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

Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - One-of-a-kind museum with displays of Chinese jade and other hard stone carvings, dioramas, minerals, gemstones, earth science and hands-on exhibits.

CITY: Elmhurst

Elmhurst Historical Museum

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - This prize-winning museum features changing interpretive exhibits on Elmhurst history as well as national touring exhibits. Programs for children, families and adults throughout the year.

CITY: Elmhurst

Elmhurst Art Museum

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - The museum's award-winning structure contains a dramatic glass entrance gallery, three museum galleries, an educational pavilion, and the Ludwig Mies van der Rohe-designed McCormick house.

CITY: Elmhurst

Mainstreet Libertyville

Great shopping, dining and professional services are waiting for you in our picture-perfect downtown. Enjoy the turn-of-the-century buildings along Milwaukee Avenue or relax among the roses in Cook Park. Downtown Libertyville is a delightfully unique shopping and dining experience. With over 70 shops, boutiques, and restaurants, it's why we say "spend an hour, spend a day!"

CITY: Libertyville

Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame

Sports memorablia; interactive video; photos of all inductees.

CITY: Des Plaines

Grosse Point Lighthouse

Built on the shores of Lake Michigan by the United States Government in 1873 after several shipwrecks demonstrated its need, this was the lead lighthouse marking the approach to Chicago. In 1999, Grosse Point Lighthouse was designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service; the first lighthouse on the Great Lakes to carry that status. The Garden Club on Evanston maintains wildflower and butterfly gardens on its property.

CITY: Evanston

My Kind of Town Tours & Events

This company offers group cultural and educational tours. Reservations are required.

CITY: Highland Park

Northwestern University Walking Tours

Founded in 1851, Northwestern University is a renowned educational institution rich in history and architecture. More than 150 historically significant and interesting sites on campus are featured in various 30-minute walking tours.

CITY: Evanston

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

Long Grove Historic Village

Long Grove is home to over 80 specialty shops and restaurants, set within historic buildings, cobblestone walks and colorful gardens. Visitors find unusual gift stores, art galleries, antiques, upscale clothing and diverse food and dining options.

CITY: Long Grove

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

Gold Pyramid House

At one time, this was the world's largest gold structure. Now available for group tours (15+) and private event rentals. The six-story-tall, 17,000-square-foot architectural oddity is located in Wadsworth, Illinois and has to be one of the most bizarre homes ever constructed. It is believed to be the largest 24-karat gold-plated object in North America.

CITY: Wadsworth

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

American Movie Palace Museum

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Museum and archive containing an exclusive collection of photographs, books, blueprints and memorabilia of various types of theaters. On display are a great variety of objects from the era of the great movie palaces in the U.S., including the original 4ft by 5ft architect's rendering of New York City's famed Roxy Theatre; an orchestra conductor's stand from the Granada in Chicago; tassels from the original house curtain at the Warner (Grand) in Milwaukee; sections of the marble balustrade from the lobby of the New York Paramount; architect Thomas Lamb's rendering of the Pitkin in Brooklyn; whimsical figures from the children's nursery and playroom of the Uptown in Chicago; an actual 35mm projector; and a leaded glass window with the Fox logo from the Brooklyn Fox.

CITY: Elmhurst

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

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.

CITY: Gurnee

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

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

Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center

This new center is a 65,000 square-foot building designed by renowned architect Stanley Tigerman. The Museum is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Holocaust by honoring the memories of those who were lost and by teaching the universal lessons that combat hatred, prejudice and indifference. The museum features an authentic early 20th century German rail car, an inspiring Hall of Remembrance for contemplation and reflection, a permanent exhibition chronicling life before, during and after the Holocaust, a youth exhibit for 9-11 year olds highlighting lessons of the Holocaust and a 225 seat auditorium.

CITY: Skokie

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

The Lehmann Mansion

Historical landmark situated on 60 magnificent acres in the Village of Lake Villa. Beautifully restored and renovated for weddings, banquets and private parties. Three-season tent accommodates up to 350 guests.

CITY: Lake Villa

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

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

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

West Town Museum of Cultural History

The West Town Museum of Cultural History has been the repository for black history in Maywood since 1857. The museum features a pictorial exhibit on the Underground Railroad.

CITY: Maywood

Stade Dairy Farm

A producer of milk, vegetables and grains since 1977, the farm offers tours, and presents the annual Shades of Autumn festival during the month of September.

