Elgin Public Museum

By Christine Escobar

Elgin Public Museum is a little museum housed in a lovely red brick building built in 1907. Tucked away in beautiful 108-acre Lords Park, it is just east of Elgin's downtown historic district.

It's a good idea to plan on spending time at Lords Park after your visit to the museum, since it's a beautiful, wooded park with tall oak trees, a tiny zoo and two playgrounds.  

What Preschoolers Can Discover At Elgin Public Museum

The museum's collection includes exhibits on tyrannosaurus rex, fossils of Illinois' Mazon Creek, extinct, endangered, and threatened animals, animal adaptations, Ice Age mammals, the LaSalle expedition and Native American life. There are several hands on exhibits located on the second floor and a designated room for young children to explore which includes animal puppets, fossils, puzzles, blocks and other fun hands-on materials preschoolers will love to discover.

A small gift shop, on the first floor of the museum, offers many educational and nature related toys, games and books for children. This is a nice place to make a small donation to the museum, since admission is free and the museum relies on donations.

Special Events and Classes for Preschoolers at Elgin Public Museum

The museum hosts several events throughout the year, including Bubblefest, Mexican Independence Day Celebration, Fine Arts Festival, Native American Cultural Days and Bison Blessing, Mighty Cahokia: Prehistoric Indian City, and a popular holiday event Touching on Traditions.

In the summer months, the museum hosts Adventures in the Zoo, a free drop-in program at the Lords Park Zoo on Saturdays from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Weekly themes are based on science and nature with hands-on activities and crafts. An assortment of kids classes and family classes are offered in the cooler months, as well.

Details

Admission: Free
Accessible: Yes, an elevator is available for guests.
Parking: Free.
Phone: (847) 741-6655 
Hours: June to September: Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays) Noon to 4 p.m. September to May: Saturday & Sunday Noon to 4 p.m. 
Map