They were closed when we stopped by on our travel down Route 66. Even though we only got to see it…read morefrom the outside and for a quick drive around, I'm good with giving 'em a 5. It's every bit like you'd expect from an 'old prison'. It was built in the 1800's and, of course, when checking out the gate where Elwood picked up Jake in the movie Blues Brothers it looked exactly as expected. Even from the outside there's some good photo ops. Probably won't ever be in the area again, but am sure glad we had the opportunity to see it.

Tour guides are wonderful! Very friendly and knowledgeable. More than happy to spend as much time…read moreas you need answering questions and adding extra interesting bits of information.

It is very small but alot of animals and birds behind glass that are stuffed. Very inpresses as a…read moreadult.

Another Sunday with my sister in law in charge of how we spend our day. She is famous for finding…read morethese obscure museums and the like to check out. Of course, they are usually closed when we get there, but this time we lucked out. The Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum at Benedictine University is really quite impressive. It's not very large, but they have a considerable collection of specimens. Taxidermied and preserved animals ranging from glass coral to polar bear. Not only are the specimens very well preserved (they put the sad furballs at the Field Museum to shame), but since most of the collection isn't behind glass you can get a really good look at them. If I didn't have the respect for museums that a Montessori school instills in a child I would be able to share a picture of me kissing a lion with you, that's how close you can get to them. The museum is located on the 2nd floor of the Birck Hall of Science. When we arrived the lights were off and we assumed Sue had confused their hours, but apparently they turn the lights on when someone arrives! We found the entrance and the docent welcomed us and turned on the lights. There is an annex across the hall with a dozen or so more stuffed creatures to check out. Aside from their impressive and well displayed collection the next best thing about this place...it's free! Free parking and free admission.

5 stars the GOAT of museums!…read more The Coal Mining exhibit is so freaking cool! The real sized plane you can go into. Old school trains, just tons of cool stuff to see and do no matter what age! If you go to only ONE museum go to this one!

We spent about 3 1/2-4 hours exploring the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry and really…read moreenjoyed our visit. The museum is huge, so be prepared to do a lot of walking, and it can be a little confusing to navigate at times. Our favorite experience was the Coal Mine tour--it was very well done and definitely worth doing. We also loved the first room of the Blue Paradox exhibit, which was incredibly immersive and made a great first impression. The weather exhibits and the airplane were also highlights for our family. There is so much to see that you could easily spend most of the day here. If you're visiting Chicago with kids or anyone who enjoys science and interactive exhibits, this museum is well worth a visit. We had a great time!

The best surprise of my visit to Pontiac. This museum has such an amazing and eclectic collection…read moreof items to delight everyone. From the outside it seems like any regular historical building -- but the quantity and quality of the displays within create a fun spot to enjoy an afternoon with plenty of learning opportunities. I'm not sure you'll find any larger collection of Route 66 themed items than on the lower floor here. Being immersed in these objects really gave me a feel of the history of Route 66. Attached to this are several other museums covering everything from murals to the Titanic to the Civil War to the 1940's and more. Truly a must visit set of museums that's worth a special trip.

Housed in a historic firehouse, this is a nice stop on the way to Springfield along Route 66…read more The museum is just one room packed with Route 66 memorabilia, but it is part of a maze of museums. Fun to be able to wander through the interconnected displays. Would not make a special stop here unless you want to explore Pontiac. While you are there, definitely check out the Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum and the murals. Get your kicks on Route 66!

What a fabulous place for various artists and artwork! It was great to see all the different pieces…read moreand styles in this collection. The art institute is huge and covers a wide variety of different styles. It's a big place so expect to spend some time here. Map shows different levels and different stairs and elevators leading to different places. They even have a cafe in the 3rd floor. Really cool place to check out in Chicago while you're here. They do have free lockers for large backpacks and items near the front.

My husband and I visited the Art Institute of Chicago on 6/6…read more During our visit, we got to see the Korean National Treasures: 2000 Years of Art exhibit. We spent a lot of time in the Modern Art wing. There is so much to see and experience there. We were there for a few hours, but I'd say you really need a whole day if you want to attempt to see everything.

It's an awesome place to visit. There was memorabilia there from my high school teacher and also…read morefrom my cousin. I was really impressed

From the owner: Grundy County History Museum--contains exhibits depicting the history of Grundy County . Located…read morealong the historic Illinois & Michigan Canal.

Wow this a gorgeous place to bring your Family relax look at…read morethe beautiful buildings the museum and the little house now that the weather is nice come take a walk around the house you will Love it and so will the entire family will Love it

Definitely recommend touring the Ellwood House. Very beautiful and interesting history. We had an…read moreolder gentleman for our tour guide who was very knowledgeable. Don't recommend touring Ellcourt House because it's not that different from a normal house.

We were back again this year for the rare breeds show. There were a lot of horses this time…read morearound, and we met some wonderful people who raise Red Wattle Hogs, which is an endangered breed. There are only about 2,000 left in the world. I bought some handmade soap, and we ended our afternoon visit with a delightful piece of cherry cheesecake pie. It was a pure pleasure to get out of the city. We LOVE Garfield Farm.

The property managers here are fantastic. We were there taking wedding photos, and they could not…read morehave been more kind and accommodating. The grounds and buildings are beautiful. Take a day trip and check it out! Don't forget your camera.