List of museums in Illinois facts for kids

Illinois is a big state, and it's packed with amazing museums! These special places collect and take care of cool objects. They show us things about art, science, history, and different cultures. Think of them as giant treasure chests filled with stories and wonders for everyone to explore.

Awesome Museums to Explore

Illinois has so many museums, you could visit a new one every weekend! Here are some of the most exciting places where you can learn and have fun.

Science and Nature Adventures

• Adler Planetarium in Chicago is where you can explore space and stars. It's like taking a trip to the galaxy without leaving Earth!
• The Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago is famous for its dinosaurs, especially Sue, one of the most complete T-Rex skeletons ever found. You can also see ancient Egyptian artifacts and learn about different animals and cultures.
• At the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, you can walk through a real German submarine, explore a coal mine, and even see a giant tornado! It's all about hands-on learning.
• The Discovery Center Museum in Rockford offers many interactive science and art exhibits. You can touch, play, and discover how things work.
• The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Chicago focuses on the nature of the Chicago area. You can see live animals and learn about local ecosystems.
• The Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art in Oak Brook displays beautiful carvings made from jade and other stones. It's like a gallery of sparkling treasures.
• The Cernan Earth and Space Center in River Grove has a public planetarium. You can watch shows about space and see exhibits about our planet and beyond.
• The Midwest Museum of Natural History in Sycamore features dioramas of animals from North America and Africa. It's like going on a safari indoors!
• The Burpee Museum of Natural History in Rockford is home to dinosaurs, fossils, and exhibits about local Native Americans.

Journey Through History

• The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield tells the story of Abraham Lincoln, our 16th president. You can learn about his life and the American Civil War.
• The Chicago History Museum helps you discover the exciting past of Chicago. You can learn about the city's culture and how it grew.
• The Illinois State Museum in Springfield covers the natural history, culture, and art of Illinois. It's a great place to understand the whole state.
• The Midway Village Museum in Rockford is an outdoor museum that looks like a Victorian village from the late 1800s. You can see old buildings and people in costumes.
• The Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home in Dixon shows you where President Ronald Reagan grew up. It's a peek into the early life of a famous leader.
• Historic Nauvoo lets you step back in time to the 1830s and 1840s. You can explore over 30 historic sites from that period.
• The Old State Capitol in Springfield is restored to how it looked in the 1860s. Abraham Lincoln worked here!
• The Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield is the house where Abraham Lincoln lived before he became president.
• The Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site in Lerna shows the 1840s home of Abraham Lincoln's father and stepmother. It's a living history farm.
• The Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Collinsville is the site of an ancient Native American city. You can learn about the people who lived there long ago.
• The DuSable Museum of African American History in Chicago celebrates the history, art, and culture of African Americans.
• The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Skokie teaches about the Holocaust and promotes human rights.
• The National Hellenic Museum in Chicago shares Greek history, art, and culture, including the experiences of Greek immigrants.

Art and Creativity

• The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the most famous art museums in the world. It has amazing paintings, sculptures, and other artworks from many different times and places.
• The Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago shows modern and new art. It's a place to see what artists are creating today.
• The Krannert Art Museum in Champaign, part of the University of Illinois, has art from ancient Egypt to modern photography.
• The Elmhurst Art Museum focuses on art, architecture, and design. It even has a house designed by a famous architect, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
• The Rockford Art Museum displays American art from the 1800s to today.
• The Pritzker Military Museum & Library in Chicago features military art from its collections.
• The National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago celebrates Mexican, Latino, and Chicano art and culture.
• The Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art in Chicago showcases contemporary art that reflects both Ukrainian and American experiences.

Fun for Kids and Families

• The Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier has lots of hands-on exhibits for younger kids.
• The Children's Discovery Museum in Normal is another great place for kids to explore and learn through play.
• The DuPage Children's Museum in Naperville offers interactive exhibits that mix art, math, and science.
• The Kohl Children's Museum in Glenview provides engaging activities for children to learn and grow.
• The Bronzeville Children's Museum in Chicago focuses on the historical experiences of African-American children.
• The Kidzeum of Health and Science in Springfield makes learning about health and science exciting for kids.

Transportation and Industry

• The Illinois Railway Museum in Union has steam, diesel, and electric trains. You can even take a ride on a historic train!
• The Aurora Regional Fire Museum shows the history of firefighting. You can see old fire trucks and equipment.
• The Caterpillar Visitors Center in Peoria tells the story of Caterpillar Inc. and its giant earth-moving machines.
• The Volo Auto Museum in Volo has cool cars from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, plus famous cars from movies and TV shows.
• The Wheels O' Time Museum in Peoria features antique vehicles, farm equipment, and tools.
• The McDonald's No. 1 Store Museum in Des Plaines is a recreation of the very first McDonald's restaurant.

Unique and Special Places

• The American Toby Jug Museum in Evanston has a huge collection of Toby jugs, which are special mugs shaped like people's faces.
• The International Museum of Surgical Science in Chicago explores the history of healing practices from around the world.
• The Super Museum in Metropolis is dedicated to Superman, located in his official hometown! It's full of memorabilia.
• The Marion E. Wade Center in Wheaton collects items from famous British authors like C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien.
• The Museum of the Gilding Arts in Pontiac teaches about the history and craft of using gold and silver leaf in art and decoration.

See also

• List of museums and cultural institutions in Chicago
• List of nature centers in Illinois
• List of historical societies in Illinois