Chicago land exhibit- while in Evanston, I was able to visit the Block Museum twice ! They had a…read morevery interesting exhibit focused on the American Indians and their art !! They had some amazing pieces. Some from natural sweetgrass, lots of paintings and lots of basket weaving techniques!! Great installation and totally free and sponsored by Northwestern university . Totally ten star experience!! Highly recommended !!

I've been a Northwestern alum for nearly 10 years, and I have never donated to the university (even…read morethough I work there, because hi, I'm still paying off student loans from my graduate degree). That said, I did decide to donate this year, mainly because I really wanted the cute Arch jigsaw puzzle, and I designated my donation gift to go to the Block Museum. This place is a hidden gem. I am OBSESSED with William Blake...like, I own his entire poetry collection and two coffee table art books (one of which is from the current Block exhibit -- Age of Aquarius -- that I had to buy after visiting). The current exhibit is freaking brilliant. It's so well done, amazingly curated and organized, and is really ingenious. I admittedly don't know much about art (I'm kicking myself now for never taking an art history class during my time at NU), but I've been to The Block several times over the years working there, and I'm ashamed I never went as an undergrad. Plus, hello, it's free. Always. Super happy to support them and cannot wait for their next exhibits. In the meantime, I have a hot date with Blake at least 2-3 times more before it closes, including some of the fun special events they have planned in collaboration with other parts of the university and members of the Chicago community.

Came here for the first time for a birthday party so I wasn't sure what to expect. The place was…read morerecently renovated so things did not seem that dated. There was a variety of different areas to play in, different pretend areas- veterinary, building and grocery. There was a big climbing structure to get into with a variety of different obstacles inside. And there was a water play area. Overall a lot of variety for the space. The things were well maintained. The room was also kept pretty warm.

They raised the prices as of October 2025 and parents still have to pay just to get in…read more Would love if the could partner with a local disability services vendor to run a small cafe. It would be more on par with the other indoor spaces.

This museum is even more impactful to me than the big Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC. For…read morehistory buffs, this is very well laid out, and I am sure they'd approve. For those who grew up isolated/protected from the dark and tragic stories of human history, this museum will open your eyes and hearts to the truth in a way you can slowly and understandingly absorb. It is truly excellent, and the staff are knowledgeable without a guilt-trip attitude towards visitors. Start with a long pause at the memory wall/fountains outdoors (weather permitting) to quiet your soul and prepare for the exhibits inside. For me, after going through the interior, I like to stop again at the outdoor memory wall before heading to the parking lot, and say a prayer.

I spent Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day here in 2025, wanting to avoid news of the inauguration…read more Though I'd been at the museum for special events, like lectures, I'd never visited the main exhibit. The volunteers at the desk were super friendly and helpful. When I mentioned it was my first visit, they gave suggestions on how to maximize my time. The exhibit is put together incredibly thoughtfully. Walking through the chronology with photos, artifacts, and videos from Chicago-area family was powerful. I recommend really allocating time to read and observe everything, as the story unfolds completely. I was frustrated by other patrons who were having conversations about the worst road trip they've ever been on. There weren't staff in the exhibit, so I addressed it myself and asked them to step outside to continue the conversation or to be more respectful. They were appropriately embarrassed. I'm not sure if it's normal for their not to be volunteers or staff, but it would have been helpful had that situation escalated. I participated in one of the VR experiences where the audience can ask questions of a survivor, whose answers are the result of hundreds of hours of interviews. Not only was the experience amazing, but it was humbling to think of survivors spending all of those hours relieving their experiences so that generations can continue to learn directly from them. I will definitely be returning - there was more to see and do - and I'm grateful for the volunteers and staff who maintain this experience.

