Children's Museums
Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County
📍 1899 W Winchester Rd, Libertyville, IL 60048🕐 Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10 AM–4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–4:30 PM |
| Thursday | 2–8 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–4:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–4:30 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–4:30 PM |
About Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County
Interactive exhibits on local history. Museum with interactive exhibits on Lake County history plus changing art & pop-culture displays. The museum features an interactive map exhibit that allows visitors to drag a window overlay across current Lake County maps to compare with historical maps from approximately 100 years ago, revealing how the landscape transformed from mostly undeveloped land to modern development. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 524 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Natural History Museum
- Best For
- Families with kids, all ages
- Highlights
- Bob Ross exhibit, fossils, dinosaurs, Native American exhibits, interactive historical maps
- Admission
- $6 for Lake County residents
- Interactive Features
- Fully interactive exhibits for children
💡 Did You Know?
- The museum features an interactive map exhibit that allows visitors to drag a window overlay across current Lake County maps to compare with historical maps from approximately 100 years ago, revealing how the landscape transformed from mostly undeveloped land to modern development
- The museum offers library passes available for local Lake County residents, making admission accessible through the public library system in addition to the $6 resident admission fee
- The Bob Ross exhibit is prominently featured as a 'world class' exhibition according to visitor reviews, with the Bob Ross paintings being a notable draw mentioned in 23 review mentions and highlighted as a tranquil viewing experience
- The museum rotates seasonal and pop-culture exhibits alongside permanent collections, including recent special exhibitions on cicadas (5 mentions) and Ansel Adams photography (6 mentions)
💬 What Visitors Say
- Visit on weekends or during cold/rainy weather to enjoy exhibits with fewer crowds and take time to appreciate each piece in depth, especially the interactive map displays
- Local Lake County residents should utilize library passes to access the museum for free or at reduced rates ($6 entry fee), making it an affordable family outing year-round
- Don't miss the interactive maps exhibit where you can drag a window over current Lake County maps to compare with historical versions—visitors specifically highlight this as an incredible way to see how the landscape has changed over 100 years
- Plan to explore the Native American exhibits and local history sections alongside rotating seasonal exhibits, as some seasonal displays may be closed during your visit
- Bring kids to explore the hands-on exhibits and interactive elements designed specifically for families—reviewers praise how engaging and educational the experience is for children
More Family Fun Nearby
Other venues within driving distance:
Own this venue? Stand out from the competition.
Children's Museums listings that are Featured get seen first by thousands of families every month.
- Priority placement in search
- Photo gallery showcase
- Insider tips from visitors
- Highlighted in dedicated featured section