2013 Travel Guide
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Showing 97-192 of 260 items found in Arts & Culture
Weird Science - Northbrook Court, 2290 Northbrook Court, Northbrook
Two teenage nerds, unpopular and unable to meet girls on their own, use their computer to design the perfect woman - beautiful with a genius IQ. When this woman turns "real", she helps transforms the boys from nerds to cool through a series of wacky and bizarre adventures. Set in the fictional "Shermer, Illinois", the movie is filmed in several northern suburbs of Chicago - Highland Park, Northbrook and Skokie.
CITY: Northbrook
Cernan Earth and Space Center
The Cernan Earth & Space Center of Triton College features a variety of earth and sky shows, children's shows, laser light shows, earth and space exhibits, and the Star Store gift shop.
CITY: River Grove
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
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
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
African American Heritage Museum and Black Veterans Archives
This museum dedicated to black veterans includes a sculpture garden featuring African-American art.
CITY: Aurora
Briolette Beads & More
Get creative at this crafter's paradise! Beads from around the world, unique rubber stamps & papers, Ranger inks, paints, and stamp pads. Sit at our "crystal bar" and work on your projects. Our friendly staff will be happy to assist you. Classes for all skill levels. Parties are our specialty! Birthdays, bridesmaids, "girls night out" -- we do them all. Come take a look!
CITY: Forest Park
Home Alone - Trinity Methodist Church
An eight-year-old boy is accidentally left home alone as his family rushes off for a vacation to France, leaving him to fend for himself against a pair of bungling burglars. Filmed along the North Shore, movie sites include Wilmette's Trinity Methodist Church and the Hubbard Woods Metra Station in Winnetka. Right across the street from the Metra train tracks is the former drugstore where the stranded kid stole a toothbrush in the movie.
CITY: Wilmette
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
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
Ray A. Kroc Museum
DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Experience the story of the life and values of McDonald's Corporation founder, Ray A. Kroc. Here you will be able to "Talk to Ray" at individual monitors with interactive scrapbooks.
CITY: Oak Brook
Riddles Comedy Club - Berwyn
Located at 6910 Windsor Ave in Berwyn, we are just 20 minutes from the Chicago loop. Lots of free parking, a full service bar offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages,and friendly staff all add up to a great night out!
CITY: Berwyn
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
Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center
The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center is a project of the Holocaust Memorial Foundation of Illinois. This world-class museum is dedicated to preserving the memories of those lost in the Holocaust and teaching current generations about the need to fight hatred, indifference, and genocide in today's world.
CITY: Skokie
Home Alone - Hubbard Woods Metra Station
An eight-year-old boy is accidentally left home alone as his family rushes off for a vacation to France, leaving him to fend for himself against a pair of bungling burglars. Filmed along the North Shore, movie sites include Wilmette's Trinity Methodist Church and the Hubbard Woods Metra Station in Winnetka. Right across the street from the Metra train tracks is the former drugstore where the stranded kid stole a toothbrush in the movie.
CITY: Winnetka
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
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
Captain Richard A. Schram Memorial Museum
The Captain Richard A. Schram Memorial Museum was originally erected at the Glenview Naval Air Station in 1945, then later restored by the Village of Glenview and moved to its present location just south of Park Center.
CITY: Glenview
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
Pleasant Home
Explore this opulent 30-room mansion designed by prominent Prarie School architect George H. Maher, which today serves as a museum.
CITY: Oak Park
Ernest Hemingway Birthplace
Visit the Victorian home where Nobel Prize-winning author Ernest Hemingway was born in 1899 and learn about his early family life.
CITY: Oak Park
Ordinary People - The Original Pancake House
This wrenching drama focuses on an affluent Lake Forest family as they deal with the accidental death of their eldest son. North Shore movie sites include The Original Pancake House in Wilmette, known for its homestyle breakfast dishes, including the popular baked apple pancake. Locations ,
CITY: Wilmette
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
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
16th Street Theater
Berwyn's professional equity theater under the umbrella of the Berwyn Cultural Center, a North Berwyn Park District managed facility.
CITY: Berwyn
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
Levere Memorial Temple
Home of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity headquarters, this beautiful Gothic building features stained glass windows by Louis Comfort Tiffany.
CITY: Evanston
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
Contagion - Tellabs
An international team of doctors is contracted by the CDC to deal with the outbreak of a deadly disease.
CITY: Naperville
Skokie Valley Symphony Orchestra
The Skokie Valley Symphony Orchestra features local and national musical talents, and perfoms four concerts each year.
CITY: Skokie
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
Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Theatre
For two decades Fleetwood-Jourdain has been thrilling audiences with a unique brand of inspirational and invigorating theater, with a particular focus on the African American experience.
CITY: Evanston
Baby on Board - Bat 17
The busy life of a successful power couple (she’s an image-conscious business woman and he’s a divorce attorney) is turned upside down when they find out they are unexpectedly pregnant and the next nine months turn into an emotional roller coaster ride they never saw coming.
CITY: Evanston
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
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
Ernest Hemingway Museum
Explore displays featuring rare photos of Hemingway, his childhood diary, letters, early writings, and other memorabilia. Enjoy videos documenting the author's life and work. Bookshop on site.
CITY: Oak Park
Prairie Center for the Arts
Featuring concerts, plays, art exhibits and dance. Wireless headsets for hearing impaired and wheelchair seating available.
CITY: Schaumburg
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 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
Art Gallery at the Oak Park Public Library
Architectural award-winning Main Library features extensive contemporary art collection and Art Gallery with rotating exhibits by local artists. Free one-hour art appreciation tours are offered on the first and third Saturday of each month.