Very much enjoyed visiting this local museum. The normal hours didn't work for me since I work…read moreduring the day but after connecting with the museum I was able to visit when they were open for an event. This was a great museum that showcased the history of Skokie very well. I highly recommend visiting if you're interested in smaller local history museums, Skokie history or fire history since it's in the old fore station

Christopher and I stumbled upon this sweet little museum on our weekly gallivant. I spotted the log…read morecabin from the public parking lot and curiosity compelled us to investigate. I am going through my second childhood these days, but it is far better than the first because I have a deeper curiosity, and a longer attention span to couple with a sense of wonder. Therefore, finding myself in a small museum, filled with old firehouse equipment and memorabilia made me happier than a pig in merde. We also found out that Babyface Nelson was killed and his body dumped in St. Paul's Cemetery not too far away. As a big fan of Chicago's old gangster history I can't believe I never knew this, but that is what cute little museums are for. All you have to do is ask and they will give you a tour of the log cabin. It is the oldest structure in Skokie, dating back to 1847. The inside is decorated in period furnishings, complete with a cast iron stove. The land around it is planted with Illinois prairie plants to create a true feeling of the region. What a delightful little treasure to find in downtown Skokie. They offer an interesting and inexpensive birthday party for kids that includes tours, ice cream making and candle dipping, plus table decorations, plates and napkins for $150 for 12 kids. To me that sounds like a good deal. Anyhow, this place is well worth checking out, especially because it is free!!! They do have a donation jar, so be cool and slip them a few bucks!!! Museum hours are 12 to 4 PM on Thursday and Friday and 10 AM to 2 PM on Saturday and Sunday (seasonal hours, call to confirm). They also provide various special events throughout the year, call for information. (847) 674-1500 ext. 3000

I chaperoned a large group to the Evanston History Center in the Charles Dawes House on a weekday…read moremorning and we had a great time. Susan, our tour guide, was very informative and knowledgeable. I easily could have listened to what she had to say for another hour. The house itself is truly amazing. Everything, including the contents are as they were in the 1950s when the Dawes family last resided there. Prior to visiting the EHC I had no idea that Charles Gates Dawes was the Vice President to Calvin Coolidge or that he had won the Nobel Peace Prize for 1925. I really enjoyed the "Milestones & Memories: An Exhibit of Evanston History" on the 2nd floor. Many famous actors hail from Evanston and some of our favorite toys were created in the city. Free parking. If you reside in or around Evanston or you're just visiting the area I highly recommend visiting the Evanston History Center; for it's rich history and so much more. Make a day of it and check out some of the many other unique museums in Evanston: The Frances Willard House Museum, The Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, The American Toby Jug Museum, the Prehistoric Museum at Dave's Down to Earth Rock Shop or the Illinois Holocaust Museum.

We LOVE working with the Evanston History Center on our events! Visit the Evanston History Center…read moreat the Charles Dawes House for a tour, find out more about Evanston in their research room, or rent the house for a personal celebration. Wonderful staff to work with in an amazing historical venue! Jennifer at Bon Events

I attended my niece's wedding here and it was the most gorgeous venue I have ever seen in my life…read more Grand main dining area with cozy spots all over. It felt very personal and can I just say- you will never find another backdrop for pictures such as this place. We all enjoyed staying locally in Evanston as there were plenty of nice things to see in the area.

The Halim Time & Glass museum has been hosting events such as birthday parties and weddings for a…read morewhile now. We are going to celebrate my wife's 60th birthday party here in May. Working with Jessica, in the events department, has been wonderful. The location is beautiful, and our guests are free to explore the floor used for the party at no additional cost. The only part of the process that I still don't comprehend is that we can't take home the leftover food. Jessica claims it is due to liability issues. Not sure what liability they are referring to... If I hosted the event at Maggianos our we would be able to take leftover food home. Jessica mentioned the staff will thoroughly enjoy our leftovers. Makes me wonder if that is the reason for the policy? I'll update this review in a few weeks after the event. I'll let everyone know how the event went and how the food was...

Showed up to try to visit the museum. Came from ny. Only here for the day. Place is not open. Only…read moreby appointment. I called the number posted to see if we could get in- woman who answered was rude and said its only open for appts on wednesdays. As a graduate if Emma Willard, Frances Willard's feminist cousin's school for women, I was really looking forward to seeing this site. Very disappointed.

Fantastic place to visit in Evanston. Recently renovated house museum is beautiful and I really…read morelearned a lot about the history of the area and of the incredible and innovative woman Frances Willard. Highly recommend!