Best Museums in Elk Grove Village

"Installation view, Duro Olowu: Seeing Chicago, MCA Chicago Feb 29-May 10, 2020 Photo: Nathan Keay, © MCA Chicago. Now openIn The Magnificent Mile area, Museum of Contemporary Art presents provocative and thought-provoking exhibits by local and global artists. With an emphasis on contemporary works, the museum presents a variety of compelling exhibitions, performances, collections, and educational programs throughout the year."

"If you’re an Illinois resident, you can visit the lakefront Museum of Contemporary Art for free on Tuesdays. The museum houses post-World War II paintings, sculptures, photos, and videos."

"A group of art patrons who felt the great Art Institute was unresponsive to modern work founded the MCA in 1967, and it has remained…"

"Located in Pilsen, the National Museum of Mexican Art is the only museum dedicated to Latino culture that’s a member of the American Alliance of Museums. The museum has over 9,000 examples of Mexican art from ancient Mexico to the present as well as special exhibitions. While technically free, they do ask for a donation if you can spare it."

"Families will adore the colorful National Museum of Mexican Art located in the heart of Pilsen. With five galleries to explore, kids and parents won’t feel rushed to see everything and can view the exhibits at their own pace. Even if you don’t see everything you wanted, admission to the museum is free, so a return visit can be planned."

"Founded in 1982, this vibrant museum – the largest Latinx arts institution in the US – has become one of the city’s best. The vivid permanent collection sums up 1000 years of Mexican art and culture through classical paintings, shining gold altars, skeleton-rich folk art, beadwork and much more."

"This Lincoln Park museum uses hands-on exhibits to explore Illinois ecology and natural history. Check out a butterfly greenhouse, splash in water tables to explore how rivers work, and learn how the museum hatches and raises wetland animals like turtles. A post shared by Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (@naturemuseum) on Mar 20, 2017 at 9:13am PDT"

"Children under 3, active-duty military, veterans, and Illinois K-12 teachers are always free. Thursdays are suggested donation days for Illinois residents. Meet the fish at the Shedd Aquarium."

"The Water Tower Place-based family-friendly gallery serves as dedicated space for Dr. Seuss's artwork. Visitors may view the various collections--which include sculptures, illustrated art and "secret" art--and have the option to buy. Some of the works have never been exhibited before."

"Washington ParkCelebrate the achievements of African-Americans in the past and present Named for Jean Baptiste Point DuSable, a Haitian who is credited for establishing Chicago in 1779, the DuSable Museum of African-American History celebrates African-American history, culture, and art through world-class exhibits and programming, including permanent exhibits highlighting African-Americans in the military and telling the story of the African-American experience, from the Transatlantic Slave Trade through Reconstruction, the Great Migration, the Jim Crow era, the Civil Rights and Black Power Movements, and the US’s first black president. What to know before you go: The DuSable Museum of African-American History is open 10am to 5pm Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5pm Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for students and seniors, $3 for children ages 6-11 and free for children 5 and younger, with discounts for Chicago residents and free admission every Tuesday."

"Cool fact… the DuSable Museum of African American History is one of the oldest institutions of its kind in the country. Another cool fact… Chicago-proud musician and celebrity Chance the Rapper added some star power to their efforts when he joined as a museum board trustee this year. It’s pretty special to be so rooted in history and heritage, but also very future forward."

"The DuSable Museum of African American History in Chicago highlights African American history, culture, and art. Founded in 1961 as the Ebony Museum of Negro History and Art, the DuSable Museum today has a collection comprised of more than 13,000 different objects to include works by Langston Hughes, St. Clair Drake, and W.E.B. Du Bois."

"Just beyond the aquarium is the Adler Planetarium, which when constructed in 1930 became America's first planetarium. The building is more than a museum; it is a laboratory, a classroom, and a community exploring the Universe together. Each year half a million visitors experience the museum's interactive exhibitions, live planetarium shows, hands-on educational programs, and world-class collections."

"Finish your ride at the waterfront behind the Alder Planetarium, for your very last photography stop. With dreamy views of the skyline framed by the glittering lake, it’s considered one of the best spots in the city to watch the sunset and makes for the perfect ending to a whirlwind Chicago getaway."

"Art Institute of Chicago* – Fast PassOR Adler Planetarium* – VIP Entry *Your CityPASS tickets include the option for you to choose between two attractions. There’s no need to decide upfront where you’d like to visit. You can choose when you get there."

