Fun Friday
Good Morning we have made it through another week and now it's time to go on our weekly Friday adventure.
Can you guess where we are going this week? We are going to visit the state of Illinois
1.) Millennium Park located in Chicago hours of operation are 6am-11pm Three square blocks of open lakefront complete with a Ferris Wheel, outdoor music pavilion and ice skating rink; expected to become one of the city's most popular sites.
2.) Wrigley Field Get a behind-the-scenes look at the legendary home of the Chicago Cubs with Wrigley Field Tours. Built in 1914, this must-see Chicago attraction houses more than 100 years of history. New this year, fans can join us on a non-gameday Ivy Tour which includes the opportunity to take a photo in front of Wrigley Field’s historic ivy wall.
3.) Museum of Science and Industry The largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere! Housed in the only remaining building from the 1893 World’s Fair, MSI is a Chicago must-see. You’ll experience 14 acres of hands-on exhibits and have the chance to stand before a 40-foot tornado; climb aboard a World War II German submarine; take a run in a human-sized hamster wheel; descend into an Illinois coal mine; tour a fully functioning eco-friendly home; board a 727 hanging from the ceiling; transmit your pulse to a 13-foot, 3-D beating heart; and much more! MSI is not a place where you walk around quietly and observe. No way! You get involved in the fun—and learn—by doing. Just a few miles from downtown with convenient underground parking.
4.) Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum located in Springfield In a stunning combination of scholarship and showmanship, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum immerses you in Lincoln's world and time. Journey from a rustic Indiana cabin to the Executive Mansion in the nation's capital; follow the fate of America's 16th president and share the joys and sorrows of a family - and a nation. (Please be advised, while the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum is open 7 days a week, the Presidential Library is only open on weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.)
5.) Lincoln Park Zoo hours of operation are 10-5pm Founded in 1868, the Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the country's last free-admission zoos. There are over 1,200 animal residents, self-guided tours, and interactive activities with seals, polar bears, and penguins—check the schedule for timings. Don’t miss the Regenstein Center for African Apes—a popular habitat showcasing cheeky chimpanzees and majestic gorillas. Navigating the zoo is a breeze with multiple points of entry and wide paths to boot. Check for early closures before visiting and arrive in the morning to cover the majority of the exhibits.
6.) Lincoln Home National Historic Site located in Springfield hours of operation are 8:30-5pm The only house Abraham Lincoln ever owned is the centerpiece of this four-block historic neighborhood. Lincoln and his family lived in the two-story house from 1844 until 1861, when their address changed to the White House.
7.) Historic Auto Attractions located in Roscoe hours of operation are 10-5pm Experience all the History and Artifacts that Historic Auto Attractions has to offer. More than just a display of automobiles, It’s a journey through time! With over 80,000 sq. ft. of exhibits including the world’s largest collection of Presidential and World Leader’s Limousines, a vast collection of Gangster Era vehicles and memorabilia, a large Elvis Presley display and memorabilia, TV Land cars, and Cars from Hit Movies such as Batman, Ghostbusters, and Back to the Future. You’ll love the Old West area with vintage style stage coaches, a full size log cabin, and other interesting turn-of-the-century artifacts. We house one of the most extensive collections of John F. Kennedy & Kennedy Family artifacts & memorabilia in the country. We also have new additions to the museum including the Hall of Christ room, a 911 Memorial room, an Egyptian Artifacts room, Antique Clocks room, NASA exhibit, a huge Animal Kingdom area, plus many more! We are centrally located just north of Rockford, IL
8.) Ulysses S. Grant Home located in Galena hours of operation are 9-4pm This Italianate-style brick house, with original furnishings, looks very much as it did in 1865 when a group of townspeople presented it as a gift to Ulysses S. Grant on his victorious return from the Civil War. While visiting Galena if you want to immerse yourself in the city go take the trolley system around the city
9. ) Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio located in Oak Park hours of operation are 9-5pm admission starts at $27 The Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio in Oak Park, Illinois served as Wright's private residence and workplace from 1889 to 1909--the first 20 years of his career. Today, Oak Park is home to the world’s largest collection of Wright-designed buildings. Wright used his first home to experiment with design concepts that contain the seeds of his architectural philosophy. In his adjacent studio, Wright and his associates developed a new American architecture - the Prairie style. Enjoy guided tours of the museum complex and neighboring historic district seven days a week. Trained interpreters offer insights into Wright's family life and architectural legacy. Tour details are available on the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust website
10.) Cantigny Park located in Wheaton hours of operation are 9-5pm Welcome to Cantigny! Discover a world of beauty, learning and fun just around the corner! Cantigny was Colonel Robert R. McCormick’s gift to the community and all 500 acres are yours to enjoy. There is a military museum here that is really impressive and worth the stop. Plan your visit today!
