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Historic Attractions

4.9 (46 reviews)
Open 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Updated 1 month ago

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Steven T.

Wow the name is very misleading because it's much more than an auto museum. I'm a car guy so I love car shows and car museums so I thought I would spend a Saturday in IL and do the museum, lunch and any other things that I want to do. The museum is pretty cool because it has cars and historical items from famous people. Tony is a weekend volunteer at the museum who has a passion for sharing his knowledge of all the items in the museum which he will gladly tell you about. The museum has a section dedicated to auto racers from IL with cars, pictures, trophies etc. lots of wax figures of famous people that some look real while some look not as good. The museum has tons of personal items from famous people and lots of presidential items from past presidents on display. The museum has displays from tv and movie shows with cars and figures. They have a space section where you can see inside the space capsules which is cool. You just have to see it for yourself to appreciate it. Just looking at the name you would never know how much cool stuff is in the building and it's a neat place to spend a little time walking around and looking at everything.

Very interesting but way to much to see in one day if you look and read some of the captions. Also I recommend better circulation of air, very stuffy in there. We had a hard time finding our way out, so definitely could use some signage on with way to the main exit/entrance.

A car from the speed racer section.
Shane E.

This historic museum is a very good and educational place, has almost 150 vehicles, Elvis Presley, presidential section, and many more. It's very clean inside obviously well taken care of I have 0 complaints about the place I recommend it highly to those who are interested. There was also someone walking around if you had a question you could ask him, Tony Farrell is his name. Recommend going 10/10.

Old Movie theater projector

It was amazing very interesting. Had so much Detail for items and many different subjects if you wanna learn about specific such as Presidents, World Wars, and different types of cars. definitely recommend coming here!

Dollhouse
Gillian E.

My husband I went here, and had a great time. So much to see, cars are only a small part. They even had a dollhouse! If you go on a weekend, call ahead, or when you get there, ask for a free tour with Tony. He is great, and knows so much. He can tell you the back story on every piece in the museum! We spent over 4 hours there, and did not see everything. I can't wait to go back! A great place for a family to spend time together and learn fun facts.

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7 months ago

Informative, clean, excellent choice of exhibits. Museum kind of hard to find. Worth the visit

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1 year ago

Went with a bus tour. I was amazed at all the displays. Tony was a wonderful tour guide and told us about each display

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3 years ago

Impressive and fun museum. Worth the stop. Very extensive and interesting collection.

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Ask the Community - Historic Attractions

Review Highlights - Historic Attractions

if u want to learn more ask for Tony he will help and guide u & go into depth about every historical event.

Mentioned in 14 reviews

Read more highlights

Illinois Railway Museum

Illinois Railway Museum

(130 reviews)

** Kind Staff ** ** Fun Time **…read more We have been going to the Illinois Railway Museum for about eight years now and I wanted to share the love. Take an amazing journey through time with these amazing machines. Honestly, whether you're interested in trains or not, you will be captivated by the history stored at the Illinois Railway Museum. Some of these old locomotives are incredible, where they've been, being able to take a peek inside or actually walk into is so cool. This especially great if you have midwest pride, lots from the midwest. Fun stuff for the entire family as well. Train rides with Santa, ride Thomas the Train, great times. They have a dinner that slings a decent burger. There's been magic shows, music and food trucks. Despite the drive the family loves this place and we'll be back! Thanks Illinois Railway Museum!

The amount of equipment they have is impressive. If you have any interest in railroads you can…read moredefinitely spend the day here. Wear some boots. Unfortunately they close early. 5pm is a lie. They really start closing at 4pm. This seems to be a common issue as my friend said this had happened to him two years prior as well. They even shut the door and turned the lights off on my friend and I when we were in one of the sheds without any announcement. The train rides were quite short. I expected more from them. It was difficult to ascertain when the trains were set to leave the station. Different staff members will give you different information on when trains operate. the last train for the day was at 3:30 and this information was not posted anywhere I thought the cheeseburgers and fries were excellent. They have a yellowjacket problem. There were many of them in various areas of the park. be careful if you are allergic. I think they could have better engagement for kids. The pumpkin patch was not much.

Midway Village & Museum Center - Ceremony at Midway village

Midway Village & Museum Center

(14 reviews)

Midway village is great. They have a free walking path and grassy field area open to the public,…read morewhich is beautiful in the spring, summer and fall. The walking path is about a mile around which is a great distance for us. They also have a veterans memorial off the side of the path. Next door they have a museum which I've never been to, but I have been to a wedding nearby and it was a really nice backdrop. I know they have lots of events here throughout the year, including a WWII re-enactment that people from all over the state and region come to. Definitely a place worth checking out.

