2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 1-96 of 111 items found in Arts & Culture
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
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
Laugh Out Loud Improv Theater
Hilarious improvised comedy that combines live action, video, and the audience! Family-friendly and grown up shows every weekend starring Chicago's top improv comedians.
CITY: Schaumburg
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
Pierce Harley-Davidson Museum
Over 65 antique and modern motorcycles are on display, along with memorabilia and vintage clothing.
CITY: DeKalb
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
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
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
Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament
Journey through time to the age of Chivalry and Knighthood. Feast upon a sumptous banquet and cheer your own knight to victory in the tournament of games.
CITY: Schaumburg
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
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
The Streets of Woodfield
A lifestyle and entertainment center offering streetside shopping and dining in a suburban setting. A vibrant shopping alternative including Carson Pirie Scott, AMC-Loews Theater, GameWorks, Laugh Out Loud Improve Theater, and some of Chicago's top restaurants. Store, restaurant, and theater hours vary.
CITY: Schaumburg
IMPROV Comedy Showcase & Restaurant
The World famous Improv Comedy Showcase and Restaurant will give you the ultimate comedy experience. We are the premiere destination for the country's top headliners and the best showcase for new talent.
CITY: Schaumburg
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
Sears Centre Arena
A new 11,000 seat arena located in Hoffman Estates featuring world-class entertainment including concerts, family shows, and sporting events. Home of the Chicago Slaughter Indoor Football (IFL) and Chicago KICK Indoor Soccer (MISL).
CITY: Hoffman Estates
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
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
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
First Street Playhouse
This cozy, professional theater presents year round productions, including comedies, dramas and musicals.
CITY: Batavia
Chicago Athenaeum International Sculpture Park
Sculpture from around the world is on display from sunrise to sunset at this park located in Schaumburg's Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center.
CITY: Schaumburg
Belvidere Cemetery and Pettit Memorial Chapel
Established in 1847, this is the burial ground for Belvidere's illustrious pioneers. Want to go right to a Frank Lloyd Wright landmark? Visit the Pettit Memorial Chapel.
CITY: Belvidere
La Galerie
Art gallery featuring original artwork as well as Thomas Kinkade, H. Hargrove and Giuseppe Armani figurines.
CITY: St. Charles
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
Frank Lloyd Wright Pettit Memorial Chapel
Take a free self-guided tour of the Chapel, located in the Belvidere Cemetery, which was built in 1907 in memory of a local doctor.
CITY: Belvidere
Petit Memorial Chapel
Petit Memorial Chapel, located in Belvidere Cemetery, was designed by Frank Llyod Wright and erected in 1907. Brochures available for self-guided historic tours. Open daily, 8am - sunset. Tours available by appointment.
CITY: Belvidere
The Framery
Expert custom picture framing & frame restoration, art gallery, interior accessories with antique furniture.
CITY: Crystal Lake
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
A Leauge of Their Own - Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Rd., Union
This comedy follows the formation of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League during the 1940s, at the start of World War II. All of the movie's scenes on the train and at the railroad depot were shot at the Illinois Railway Museum in Union, home to more than 250 restored electric, steam and diesel trains. The Nebraska Zephyr passenger train seen in the film is part of the museum's permanent collection.
CITY: Union
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 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
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
Above and Beyond Framing and Gallery
Custom framing, art and gift gallery. Featuring Steve Hanks, Tom Lynch and Scanlan.
CITY: Bartlett
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
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
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
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
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
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
Haeger Potteries
This fourth generation, family-owned pottery company features an on-site museum and a factory store that holds an annual summer sale.
CITY: Dundee
Air Classics Museum of Aviation
Vintage military and training planes, plus displays of aviation uniforms and memorabilia. Open by appointment only.
CITY: Sugar Grove
Apollo Activity Center
The Apollo is an all-purpose activity center, featuring a renovated historic 1912 theater.
CITY: Belvidere
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
Groundhog Day - Woodstock Opera House
This hilarious comedy concerns a crabby weatherman who finds himself reliving Groundhog Day over and over. Filmed in the quaint town of Woodstock, the bell tower that the weatherman leaps from is actually the Woodstock Opera House (which today presents concerts and plays). A small plaque in Woodstock's historic town square marks the spot where the character repeatedly stepped into a puddle in the movie.
