Open air museums in Illinois

The Black Hawk State Historic Site is a significant location in Rock Island, Illinois. It is situated next to the historic site of the village of Saukenuk, which was once home to a band of Native Americans from the Sauk nation. This site offers a unique opportunity to explore the history and culture of the Sauk nation, providing a deeper understanding of the Native American heritage in this region.

Wildlife Prairie Park, also known as the Hazel & Bill Rutherford Wildlife Prairie Park, is a significant natural attraction located in Peoria County, Illinois. It is situated approximately 10 miles west of downtown Peoria in central Illinois, making it easily accessible for visitors from the city and surrounding areas.

The Rochelle Railroad Park is a city park situated in Rochelle, Illinois. It is a safe haven for railfans, providing them with the opportunity to view and photograph trains. The park is designed to cater to the interests of train enthusiasts, offering a unique experience that allows visitors to get up close and personal with the world of railroads.

The Bishop Hill State Historic Site is an open-air museum situated in Henry County, Illinois. It is conveniently located approximately 2 miles north of U.S. Route 34 in the town of Bishop Hill. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists traveling by road.

Located in Hartford, Illinois, the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site commemorates Camp River Dubois. This was the camp of the Lewis and Clark Expedition from December 1803 to May 1804. The site provides a glimpse into the historical journey of Lewis and Clark.

Cantigny, located in Wheaton, Illinois, is a sprawling 500-acre park that was once the estate of Joseph Medill and his grandson Colonel Robert R. McCormick, both notable publishers of the Chicago Tribune. This expansive park, situated just 30 miles west of Chicago, offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty, making it an interesting destination for tourists.

Lincoln’s New Salem is an open-air museum located in Menard County, Illinois. This historic site is dedicated to the memory of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. The museum was established in the 1930s as a reconstruction of the abandoned prairie town of New Salem, where Lincoln spent his early adult years. It provides a unique opportunity for visitors to step back in time and experience the environment that shaped one of the most influential figures in American history.

Naper Settlement is an outdoor history museum that was established in 1969. It is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and spans across 12 acres. The museum consists of a collection of thirty historical buildings and structures that originate from the Naperville, Illinois area.

The Garfield Farm and Inn Museum, located in Kane County, Illinois, is a recognized Historic Place in the United States. This 375-acre farmstead, which dates back to the 1840s, offers a unique glimpse into the past. The museum is home to three original structures from the 1840s, including a hay and grain barn, a horse barn, and the inn itself. The property also features various other barns and outbuildings, the most recent of which dates back to 1906.

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.

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.

Living museum that can take you and your kids to 19th century farm. Miniature train, ponds and stream... Amazing idea for a family day out!

Detour into the world of the peculiar religious group - Amish. Vast open-air museum presenting their life and beliefs.