Be humbled on an architectural icon so revered—people trek across the globe to be awed. Surround yourself in the luxury of a 1930s movie palace or an 1800s opera house. From night life to wildlife, we have it all. So set your sights on seeing sites you’ve never seen before—in the Aurora Area.
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Air Classics Museum, Library and Camp of Air and Space
44W546 US Highway 30 -- Aurora Municipal Airport
Sugar Grove, IL 60554-9886
630.466.0888
airclassicsmuseum.org
America's Historic Roundhouse
Originally constructed in 1856,
America’s oldest lime roundhouse.
Home to ComedyComedy, Bar
Absinthe and Illinois’ largest
award-winning microbrewery.
205 N. Broadway, Aurora
(630) 264-BREW
walterpaytonsroundhouse.com
Aurora Downtown iPod Cell Phone and Heritage Walking Tours
Self-guided tours of Aurora’s
historic downtown. Tour brochures
available at the Aurora Area CVB.
(630) 844-8066
auroradowntown.org
Aurora Historical Society
Local history research archives. Historic photos, books, documents and maps covering
Aurora's history from the 1830s to the present.
By appointment only.
305 Cedar St. ., Aurora
(630) 897- 9029
aurorahistoricalsociety.org
Aurora Regional Fire Museum
Displays of vintage firefighting equipment, memorabilia of the 1871 Chicago Fire, thousands of photographs and gift shop. Five new interactive kiosks on fighting fires.
53 N. Broadway, Aurora
(630) 892-1572
auroraregionalfiremuseum.org
Batavia Depot Museum
Housed in an 1854 Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Depot, the museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and comes alive with historic exhibits on rail transportation, windmills and the settlement of Batavia.
155 Houston St., Batavia
(630) 406-5274
bataviahistoricalsociety.org
Batavia Riverwalk
As the centerpiece of downtown Batavia, the riverwalk extends along the depot pond and Fox River to a north point pavilion, where grand views of the river are available.
Corner of Houston St. and
Island Ave., Batavia
(630) 879-5235
Big Rock Historical Society Crib Museum
Come relish the rich agricultural past of Big Rock. Step into the restored corn crib and explore artifacts from the century-old Plowing Match, or learn more about the Welsh immigrants who settled the area in the middle of the 19th century. Traipse through the building and surrounding farm fields. Open Saturdays
2 & 4 p.m. or by appointment.
48W445 Hinckley Rd., Big Rock
(815) 286-3364 or (630) 556-3321
Blackberry Farm Pioneer Village
19th century farm and village featuring pioneer craft shops and demos, a discovery barn with petting zoo and pony, hay and miniature train rides and more.
100 S. Barnes Rd., Aurora
(630) 892-1550
foxvalleyparkdistrict.org
David L. Pierce Art & History Center
The Aurora Public Art Commission
hosts rotating exhibits displaying
a full spectrum of innovative arts.
The History Center has a collection
of photographs, books, maps and
other memorabilia.
20 E. Downer Pl., Aurora
(630) 906-0650 (History) or
(630) 906-0654 (Art)
aurorahistoricalsociety.org
Fabyan Dutch Windmill
Considered to be the best example of an authentic Dutch windmill in the United States, the 68-foot, five-story working windmill was originally built by German craftsman Louis Backhaus between 1850
and 1860.
Fabyan Forest Preserve, Rt. 25, North of Batavia
(630) 232-4811
The Farnsworth House
Master architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created the ultimate minimalist masterpiece, the Farnsworth House, in pastoral Plano. The stellar structure of floor-to-ceiling glass seemingly floats above the rambling Fox River.
14520 River Rd., Plano
(630) 552-0052
farnsworthhouse.org
Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Site of the world's most powerful particle accelerator where particles circle the four-mile ring 57,000 times each second. Restored prairie grass areas, historic barns, self-guided tours and a buffalo herd.
