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Location
Visitor tip
Don't miss the contemporary art collection on the first floor—visitors specifically mention it's whimsical, entertaining, and worth the admission price alone, offering a nice contrast to the historical exhibits.
Best time
Plan your visit for Thursday-Sunday afternoons between Memorial Day and Labor Day when the museum is open. Outside this window, hours are very limited, so check ahead before visiting.
Visitor tip
At just $3-$10 per person, this is an affordable outing perfect for families. Consider the scavenger hunt activity (mentioned by multiple visitors) as a free, engaging way to extend your visit and keep kids entertained.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Natural History Museum
- Location
- Lords Park
- Admission
- $3-$10 per person
- Highlights
- Endangered Illinois species mural, local ecology exhibits, contemporary art, scavenger hunt
What visitors say
Small museum of natural history and (a little) anthropology. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, it is open Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons. Some of the exhibits are really showing their age. The "stuffed" animals and…
Took our kids to story time here on a cold Saturday morning. The staff was friendly, place was warm and kids enjoyed the visit. Museum is definitely 100 years old. The building seemed more interesting than the exhibits. I realize that…
Elgin Public Museum is an educational gem nestled in Lords Park. Admission varies from $3-&0 per person. Just visually seeing inside this museum is worth much more than the admission cost. Treat yourself, friends and family to Illinois…
From 146 Google reviews
Did You Know?
- Illinois' oldest continuously operating museum, housed in a historic building located within Lords Park in Elgin
- Features a large colorful mural on the second floor depicting currently endangered native Illinois species
- Combines natural history and anthropology exhibits with contemporary art on the first floor, including whimsical and entertaining pieces
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