Top Things to do in Illinois
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Top 10 History Museums in Illinois, United States
Discover the best top things to do in Illinois, United States including Aurora Historical Museum, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, Boone County Historical Museum, Williamson County Historical Museum and Library, Chicago History Museum, Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum, Bishop Hill Heritage Association Museum, Galena / Jo Daviess County Historical Society and Museum.
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1. Aurora Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
2. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,422 reviews
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 capitol; 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.)
Reviewed By D2620VEdanc - Avinger, United States
Took an 2 hour, self-guided afternoon tour of the Licoln Memorial in Springfield Illinois with our daughter's family and 3 grandchildren, ages 4 - 9. The memorial is filled with very interesting pieces of Abraham Lincoln's family life, Civil War and presidency. The interesting and artistic displays and videos bring life to the memorial that holds the attention of the 4 year old up to the grandparents. An afternoon well spent.
3. Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 257 reviews
Designed by renowned architect Stanley Tigerman, the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center is one of Chicagoland's premier attractions. The Museum uses lessons from the Holocaust to focus attention on contemporary issues of genocide, intolerance, and inhumanity at home and worldwide.
Reviewed By tosl - Jersey City, United States
Other than DC, this is the most powerful and comprehensive museum I have seen on the Holocaust outside of visiting the camps themselves. An easy 20-minute drive from Chicago, this should not be near the top of any itinerary, this should be the top site. Excellent job to the curator and staff - very moving.
4. Boone County Historical Museum
5. Williamson County Historical Museum and Library
6. Chicago History Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,146 reviews
From Chicago's sports to politics, the Union Stockyards to the Great Chicago Fire - there's so much to explore at the Chicago History Museum. Dive right in with the Museum's exhibitions and programs or get out and explore the city through guided tours and events. Founded in 1856, the Chicago History Museum shares Chicago's stories, serving as a hub of scholarship and learning, inspiration and civic engagement. If you live in Chicago or visit here and are curious about the city's past, present and future, the museum should be your first stop.
Reviewed By ellenbR4096MW - Hortonville, United States
I just spent the afternoon at the museum. What a great collection! The exhibits are many and varied. I really enjoyed the Silver Screen to Mainstream American Fashion exhibit. The Modern by Design exhibit illustrates well how industrial design was influenced by Art Deco. It was incorporated into so many everyday products! The little dioramas of the city are very well crafted, especially the Chicago Fire exhibit. I also enjoyed viewing the many Chicago made products in the City on the Make exhibit. The American Medina exhibit opened my eyes to the prejudices faced by Muslims here. I definitely recommend this museum. If you have time, stop for a meal in the cafe. The food is delicious! I recommend the Chicago Dog & French Onion Soup.
7. Lincoln Home National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,751 reviews
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.
Reviewed By X7472TVtomk
This site, run by the National Park Service is well maintained and restored, with a visitor's center, a free guided tour of Lincoln's home, and several other restored homes. We spent two hours which included a 20 minute tour of the home. The book store in the visitor's center is very comprehensive.
8. Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
9. Bishop Hill Heritage Association Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
10. Galena / Jo Daviess County Historical Society and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 331 reviews
It's worth the climb up the steep stairway to see what's inside this lovely Italianate home built in 1858: an actual lead mine, Civil War memorabilia, items honoring Ulysses S. Grant (including an original painting depicting Robert E. Lee's surrender to Grant), plus other historical articles from Galena and Jo Daviess County.
Reviewed By sarahkE5365QB - Taxco, Mexico
We didn't know much about Galena beforehand, but learned a great deal at this little museum. There were many informative videos (and a hologram) about Grant, his generals, Lincoln, and other tidbits of Civil War history. I enjoyed learning about the ice age, and the driftless region. Since I grew up around Cincinnati near the Ohio River, I am familiar with the Steamboats and the glory of the age. I also like how the topography of this area reminds me of home. I learned about the rise and fall of the mining business, and how the city has changed over time. Highly recommended.