Kirk Rd. at Pine St., Batavia
(630) 840-3351
fnal.gov
The Grand Army of the Republic Hall
Built in 1878, this structure was originally built as a monument to Aurora's Civil War Veterans. The building is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
23 E. Downer Pl., Aurora
(630) 906-0654 or (630) 897-7221
aurora-il.org
Glen D. Palmer Dam Whitewater Park
Canoe/kayak chute, new walking path along the Fox River, bridge toward island – new in 2010!
Rt. 47 & E. Hydraulic St., Yorkville
Hollywood Casino - Aurora
Simply the area's best gaming facility with slots, blackjack, Caribbean stud poker, craps, live poker and more. Enjoy over 53,000 square feet of gaming space and the finest air quality in Chicagoland. The pavilion offers two restaurants and an astounding collection of movie memorabilia.
1 New York St. Bridge, Aurora
(630) 801-1234 or
(800) 888-7777
hollywoodcasinoaurora.com
Isaac2/Swimming Stones
A kinetic water sculpture commissioned by the Aurora Public Arts Commission and sculpted by Christian Tobin.
Northwest corner of Stolp Ave. and
Benton St., Aurora
(630) 906-0654
aurora-il.org
Kane County Cougars
This Class A professional baseball team plays at Elfstrom Stadium every summer. Join Ozzie the Cougar in cheering for the home team!
Philip B. Elfstrom Stadium
34W002 Cherry Ln., Geneva
(630) 232-8811
kccougars.com
Kane County Eagles
Nationally ranked Semi-Pro Minor League football class AAA team. Entertainment for families and groups. Games Saturday nights
at 7 p.m. June & Oct.
Illinois Memorial Stadium
Rt. 31 and Mooseheart Rd. Mooseheart
(847) 727-2077
kceagles.com
Kendall County Historical Society's Heritage Hall & Chapel On The Green
Dating back to 1855, the chapel is Kendall County's oldest church building and is adorned with stained glass windows and a restored 1899 pipe organ. The adjacent hall houses local artifacts.
107 W. Center St., Yorkville
(630) 553-6777
Lyon Farm and Village
The farm and village have 15 historic buildings that trace the history of Kendall County. Learn about native prairie grasses found around the farm and enjoy a variety of history-oriented special events.
7935 Rt. 71, Yorkville
(630) 554-3064 or
(630) 553-6777
kchs.us
New York Street Memorial Bridge
Spanning the entire Fox River, features include the circa 1930's Memory and Victory
statues in honor of fallen soldiers.
New York St,. Between Rts. 25 and 31, Aurora
(630) 844-3648
The Old Barn Museum
Featuring a collection of thousands of Native American artifacts such as: arrows, axes, drills, stone implements, trade beads, beaded garments and natural history items. Presented in an original 1840s barn. By appointment only.
7127B Oakbrook Rd., Newark
contact@theoldbarnmuseum.org
theoldbarnmuseum.org
The Paramount Theatre
Home to "Broadway in the Burbs," this lovingly restored Art Deco movie palace presents live entertainment by world-class performers, plays, touring musicals and other special events.
23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora
(630) 896-6666
paramountaurora.com
Phillips Park
Located on over 325 acres, popular attractions include the Mastodon Gallery, the gorgeous Sunken Garden, an 18-hole golf course/driving range, the zoo, a 28-acre fishing lake with a one-mile multiple use trail, war memorials and the Winter Recreation Area.
1000 Ray Moses Dr., Aurora
(630) 978-4774
phillipsparkaurora.com
Phillips Park Sunken Garden
View the spectacular display of 15,000 flowers of 15 varieties, plus a three-tiered fountain and the Four Seasons statues that complement this exquisite English garden motif.
1000 Ray Moses Dr., Aurora
(630) 978-4774
phillipsparkaurora.com
Phillips Park Visitors Center & Mastadon Gallery
Get an up-close view of Ice-age Mastodon bones unearthed in the park in the 1930s, while glimpsing into the rich history of one of the area's most beautiful parks.
1000 Ray Moses Dr., Aurora
(630) 978-4774
phillipsparkaurora.com
Phillips Park Zoo
Established in 1915, the zoo is open daily, year-round and admission is free. Exhibits include bald eagles, wolves, cougars, foxes, otters, elk, goats, llamas, turkeys and peacocks.