CITY: Woodstock
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
Tom Guirl's Beaver Creek Pottery
Find skillfully handmade and kiln-fired pottery to decorate your home.
CITY: Belvidere
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
Chicago Athenaeum International Sculpture Park
This wonderful cultural resource includes the art of international and American sculptors chosen to fit the natural environment of this beautiful site.
CITY: Schaumburg
Dole Mansion at the Lakeside Legacy Arts Park
Black walnut doors, detailed wood carvings in the Eastlake style, amazing marble fireplaces: there's so much to see on a tour of the historic Dole Mansion and the original Crystal Lake Country Club (now the Creative Arts Center).
CITY: Crystal Lake
McHenry Drive-In Outdoor Theatre
One of the few remaining authentic drive-in movie theatres remaining in Illinois. Enjoy the nostalgia of double-feature movies in the comfort of your car. Unique family experience.
CITY: McHenry
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
Roselle Historical Museum
The Sumner home, along with two others, features historical displays and replicas. One of the houses is restored as a 1920's working-class home.
CITY: Roselle
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
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
Boone County Historical Museum
Explore this varied collection of local memorabilia. The museum includes a log home, Civil War artifacts, a natural history room, historic dolls, clothes, tools and transportation ranging from a 1906 Eldredge Runabout to Belvidere's first Chrysler.
CITY: Belvidere
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
Prairie Center for the Arts
Featuring concerts, plays, art exhibits and dance. Wireless headsets for hearing impaired and wheelchair seating available.
CITY: Schaumburg
Challenger Learning Center for Science & Technology
The mission of the center is to honor the memory and spirit of the Space Shuttle Challenger 51L crew by providing hands-on space exploration curriculum and center that enhances thinking skills and inspires those to meet the challenges of 21st Century.
CITY: Woodstock
Welcome Stitchery, Inc.
Specializing in Counted Cross Stitch and Custom Framing. We have the largest showcase of fabrics, fibers, patterns, kits and accessories in the Midwest.
CITY: Crystal Lake
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
Trickster Gallery
Native American Art Gallery. Movies and music performed to enrich the public on Native American culture.
CITY: Schaumburg
Elgin Community Theatre
Award-winning community theatre featuring classical and contemporary musicals and play selections.
CITY: Elgin
Sunshine & Shadow Quilt Shoppe
Specializing in reproduction fabrics, vintage patterns & vintage pattern books. Located on historic Green St. shopping district adjacent to the McHenry Riverwalk.
CITY: McHenry
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
Exclusively Yours Leiza-George
A shopping experience like no other, this store has floor-to-ceiling gifts from around the would. Its specialties include handmade oak and Amish furniture, jewelry, linens, cards, Christmas items and more.
CITY: Belvidere
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
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
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
Woodstock Opera House
Built in 1889 as City Hall, the Woodstock Opera House has long been one of the top performing arts centers in the Midwest. Its illustrious history also includes a cameo in Groundhog Day.
CITY: Woodstock
Groundhog Day - Woodstock Square
This hilarious comedy concerns a crabby weatherman who finds himself reliving Groundhog Day over and over. Filmed in the quaint town of Woodstock, the bell tower that the weatherman leaps from is actually the Woodstock Opera House (which today presents concerts and plays). A small plaque in Woodstock's historic town square marks the spot where the character repeatedly stepped into a puddle in the movie.
CITY: Woodstock
Clearwater Theater
This theater venue hosts top-notch entertainment, local and national bands, karaoke and comedy shows.
CITY: Dundee
Children's Theater of Elgin
Exceptional theater productions are performed by children for children.
CITY: Elgin
Hemmens Cultural Center
Home of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, this facility contains a 1200-seat theatre and an 11,340 square foot exhibition hall with fully equipped banquet kitchen. Host to many well-known artists.
CITY: Elgin
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
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
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
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
Elgin Public Museum
In beautiful Lord's Park, this museum features over 15,000 specimens of natural history with newly expanded family focused hands-on exhibits.
CITY: Elgin
State Street Market Shops
Thirty-five unique gift, antique and specialty shops and cafe.
CITY: Elgin
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
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
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
