All industrial & heritage museums to visit in Illinois

Explore the impact of industry on society at 31 industrial heritage museums in Illinois. These museums showcase the history of manufacturing, technology, and labor.

Are you curious about the history of industry and innovation? These are the top industrial heritage museums in Illinois:

  1. Museum of Science and Industry1

    Museum of Science and Industry

     Chicago, IL
    The Museum of Science and Industry is a renowned science center situated in Jackson Park, just a bit south of downtown Chicago. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city. The museum offers a unique blend of science and industry exhibits, making it a fascinating destination for individuals of all ages.
  2. International Museum of Surgical Science2

    International Museum of Surgical Science

     Chicago, IL
    The International Museum of Surgical Science is situated in the Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. The museum is managed by The International College of Surgeons, a prestigious organization dedicated to the advancement of surgical standards and patient care worldwide. This location offers a unique blend of history, science, and art, making it an interesting destination for a wide range of visitors.
  3. Mccormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum3

    Mccormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum

     Chicago, IL
    The Michigan Avenue Bridge, a bascule bridge over the Chicago River, is a significant landmark in Downtown Chicago. It serves as a border between the community sectors of the Loop and Near North Side. The bridge is crossed by Michigan Avenue, one of the city's major thoroughfares, and is maintained by the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT).
  4. Illinois Railway Museum4

    Illinois Railway Museum

     Union, IL
    The Illinois Railway Museum, located in Union, Illinois, is recognized as the largest railroad museum in the United States. It is situated 55 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, making it a convenient destination for those visiting the Chicago metropolitan area. The museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of railroads in the country.
  5. Fabyan Villa Museum5

    Fabyan Villa Museum

     Geneva, IL
    Fabyan Villa, located in Geneva, Illinois, served as the residence of George and Nelle Fabyan from approximately 1908 to 1939. The house is particularly noteworthy due to its extensive remodelling in 1907 by the renowned architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. This remodelling transformed the mid-1800s farmhouse into a unique Prairie-style country house, complete with a south wing, three verandas, and large eaves.
  6. Fox River Trolley Museum6

    Fox River Trolley Museum

     South Elgin, IL
    The Fox River Trolley Museum, located in South Elgin, Illinois, is a railroad museum that was incorporated in 1961 and opened to the public in 1966. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the history of railroads and trolleys, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts and train lovers alike.
  7. Amboy Depot Museum7

    Amboy Depot Museum

     Amboy, IL
    The Amboy station, located in Amboy, Lee County, Illinois, was originally built in 1876. It served dual purposes as the headquarters for the Illinois Central Railroad and as a public train station for the city of Amboy. The building's historical significance and architectural design make it an interesting site for tourists interested in history and architecture.
  8. National Museum of Ship Models and Sea History8

    National Museum of Ship Models and Sea History

     Sadorus, IL
    The National Museum of Ship Models and Sea History is a private, non-profit institution situated in Sadorus, Illinois. This museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing ship models from various periods and regions, providing a unique insight into maritime history and craftsmanship.
  9. Ryan’s Round Barn9

    Ryan’s Round Barn

     Kewanee, IL
    The Ryan Round Barn is a significant historical site located approximately six miles north of Kewanee, Illinois, within the Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park. This location offers a unique opportunity to explore a piece of Illinois' agricultural history in a beautiful natural setting.
  10. Pontiac City Hall and Fire Station10

    Pontiac City Hall and Fire Station

     Pontiac, IL
    The Pontiac City Hall and Fire Station is a significant historical site located at 110 W. Howard St. in Pontiac, Illinois. This building, which was constructed in 1900, served dual roles as both the city hall and fire station for Pontiac. It is an architectural marvel designed by John H. Barnes in the Romanesque Revival style. The building, although constructed as a single entity, has separate interiors for the city hall and fire station, connected by a bell tower. It served as the hub for Pontiac's city government and fire protection services until 1986.
  11. Joseph F. Glidden Homestead11

    Joseph F. Glidden Homestead

     DeKalb, IL
    The Joseph F. Glidden House, located in the city of DeKalb in DeKalb County, Illinois, was the residence of the renowned inventor of barbed wire, Joseph Glidden. This historic site offers a unique insight into the life and work of this significant figure, whose invention played a crucial role in the development of the American West.
  12. Union Depot Railroad Museum12

    Union Depot Railroad Museum

     Mendota, IL
    The Mendota station, located at 783 Main Street, Mendota, Illinois, serves as an Amtrak intercity train station. This location is easily accessible and provides a convenient starting point for your visit to the Union Depot Railroad Museum.
  13. John Deere Pavilion13

    John Deere Pavilion

     Moline, IL
    The John Deere Pavilion, located in Moline, Illinois, is both an attraction and a museum. It was opened in 1997 as part of an urban renewal project. This location offers a unique insight into the history and development of John Deere, a renowned agricultural machinery company.
  14. Batavia Historical Society14

    Batavia Historical Society

     Batavia, IL
    The Batavia Depot Museum, located in Batavia, Illinois, holds a significant place in the town's history as it was once the primary train station. It was the first of many depots built by the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, a major railroad company established in the 1850s. This historical significance adds a layer of depth to the museum's appeal, offering visitors a glimpse into the town's past and its connection to the broader railroad network in the region.
  15. Pullman National Historical Park Visitors Center15

    Pullman National Historical Park Visitors Center

     Chicago, IL
    The Pullman National Historical Park, located in Chicago, is a significant site in American history. It was established as a national monument by President Barack Obama on February 19, 2015, and was later converted into a National Historical Park in January 2023. This site is a testament to the country's industrial past and offers a unique insight into the evolution of American industry and labor relations.
  16. J.H. Hawes Grain Elevator & Museum16

