Chicago Museums near St Charles IL
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
4N739 Il. Route 59 | Bartlett, IL 60103 | 630-213-2277
Experience peace and enjoy hours of discovery at Shri Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir. This traditional Hindu Mandir is a masterpiece of exotic design and workmanship. Over 7000 tons of Italian Carrara marble and Turkish limestone were hand-carved by skilled craftsmen in India and assembled in just 16 months. Ancient Indian art, tradition, and philosophy have been encompassed in this house of worship that is a testimony to human commitment. Come and explore its beauty and divinity. Visiting hours: 9am-6pm Daily. No admission or parking fee. Wheelchair accessible--elevator--guided tours.
Batavia Depot Museum
155 Houston Street | Batavia, IL 60510 | (630) 406-5274
The Batavia Depot Museum is housed in an 1854 Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad depot. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The City of Batavia's past comes alive through exhibits detailing the history of rail transportation, manufacture of windmills, the early settlement of the town, industrial development, commerce, education and a brief stay by Mary Todd Lincoln at Bellevue Place in Batavia. Other buildings include a turn-of-the-century gazebo, Burlington caboose and 1856 Coffin Bank, providing a historical depth to your Chicago IL museum experience.
Billy Graham Museum
500 E. College Avenue | Wheaton, IL 60187 | (630) 752-5909
Thirty-five minutes east of St Charles in the City of Wheaton, Illinois. Call for hours. At Wheaton College, experience a visual overview of the history of Christian evangelism, a unique addition to your list of things to do in St Charles Illinois.
Cantigny Gardens & Museum
1 South 151 Winfield Rd. | Wheaton, IL 60187 | (630) 668-5161
One of the highlights of Cantigny grounds is the 15 acres of gardens. The carefully manicured areas include 10 acres of formal gardens, a rose collection and the Idea Garden. Cantigny's Idea Garden demonstrates unique gardening projects for adults & children. Tour the home of Colonel McCormick built in 1896. The 35-room mansion is filled with European antiques, paintings, rare books and Asian art that McCormick collected around the world. The First Division Museum commemorates the distinguished service of the men and women who have served their nation since its inception. The park also features summer entertainment, two golf courses, picnic area and facility rental. Motorcoaches welcome.
Dunham-Hunt House
304 Cedar Avenue | St Charles, IL | (630) 584-6967
Sunday through Friday, noon-4pm, June 1 through September 1. Built in 1836, this restored, 19th-century Greek Revival home is the oldest brick house in St Charles. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and featured in Bob Vila's Guide to Historic Homes. Other museum hours / groups welcome by appointment. Please call for the latest information on this St Charles museum.
Durant House Museum
LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve | St. Charles, IL | (630) 377-6424
Authentically restored and furnished 1843 prairie farm house. Costumed interpreters involve visitors with mid-19th century farm life, a unique addition to your Chicago vacation! Groups welcome by appointment. Chicago museum passport program: June thru August, yearly. Summer Frolic: Mid-July. Autumn Frolic & Apple Fest: the first Sunday in October. Candlelight Open House: the first weekend in December. Fireside Weekends: February Suggested donations: $1 per person.
Fabyan Villa Museum
1511 S. Batavia Ave. | Geneva, IL 60134 | (630) 232-4811
Open May 15 to October 15. Wednesdays & Thursdays, 1-4 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, 1-4:30 p.m. A 1907 Frank Lloyd Wright re-design and former home of Colonel George & Nelle Fabyan featuring family artifacts and Riverbank Laboratory exhibits. Japanese Garden. Other hours & groups welcome by appointment.
Garfield Farm Museum
3N016 Garfield Rd. | LaFox, IL | (630) 584-8485
Wednesday & Sunday, 1-4 pm, June to September. Tour the only intact 1840's living history farm. A unique opportunity to discover 19th century farming, food production, and the native Illinois prairie. Other hours, groups/motorcoach welcome by appointment.
Illinois Railway Museum
7000 Olson Road | Union, IL 60180 | (815) 923-4000
Largest collection of railway equipment in the United States. Steam, diesel, electric Streetcars operate on a 1-mile car line. Trains operate on a 4.8 mile right of way. Open Sundays April 4-October 31; Saturdays, April 10-October 30; daily Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Pioneer Sholes School
Located in LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve | St Charles, IL | (630) 377-6424
A restored, one-room schoolhouse serving as a living museum. Other hours / groups welcome by appointment. Call the above number for reservations.
St Charles History Museum
215 E. Main | St Charles, IL | (630) 584-6967
Rotating exhibits of St Charles history at this Chicago Illinois museum, including Civil War artifacts, local industry and other fascinating facts. Local history research archives available by appointment. Museum also features a gift shop. Tuesday thru Sat., 10am-4pm Sunday, noon-4pm Suggested Donation: $2 Adults $1 Students & Seniors.