Awesome museum with 9 permanent exhibits and a rotating special exhibit in the Campbell Gallery…read more Admission is free which is incredible given the quality of the museum. This museum is both larger and nicer than many museums that have paid admission around Illinois, and also feature some interactive components as well. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the Champaign area as a fun place to spend an afternoon learning. This is also a great spot to visit if you're looking for something to do while dining nearby, or to spend inside on a hot summer day.

My husband and I visited The William R. and Clarice V. Spurlock Museum while at the University of…read moreIllinois. There are six permanent galleries, each one features the history and art of a different continent. There is also a temporary exhibit space. When we were there the temporary exhibit was on the first Farm Aid, held at Memorial Stadium. The museum was very enjoyable. I loved how many different things I could see in a hour. The best partwas that admission free!

We stopped here on way back home. It is okay for stop through but not really destination…read morechildren's museum. It opened pretty late at 11am on Sunday but timing was perfect for us. It is next to church so don't get confused when you follow GPS directions. Sign of the building is behind the building which can be tricky to find. First floor is science exhibits and second floor is toddler floor. We spent almost an hour and it was worth it since we have ASTC membership for free admission.

We stopped off here as a break in a long roadtrip for our 2 year old. It's about 5 miles off of…read moreI-65, but well worth the stop! He had so much fun and rocketed from one station to the other. Everything is hands on, and there is such a diversity of activities, from looking at the live animals (snakes, bearded dragon, turtles), to playing in a small kitchen, drawing, building with Legos or large foam blocks, and climbing into then sliding down a tiny rocket. The staff were all so friendly, nice, and helpful, and they went out of our way to make our experiences great! I HIGHLY recommend this to anyone who is traveling on I-65 through Indiana and needs a break for a little one!

I don't think I will ever get the images of the Rotary Jail out of my mind. The Rotary Jail is both…read morefascinating and horrifying piece of local history. This is the last rotary jail that is functional in the United States. Like many Midwest towns, the sheriff's home also served as a jail for short term stays. The rotary cell system was designed to minimize the number of guards required to secure thirty or more inmates. The birdcage shaped contraption, is made up of two layers of small wedge shaped cells. There is a single door that cells must rotate towards to add or release people. Benjamin Haugh and William Brown of Indianapolis built the system and installed many throughout the US. Unfortunately, the rotation of the cells proved to be extremely dangerous for inmates and most rotating jails were condemned within a few years. The jail in Crawfordsville became functional in 1882 and operated through 1973. Modifications were made to the jail in the 1930s to improve safety. The building was restored and preserved as a museum in 1975. The museum also has several displays describing the local sheriffs and their equipment. Several pieces of period furniture and housewares are on display. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places. The tour guide was amazingly knowledgable and realistic about the dangers of the rotary system. She demonstrated the rotary action of the cells for us. We are allowed to walk into the cells. Admission is $8 per person and small kids are free. I didn't see ADA access and there are a lot of up and down steps, so it would be difficult to maneuver a wheel chair or stroller. There are no public restrooms either. We parked downtown and walked two blocks. There is a small gift shop in the rear of the house selling sheriff themed and other trinkets. I highly recommend a visit if you like history, architecture and engineering.

Most interesting museum we've ever been in! We've traveled the US and several countries and I must…read moresay, this is the one that we stumbled on that will forever be remembered! Who knew a rotary jail was a thing? Not us! The guided tour takes you through the sheriff's residence which has several original furnishings and household items. There's plenty of history to read on the walls and other time period items to learn about but the main attraction is of course the jail! Our tour guide was a bit odd and he was pretty short in his stories and explanations but the gal that toured the jail and basement was perfect! She explained everything in detail and embellished with some tales of the jail! The jail rotates! Literally spins around with one door in and one door out! Well, that was the way it was built originally and operated until 1933, then they said no more rotating, too many prisoner injuries! It still rotates though, the only one in existence so definitely a must see!

This is a great way to pass an hour. Nothing expansive or…read morefancy here ... just a couple of rooms of exhibits. But what's there is very well-presented, and gives a nice overview of the history of the county. One room is dedicated to how WWII affected Champaign County, especially at the (now-defunct) Chanute Air Base in Rantoul. That was very interesting. The people that work/volunteer there are friendly and clearly knowledgeable. You could see it for free, but it's more than worth the $3 suggested donation.