Worth a visit and we didn't even see everything here!…read more If you're a fan of "A League of Their Own" you need to come see the exhibit about the Rockford Peaches and the All American Girls Professional Baseball League. There's also info about the history of the sock monkey and red heeled socks which are from Rockford, in addition to information about Camp Grant and other local history. We didn't go through the historical village part, but we did check out the dollhouse museum (apparently the collection of one person, but there wasn't really any information about them in the building and no one manning this space). The gift shop is small but well appointed (they need a penny smasher, though!) People can also rent spaces/venues here; there were two weddings happening here the day we were there! A nice smaller local history museum.

Ten Chimneys

Ten Chimneys

(17 reviews)

I am obsessed with Ten Chimneys!!…read more The backstory is fascinating. This wonderful, glamorous Broadway couple found their way to the sweet little mid-west town of Genesee Depot is intriguing on it's own. Their summer home is lovely. I can feel the parties and good times that surely took place in years gone by. Everything has been lovingly preserved by those in charge and offer a wonderful glimpse into this adored couple's lives. The grounds are the perfect backdrop to the home. The entire estate gives off a quiet and relaxing vibe. It makes me understand why, on their time off, they would long to come home to Ten Chimneys. There were 2 tour times offered. Everyone takes a small bus from the starting point. A talented docent brings you on a detailed journey back in time and into the private world of Alfred Lunt and his wife Lynn Fontanne. Of course, there is a gift shop to visit after your tour. Be sure to check out the customer restrooms. The ladies room is glamorous with ladies finery and there is a huge King's throne in the mens room! Don't miss the walking tails if you want to take in a bit more nature!

As a classic film and theater nerd, Ten Chimneys holds a special place in my heart. The former home…read moreof Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, the home and grounds are impeccable and just they was as they Lunts left them. Thanks to some love from investors, their stories are preserved and memorialized through the maintenance of Ten Chimneys and the many individuals from all over the world who come to this tiny Wisconsin town to remember them and Hollywood's days gone by. Cross the same threshold that the likes of Vivien Leigh, Helen Hayes, Lawrence Olivier, Katharine Hepburn, Noel Coward, Alexander Woolcott, and so many others crossed, as you become part of the storied list of visitors. Tours must be arranged in advance.

Volo Museum - Volo Museum! (keepsmilingphoto.com)

Volo Museum

(318 reviews)

What a fun and unique experience right in our backyard of the burbs. When you walk in you wouldn't…read moreeven know what to expect and as you walk through the museum it gets better with more history and more fun cars and exhibits to look at. From modern movies to historical sites, there's a little of everything. Heck you can even see Herbie there, or get on to a WWII car. I took my dad who isn't one for museums, and he had nothing but great things to say. He enjoyed looking at all of the war artifacts and even mentioned some that he saw growing up and shared some of his experience. Needless to say, this museum is great for all ages, boys and girls. So many great photo opps too! Can't wait to come back again soon!

The Volo Museum exceeded my expectations. There are five (5) showrooms of just vintage, specialty…read moreand historic cars and other vehicles. This is truly the place to visit for those that adore the quality and design of old vehicles of every spectrum. The Volo Museum is a treasure trove of fond memories, sparking our minds to recall for example The Good Humor man or a childhood Faris wheel or a family car long part of our distance past. The Titanic exhibit was well done as was the War Museum. Outstanding! Going to the Volo Museum in the off season or January as we did have many definite advantages. Kids are in school and it is practically empty of the mobs of people that could be there at peak times. There was very little interruptions of people getting in the way of taking fabulous pictures and being able to view every exhibit calmly, unobstructed and at your own pace. There is a lot to be said about freedom of movement without a crowd. Yes, you couldn't do much outside because it was closed for the cold season but most of the fantastic exhibits are on the inside. I would suggest arriving at 10am because you'll need most of the whole day to see everything and you'll want to see it all. We saw everything except the Jurassic Park display, but we were told it was pretty much for kids. We had no kids with us, plenty of adult things to do here. We ate in the car along the way as there isn't very many good dining options in the off season at the museum. The Volo Museum is super clean and well maintained. I highly recommend the Volo Museum!

Historic Attractions - museums - Updated May 2026

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