The Paramount Theatre - Aurora, IL.

AFRICAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE MUSEUM AND BLACK VETERANS ARCHIVES
Dr. Charles Smith has developed a huge body of folk art based on the black experience. His mixed-media works chronicle events in African-American history.
Self-guided tours of Dr. Smith’s outdoor “gallery.”
126 S. Kendall Ave., Aurora

ALBRIGHT THEATER
Located on the third floor of Batavia’s historic Government Building, this company has gained the reputation for producing cutting-edge dramas and comedies, as well as family-friendly shows for over 30 years.
100 N. Island Ave., Batavia
(630) 406-8838
albrighttheatre.com

AMERICA’S BREWING COMPANY AT WALTER PAYTON’S ROUNDHOUSE
Originally constructed in 1856, America’s first railroad roundhouse was renovated in 1996 and is a National Historic Trust Preservation Award Winner. Home to the Walter Payton Museum, ComedyComedy and Illinois’ largest award-winning microbrewery.
205 N. Broadway, Aurora
(630) 264-BREW
walterpaytonsroundhouse.com

AURORA PUBLIC ARTS COMMISSION
Located in the David L. Pierce Art and
History Center, the Aurora Public Art
Commission provides programs in art
education and exhibitions in the gallery.
20 E. Downer Pl., Aurora
(630) 906-0654
aurora-il.org

AURORA REGIONAL FIRE MUSEUM
Displays of vintage firefighting equipment, memorabilia of the 1871 Chicago Fire, thousands of photographs and gift shop. Five new interactive kiosks on fighting fires.
53 N. Broadway, Aurora
(630) 892-1572
auroraregionalfiremuseum.org

AURORA AREA ARCHITECTURE
The Aurora area features a diverse tapestry of architectural styles and sights, including designs by Frank Lloyd Wright, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Bruce Goff and George Grant Elmslie. The area is also home to one of the largest collections of Sears Mail Order Homes and Lustron Homes. Take an iPod, Heritage or Downtown tour!
(630) 897-5581
enjoyaurora.com

AURORA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Local history research archives. Historic photos, books, documents and maps covering Aurora’s history from the 1830s to the present.
By appointment only.
305 Cedar St., Aurora
(630) 897-9029
aurorahistoricalsociety.org

AURORA PUBLIC ARTS COMMISSION
Located in the David L. Pierce Art and History Center, the Aurora Public Art Commission provides programs in art education and exhibitions in the gallery.
20 E. Downer Pl., Aurora
(630) 906-0654
aurora-il.org

BATAVIA DEPOT MUSEUM
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this 1854 Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Depot comes alive with exhibits on rail transportation, windmills and the settlement of Batavia.
155 Houston St., Batavia
(630) 406-5274
bataviahistoricalsociety.org

BIG ROCK HISTORICAL SOCIETY CRIB MUSEUM
Step into the restored corn crib and explore artifacts from the century-old Plowing Match, or learn more about the Welsh immigrants who settled the area in the middle of the 19th century. Open Saturdays 2 – 4 p.m. or by appointment.
48W445 Hinckley Rd., Big Rock
(815) 286-3364 or (630) 556-3321

BLACKBERRY FARM’S PIONEER VILLAGE
19th century farm and village featuring pioneer craft shops and demos, a discovery barn with petting zoo and pony,
hay and miniature train rides and more.
100 S. Barnes Rd., Aurora
(630) 892-1550
foxvalleyparkdistrict.org

DAVID L. PIERCE ART& HISTORY CENTER
The Aurora Public Art Commission hosts eight to 10 rotating exhibits displaying a full spectrum of innovative arts. The History Center has a collection of photographs, books, maps and other memorabilia.
20 E. Downer Place, Aurora
(630) 906-0654 Art or
(630) 906-0650 History
aurorahistoricalsociety.org

Esther’s Place — A Fiber Arts Studio
Features classes in spinning, weaving, knitting and felting and also hosts retreats.
201 W. Galena St. (Rt. 30), Big Rock
(630) 556-9665
esthersplacefibers.com

THE FARNSWORTH HOUSE ESTATE
Master architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created the ultimate minimalist masterpiece, the Farnsworth House, in pastoral Plano. The stellar structure of floor-to-ceiling glass seemingly “floats” above the rambling Fox River.
14520 River Rd., Plano
(630) 552-0052
farnsworthhouse.org

FERMILAB ARTS SERIES
Ramsey Auditorium is the site for Fermilab’s series of music, dance, and theater, plus lectures on the
arts, sciences and culture.
Kirk Rd. and Pine St., Batavia
(630) 840-ARTS (2787)
fnal.gov