Very nice people there! I'm going back when I have more time! Lots to see,even had old decoader!…read moreNice place to visit,and free military and veterans admission!

A very small museum. First floor displays local natural history and local mining history. Second…read morefloor displays county agriculture and some story of Lincoln and his friend Dr. William Fithian. Admissions are $5 per person and additional $2 if you want to see the Dr. William Faithian Home next door. Dr. William Faithians home has a bed room with the original bed where Lincoln sleep when he visited balcony where Lincoln made his speech. If you have couple hours, it's worth to stop by and find out the local history.

Great 3-story children's museum. It has a lot of quality interactive fun exhibits. Some need…read moremaintenance or updates but overall it was a great time. We especially loved the construction section. It had great hands on tasks dedicated to the trades- electrical, plumbing, tile laying, painting, wall framing, and brick laying. It was really cool. There is a nice farming section. A really big water table. Also a large tree house climbing structure and for the bigger kids a harnessed rope course. It was easy to spend 2 hours here. Great resource for the Terre Haute area.

We stopped here after Indianapolis children's museum day 2. It was worth the hour drive to see…read morethis unique museum with rope challenge. It is an hour drive from Indianapolis and recognize ASTC reciprocal membership. Plus it has a great science store with cool toys for kids. There are 3 levels inside and plenty of activities to enjoy. My son and I tried the ropes challenge before 3:30pm which is last slot before closing. We wore harness and attached lanyard attached to above track. It is probably a little more advanced for him but he did just fine. Afterwards, we checked out the large water table and special exhibit on butterflies with sand table. There is street parking which is free and they remind you not to park in lot owned by hotel.

I have been to this museum three times. The first time was when I was a child with my mother and…read moresister. When I was in eighth grade, my middle school class got to go here for a field trip. We got to meet Eva and talk to her about her experiences, which was very cool. I, now an adult, recently visited again. Eva has now passed away, but her story and legacy is laced throughout this museum. The museum staff was very respectful and knowledgeable. You can let them guide you through the museum or go at your own pace. It's a small museum, but it has very cool exhibits and the personal touch from a real survivor is awesome. I, as a teacher, enjoyed the various discussion questions prompted throughout the museum, which I assume are mostly for school children on trips. After all, teaching children history, how to spot a leader or policy that doesn't have everyone's best interest in mind, and compassion is the best way to prevent another tragic event like the Holocaust.

Although you may be well versed in history regarding WWII and the Holocaust, this museum takes you…read moreon a personal journey that opens your understanding to a new level. The museum uses a timeline display to walk you through the life of Eva Kor, one of the children who was a test subject of the evil, yes, truly evil, Dr Mengele twin experiments as part of the attempted genocide of Jews and any non-aryan people under the rule of Nazi Germany. But this isn't a "shock" theater of horrific images. Rather, it's a journey in Eva's triumph of survival and ultimately, forgiveness that has led to her call to action for people to do what is right. Although you could read through all the displays in less than an hour, I encourage visitors to go around noon so that they can read through the material, and then stay to listen to the speakers that are often available beginning at 1 p.m. Although the founder/central focus of the museum was not there during my visit, I was able to listen to "Walt" who was born Jewish in Germany in 1920 and escaped to America in 1939 when his family's travel permits came through (his father had been taken to a concentration camp about 5 weeks earlier, but was released/deported with the family.) I learned things that shocked me. I learned things that were never taught in our "Pro-America" school system. I learned how ISOLATION and GREED led our country to finance the rise of Nazi military power which led to our later having to fight an enemy who was of our own making. I was both shocked and angered, but with that came the understanding of how these horrific things became unstoppable. After the lecture, I was able to spend time with Walt (who was the same age as my late father). He still loves Germany, just not what it did. He has gone back and visited and holds no hatred for the country even after all that happened. I was totally surprised by this as well. And that is a big part of what makes this museum special. It isn't just about the horrors. It is a tool to be used so that we become vigilant and proactive in fighting the circumstances of wrong doing. Forgiveness is a key to being able to move on, but first, we have to stop those things that we know are wrong, even at the risk of our own safety. I also suggest allowing time to go into the digital interactive theater. If you don't have the opportunity to ask Eva or one of the speakers directly, you can go to this theater and see a life sized image of Eva waiting to be asked questions. Pushing a button on the remote while you ask allows the computer to find the best match of a response where the image of Eva then tells of her experience. I asked a couple questions and was amazed at how these pre-recorded answers addressed my questions. It was so lifelike that at times, I would nearly forget that she was just an image instead of really being there. The story of how she was experimented on while her twin was held for comparison was shocking. If she had died from the injection, her sister would have been killed immediately so that the scientists could compare the autopsies to record the differences. Then her sister was injected with something else and Eva was held. Fortunately, both survived until liberation came though complications eventually claimed her sister much earlier than expected. Imagine being only 10 years old and being experimented on. What courage that must require. The museum is one that will give you far more than your $5 worth in understanding and insight. Just give yourself time to experience this place...it isn't something you want to rush through. Review #2526