11.) Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site located in Collinsville hours of operation are 9-5pm A sophisticated Native American society of about 20,000 people that operated via a sun calendar and disappeared by 1400.
12.) The World Famous Volo Museum hours of operation are 10-5pm admission is roughly $24 The World Famous Volo Museum now has 45 exhibits and over 10,000 mechanical marvels, so it guarantees to have something amazing for guests of any age. In the past year, they have added Jurassic Gardens, the Midwest’s largest indoor dinosaur experience, a vintage ice cream parlor, Titanic experience, Fast & Furious collection, Ford vs. Ferrari exhibit and a new Duesenberg Room. You can now also ride their fully hand-carved, hand-painted 1928 carousel! In addition to the hundreds of rare and collectible classic cars on rotation, there’s a modern muscle division. Volo Museum is known world-wide for their collection of Hollywood vehicles, planes, trains and boats! There is a massive military museum, crime and torture museum, Disney displays, vintage arcade games and over 300 vendors in their antique mall! Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free parking.
13.) Superman Statue located in Metropolis this 15 ft tall statue resides in town square. There are a number of businesses scattered throughout the downtown area that embrace the Superman theme Once you finish at the Superman Statue, be sure to walk a couple of blocks north to the and grab your selfie at the Lois Lane Statue. Also directly across from the Superman Statue is the Superman Gift Shop and Museum
14.) Discovery Center Museum located in Rockford hours of operation are 9:30-4:30pm Discovery Center is a children's science museum with more than 300 hands-on exhibits relating to the human body, simple machines, agriculture, sports, color and light, air and flight and communication. In addition, Discovery Center has an outdoor park complete with a dinosaur dig pit, sandbox, swings, slides, echo tubes, climbing structure, water play area, Secret Garden and more. The museum has garnered local, state and national recognition as one of the top children's museums in the country.
15.) IL Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum located in Pontiac hours of operation are 10-4pm What a wonderful nod to the history of Route 66 in Illinois. I was most impressed with the cases with memorabilia from all the little towns 66 went through as well as the murals and VW van and one of a kind home on a bus. You can view at your leisure( it’s free but donations are accepted)There is an elevator onsite as there are three floors in the museum complex (plenty of free parking across the street.) While in Pontiac also check out the Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum hours of operation are 10-4pm
16.) Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center located in Skokie hours are 10-5pm Admission Price is about $18. The mission of Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center is expressed in its founding principle: “Remember the Past, Transform the Future.” The Museum is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Holocaust by honoring the memories of those who were lost and by teaching universal lessons that combat hatred, prejudice, and indifference.
17.) The Caterpillar Visitors Center located in Peoria hours of operation are 10-3pm The Caterpillar Visitors Center is a fascinating look at the company, the iron and the people making sustainable progress possible around the world. From the humble beginnings of the first tractor to the company's present-day leadership in building infrastructure and powering the planet — it's all right here on Peoria's beautiful riverfront. We invite you to experience Caterpillar like never before and plan your visit today.
18.) The Illinois Railway Museum located in Union The Illinois Railway Museum is the largest museum of its kind in America. Ride historic trains on the museum's five-mile demonstration railroad. See giant steam locomotives, powerful diesels and elegant electric cars on display and in operation. Enjoy educational displays, a train-themed playground for children, and immersive exhibits. Bring a picnic or dine at the Central Avenue Diner. The museum's collection includes such highlights as the "Nebraska Zephyr" streamliner, featured in the movie "A League of Their Own;" the 1941 "Electroliner" train which helped inspire Japan's famous Bullet trains; the last surviving "Green Hornet" streetcar from Chicago; and a 1918 steam locomotive originally built for export to Imperial Russia.
19.) Boo Rochman Memorial Park located in Carbondale This is a D n D memorial park to a teenager that died- n what a place !! Bring a dollar or 5 n donate it. It’s free but it’s such a great memorial for a great cause. The castle had some really fun false walls and secret passages that were so fun. I know nothing about DND but i do love all things fairytale but it's such an amazing place to be. I could totally stay all day.
