Small gallery showcases exquisitely crafted jade artwork and stone carved animal dioramas in an intimate, peaceful atmosphere. Layout is clean and well-designed, with interactive elements like touchscreen games for children. Occasional live music adds a bright, upbeat energy to the space.
Small but packed with stunning displays of carved minerals, jade, ivory, and coral. Exhibits include detailed explanations of jade carving and feature high-quality Chinese lapidary art.
Eclectic displays of stones and gems create a cool vibe throughout. The gift shop offers many affordable and cool fossils that stand out.
"The museums here have stunning jade art and fascinating rocks."
"It's a great spot for kids with lots of interactive fun."
"It's a really cool little museum for rocks and gems."
Good to know
Admission is free every Wednesday.
Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for college students.
The museum holds monthly events for all ages.
Small, modern museum offers an intimate and quiet atmosphere with interactive games and photo spots. Visitors pass through security and show ID for entry, reflecting its location within a federal bank. Admission is free, making it accessible for family fun and educational visits.
Free entry makes the museum accessible to everyone. Exhibits focus on the history of money and the Federal Reserve, with interactive displays that explain how money works in America.
Free entry offers a cool wow factor with lots of money displays including several showing a million dollars. Balls moving through a mouse-trap style maze illustrate the economy in a unique way.
Good to know
Admission to the museum is free, but an ID is required for entry.
You must pass through security to enter the museum.
The museum opens at 10am.
Eighteen linked rooms showcase balloon-style art installations with unique lighting and music in each space. Interactive features like a ball pit, swings, and bubbles create a joyful, immersive atmosphere that appeals to all ages. The design balances colorful, emotional vibes with spaces for relaxation and creative engagement.
Bright colors and interactive exhibits create a highly engaging experience. The museum offers spacious galleries that never feel crowded, making it easy to enjoy the art and sensory presentations.
Many cool rooms feature balloon pits and silver balloons that create a fun and unique atmosphere. Art presentations and exhibits add a meaningful and engaging touch to the experience.
Good to know
Parking is available on site for $10.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended to avoid long waits.
The museum offers many interactive displays suitable for both adults and children.
Art museum offers beautifully curated galleries with colorful murals and Day of the Dead displays that create a calm, immersive atmosphere. Spacious, well-organized rooms invite quiet exploration and contemplation. Free entry and a charming gift shop add to the welcoming experience.
Multiple visits reveal new exhibits and fresh learning opportunities each time. The museum offers free admission and consistently delivers an amazing experience with a unique cultural focus.
Really cool art and cultural exhibits fill the space, including a standout Día de los Muertos exhibit. The museum also features a cool little shop with unique items.
Good to know
Admission to the museum is free for all visitors.
The museum hosts a special outdoor annual Day of the Dead festival.
Community events and makers' markets support local artists throughout the year.
Small museum with interactive exhibits and a dinosaur-themed play area creates a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Displays include local history artifacts and fossil exhibits, presented in a clear, engaging layout. Visitors often spend time in hands-on discovery spaces and enjoy the charming gift shop.
Exhibits cover Lake County history with detailed explanations and include interactive displays that engage both kids and adults. Special exhibits feature fossils, quilts, and a notable Bob Ross collection.
Heroes and villains exhibit shows very cool artwork. The museum offers a cool walk through the timeline of Lake County, starting with fossils.
Good to know
Admission is free for service members.
The museum hosts special traveling exhibitions throughout the year.
The Bob Ross exhibit is a special highlight currently on display.
Narrow hallways and dim lighting reveal a collection of vintage taxidermy, haunted dolls, and cult movie merchandise that create a creepy, morbid atmosphere. The space feels cozy yet packed, with free arcade and pinball games adding a playful contrast. Visitors drawn to true crime and oddities find a unique blend of history and eerie displays throughout.
Mini museum in the back offers a deep dive into true crime and oddities for a $10 entry fee. Packed with unique and weird displays, it provides a rich experience for those intrigued by the human mind.
Offers a collection of vintage, tiki, and vinyl records alongside unique taxidermy and rare vintage horror movies. Features a mini museum with cool and creepy oddities focused on cults, killers, and dark themes.
Good to know
The mini museum in the back charges a $10 entry fee for those into true crime and oddities.
Admission is $15 for tourists and $10 for Cook County residents.
Visitors can rent movies from the basement for $20 a month.
Exhibition offers immersive rooms and interactive soccer-themed games that engage visitors of all ages. Atmosphere balances family-friendly fun with an inspiring look at a sports icon's life. Visitors often enjoy delicious empanadas as part of the experience.
Exhibits feature immersive rooms and interactive games that engage visitors of all ages. The story of Messi unfolds with emotional depth and offers detailed insights into his journey from childhood to global icon.
The place features Messi's jerseys and interactive games that create a really cool experience for everyone.
Good to know
Tickets are more expensive than average, so budget accordingly.
Free parking is available on-site for visitors.
The experience is great for families and kids of all ages.
