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Location
Visitor tip
Ask for staff member Nancy or John at the front desk - visitors consistently praise their exceptional knowledge about exhibits, upcoming events, and local activities. They provide personalized recommendations and interactive activities like coloring sheets and beadwork crafts that enhance the visit.
Visitor tip
Bring young children (18 months to 5 years) on designated days for the 'New Program for Little Learners' program (held Saturdays in May at 9:30-10:15 a.m.), which includes interactive activities and hands-on beadwork crafts designed specifically for this age group.
Visitor tip
Contact the museum at 217.782.6623 or [email protected] in advance to learn about upcoming special events like movie screenings and Illinois History Day competitions, which staff members actively promote to visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Natural History Museum
- Part of
- Illinois State Museum System (Springfield headquarters, plus Dickson Mounds and Lockport Gallery branches)
- Featured Exhibits
- Route 66 memorabilia, Indigenous beadwork, 1940s Illinois childhood history
- Special Programs
- Little Learners program, Illinois History Day, Land of Stories initiative
What visitors say
Nice museum to stop in and check out some history, but what makes this place awesome is the kind. Friendly, helpful staff! Nancy was the best. Very fun. Informative, she had a lot of great advice. She gave out coloring sheets and…
Small museum that's worth the visit. Interesting exhibits that are nicely laid out. Admission is free!
Such a cool museum. Small, yet really beautiful. The building is historic. There's art. It's along the I&M. And the greeter, Nancy, ensures you feel like you're part of the picture. Out back, walk the I&m trail, and keep your eyes…
From 121 Google reviews Read all reviews
Did You Know?
- The museum features a dedicated 'New Program for Little Learners' with interactive activities specifically designed for children ages 18 months to 5 years, offered multiple times weekly
- The Illinois State Museum-Lockport Gallery hosts rotating exhibitions at multiple ISM locations and includes a notable 'Miles of Memories: Stories of Route 66' exhibition featuring Route 66 memorabilia, fiberglass giants, and neon signs
- The museum offers free admission and is housed in a historic building located along the Illinois & Michigan Canal with direct trail access behind the museum
More Family Fun Nearby
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