20.) Midway Village & Museum Center located in Rockford Midway Village Museum is situated on 13 acres of the beautiful grounds which offers visitors the opportunities to learn about life as it was in the late 1890s-1910s. The grounds include 26 structures which create the Village and heritage gardens, all representing a rural community. During the months of May through August, interpreters in authentic period clothing lead tours and depict life and customs of the times. Permanent exhibits highlight local Rockford and regional Illinois history. The construction continues on one of the largest museum expansions to date entitled, "Many Faces, One Community," an exhibit featuring immigrant stories. Gallery," "Old Dolls' House Museum," and signature "Millhouse," standing at the front entrance to the museum's property. Hours Vary Seasonally Visitors Enjoy . Seasonal Victorian Village Tours with year-round Exhibits in the Main Museum Center Year-round special events and programs
21.) David Davis Mansion State Historic Site located in Bloomington Well preserved local historical home, with many artifacts from the family and the period. Very relevant for anyone who is a Lincoln enthusiast - many connections between this family and Lincoln I didn't know and researched more about later. While here check out the The McLean County Museum of History
22.) John Deere Historic Site located in Grand Detour hours of operation are 9-5pm Stroll through the John Deere Historic Site and see where John Deere got his start. Our guides are very knowledgeable and will guide you through the buildings or if you choose you can venture on your own. We have a blacksmith working in the shop periodically producing items for our gift shop. We also have a covered pavilion if you wish to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the site. We are wheelchair accessible and it is all free.
23.) DuPage Children's Museum located in Naperville the museum is clean and well organized. Most activities are geared towards kids 18 months up to 7 or 8 years old. This museum is simply awesome. It has activities, play rooms, and events for infants, toddlers, and kids. I LOVED the SplashZone (bring a change of clothes like they suggest, seriously!) and the Young Explorers areas (for children under two). Even though it's geared at kids, we had a blast too! The cafe was delicious, healthy, and reasonably priced The family bathrooms are really well designed and, for nursing moms, there's also a comfy, private nursing room! This is a wonderful community resource.
24.) Children's Discovery Museum hours of operation are 9-8pm Located in the heart of beautiful Uptown Normal, Illinois, the mission of the Children’s Discovery Museum is to inspire the love of learning through the power of play. Find three floors of hands-on exhibits, classes, and programs that actively engage both child and adult visitors in experiences that stimulate imagination, curiosity, and wonder. The Children’s Discovery Museum values a safe, fun, inclusive and engaging environment. Find a variety of learning experiences that address many styles and abilities. The CDM staff works with a flexibility of thought and adaptability of behaviors to better meet individual needs. A powerful play experience and a passionate staff assists in the development of the whole child who is surrounded by healthy relationships, healthy families, and a healthy community. Admission includes full-day in/out access. Accessible parking is available in a safe, clean parking deck next door. Free surface lots and street parking are available with time limits.
25.) Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm located in Homer Glen Bengtson Pumpkin Farm is the premier fall festival and Pumpkin Patch in the Chicago land area. Established in 1980 the Bengtson family was selling their pumpkin crop to the public from the family farm. Over the past 40 years the farm has come to include one of a kind attractions that have families returning year after year. Our farm has food options that are most easily described as award winning, not your typical festival food. Unlike many other farms and festivals these days Bengtson's admission includes unlimited access to all the rides and activities. One low price for an entire day of fun. There are many options when it comes to pumpkin patches, but Bengtson's is the only choice. Our farm is the highest rated and most reviewed farm you will find. The all new Tractor Town Adventure Ride, all paved walkways so even the newest members of the family can enjoy the farm from the stroller. Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm is an experience like no other.
26.) Wheels O' Time Museum located in Dunlap hours of operation are 12-5pm OPEN FROM MAY THRU OCTOBER. NEW EXHIBIT BUILDING opened in 2021 includes military, vintage Caterpillar machines, and "Bricks in Motion" giant LEGO display! The Wheels O' Time Museum campus encompasses 6 buildings of over 30,000 sq. feet, filled with treasures from our past. The museum’s exhibits include interactive and educational materials for all ages, from forty-five antique and collector cars to a steam locomotive and rail cars, farm and Caterpillar equipment, a restored LeTourneau Steel House from 1938, fire trucks, airplanes, bicycles, clocks, music devices, vintage clothing, and many more exhibits for the enjoyment of kids and adults alike. Through many of the exhibits, visitors get a glimpse into early domestic and industrial life. In 2019, the LeTourneau Steel House was designated a historic landmark.
27.) National Great Rivers Museum located in Alton The museum is adjacent to Lock and Dam #26 (Melvin Price Locks and Dam). A free tour of the facility is available, and we found it informative. There are a number of interactive exhibits about the great rivers and how locks and dams work. Informative to be sure, but it's designed most for children. There is also a children's activity area in the museum. There are 3 movies you can ask to be played while you are here.
