Wow! Over the last few years and especially this summer I've visited quite a few local historical…read moremuseums and this is another one that really stands out as truly excellent. In addition to having some unique items and very nice looking exhibits, the tour given by two volunteers was done very well. Kevin provided an excellent tour of the Applebee House and Donlea-Kincaid house, giving plenty of information about where the various items were from and providing plenty of background about the family and how different items were used. He was extremely knowledgeable about all different questions ranging from the ornate decorations, to the different tools used, challenges faced in different time periods, and how to best preserve all the different items available. Michael provided a great tour of the Blacksmith Shop, with an amazing set of stories about all the different items, how they arrived at the museum, how to restore different items, and about various other topics. He is clearly a history lover with an immense amount of knowledge and a passion for teaching others. He is also excellent at getting others interested in history with his amazing ability to help people relate historic times to modern times, and thoroughly explain anything that is asked about any part of the museum. Definitely worth a visit to learn a lot about local history and historic artifacts. The quality of preservation and the completeness of several collections is truly amazing.

This was a gem to run across. It's easy to miss on Lake-Cook Road. There is a parking lot in the…read moreback between the two houses. It is hard to find the entrance to the museum but once you get there it is very much worth the effort. We were given a tour by two very knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour guides. They gave us personal attention. There are so many stores and artifacts that an hour and a half want nearly enough. Highly recommend is you live in the Barrington area or like history.

Nice activity. Went with my fiance. They get waiver signed…read more There Soos you a quick instructional video before they let you in. Bays are assigned. All bays are fully covered with bird cage mesh wire for the safety of people. They sprayed some liquid on wood before we start, i believe to make wood moist and soft. But that smell instantaneously gave me headache. Good activity got 90 min to long of time for two people. Group of three or more would more fun May they should have an options for short duration. Noise level- loud. But that's because of all the excitement and cheering. This gave a very positive vibe there. They give you a scoring white board and game options to play according to your expertise level. We were actually tired after 50-60 minutes.

We went with a group of friends and had a blast. The customer service is wonderful, we felt valued…read moreas customers. I would totally recommend this for any sort of gathering.

This amphitheater is perfect for outdoor theaters and concert theaters and concerts. You can bring…read moreyour own chairs, blankets and food but to get a good spot, come early. Parking can be hard to find but there's plenty if you don't mind driving around.

Tucked behind a skate park, church parking lot annex, and community swimming pool lies this neat…read morelittle outdoor amphitheater. It's not at all visible from street view or the main path... in fact, you actually have to walk down what looks like a maintenance path to a storage building to find it in Palatine Community Park, but once you're there, it's pretty cool. You can check the Park District website for performances, but don't expect anything too grand. Lots of stuff for kids and some battle of the bands stuff, but it's nice to have in the area for the youth population , and I like it because most days there's absolutely nothing going on here, so you can set up shop for a picnic, play frisbee, or just yell loud enough on stage to hear your echo... which is fun for both kids and adults, in case you're wondering. If you've got a kid who's in to acting or making their own plays, this would be the perfect place to take them and their friends on an evening or day that nothing is scheduled to play in the open-air amphitheater. I come by here a few times a week and there's never anyone else over here even trying to use the area... which could roughly fit 150-200 people via picnic-style seating.

My sister hosted my baby shower here over the weekend, and it was seriously PERFECT. Such a…read morebeautiful venue, very spacious inside, very reasonable pricing and everything was in pristine condition! (Picture perfect)! I believe booking was a breeze (according to my mother and sister) and the owner was incredibly helpful, friendly, answered all of their questions and checked in on us prior to when the event started and afterwards! I love how you're able to bring your own food and drinks (non alcoholic - but they do have a bar area that can be rented), and supply you with tables, chairs, tablecloths and black chair covers. This was such a beautiful experience and I know we will be renting this place in future for other events!

