5 Museums to Visit in Illinois

From medieval times and ice cream to trolleys, trains and automobiles, check out these five great museums in the Land of Lincoln. 




Swimming in a pool of giant sprinkles sounds like something plucked from a childhood dream, but it's a reality in Chicago at the Museum of Ice Cream. Housed in the iconic Tribune Tower, this museum offers a look through 14 installations, and of course the chance to enjoy some sweet ice cream. While this is a great destination to explore, so too are the other museums found throughout Illinois. Check out these five great stops that offer both entertainment and a look at history. 

Medieval Torture Museum

Torture instruments at the Medieval Torture Museum in Chicago, Illinois (photo courtesy of Medieval Torture Museum)

This macabre museum in Chicago showcases more than 100 torture devices — 30% of which are original to their time, while the rest are replicas that give visitors an idea of their craft and use.

21c Museum Hotel

Inside the 21c Museum Hotel in Chicago Illinois (photo by Julie Soeffer)

This hotel in Chicago, Illinois, features more than 10,000 square feet of gallery space, including a 400-person capacity main gallery, that is free and open to the public. 

Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum & Pontiac-Oakland automobile Museum & Resource Center

1957 Chevy mural in Pontiac, Illinois (photo courtesy of Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum & Resource Center)

These two museums in Pontiac, Illinois, celebrate America’s obsession with the open road and historic cars from throughout history. 

Fox River Trolley Museum

People standing on train platform next to red trolley car at Fox River Trolley Museum in South Elgin, Illinois (photo courtesy of Fox River Trolley Museum)

Go for train rides and explore a collection of antique rail cars at this South Elgin, Illinois, museum. 

Museum of Ice Cream

People swimming in giant sprinkle pool at Museum Of Ice Cream in Chicago, Illinois (photo courtesy of Museum Of Ice Cream)

This attraction housed in Chicago, Illinois’ historic Tribune Tower offers 14 installations, including the chance to swim in a pool of giant sprinkles. 

Story: Gracie Metz
Issue: Weekend Guides