28.) Rock Island Arsenal Rock Island Arsenal is an active US Army facility located on a 946-acre island in the Mississippi River. In 1969, the arsenal was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1989, the original arsenal buildings were designated a National Historic Landmark. Today, Rock Island Arsenal is our nation's largest government owned and operated arsenal. The importance of the island was identified as early as 1809, when it was set aside as a federal military reservation by an Act of Congress.
29.) Popeye Museum located in Chester Chester with a population of about 10,000 sits on a bluff above the Mississippi River. Popeye's Hometown Shop and Museum opened in 1994, properly sited in the town's old Opera House where the cartoon originator worked at the age of 12. The beautiful store/museum is now run by a lovely lady in her early 60s who moved to Chester with her husband a few years ago after living 30 years in Memphis. With a clean restroom, there is something of interest for anyone interested in this comic strip or dolls, Pez dispensers, or even odd beer cans. There are murals and sculptures around town and in early September, the fan club has a 3 day event: Popeye's Picnic.
30.) Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home located in Dixon Ronald Reagan's Boyhood Home in Dixon, Illinois, isn't a popular tourist attraction that compares to Mount Vernon or Monticello or even Lincoln's home in Springfield, Illinois. But the home that the 40th President of the United States lived in as a youth beginning in 1920 relates to modern generations. Located at 816 South Hennepin Avenue, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. Built in 1891, its design is fairly typical of American houses during the time period. It is cast in the popular Queen Anne style, a two-story, three-bedroom wooden structure with a covered front porch resting on a stone foundation and topped with a gable roof which was originally covered with cedar shingles. Reagan and his family lived here from late 1920 to 1923. He was nine years old at the time and in elementary school. Reagan and his brother Neil shared a second-floor bedroom. They used the only outbuilding on the property for raising rabbits. In the side yard, they participated in pickup football games. The house is open to the public from April to October.
31.) Graue Mill & Museum located in Oak Brook One of two operating water-powered grist mills in Illinois The Graue Mill and Museum is located at 3800 South York Road in Oak Brook, Illinois, northwest of the junction of Spring and York Roads, on the banks of Salt Creek, surrounded by Fullersburg Woods. The mill is a water-powered grist mill that was originally erected in 1852. Now a museum, it is one of two operating water-powered grist mills in Illinois. The other is located in Franklin Creek. The Graue Mill, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, is open to the public and continues to grind grain which can be purchased at the site. Historically, the mill is one of three authenticated Illinois stops on the Underground Railroad, the subversive movement that helped fugitive slaves escape from the American South to Canada. It operated in eastern DuPage County under three generations of the Graue family for nearly 60 years. In the 1910s, advances in milling technology, particularly the invention of steel rolling mills, drove the Graue mill out of business. It was restored by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1934-1943 and opened to the public as a working historic site in 1951. It was recognized as a Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark in 1981.
32.) Old Joliet Prison hours of operation are 10-5pm Opened in 1858, just six years after the incorporation of the City of Joliet, the Illinois State Penitentiary, Joliet, now known simply as the “Old Joliet Prison,” has – for better or worse been – synonymous with the City of Joliet for nearly its entire history. The Prison is probably best known today for its most popular, albeit fictional inmate – “Joliet Jake” Blues from the 1980 film “The Blues Brothers.” Since then, the Prison has made a number of appearances in films in television, including as the character of “Fox River State Penitentiary” in the critically acclaimed Fox series “Prison Break,” and in smaller scenes in Derailed, Let’s Go to Prison, and recently, Empire.
33.) Casey is one of the best quaint little towns to visit. They host some of the world's largest items such as a pitchfork, a bird cage and many other items. It is definitely worth the day trip to check out everything and be sure to bring the cameras.
34.) Discovery Depot Children's Museum located in Galesburg hours of operation are 9-3pm Children's Museum with 2 floors of interactive exhibits, science classroom and an art studio. We "Inspire wonder and excitement for learning"! Programs offered weekly and monthly. Fence enclosed playground. Free Wi-fi and concessions available.
35.) Extreme Flight Simulation located in Gurnee hours of operation are 9-8pm Our simulator exactly reproduces the flight deck of the 737 NG, the best-selling medium-haul aircraft in the world today. Test your skills at take off and landing. No experience required.
With over 900 things to do in the state I am sure you could find tons of things to do. Chicago is full of different things to do. There are state parks,zoos and tons of cool parks for the kids.
I hope that you have enjoyed this week's tour and come back next week for another amazing adventure. Remember to always be kind as it costs nothing and if you see someone without a smile stop and give them yours a smile is contagious.
Written by: BeautifulChaos318