Rock shop combines lively energy with creative displays and an organized environment. Basement houses a mini museum featuring an impressive collection of fossils and minerals. Offers a wide variety of ethically sourced rocks, crystals, jewelry, and fossils ranging from affordable to high-end pieces.
A small fossil museum sits in the basement, offering a mini museum experience that amazes visitors of all ages. The museum downstairs remains a must-see feature of the store.
Lots of cool fossils and mineral specimens fill the museum and shop. The basement museum offers a free spot to explore collectibles and gems.
Good to know
The shop has a private fossil museum inside, showcasing unique specimens.
Easy street parking is available, even on busy weekends.
Expect a wide variety of rocks, fossils, and minerals for sale.
Small galleries display ever-changing exhibits of contemporary Ukrainian art in a welcoming atmosphere. The space feels intimate and vibrant, making it easy to explore creativity and discover new artists within an hour.
Small galleries showcase ever-changing exhibits that blend art and history. The imaginative Anne Hughes exhibit and a cool pottery exhibit stand out in a welcoming, free museum with a gorgeous art gallery.
Exhibits feel very cool with a standout pottery exhibit adding unique flair. The museum offers a modern art vibe that keeps things interesting.
Good to know
The museum is free with a suggested donation.
You can usually see everything in an hour or less.
The museum features ever-changing exhibits showcasing contemporary Ukrainian art.
WWII German submarine sits in its own hall with visible battle damage and detailed historical displays. Atmosphere feels like entering an authentic submarine pen, creating an immersive experience. Visitors spend hours exploring, with guided tours inside the submarine offering educational insights.
The museum features a detailed U-505 submarine exhibit that showcases its capture and history. Displays provide well-done historical context suitable for all ages, making it a standout science center experience.
The German Submarine U-505 stands out with its rich history and preserved structure. Exploring the submarine offers a genuinely cool experience.
Good to know
Visitors need to purchase an additional ticket to tour the inside of the submarine.
Parking costs around $20 for the day, which can be expensive.
Expect to spend at least 2 hours to fully enjoy the U-boat exhibit.
Expansive grounds showcase beautiful gardens and historic mansion with elegant charm. Visitors find a peaceful atmosphere filled with pleasant scents and twinkling lights illuminating pathways. Family-friendly features include playgrounds, climbable tanks, and interactive musical swings.
Exhibitions commemorate over 100 years of service by The Big Red One with great exhibits and a hands-on experience at the park. Admission includes access to the museum and is inexpensive.
Walking around the grounds reveals cool tanks from past wars that stand outside the museum. The orchid show adds a unique touch to the experience, making it a very cool place to learn history.
Good to know
The entrance fee is $5 per car, but free on Veterans Day.
Dogs are not allowed in the park except on designated days.
The park hosts various events, including concerts and reenactments throughout the year.
Bright, clean museum offers detailed historical exhibits and an atmospheric introductory film. Outdoor area includes large picnic spaces and replica cabins that show signs of weathering. Quiet, peaceful setting near river confluence provides a calm backdrop for learning about pioneer life and early exploration.
Interactive exhibits engage both children and adults with well-researched Lewis & Clark history. The museum features a to-scale keel boat and high-quality displays comparable to major historical museums.
Intact historical buildings create a cool vibe. The site offers engaging displays about the Lewis and Clark team in a natural setting.
Good to know
The site is free to visit.
Expect special events on weekends with period costumes and reenactments.
The museum features informative displays about the Lewis and Clark expedition.
Heritage museum offers interactive children's play areas with a Viking boat and Swedish house, creating a kid-friendly atmosphere. Exhibits focus on Swedish immigration history with thoughtful displays and accessible content. A cozy cafe and small gift shop add to the welcoming environment.
Exhibits focus on Swedish immigration history and Swedish culture with very informative displays. The museum offers a free entry day and a welcoming atmosphere with helpful staff and volunteers.
Displays showcase Swedish history with a mix of art and a collection of magnets that add unique charm.
Good to know
The museum is free on the second Tuesday of every month.
Tickets cost only $4-6 and are well worth the price.
There is a designated free parking lot nearby.
Hangar filled with flight suits and flight simulation games creates an immersive aviation environment. Visitors encounter decommissioned planes and WW II era artifacts, with opportunities to explore cockpits and engage with enthusiasts. The atmosphere is family-friendly and educational, supported by volunteers and donation-based entry.
Small but packed with aviation exhibits and a strong focus on education. Staff are very friendly and the space is especially welcoming for children.
Exhibits showcase aviation history with engaging plans and displays. The museum appeals to both young kids and adults with its interactive and educational setup.
Good to know
Admission is free, allowing visitors to see a range of aircraft.
Parking fills up quickly; consider arriving early or using nearby lots.
The restaurant on-site accepts cards, but some vendors only take cash.
Vintage motorcycles and hand-painted murals fill the space, creating a warm, chill atmosphere that blends museum and pub vibes. A full bar and live jazz music add to the sociable, inviting environment where people gather comfortably with drinks.
An impressive collection of well maintained bikes fills the space, each treated like a work of art. The museum offers a friendly atmosphere with ample room for events and a classy bar.
