Traipse in and about art galleries, shops and museums. Immerse yourself in rich culture and deep-rooted history. Marvel at Mayan revivalist architecture residing with kinetic sculpture. Be moved by Broadway-caliber, family-friendly or cutting-edge theatre. Serendipity is a way of life—our way—in the Aurora Area.
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Albright Theatre
This company has gained the reputation
for producing cutting-edge dramas and comedies,
as well as family-friendly shows for over 30 years.
100 N. Island Ave., Batavia
(630) 406-8838
albrighttheatre.com
America's Historic Roundhouse
Originally constructed in 1856, America's first railroad roundhouse was renovated in 1996 - and is a National Historic Trust Preservation Award Winner. ComedyComedy, Illinois' largest award-winning microbrewery, live entertainment and over 10,000 square feet of meeting space.
205 N. Broadway
Aurora, IL
(630) 892-0034
rh34.com
Aurora Area Architecture
The Aurora area features a diverse
tapestry of architectural styles and sights,
by Frank Lloyd Wright,
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Bruce Goff
and George Grant Elmslie. Also home to of the largest collections
of Sears Mail Order Homes and
Lustron Homes. Take an iPod, cell phone
Heritage or Downtown tour!
(630) 897-5581
auroradowntown.org
Aurora Downtown iPod Cell Phone and Heritage Walking Tours
Self-guided tour of Aurora's historic downtown; tour brochures are available at the Aurora Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
(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 Public Arts Commission
Located in the David L. Pierce Art and
History Center, the Aurora Public Art
Commission provides programs in art
education and exhibitions in the gallery.
20 E. Downer Pl., Aurora
(630) 906-0654
aurora-il.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
Big Rock Hostorical 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's 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
Center Street Clay
Thriving center for ceramic arts housed in an 1885 mansion that offers a host of classes, workshops, gallery, student lodging and gorgeous ceramic art for purchase.
218 W. Center St., Sandwich
(815) 570-2030
centerstreetclay.com
David L. Pierce Art & History Center
The Aurora Public Art Commission hosts eight to 10 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
Esther's Place
Features classes in spinning,
weaving, knitting and felting
and also hosts retreats.
201 W. Galena St. (Rt. 30), Big Rock
(630) 556-9665
esthersplacefibers.com
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 Estate
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
FermiLab Arts Series
Ramsey Auditorium is the site for
Fermilab’s series of music, dance,
and theater, plus lectures on the
arts, sciences and culture.
Kirk Rd. at Pine St., Batavia
(630) 840-3351
fnal.gov
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
First Street Playhouse
A cozy, professional theater serving the best quality
Comedies, dramas, musicals and workshops for all
Ages. Year-round productions
160 Water St., Batavia
(630) 406-6367
firststreetplayhouse.com
Gallery 44
A cooperative gallery of area artists
including watercolors, pen-and-ink,
sketches and mixed-media pieces.
50 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora
(630) 801-0818
Gallery at Allen and Pepa Architects
Gallery openings featuring a variety
of area artists on the first Friday of
even-numbered months.
8 W. Wilson St., Batavia
(630) 879-8831
allenpepa.com
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 and corner of Stolp
Ave. and Benton St,. Aurora
(630) 906-0654
aurora-il.org
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
kchs.us
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.
Rt. 71, Yorkville
(630) 554-3064 or
(630) 553-6777
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. May-Nov.
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
River Breeze Art and Yoga Studio
Come view and buy original art and
reproductions from emerging area
artists, take classes and practice yoga.
14 W. Downer Pl., Aurora
(630) 264-2299
riverbreeze.us
Riverfront Playhouse
This popular local theater group
performs original plays, musicals,
murder mysteries, comedies and
thrillers. It also presents children’s
theatre.
11-13 S. Water St. Mall, Aurora
(630) 897-9496
riverfrontplayhouse.com
Sandwich Opera House
Built in 1878 and restored in 1986, the Opera House
today provides performing arts from
classical to country, dance, student recitals, summer
theatre workshops and a childrens’/senior citizens 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
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
Water Street Studio
An amazing 16,000-square-foot arts center, created by artists, featuring 26 artist studios, three classrooms and two premier galleries.
160 S. Water St., Batavia
(630) 761-9977
bataviaartistsassociation.org
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