My Niece had her wedding here on 8/15/2021 and what amazing owners.. it wasn't even the owner job…read moreto take care of our family.. But when I say Team work Mrs Linda knows how to handle business.. She and Staff are very professional and gets the job done.. If you're looking to rent a awesome place to have your event dnt hesitate to reach out to Mrs Linda you want be disappointed... I'm here visiting from Ms and was it worth it Yes yes yes .. Mrs Linda Thank You Thank You and Staff

Trickster Cultural Center is filled with beautiful artifacts from our indigenous Native Americans…read more The exhibits are very informational and the staff is very friendly and helpful answering questions. I've come here a couple times to see exhibits and to early vote which is very easy to do here. They offer many special events here with plenty of parking and easy access. They also offer many special aid services.

We live only a few miles from the Trickster Cultural Center and have never been able to go. We've…read moretried to go many times over the years but never looked at their hours of operation. We finally were able to go in on 2/26/22. And, the wait was worth it. We were the only people who were not volunteers or employees that day - we had the museum to ourselves. The building was much larger than it appears outside. You enter into the front room, which is a combination of artifacts, art, jewelry, and a gift shop. There is a room open on the north side which was, for the most part empty. This is their special exhibit room. There were some remaining items from a prior exhibit, which were very interesting. There is also a room upstairs with various items. The most interesting were the quilts and a Native American dress exhibit. Most of the museum is built to honor Native American veterans. This whole theme was fascinating. I fancy myself as an American history buff. Frankly, everything was new to me except for a display case explaining the "Code Talkers." (If you aren't sure about the code talkers - check Wikipedia or see the movie. This was fantastic. There is no entrance fee so you can just enter, but there is a place to leave donations. When you do go, make sure to donate what you can. Much of their funding relies on this.

My camera club went here one blustery night in November. We got full-access to the place. I ran…read moreinto James up in the attic and he was a wealth of information. There is a ton of gear here. Some of is seems bone-stock and much has been restored. Plenty of cool stuff. You do not have to have an interest in firefight to find this place cool. Not juts for kids, either.

Spending a day in Elgin looking for something to do brought us to the Elgin Fire Barn No 5 Museum…read more I don't think I've ever been to a fire barn/house/department museum before, but as museums go this one was done well. It's not very big, but they've packed a bunch of information and displays in. Dale asked if we wanted to wander about ourselves or have a guided tour and we chose guided tour. Between Dale and James I don't think there's anything in the museum they can't tell you about. Everything you ever wanted to know about the history of fighting fires in Elgin. The displays are all very well done and everything is very well taken care of. If you're in the area and looking for an interesting place to spend an hour or two definitely stop by the Fire Barn Museum. If you're not in the area but interested in fire fighting the trip will be worth it.

Stopped in while waiting to go to lunch and had a great time looking at all the pottery from the…read moreguild. I used to do pottery so I appreciated seeing it all. If you want a handmade gift for someone who appreciates such things this would be a great place to pick something out. Hint hint.... jk I don't need anything but if I did.. The person there was helpful in telling me about their classes they give, as I'm looking to do something this winter, and it was a nice chat. If you're in Woodstock and like to view pottery and buy something for yourself or others, or take a class, this is a pleasant and helpful place.

Amazing little shop in downtown Woodstock with lots of beautiful, one of a kind hand crafted clay…read moremugs, bowls and art. Everything is created by local artists. Found some amazing mugs here. Staff is friendly and helpful.

Wow. Had to check this place out. Met Gunner who introduced me to a diverse bar selection. Great…read moremusic and hospitality. Of course, as I am writing this I meet the one and only Happy. He is legit and genuine. And that is my take-away for this small venue. It is intimate and genuine. A place where you invest in your hydration and social needs.

What a great vibe in here! The clientele is mixed and everyone is chill. There are middle aged and…read moremillennials, regulars and newbies all in one small space. People come in off the street while walking their dogs just to say "hi". The look is an eclectic mix of rock n roll meets pop with some hippy mixed in. In the back is fun outside seating. If it's nice, get out there and relax. Don't miss out on this place and don't be afraid to go inside ladies, don't be fooled by the outside...it's perfectly ok and you'll miss out on a gem.