I dig museums, and this one isn't much but it's not a bad stop if you're in the area. It's a very…read morevery small museum but it does tell some of the history of the area, and that was interesting to learn a bit more about that older history, particularly the native peoples in the area. I visited because the Journeys exhibit sounded interesting, and it was small but well done. I think the other half of the exhibit, that goes more into depth about the Potawatomi, the area pre-colonization, and the overharvesting of beavers and other animals in the area, is a permanent exhibit. That was actually more interesting overall than the Journeys exhibit for me but that's mostly because I knew less of that history and information. It was cool to see an example of a Three Sisters garden, which was method of agriculture used by native folks. There's a game I love called Three Sisters and it is based upon these concepts. Squash, corn, and beans are the "three sisters"; they're known as this because of their symbiotic relationship. The corn stalks give the beans a structure upon which to climb and grow, and the nutrients in the beans nourish the soil. The squash--specifically, the leaves--provide ground cover and keep pests at bay. It's so fascinating to learn about some of these techniques that aren't practiced as much in modern day society. Not inside the museum but outside is a longhouse, a cabin, and possibly in the growing season an example of a three sisters garden. There's also walking trails and what looked like a picnic area. There's a reasonably large parking lot as well.

We went to Isle a la Cache on the day after Thanksgiving and we were disappointed to learn that the…read moremuseum and buildings were closed! With kids off from school, it seemed odd that it was shuttered for the day. That said, we walked the trails and read the educational signage. Very clean and trails are either paved, planked, or groomed. It's a nice little nature park, and we will probably try a visit again when the buildings are open. Hopefully the star rating will improve once we are able to access the exhibits!

Clean and well organized. Welcoming and helpful staff. Thought we could purchase the Passport…read morehere, but were directed to the Illinois Rock and Roll Hall of fame around the corner. There is an admission to go past the lobby and gift shop and only interested in getting our passport, we took a few photos and left. Looks and feels nice though.

First time coming here. I wanted a place to enjoy some walking around and educational sight seeing…read more This place is hands down amazing for what's crammed into this museum. For a small fee, you get to immerse yourself for hours and go back in time and learn the origins of this town from an Indian trail to being part of the industrial revolution and beyond! This place features a couple of movie theaters which go very in depth which I didn't have time to get through. It's got a mock 1920s down town area, beautifully detailed area showing what it was like building the I&M canal. They even do parties with rooms downstairs and upstairs on the rooftop.

IAM is a great introduction for anyone to military and civilian aviation from years gone by to…read moreplanes and stories of today. They have a fantastic open house and flying exhibitions every year. Check their website for next years open house (2026)! Great job IAM! Also, for high school aged teens , please check out their CAP Civil Air Patrol squadron! It is an official civilian branch of the USAF!!!

Very knowledgeable volunteer and interesting exhibits. Dont…read moreforget to to donate they depend on donations to stay afloa.

While this says "museum", it is two train cars sitting on a small train track. There are signs…read moreshowing fun facts about the area and a small parking lot. Overall it's a great little side quest to visit if you're in the area. Since it is all outside, there is no actual opening or closing time.

I really wouldn't call this a museum, it's more like looking at preserved history. Off of the minor…read moreroute 66 alignment you'll find this caboose and this very rare train station (it was originally placed a mile and a half from this site) and you can read all of the history that's has been beautifully preserved here. It has parking and it's welcomed for patrons too if you're going to eat at the place next door. Highly recommend for history buffs like myself!

This was the first opportujity after landing in Chicago to purchase our Route 66 Passport and begin…read moreour drive to Santa Monica on Route 66. The facility is very clean and the employees are very helpful. They explained how it all worked and we received our first stamp. We did not take the full tour, but from what we did experience it was nice and worth the stop.

We stumbled upon this museum while stopping in Joliet on our Route 66 road trip. This museum was…read moreour favorite stop in Joliet. Being from Illinois, it brought back a lot of memories of favorite bands and DJs. I'll be back to visit with my husband.

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.

Everything about the staff--helpfulness, knowledge, and professionalism--just shines! I chose the…read moreself-guided tour and enjoyed exploring the grounds and buildings all by myself. Parking was plentiful and the East Gate entrance (the ONLY entrance to the grounds) was fairly easy to find. The gift shop, on the other hand, is completely hidden and if not for a helpful staff member, I would have never seen it! Please, museum crew, improve the signage near the gift shop so you aren't losing money. This museum is a delight and I hope all Blues Brothers fans and others can enjoy it for years to come.

This Fire Museum is something to behold. What a fabulous place to learn the history of our Fire…read moreFighters whether volunteer or full time. Incredible history in the exhibits and the building itself. Very well done. Megan was an amazing host and welcoming party. Make sure to ask for the stories around the wood water main! Highly recommended.

Great place for those who love firemen and fire trucks. There were even some things that the kids…read morecould touch and interact with. The employee was very friendly and helpful.

Loved the Growing Up Gen X exhibit! I didn't even know this branch of the Illinois museum existed…read moreuntil a post from the museum about the Gen X exhibit popped up on my Facebook feed the other day. I had missed this exhibit when it was in Springfield last year and was so happy to catch it closer to home. The entire exhibit was very well done and it was fun to show my teen things I had or used at her age. My fellow Gen X friend enjoyed it too. John was so knowledgeable about upcoming museum and town activities that I now have a list of things I want to attend in the near future. I saved the Facebook event to attend their upcoming Ferris Bueller movie showing event in a few weeks. I'm interesting in seeing the fine arts exhibit that will be replacing this one in a few weeks too.

Recently came here, what an amazing place to see a constant rotation of ever changing art every…read moremonth. There's no entry fee but donations are what keep this place going. Easy to park but it has limited hours, staff here is absolutely friendly and knowledgeable. It's very quiet and peaceful so nobody will really be bothered. If you're visiting the area too, it's great to get off at the metra stop nearby.

We went last week. Wait until after Aug 15 to go. Currently there is little or no explanation of…read morelife in the 1800's (except the mansion - the mansion was the regular docent-led tour - well done). For some insane reason, they have decided to "feature" the 1980's. Poorly. A quiz about TV commercials in the 80's. We were there with children, 30-somethings, and a tourist from another country. No one knew any of these answwers and they wouldn't stop. NOTHING about the newspaper printing in the 1800's. Blacksmith was at least about being a blacksmith, but no history. School - "Well, schools were pretty much the same as they are now. Not like this one." Our kids understood that Twister was a game and movies were on a tape in the 80's. But they were not interested. Nice craft opportunity with the scrunchee. But not about early settlement. If not for the mansion, 2 stars (things were open to go inside, at least). I will check carefully again before I would take kids for any history that they would care about. Must be a big draw for the 50 -60 year olds! Huge disappointment for us and our grade-school kids.

Came here for the Halloween trick or treating. There was lots to do and it was fun for all ages…read morefrom 12 months to 65 years old. We played with the dinosaurs eggs, bubbles, entered the costumes contest, and took a tour of the mansion. The decorations were pretty great!