2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 1-96 of 112 items found in Arts & Culture
Tempel Lipizzans
Home of the famous Lipizzan stallions known for their beauty, strength and intelligence. The beautiful rolling hills of Tempel Farms have been home to the Tempel Lipizzan for more than 50 years. For the past 27 years, the farm setting has been backdrop for the 90-minute performances in the tradition of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. Performances chronicle the horses’ training from the youngest foals to the most highly trained stallions all performing to musical accompaniment. Performances are held on the one Sunday a month July through September and one Saturday night a month July through September. Saturday night performances include a self-guided tour where complimentary hors d'oeuvres, wine and beer will be served as the sun sets.
CITY: Wadsworth
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
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
Peter Patterson Glassworks
Chicagolands most creative hot glass artisan studio. Glass that glows in the dark that uses phosphorus materials. Shop for unique ready made pieces or take a class and make your own. We are great for interactive special events and parties! We can custom create many different shapes, colors for decoration or to display awards and memorials.
CITY: Mundelein
Wildlife Discovery Center
The Wildlife Discovery Center features one of the largest reptile exhibits in northern Illinois. It also features the nation's largest public exhibit of rattlesnakes and venomous reptiles.
CITY: Lake Forest
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
My Best Friend's Wedding - Cuneo Museum
In this romantic comedy a food critic jealously tries to put a stop to her best buddy's wedding. The movie filmed extensively around Chicago, including the historic Drake Hotel on North Michigan Avenue; on a Mercury boat cruise as it sailed down the Chicago River; and at the suburban Cuneo Museum & Gardens, a Mediterranean-style mansion that features 75 acres of beautiful formal gardens. The gazebo featured in one of the wedding scenes was built for the film, but Cuneo's owners decided to keep it permanently.
CITY: Vernon Hills
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
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
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
James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts at the College of Lake County
Presents the finest entertainers in the industry. Bold expressions of music, theatre, dance and variety acts. Featuring professional touring concerts as well as college music, theatre and dance presentations.
CITY: Grayslake
Elawa Farm
Built in 1917 for A. Watson Armour, Elawa Farm is a stunning example of estate farm architecture. Come and learn about Historic Elawa Farm and what it looked like way back when and what is happening today at the farm. This farm is a 16-acre parcel of land, including the original farm complex buildings that were part of an early 20th century gentleman's farm and has a unique combination of natural setting, designed landscapes and buildings of architectural and historic significance.
CITY: Lake Forest
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
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
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
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
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
Big Shot Piano Lounge & Restaurant
Big Shot is an upscale Restaurant & Piano Bar. A cozy place to meet, eat, and drink while listening and interacting with talented musicians. From the warm atmosphere to the variety of enticing menu items, this intimate spot will showcase live talent every night. The extremely friendly restaurant will invite its patrons to participate and sing along with new songs performed by talented professionals. This will definitely be a place to start and end an evening.
CITY: Arlington Heights
Zanies Comedy Club - Vernon Hills
Popular comedians perform at Zanies, providing an evening of laughter and fun. The "sister" of the legendary downtown Zanies has been making the suburbs laugh with the same great talent.
CITY: Vernon Hills
Citadel Theatre
Citadel Theatre is dedicated to producing inspiring theatre by bringing together gifted professionals from all the theatrical disciplines to create exciting, compelling work of the highest caliber.
CITY: Lake Forest
PM&L Theatre
PM&L Theatre is a non-profit, community-based volunteer organization located in downtown Antioch. Each annual season contains six shows, ranging in style from musicals to comedy and drama.
CITY: Antioch
Downtown Arlington Heights Shopping & Entertainment District
Diverse collection of charming local shops and major retailers. Outstanding restaurants, theaters, nightlife, and entertainment, all within walking distance.
CITY: Arlington Heights
Raue Center for the Arts
A center for visual and performing arts through education, creative expression, guidance, artistic nourishment, insight and inspiration, in an historic venue.
CITY: Crystal Lake
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
La Galerie
Art gallery featuring original artwork as well as Thomas Kinkade, H. Hargrove and Giuseppe Armani figurines.
CITY: St. Charles
Midwestern Helicopter
Have you ever wanted to see the beautiful city of Chicago from above? Join us for an amazing helicopter skyline tour where you will see the city from a birds eye view! This is one of the most incredible adventures you can ever imagine. During our flight you will see all that this city has to offer - Wrigley Field, Navy Pier, Soldier Field, Willis Tower, John Hancock Observatory, Cellular One Field and the United Center.
CITY: Wheeling
The Framery
Expert custom picture framing & frame restoration, art gallery, interior accessories with antique furniture.
CITY: Crystal Lake
Opera House of Woodstock
Built in the 1800s in Steamboat Gothic style, the opera house hosts musicals, dramas, dance and touring groups.
CITY: Woodstock
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
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
Cuneo Mansion And Gardens
Historic mission dating from 1914 nestled on 75 acres of vistas and formal gardens. The Italianate architecture is the work of architect Benjamin Marshall, who was commissioned by Samuel Insull to create a summer villa.
CITY: Vernon Hills
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
Above and Beyond Framing and Gallery
Custom framing, art and gift gallery. Featuring Steve Hanks, Tom Lynch and Scanlan.
