Top 5 Chicago Suburban Museums for a Winter Adventure

 

Winter is the perfect time to visit some of our local Chicago suburban museums. We have quite a collection and the depth of exhibits here in the suburbs can be quite impressive. Here are five of my favorites for exploring this winter:

Arlington Heights Historical Museum: The Arlington Heights Historical Museum features a complex of historic buildings. Buildings include the 1890s Muller House, 1908 Banta House, a replica cabin, a coach house, and the soda pop factory which also serves as the Welcome Center. Tours are given on Saturdays at 10:30 A.M. and are $5 per adult and $3 per child. You may reserve online. The museum also has a gift shop full of locally-inspired gifts including Arlington Club Beverages pop!

**There is a lot to discover in downtown Arlington Heights. If you have been looking for a tea service, make a reservation at The Bakester. We love a special afternoon tea!

Learning about the discoveries of archaeological digs at the Batavia Depot Museum.

Batavia Depot Museum: The Batavia Depot Museum -- housed in a historic depot -- not only gives visitors a peek at Batavia's history along the railroad but also has fascinating exhibits on all aspects of Batavia history including discussing the results of local archaeological digs. The museum presents so many fascinating pieces including miniature scenes by Batavia artist Elaine Cannon who collaborated with miniaturist Narcissa Thorne on the famous Thorne Rooms found at The Art Institute of Chicago!

**If you are in Batavia, remember to check out the windmills which honor the village's history of manufacturing windmills.

Elgin History Museum: Touring the Elgin History Museum offers a fantastic winter adventure. Exhibits contain artifacts reflecting upon Elgin's entire history. We found the exhibit about the Elgin National Watch Factory particularly fascinating. However, the range of exhibits detailing all aspects of Elgin including local industries, war service, the growth of the village, education, pastimes and more provide an enriching experience.

**Remember to visit Elgin's Dream Hall which is a culinary incubator featuring some local, up and coming restaurant concepts.

Fascinating collection of watchmaking tools at the Elgin History Museum.

Geneva History Museum: The Geneva History Museum is another local treasure unfolding interesting aspects of regional history. The depth of exhibits truly impressed us. The museum offers one exhibit hall guiding visitors through Geneva history using multimedia. The peeks inside of shops along the streets of old Geneva stand out as particular favorites. There also is a second temporary exhibition which will focus on "Saving the Fabyan's Legacy" explaining efforts to restore the gardens and villa. The museum, in fact, will be closed until February 10, 2024 as this exhibition is assembled.

**No Geneva trip is complete without a visit to All Chocolate Kitchen to not only enjoy a chocolate treat but to check out Chef Roby's chocolate and sugar sculptures!

Wandering the old streets of Geneva taking
a peek inside The Alexander Hat shop at the Geneva History Museum.

Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art: The Oak Brook Museum presents something a little different to explore -- rocks, minerals, fossils, and gems as well as art crafted from them. Additionally, the museum offers plenty of programs to learn about the resources, lapidary art, and geology. The Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art shares an amazing range of Earth's treasures and educational opportunities with the community!

**If the weather is nice, I recommend pairing a visit to the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art with an adventure to Fullersburg Woods!