CITY: Oak Park
Weird Science - Niles East High School, 7700 Lincoln Ave., Skokie
Two teenage nerds, unpopular and unable to meet girls on their own, use their computer to design the perfect woman - beautiful with a genius IQ. When this woman turns "real", she helps transforms the boys from nerds to cool through a series of wacky and bizarre adventures. Set in the fictional "Shermer, Illinois", the movie is filmed in several northern suburbs of Chicago - Highland Park, Northbrook and Skokie.
CITY: Skokie
Uncle Buck - New Trier High School, 7 Happ Rd., Northfield
n this sweet comedy, irresponsible Uncle Buck is left to baby-sit his rebellious niece and her two siblings when their parents leave to visit a sick relative. The movie was filmed in several towns along the North Shore. Sites include New Trier High School in Winnetka, one of the most prestigious high schools in the Chicago area.
CITY: Northfield
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
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
Ernest Hemingway Museum and Birthplace
The museum displays rare photos of Hemingway, his childhood diary, letters, early writings and other memorabilia. The Birthplace Home features some original furniture and belongings of the Hemingway family.
CITY: Oak Park
Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District
Take a guided or self-guided tour of this historic district that contains the world's greatest concentration of Wright-designed structures built in the Prairie School of Architecture style. Tours are offered daily.
CITY: Oak Park
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
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
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
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
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
The Arcada Theatre
The Arcada Theatre is 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.
CITY: St. Charles
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
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
Evanston Art Center
For over 68 years, the Evanston Art Center has presented exhibitions of contemporary visual arts.
CITY: Evanston
Weird Science - Central St., Highland Park
Two teenage nerds, unpopular and unable to meet girls on their own, use their computer to design the perfect woman - beautiful with a genius IQ. When this woman turns "real", she helps transforms the boys from nerds to cool through a series of wacky and bizarre adventures. Set in the fictional "Shermer, Illinois", the movie is filmed in several northern suburbs of Chicago - Highland Park, Northbrook and Skokie.
CITY: Highland Park
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
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
Midwest SOARRING Foundation Native American Cultural Center
Native American Office and Cultural Center. Experience Indigenous cultures through lectures, cultural presentations, educational programs, Save the Bison Project, and the Annual Harvest PowWow. Call for information or visit our website for a calendar of events. Group programs are available upon request.
CITY: Oak Brook
Oak Park Visitors Center Walking Tour
This PDA guided tour will show you the evolution of architecture in Oak Park, from the Victorian period through to Prairie School and the 1930s Art Deco period. Hear the reflections of the famous people who walked these streets and nurtured their creativity in Oak Park.
CITY: Oak Park
Art Gecko, Ltd.
Located in the Oak Park Arts District, we feature contemporary folk art, found object art and fine crafts created primarily with vintage, re-used, reworked, recycled and reclaimed materials. You will find truly unique, eco-friendly, "green" art and artful objects for yourself or for gift giving created by Lisa Nordstrom and other intriguing artists. Visit our website for current exhibits and special events.
CITY: Oak Park
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
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
Riverfront Playhouse
This popular local theater group performs original plays, musicals, murder mysteries, comedies and children's theater.
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
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
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
Frances Willard House Museum
Willard was a 19th century author and speaker who rallied support for women's reform movements. The museum provides a glimpse into the life and work of one of the most prominent women of the time.
CITY: Evanston
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
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
Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
This unusual complex served as Wright's private residence and studio from 1889-1909. Here he raised his 6 children. He designed 25 buildings in the neighborhood surrounding the studio.
CITY: Oak Park
Prodigy Glassworks, Inc.
Prodigy Glassworks is in the heart of the Oak Park Art's District at 207 Harrison St. Stop in to watch daily glass blowing demonstrations and to see our beautiful gallery offering unique hand-blown and fused pieces made by local artists. Classes are available weekly for adults and children ages 12+. Beginner classes offered Tuesdays from 6pm–9pm: $150/person, and Saturdays from 10am–1 pm: $150/person. Make your own paperweight Mondays and Thursdays from 12pm-5pm. Paperweights take approximately 30 minutes: $25 each for ages 12+. Call ahead to schedule at (708) 445-8000 or email us at info@prodigyglassworks.net. For a full list of class offerings see our website.
CITY: Oak Park
Oak Park Arts District
A unique collection of galleries, boutiques and restaurants on Harrison Street from Austin Blvd. to Elmwood Ave. in Oak Park, Illinois. Find one of a kind apparel, art, jewelry, beads and home accessories. Have a meal or a snack or specialty coffee drinks at the Buzz Café, or a meal and a cocktail at Trattoria 225. Dance and exercise studios, healing arts businesses, and hair salons are among the district's offerings. The nine blocks feature painted artist benches and public art throughout. Convenient to the Austin Blvd. exit from the Eisenhower Expressway, the Austin stop on the CTA Blue Line and Stop 17 on the Free Shuttle. Gallery hours vary -- call or check website for more information.
CITY: Oak Park
Harper College Performing Arts Center
Concerts, plays, musicals, and more. Free backstage tours for groups.
CITY: Palatine
Bad Teacher - Lincoln Middle School
Dumped by her sugar daddy, a foul-mouthed junior high school teacher pursues one of her new well-heeled colleagues, competing for his affections against a popular teacher.
CITY: Park Ridge
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
Devonshire Cultural Center
Home of the Skokie Art Guild and Devonshire Playhouse, the Cultural Center offers children's and adult theater, as well as visual and performing arts.
CITY: Skokie
Centre East
Centre East presents a variety of comedy, dance, music and family-oriented performances.
CITY: Skokie
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
Home Alone House
The Home Alone House is a three-story single family detached house used for shooting the majority of the scenes in the movies Home Alone (1990) and parts of Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992).[3] The kitchen in the film was actually shot in the house, along with the main staircase, basement and most of the first floor landing.
CITY: Winnetka
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
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
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