CITY: Bartlett
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
A Nightmare on Elm Street - John Hersey High School
Horror icon Freddy Krueger returns, complete with knife-tipped gloves, to terrorize and kill teenagers in their dreams.
CITY: Arlington Heights
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
A Nightmare on Elm Street - Elk Grove High School
Horror icon Freddy Krueger returns, complete with knife-tipped gloves, to terrorize and kill teenagers in their dreams.
CITY: Elk Grove
Great Lakes Naval Museum
As an official Navy Museum, the Great Lakes Naval Museum's mission is to tell the story of the United States Navy, with particular emphasis on the Navy's only "boot camp" at the Naval Station Great Lakes.
CITY: Great Lakes
Round Lake Area Park District
Round Lake Area Park District offers visitors a wide range of activities and facilities to enjoy. They include the Renwood Golf Course, the new sports center, the Prairie Grass Nature Museum, community theatre, outdoor pool/aquatic center, fitness center, child development center, teen center, senior center and acres of picturesque parklands. Private parties/outings at any of the facilities can be accommodated.
CITY: Round Lake
Argonne National Laboratory
Argonne is one of the country's premier facilities for energy-related research and development. Visitors must be at least 16 years old.
CITY: Argonne
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
The Button Room Museum
We are a vintage and antique Button Museum. Our button displays rotate on a monthly basis based upon the current theme. Visitors will be given an opportunity to view beautiful buttons on display and learn more about two incredible women who saved and preserved everything (beautiful objects and historical artifacts). The museum will host a variety of small clubs, exhibitions, workshops, and events.
CITY: Gurnee
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
Vernon Hills Park District Sullivan Community Center
Overlooking park land, the Community Room, equipped with a stage and kitchen, can serve 260 dinner guests or 400 people theater seating. Smaller meeting rooms with a capacity of 10-140 people including a gymnasium rental are also available.
CITY: Vernon Hills
Metropolis Performing Arts Center
More than 40 productions and 360 performances each year ranging from musical theatre, plays, live music, dance, family shows, The Second City Comedy and professional regional children's theatre.
CITY: Arlington Heights
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
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
Prairie Center for the Arts
Featuring concerts, plays, art exhibits and dance. Wireless headsets for hearing impaired and wheelchair seating available.
CITY: Schaumburg
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
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
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
Regal Cinemas' CityPark 20 & IMAX Theater
In November of 1998, the CityPark 20 & IMAX Theater operated by Regal Cinemas opened its doors and within one year became one of the top five grossing movie theaters in the state of Illinois. This 93,908 square foot theater has 4,400 stadium seats divided among 21 first run and art film theaters. The 270 seat 3D IMAX, complete with IMAX PSE sound system and 5-story screen, is the only IMAX serving greater Chicago's north and northwest suburbs. Moviegoers enjoy advance ticketing and on-site gourmet cafe.
CITY: Lincolnshire
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
Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire
See the "The Best of Broadway" at the Marriott Theatre featuring 5 great musicals every year. The intimate arena theatre is designed so everyone has the best seat in the house. The theatre earns lavish praise from critics, receiving a record 370 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations - Chicago's highest theatrical honor for artistic achievement. Marriott's Theatre for Young Audiences presents numerous original works as well as classic fairy tales. Through these works, children experience the joy and magic that is "live" theatre.
CITY: Lincolnshire
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
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
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
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
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
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
The Ragdale Foundation
Art, architecture, and garden tours of Howard Van Doren Shaw's summer retreat. The house and gardens, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places among examples of the Arts and Crafts movement in the country. It house 12 artists at a time.
CITY: Lake Forest
Harper College Performing Arts Center
Concerts, plays, musicals, and more. Free backstage tours for groups.
CITY: Palatine
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
State Street Market Shops
Thirty-five unique gift, antique and specialty shops and cafe.
CITY: Elgin
Hunters Nightclub
A gay hangout near O’Hare Airport since the early 1980s, Hunters features a dance floor with a Friday night Video Dance Party and Hunters Hunks male dancers on Thursdays.
CITY: Elk Grove Village
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
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
Jailhouse Potters
Jailhouse Potters is a school, gallery and studio. Items presented for sale include a unique collection of handmade pottery by local artisans. Classes available in wheel and hand-building pottery techniques. Pottery supplies are also available.
CITY: Woodstock
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
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
Grayslake Heritage Center
A state-of-the-art history museum dedicated to collecting and sharing the history of the greater Grayslake area. The Grayslake Heritage Center offers programs, exhibitions and special events all year round and includes two galleries, a community room, and a classroom.
CITY: Grayslake
Country Faire
Afghans, books, baby quilts, birdhouses and feeders, ceramics, goose clothes and geese, southwest artifacts, lawn and garden decor and more.
CITY: Hampshire
Jambalya Night Club/Pheasant Run Resort
Jambalya Night Club has entertainment Thursday, 8PM; Friday and Saturday nights 10PM.
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
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
Elk Grove Farmhouse Museum
The oldest farmhouse in Elk Grove Village. Restored to reflect life during the civil war. The home of Heinrich and Maria Schuette. School and scout programs available. Open year-round.
CITY: Elk Grove Village
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
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
