1. Sock Monkey Museum

    1. Sock Monkey Museum

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    Long Grove, IL

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    Sock Monkey Museum

    5.0 (29 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

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    Ryan D.

    The Sock Monkey Museum is just plain fun. There are sock monkeys everywhere. On the first floor there are sock monkey displays, sock monkeys and sock monkey apparel to purchase, and a private room for birthday parties where you can make and stuff your own sock monkey. On the second floor is the actual museum. As a historian, I was skeptical about how much real history there would be but I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of research that went into the history of sock monkeys at this museum. The Sock Monkey Museum is very fun and you might even learn something too.

    Jacob T.

    Overall: 5/5 Its a one of a kind place. Theres no other place like it. Stepping into the store is kind of like being transported to another world. You feel like you just took a step back into time. The barn style building, the nostalgic decor and the Sock Monkeys from the past, all make the experience truly unique and nostalgic. There is one Sock Monkey named "LUNO"... and LUNO is almost 100yrs old. Great place to visit and check out. Truly one of a kind!

    Frank L.

    We loved our visit to the Sock Monkey Museum! This is a very interesting and unique experience you probably wouldn't find somewhere else - it's the world's largest sock monkey museum! The downstairs area when you enter is a retail shop, and you can look around at some sock monkey exhibits but the upstairs area is the museum and a huge collection of sock monkeys -over 2,000! A portion of your ticket to the museum goes towards a chimp sanctuary as well which is very nice. It was really neat learning about the history of the sock monkey, staff was very knowledgeable - it's interesting they came from Rockford, IL. I never knew that before. A unique experience, I'd recommend a visit.

    Appeared in Once Upon a Christmas Wish
    Taylor M.

    I was lucky to grow up in such an idealistic village with a historic downtown. I was visiting from out of state with my husband and had been wanting to check out the Sock Monkey Museum. It looked adorable and I was bummed it was closed the last time we visited since it was on a Monday, so I made sure the next time we visited from Florida it would be open! I used to go to this store as a child when it was a yearround Christmas shop which unfortunately had a fire. As we walked in, we were welcomed by an employee who told us that they house the world's largest collection of handmade sock monkeys, certified by Guinness World Records. All of the employees here were very friendly and added to the small town feel and ambience. An employee even offered to take a picture of us when she saw us taking a selfie. I was pleasantly surprised that the entire first floor was open with no admission. The first floor has a gift shop and some museum exhibits with the vintage monkeys everywhere. It is free to explore the downstairs and has interactive displays as well as a machine where you can make and dress your own sock monkey for $24. I wanted to explore the upstairs portion of the museum, but we were meeting friends at the Village Tavern for lunch and we did not have enough time. The entrance fee for the upstairs is very reasonably priced ($6 for ages 12+) and includes a guided tour. They also do children's birthday parties! Take an afternoon, visit the Sock Monkey Museum, and explore historic downtown Long Grove! You won't be disappointed! I just wish we had some to see the upstairs and buy some popcorn, but I will make sure we have more time to explore next time.

    Cute monkey couple
    Alicia G.

    Absolutely phenomenal experience. I've never been particularly interested in sock monkeys, but I learned so much about them and now I'm OBSESSED! This place is filled with so much love and joy. Just a wonderful place to visit, regardless of how much you care about sock monkeys. One of the employees showed us some of her own hand-sewn sock monkeys and we "adopted" one! One of the happiest moments of my life. I'm so glad my husband and I stopped by. Highly recommend!

    This guy is stuffed with sawdust
    Linda P.

    If you like monkeys, have children, or like antique toys you must must must go to the museum! It was so much more than my adult daughter, the monkey lover, and I expected. The staff were amazing and told us all kinds of stories about the monkeys. We got a lesson on the history of socks as well as sock monkeys. There was so much to see and learn. I'd definitely go back. You can have birthday parties there and they hold classes on how to make the monkeys too.

    Rebecca A.

    We just had our son's 8th birthday party here. We had the whole place to ourselves. They saw the museum, did a scavenger hunt, then stuffed their own monkey or stuffed animal friend and picked out an outfit. The staff were awesome! Super friendly and helpful. It's very reasonably priced. Everyone had a blast. I was so unique and memorable, plus you are supporting local.

    Part of the gift shop
    Sherwin C.

    One of the most unique museums you're likely to run across, the Sock Monkey Museum will definitely bring a smile to your face and leave you with many stories to tell your friends and family. It's definitely one of those places that you'll need to see to get the full experience, which includes lots of great history and education about sock monkeys. The staff is also very friendly and willing to answer any questions you have. Definitely make a visit to here if you're looking for something fun filled for both children and adults.

    Ice cream is sold at the Sock Monkey Snack Company during the off-season.

    This is a review of the Sock Monkey Snack Company which is located next to Covered Bridge Creamery. The popcorn store changed ownership and name last year. The popcorn is the same quality as before. It appears that when Covered Bridge Creamery is closed (during the off-season), the ice cream that is normally sold at that store (10 flavors) are sold at the Sock Monkey Snack Company. There are a couple other snacks sold besides popcorn (e.g. trail mix, candy). You can buy the popcorn in a sealed bag, or buy the popcorn from the bins for a popcorn cup or popcorn bag. The flavors in the bins are the more basic flavors. The Sock Monkey Snack Company is currently open Fri.- Sun. in the afternoon.

    Photo opp time!
    Selma L.

    We enjoyed a very nice afternoon here with our son. He is 1 and was so fascinated with all of the different sock monkeys and exciting exhibits. There's just so much attention to detail! Everyone was super nice and welcoming. Definitely recommend!!!

    My nanny kids and I had the BEST TIME! The ladies working were lovely and so sweet! They made the experience so great and were so helpful! My nanny kids loved looking around at all the monkeys and especially loved stuffing their first monkey! They even celebrated with a homemade banana bread cake :)

    Who knew this Great little museum was in northern Illinois. The young lady that gave us the museum spiel was enthusiastic and very interesting. Tiny museum, but only $6 for entry.

    tracy f.

    We had a super fun day in Long Grove! The Sock Monkey Museum is such a gem! The museum is $6 for adults $4 for kids. I was surprised by the caliber of information and graphics in the museum, they do such a good job! Who knew sock monkey history is so fascinating?! We stuffed our own sock monkeys and picked out little outfits. They have other animals you can stuff as well - it is like a local Build a Bear. I'd much rather go here! They host parties and do other crafts too. The gift shop is great. The staff is fun and kind. To make a day of it, there is an ice cream shop and candy shop a block away, plenty of breweries and places to get lunch in the area, and a great forest preserve and playground at Heron Creek Forest Preserve.

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    How sweet! Take the tour, its worth the $6 to learn about the history. Problay cheapest thing in the whole store/gift shop.

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    We (5 kids ranging from 8-16, and 4 parents) had an absolute blast. Would HIGHLY recommend

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    Ask the Community - Sock Monkey Museum

    Review Highlights - Sock Monkey Museum

    I made my friends do the scavenger hunt so we were searching for monkeys for the better part of an hour.

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

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    Portraits of popular well-known superheroes
    Portraits of popular well-known superheroes
    Turn right: Hallway leading to the "Alex Ross: Heroes & Villains" exhibition at the new space
    Turn right: Hallway leading to the "Alex Ross: Heroes & Villains" exhibition at the new space
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    Sock Monkey Museum - museums - Updated July 2026

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