"ChinatownLearn how one of the country’s oldest Chinatowns developed Chinatown is a favorite stop among visitors to Chicago, and the Chinese-American Museum of Chicago is a must-see of the neighborhood. With a permanent exhibit that tells the story of Chinese immigration to the Midwest, plus rotating exhibits on things like Chinese clothing, art, and more, this museum is sure to teach visitors something new about an important culture that has been rooted in Chicago's community for more than 100 years. What to know before you go: The Chinese-American Museum of Chicago is open 10am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday and 9:30am to 2pm Tuesday-Friday."

"The Chinese American Museum of Chicago opened in 2005 in Chicago's Chinatown. Three years after its opening, the museum suffered a fire and lost a considerable amount of its collection. Today, the museum is a hotbed of cultural artifacts from the Chinese culture and hosts a popular Chinese New Year celebration in the city each year."

"238 W 23rd StHours: Tues-Fri, 9:30am-1:30pm; Sat-Sun, 10am-5pmSuggested donation: $5. Sign up here for our daily Chicago email and be the first to get all the food/drink/fun in town."

"Another scenic spot to spend some time is the magnificent Maggie Daley Park which lies within the Loop and is connected to Millennium Park by a pedestrian bridge. Packed with playgrounds, picnic areas, and lush green spaces, it is a very family-friendly place to visit with even climbing walls and a mini-golf course on offer. Named for Maggie Daley, the former first lady of the city, the park was re-imagined, redesigned and reopened in 2015."

"Chicago’s Lakefront Trail I promised we’d do a lot of walking today, so next, head back towards Lake Michigan and enjoy the lakefront trail, a nearly 20-mile stretch of paved walkway that meanders down the city’s coastline. The views are spectacular and it’s a great way to see the city’s skyline from a distance. If you’d prefer to bike the trail (highly recommended!), check out the city’s bike-sharing system, Divvy, where you can grab a bike for a 24-hour rental period from one of the city’s many stations"

"Restaurants Ice cream parlors Andersonville. Scooping ice cream for more than a decade, George's has long been considered a community gathering place for fans young and old. There are many reasons to love this sweet, family-owned shop, and among them is the Geor-Gantic, a five-scoop masterpiece that's loaded with brownie bits, waffle chips, chocolate pretzels, hot fudge, caramel and rainbow sprinkles."

"A post shared by George's Ice Cream and Sweets (@georgesicecream) on Aug 11, 2018 at 1:38pm PDT. A tub of ice cream is a fail-safe friend. You can rely on it to lift your spirits, calm your sweet urge, and refresh you."

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by George's Ice Cream and Sweets (@georgesicecream)"

"BomboBar is the place to be for the best desserts in Chicago. These guys serve a variety of different sweet treats, but the Gelato Shakes are not to be missed. Far from a regular shake, these intense milkshakes are piled high with chocolates, Oreos, gummy candies and much more."

"If you’re a donut lover, then you absolutely NEED to come to Bombobar. After opening up as a humble walk-up window, Bombobar has expanded to two locations including one 30-seat restaurant in Old Town. If you like over-the-top donuts and shakes, Bombobar is your spot."

"As you walk inside, you’ll be greeted by a host, but you’ll order on your own at one of their tablets up front. Your food will be brought to you at whatever table you choose. BomboBar serves sandwiches, pizza and beer on tap."

"Restaurants Ice cream parlors Lower West Side. No summer bucket list is complete without a trip to Pilsen to visit La Michoacana Premium, Chicago's premiere paletería. Upon entering this cheerful shop, you'll be pulled to the display case, which is jam-packed with dozens of paletas in flavors like blackberry, kiwi-strawberry and creamy pistachio."

"This Mexican ice cream shop and its colorful paletas are a total must-try. La Michoacana’s extensive options, ranging all the way from tangy Michelada to creamy strawberry, will have you coming back and back again for more!. The shop also sells tangy mangoneadas, with blended mango sorbet, diced fresh fruit, lime juice and Tajin chili powder, another incredible option for cooling down in the hot summer weather!"

"There are a few La Michoacanas in Chicago, but the location we really like is in Pilsen. It has a drive-thru (much appreciated this year), the staff is friendly, and they have great paletas and regular ice cream. The treats here are very sweet, perfect for when you want a dessert that tastes like dessert because not everyone wants their treats to taste like goat cheese or earl grey tea."