glass work, specialty items, and hard-to-find gift ideas.

CITY: Rochelle

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

African American Heritage Museum and Black Veterans Archives

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

CITY: Aurora

Goodrich Randall 15

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

CITY: Batavia

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

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

Atwood Park War Memorial

The memorials here are a tribute to veterans of the Vietnam War, Korean War, Gulf War and World War II. The war memorials are the only ones built in the U.S. by youth, constructed by Boy Scouts of Troop 312 Rochelle as Eagle Projects.

CITY: Rochelle

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

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

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

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

Lockport Street Gallery

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

CITY: Plainfield

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

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

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

La Galerie

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

CITY: St. Charles

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

Amish Ways Country Store

Quilts, crafts, florals, pottery, jams, jellies, popcorn, seasonal items and more. Christmas walk 1st weekend Nov.

CITY: Paw Paw

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

First Street Playhouse

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

CITY: Batavia

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

Fox Valley Symphony

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

CITY: Aurora

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

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

Albright Theatre

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

CITY: Batavia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pierce Harley-Davidson Museum

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

CITY: DeKalb

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