Vintage motorcycles stand out as the main attraction, paired with a selection of cool gadgets and a spot to grab a beer. The museum blends art and mechanics in a compact, engaging space.
Good to know
Admission is free, and no advance tickets are required.
The museum hosts live music and events on weekends.
Special events can be booked for private gatherings.
Museum offers interactive exhibits and a barge piloting simulator that engage visitors with river and lock systems. Well-maintained spaces include a theatre with clear views and an informative aquarium. Atmosphere is educational and family-friendly, with tours highlighting engineering and conservation efforts.
Free interactive exhibits offer hands-on learning about local rivers. Well-kept grounds and a nice theatre enhance the educational experience with tours and movies available.
Tours offer cool and educational insights into the lock and dam. The museum features informative exhibits and detailed river boat models.
Good to know
The museum offers guided tours of the dam complex at 10am, 1pm, and 3pm.
Admission to the museum is free.
The tours at the museum have been canceled indefinitely due to government issues.
Bright, interactive rooms invite touch, play, and photography with free digital photo stations in each area. The space offers a vibrant, colorful atmosphere that engages the senses and encourages fun. Small size and unique, themed installations create an immersive experience centered on color.
Each room features a unique, interactive exhibit celebrating color in many forms. Activities and exhibits engage the senses with themed, colorful rooms that invite hands-on participation.
Many photo stations offer high-quality pictures and free downloads via QR codes. The compliment exhibit creates a funny and unique way to connect with others. Overall, the experience feels very fun and interactive.
Good to know
Tickets cost $72, which includes treats and digital photos.
The entrance is located next to the Willis Tower Deck entrance.
Free items like ice cream and souvenirs are included with admission.
Outdoor rail museum showcases well-restored trolley cars with clean interiors and exteriors. Atmosphere feels calm and family-friendly, with volunteer-led interactions adding personal touches during short trolley rides.
Historic rail equipment forms the core of the exhibits, offering a hands-on experience with vintage trolleys. Staff create a personal and accommodating atmosphere, making it welcoming for families and visitors with disabilities.
Kids who love trains find the trolley rides exciting and the gift shop offers unique souvenirs. The whole setup feels engaging for little ones.
Good to know
The Santa Trolley Express costs $38 per person and lasts about 40 minutes.
The trolley ride is a short 10-15 minutes each way, not well advertised.
The museum is run entirely by volunteers, enhancing the personal experience.
Small space offers interactive behavioral science exhibits focused on how people think and decide. Visitors participate in real university studies and earn points redeemable for books and prizes. Atmosphere is educational and engaging, suitable for all ages but with limited survey options.
Interactive exhibits showcase behavioral science principles with clear explanations. The museum offers thought-provoking and mind-opening experiences that engage visitors actively.
Interactive exhibits focus on human behavior and thinking processes. Visitors engage in short experiments and earn points for gifts, making the experience both educational and immersive.
Good to know
Registration is required in advance to visit the exhibition.
Entry to the exhibition is free of charge.
Visitors can earn points for participating in studies and exchange them for prizes.
Museum showcases Illinois rock history with rich memorabilia and interactive exhibits. Open floor plan offers free admission and a cool gift shop, though upper levels remain under construction after tornado damage.
Rock and roll history fills the exhibits, offering a deep dive into the genre's roots. Staff provide helpful insights, and the gallery space invites a full day of exploration.
All musicians and bands are from Illinois, making the music scene here uniquely local. The museum features a cool gallery and a gift shop that adds to the engaging experience.
Good to know
Admission to the museum is free.
Free parking is available along a side street.
Street parking is free after noon on Saturdays and on Sundays.
Modern, spacious museum offers interactive exhibits and an immersive atmosphere that brings art to life. Visitors explore thoughtfully curated collections spanning pop art, Japanese art, and contemporary influences. Outdoor garden and kid-friendly activities add to the engaging experience for all ages.
Exhibitions feature world-class art with thoughtfully designed details and interactive elements. Immersive spaces recreate original contexts, connecting historical art like Hokusai's to modern influences.
Many cool areas invite exploration throughout the museum. The layout offers a variety of engaging spaces that keep the visit interesting.
Good to know
Exhibition tickets cost $15 for adults, with discounts available for students.
Parking is available on-site, but can be limited during school hours.
The museum has restrictions on strollers, food, and large bags; check signage for details.
Huge museum with a perfectly recreated coal mine exhibit featuring original machines and artifacts offers an impressive experience for all ages. Crowds swell during free days, creating a lively but sometimes messy atmosphere. Facilities include a kids' water play area and directly connected parking, enhancing convenience for families.
Exhibits include a coal mine tour, a U-505 German submarine, and a model railroad with a Boeing 727. The museum offers engaging displays for all ages and plenty of space for kids to explore.
The Coal Mine exhibit offers a very cool experience that stands out. The drive up to the museum adds to the overall cool vibe.
Good to know
The coal mine exhibition costs extra beyond general admission.
Parking is directly connected to the museum for easy access.
Expect crowds during weekends; arrive early to avoid long lines.