All profession & craft museums to visit in Illinois

Discover the skills and trades that have shaped societies at 6 profession and craft museums in Illinois. These museums highlight the history and techniques of various professions and crafts.

Are you interested in the art of craftsmanship? These are the must-visit profession and craft museums in Illinois:

  1. 1

    Busy Beaver Button Museum

     Chicago, IL
    Busy Beaver Button Museum offers a different look at history via a collection of buttons collected over the last century. Historical moments, lives and experiences of the buttons' owners nicely illustrate a whole century since 1896 when the pinback buttons were patented.
  2. Chana School Museum2

    Chana School Museum

     Oregon, IL
    Chana School, located in the county seat of Oregon, Illinois, is a Registered Historic Place. This unique two-room schoolhouse, which has been relocated from its original site, offers a glimpse into the past. The school's unusual shape adds to its charm and historical significance.
  3. John Deere Historic Site3

    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.
  4. Aurora Regional Fire Museum4

    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.
  5. Elgin Fire Barn Number 5 Museum5

    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.
  6. 6

    Joliet Area Historical Museum

     Joliet, IL
    The Joliet Area Historical Museum, situated in Joliet, Illinois, is a significant institution that documents the rich history of Joliet and the surrounding Will County. The museum provides a comprehensive insight into the area's past, making it an ideal destination for history enthusiasts and curious tourists alike.