CITY: McHenry

Frances Willard House

Frances Willard was one of the most prominent social reformers in the 19th century America. Willard rallied support for temperance as well as many important reform movements including woman’s suffrage, women’s economic and religious rights, prison reforms, education reforms and labor reforms. The Frances Willard Historical Association operates the Frances Willard House, Willard’s home from its construction in 1865 until her death in 1898.

CITY: Evanston

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

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

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

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

Russell Military Museum

"Where History Comes Alive." The Russell Military Museum has over 100 military vehicles on display from WWI to present day. The museum offers a 10,000 sq ft indoor display area and 8 acres of outdoor display. Birthday party and group packages available. Guided tours can also be arranged for groups. The museum closes during the winter months and is primarily outdoors, so please check the weather or call ahead before planning your trip.

CITY: Russell

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

Elgin Historic District

Explore rare architecture in this historic district, made up of 667 homes, that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Don't miss the house walk in September.

CITY: Elgin

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

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

Charles Gates Dawes House Museum

The Dawes House, a magnificent Chateauesque Mansion overlooking Lake Michigan, was the home of the former United States vice president under Calvin Coolidge and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Charles Gates Dawes.

CITY: Evanston

Yesterday's Farm Museum

A historic 1800s family farm that is maintained in its original location. Programs depict settlers' lives with period accuracy.

CITY: Wood Dale

Barrington Area Library

This full-service library presents a variety of arts events throughout the year.

CITY: Barrington

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

Lombard Historical Society Museum

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 reservations, based on availability. Admission free.

CITY: Lombard

Hoosier Grove Schoolhouse Museum

Originally built as a one-room schoolhouse in 1904 on the corner of Old Church and Barrington Roads, the museum was moved to its present site in 1991.

CITY: Streamwood

Arlington Heights Historical Museum

The Coach House, a replica Log Cabin, the 1882 home of F.W. Muller and the 1908 Banta House tell the story of Arlington Heights over the last 150 years. Tour guides introduce you to the life of early residents. Tours: Sat. & Sun. 2pm & 3pm Heritage Gallery & Gift Shop: Fri.-Sun. 1:30pm-4:30pm

CITY: Arlington Heights

Evanston Arts Depot

This cultural center is a restored train station in the heart of Evanston. Home of the Piccolo Theatre and Custer’s Last Stand Festival which takes place each June.

CITY: Evanston

Block Museum of Art

Northwestern University's Mary & Leigh Block Museum of Art is one of the largest fine art museums in the Chicagoland area.

CITY: Evanston

Lake County Discovery Museum

Hands-on interactive exhibits introduce the history of Lake County in a fun learning environment. The Museum also displays the nation's largest permanent exhibition on the history and significance of postcards. Changing exhibits throughout the year.

CITY: Wauconda

Waukegan Main Street

Representing a variety of downtown restaurants, an array of shops and services and entertainment. Stroll downtown and enjoy shopping the unique stores, visiting the art galleries, eating at one of the many restaurants and end the day with a show at the famous Genesee Theatre, the new Clockwise Theatre or enjoy live entertainment at one of the downtown eateries. Join the fun at one of the many events throughout the year, including the monthly ArtWauk. Waukegan has something for everyone.

CITY: Waukegan

Winnetka Historical Museum

The growth and history of Winnetka since 1830 is chronicled in this museum, which includes the Carlton Washburne Library.

CITY: Winnetka

Elgin Area Historical Society & Museum

Experience the history of Elgin, from the Elgin Watch Factory to the first settlers. Everyone will walk out with a better understanding off Elgin's history.

CITY: Elgin

Shiloh House

The residence of the founder of the City of Zion, Dr. John Alexander Dowie, is a stately 23-room mansion that was built in 1901-02 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

CITY: Zion

Evanston Historical Center

Housed in the gracious historic mansion of former U.S Vice President Charles Gates Dawes, this stunning chateau overlooks Lake Michigan. Visitors and history buffs explore this National Historic Landmark appreciating its original furnishings and artwork. The home features exhibits focusing on the history of Evanston.

CITY: Evanston

Highland Park Historical Society

This museum is a 12 room, two story Italianate Victorian house donated to the Society in 1969. The Society’s mission is to discover, preserve, provide access to and disseminate the history of the general area and of Highland Park, in particular.

CITY: Highland Park

Historic Volo Country Village

Come visit our 30-acre antique theme park. Anchored by the nationally recognized Volo Auto Museum, the site also boasts great shopping in five separate malls selling antiques, unique gifts and collectibles. Over 400 dealers.

CITY: Volo

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 classroom.

CITY: Grayslake