1000 Ray Moses Dr., Aurora
(630) 978-4700
phillipsparkaurora.com
Raging Waves Waterpark
Open in 2008, Raging Waves is Illinois' largest outdoor waterpark, sitting on more than 40 acres in Yorkville, Ill., 45 minutes west of the Chicago loop. Nearly 3,000 people Come Outback daily during the summer months to visit the Aussie-themed, family-friendly waterpark, which features 18 water slides, a separate kiddie pool area, a wave pool, a lazy river, 20 private cabanas, and more.
4000 North Bridge Street (St. Rt. 47) , Yorkville IL 60560
(630) 882-6575
ragingwaves.com
Red Oak Nature Center
A visit to the center will help folks learn about the native plants and animals of the Fox River Valley. Interpretive center, hiking trails and tours of Devil's Cave.
On Rt. 25, 1 mile north
of Rt. 56, North Aurora
(630) 897-1808
foxvalleyparkdistrict.org
Sandwich Fairgrounds
First opened in 1888, the fairgrounds serve as a meeting place for everything from antique markets to engine shows. Features the Sandwich Fair, held every Labor Day week.
Suydam Rd. and Gletty Rd. Sandwich (815) 786-2159
sandwichfair.com
Sandwich Opera House
Built in 1878 and restored in 1986, the Opera House today provides a setting for the performing arts from classical to country, dance, student recitals, summer theatre workshops and a children's/senior citizen's series.
140 E. Railroad St., Sandwich
(815) 786-2555
sandwichoperahouse.com
Schingoethe Center For Native Americans Cultures
A rotating collection of historic and contemporary Native American arts, crafts and artifacts from indigenous peoples stretching from the Woodlands to the Pacific Northwest.
Aurora University
Dunham Hall, Randall Rd.
at Marseillaise Pl., Aurora
(630) 844-7843
aurora.edu/museum
Scitech Hands-On Museum
Aurora's interactive science and technology center offers over 200 hands-on exhibits demonstrating the principles of electricity, weather, astronomy and nuclear energy.
18 W. Benton St., Aurora
(630) 859-3434
scitechmuseum.org
Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple Of Greater Chicago
This beautiful Hindu temple blends ancient and modern architectural technology.
1145 W. Sullivan Rd., Aurora
(630) 844-2252
balaji.org
Swimming Stones
A Kinetic water sculpture Commissioned by the Aurora Public Arts Commission and sculpted by Christian Tobin.
Northwest and corner of Stolp
Ave. and Benton St,. Aurora
(630) 906-0654
aurora-il.org
Urban Style
E Wilson Street , Batavia
(630) 406-0230
Waves of Fun Water Park
illinois' largest indoor water park featuring the first-ever standing wave surf machine, a 45-foot slide tower and a four-story interactive Hawaiian-themed play structure.
502 Terrace St., Sandwich
(630) DO-U-SURF
waves-of-fun.com
William Tanner House
Built in 1856, this Italianate building is home to the Aurora Historical Museum, which offers tours of the fully furnished home.
305 Cedar St., Aurora
(630) 897-9029
historicalsociety.org
Aurora University
Aurora University boasts a beautiful quad and features the Schingoethe Center and the Dunham Gallery of student art.
347 Gladstone Ave., Aurora
(630) 892-6431
aurora.edu
IMSA
Aurora is also home to the Illinois Math and Science Academy (IMSA). This internationally recognized pioneering educational institution is named among the Top 10 public high schools nationwide by
The Wall Street Journal.
1500 W. Sullivan Rd., Aurora
(630) 907-5000
imsa.edu
Waubonsee Community College
The Sugar Grove campus includes interpretive trails with native plants and animals.
(4 Locations)
Aurora Campus, 5 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora
(630) 801-7900
Sugar Grove Campus, Rt. 47 at Waubonsee Dr., Sugar Grove
(630) 466-7900
Copley Campus, 2060 Ogden Ave., Aurora
(630) 585-7900
Plano Campus, Rt. 34 at
Waubonsee Dr., Plano
waubonsee.edu