    J.H. Hawes Grain Elevator & Museum

     Atlanta, IL
    The J. H. Hawes Elevator, a historic grain elevator, is situated on 2nd Street in Atlanta, Illinois. This location is steeped in history and offers a unique insight into the agricultural practices of the past. Visitors can explore this historic site and learn about its role in the local farming community.
  17. John Deere Historic Site17

    John Deere Historic Site

     Grand Detour, IL
    The John Deere House and Shop, located in the village of Grand Detour, Illinois, is a significant site in the history of American agriculture. It was here that John Deere invented the first steel plow in 1837, a development that revolutionized farming practices. Visitors to the site can explore Deere's house, a replica of his original blacksmith shop, and an archaeological exhibit showing the excavation site of his original blacksmith shop.
  18. Aurora Regional Fire Museum18

    Aurora Regional Fire Museum

     Aurora, IL
    The Aurora Regional Fire Museum is an educational institution situated in Aurora, Illinois, USA. It is a place where visitors can learn about the history of fire departments in the region and the importance of fire safety and prevention.
  19. Elgin Fire Barn Number 5 Museum19

    Elgin Fire Barn Number 5 Museum

     Elgin, IL
    The building of Fire Barn 5 is a notable example of Classical Revival architecture. It functioned as a fire station until 1991, the same year it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This recognition underscores the building's historical and architectural significance.
  20. Quincy Museum20

    Quincy Museum

     Quincy, IL
    The Richard F. Newcomb House, a historic house located at 1601 Maine Street in Quincy, Illinois, is a significant part of the city's history. Built in 1890-91 for Richard F. Newcomb, the founder of the Quincy Paper Company, the house stands as a testament to the city's industrial past. The house's Richardsonian Romanesque design, a result of a collaboration between local architects Harvey Chatten and Ernest M. Wood, adds to its historic charm.
  21. Monticello Railway Museum21

    Monticello Railway Museum

     Monticello, IL
    The Monticello Railway Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of railroads. It is located in Monticello, Illinois, approximately 18 miles west of Champaign. The museum houses a vast collection of railroad equipment and offers a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the history and significance of railroads in the United States.
  22. Galesburg Railroad Museum22

    Galesburg Railroad Museum

     Galesburg, IL
    The Galesburg Railroad Museum is situated at 211 South Seminary Street, Galesburg, IL 61401. This location is easily accessible and provides a convenient spot for tourists to visit and explore the rich history of railroads.
  23. Dillon Home Museum - Sterling Park District23

    Dillon Home Museum - Sterling Park District

     Sterling, IL
    Constructed in 1858, the Dillon Home Museum is a Victorian home cast in the Italianate style. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 9, 1980, further cementing its status as a significant historical site. Visitors can appreciate the architectural beauty and historical significance of this preserved home.
  24. Villa Park Historical Society24

    Villa Park Historical Society

     Villa Park, IL
    The Villa Avenue Train Station, which is one of two former Chicago Aurora and Elgin Railroad (CA&E) stations in Villa Park, Illinois, now serves as the home of the Villa Park Historical Society Museum. This historic building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986, is a testament to the rich history of the area. It was built between August and November 1929, replacing two smaller waiting rooms on the east side of Villa Park. The station was a hub of activity, serving passengers and functioning as an office for the Western United Gas and Electric Company.
  25. Graue Mill and Museum25

    Graue Mill and Museum

     Oak Brook, IL
    The Graue Mill holds a significant place in American history as one of three authenticated stops in Illinois on the Underground Railroad. This clandestine network was instrumental in helping fugitive slaves escape from the American South to Canada. Visitors to the mill can learn about this important aspect of American history.
  26. 26

    Chicago Athenaeum

     Galena, IL
    The Chicago Athenaeum is a private museum dedicated to the art of design in all its forms: architecture, industrial and product design, graphics, landscape architecture, and urban planning. Located in Galena, Illinois, the museum is housed in a former brewery building, adding a touch of historical charm to its modern focus. It was founded in 1988 by Christian K. Narkiewicz-Laine in Chicago and moved to its current location in 2004.
  27. 27

    C.H. Moore Homestead - DeWitt County Museum

     Clinton, IL
    The C.H. Moore Homestead DeWitt County Museum offers a variety of attractions for visitors. These include the restored Victorian mansion, special exhibits, the Kent Collection, and the original carriage barn. The museum also features gardens, a replica of an Indiana-style covered bridge, an operable blacksmith shop, and three barns filled with antique farm equipment, tools, buggies, sleighs, autos, railroad items, and a working telephone display. These diverse exhibits provide a comprehensive view of the region's history and culture.
  28. 28

    Hieronymus Mueller Museum

     Decatur, IL
    A German immigrant, that turned into a businessman and inventor. Water tapper, sanitary drinking fountain and Mueller-Benz car. Explore more!
  29. 29

    Harris Agricultural Museum

     Atwood, IL
    Authentic displays in the heart of U.S. agricultural production center. Antique tractors and engines for dads and sons to explore.
  30. 30

    National Great Rivers Museum

     Alton, IL
    Listen to the story of the Mississippi River and explore how it affects your life.
  31. 31

    Wheels O' Time Museum

     Chicago, IL
    The Wheels O' Time Museum is located in Dunlap, Illinois, United States. It is a unique museum that showcases a variety of exhibits, each with its own historical significance.