This is a nice little museum that is located on the campus of Dobbs Memorial Park. It is operated…read moreand maintained by the Terre Haute Parks Department. They have three exhibit rooms in the museum that displays artifacts, native American living quarters, animal skins, some Native American dress, pictures, Jewelry, a canoe and other items. Just outside the museum is an active Native American Heirloom Garden. They pack a lot of material into this museum and they have an attendant on duty. It was very informational. The intent of the museum is to educate visitors in the life ways of the native peoples of the Northeast Woodlands The museum is free to visit, but they gladly accept donations. Additionally, They host monthly Saturday programs that feature crafts and topics of interest to people of all ages. The museum is not very popular for some unknown reason. I was the only person in the museum the entire time I was there. They have ample parking available in the park that it is in, but it is a slight walk from the lots to the museum. The museum is pretty clean and has a restroom available. Groups and tours are welcome and they have guest speakers available to address the groups/tours. I like this museum and it is a nice addition to the park.

This museum is designed to collect and share the history of the regional Native Americans who once…read moremade the Terre Haute area their home. As the only city park museum of its kind in the Midwest, the museum doesn't have a huge budget and with admission charges being free (donations are gladly accepted), the museum relies upon donated exhibits to enhance its offerings. There are several rooms inside the museum for displays. I was surprised at the number of life size pieces like a canoe, a wigwam, a long-house, and full ceremonial costumes that were inside. There are also quite a few necklaces, daily tools, and other artifacts with plenty of labeling for identification. Outside, there is an heirloom garden which has preserved some of the natural plantings that were common to the local population. During my visit, the garden was in transition as the summer months approach, so I didn't wander through the garden. Overall, I was glad to see the park system take the initiative to preserve and archive the collection. The park has participated in a program that has digitized the images and information for sharing and future study. The museum opens at 10 a.m. on most days. If you get there early, there is plenty in the surrounding park to help you pass the time. Review #891

We've lived here for just over a year, but my husband and I had never visited the KAM…read more We stopped by here on a Saturday afternoon. It was a nice, quiet visit. Museum was well staffed with security. Superbly clean. It took us a little over an hour to walk through the various rooms. Several of the rooms were empty, awaiting new exhibits. I'd probably come back again when the academic year is in full swing. My favorite part of this visit was the Blue and White Ceramics exhibit they have on display. There are many great pieces of art to see, though. Ellnora Krannert was extremely generous and numerous pieces in the museum are thanks to her. I wouldn't recommend this museum to children under 13-14, unless the kids/tweens/teens are really into art, art history, etc. I just think the little ones would be bored. You can visit KAM's online calendar to see if they ever offer children's programming. (Head to the Spurlock Museum if you're on campus with little ones instead.) Highly recommend KAM to anyone else. We're very fortunate to have an art museum of this caliber in our community. Summertime is the perfect opportunity to explore these locations on campus. Checkout my other Champaign-Urbana museum reviews, too!

Great museum on a terrific college campus. I know it doesn't get the attention the sports…read morefacilities do but it should. Check it out next time you are in C-U. It is a great way to recharge your batteries and let the power of art soothe your soul.