FERMI NATIONAL ACCELERATOR LABORATORY
Site of the world’s most powerful particle accelerator where particles circle the four-mile ring 57,000 times each second. Restored prairie grass areas, historic barns, self-guided tours and a buffalo herd.
Kirk Rd. at Pine St., Batavia
(630) 840-3351
fnal.gov

FIRST STREET PLAYHOUSE
A cozy, professional theater serving the best quality comedies, dramas, musicals and workshops for all
ages. Year-round productions.
160 S. Water St., Batavia
(630) 406-6367
firststreetplayhouse.com

GALLERY 44
A cooperative gallery of area artists including watercolors, pen-and-ink sketches and mixed-media pieces.
50 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora
(630) 801-0818

GALLERY AT ALLEN AND PEPA ARCHITECTS
Gallery openings featuring a variety of area artists on the first Friday of even-numbered months.
8 W. Wilson St., Batavia
(630) 879-8831
allenpepa.com

CASINO – AURORA
Simply the area’s best gaming facility with slots, blackjack, Caribbean stud poker, craps, live poker and more. Enjoy over 53,000 square feet of gaming space and the finest air quality in Chicagoland. The pavilion offers two restaurants and an astounding collection of movie memorabilia.
1 New York St. Bridge, Aurora
(630) 801-1234 or
(800) 888-7777
hollywoodcasinoaurora.com

THE HOMESTEAD SCULPTURE GARDEN AND LABYRINTH
Art lovers will admire the beautiful brick labyrinth and distinctive contemporary sculpture garden.
611 E. Main St., Plano
(630) 552-4322
www.thehomesteadbnb.com

KENDALL COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S HERITAGE HALL & CHAPEL ON THE GREEN
Dating back to 1855, the chapel is Kendall County’s oldest church building and is adorned with stained glass windows and a restored 1899 pipe organ.
107 W. Center St., Yorkville
(630) 553-6777

LYON FARM AND VILLAGE
The farm and village have 15 historic buildings that trace the history of Kendall County.
Rt. 71, Yorkville
(630) 554-3064 or
(630) 553-6777

NEW YORK STREET MEMORIAL BRIDGE
Spanning the entire Fox River, features include the circa 1930 “Memory” and “Victory” statues in honor of fallen soldiers.
New York St.,
between Rts. 25 and 31
Aurora
(630) 844-3648

THE OLD BARN MUSEUM
Featuring a collection of thousands of Native American artifacts such as: arrows, axes, drills, stone implements, trade beads, beaded garments and natural history items. Presented in an original 1840s barn. By appointment only.
7127B Oakbrook Rd., Newark
contact@theoldbarnmuseum.org
theoldbarnmuseum.org

THE PARAMOUNT THEATRE
Home to “Broadway in the Burbs,” this lovingly restored Art Deco movie palace presents live entertainment by world-class performers, plays, touring musicals and other special events.
23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora
(630) 896-6666
paramountaurora.com/

RIVER BREEZE ART AND YOGA STUDIO
Come view and buy original art and reproductions from emerging area artists, take classes and practice yoga.
14 W. Downer Pl., Aurora
(630) 264-2299

RIVERFRONT PLAYHOUSE
This popular local theater group performs original plays, musicals, murder mysteries, comedies and thrillers. It also presents children’s theatre.
11–13 S. Water St. Mall, Aurora
(630) 897-9496
riverfrontplayhouse.com

SANDWICH OPERA HOUSE
Built in 1878 and restored in 1986, the Opera House today provides a setting for the performing arts from classical to country, dance, student recitals, summer theatre workshops and a childrens’/senior citizens’ series.
140 E. Railroad St., Sandwich
(815) 786-2555
sandwichoperahouse.com

SCHINGOETHE CENTER FOR NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURES
A rotating collection of historic and contemporary Native American arts, crafts and artifacts from indigenous peoples stretching from the Woodlands to the Pacific Northwest.
Dunham Hall
Aurora University
Randall Rd. at
Marseillaise Pl., Aurora
(630) 844-7843
aurora.edu/museum

SRI VENKATESWARA SWAMI TEMPLE OF GREATER CHICAGO
This beautiful Hindu temple blends ancient and modern architectural technology.
1145 W. Sullivan Rd., Aurora
(630) 844-2252
balaji.org

SWIMMING STONES
A kinetic water sculpture commissioned by the Aurora Public Arts Commission and sculpted by Christian Tobin.
Northwest corner of Stolp Ave. and Benton St., Aurora
(630) 906-0654
aurora-il.org

WILLIAM TANNER HOUSE
Built in 1856, this Italianate building is home to the Aurora Historical Museum, which offers tours of the fully furnished home.
305 Cedar St., Aurora
(630) 897-9029
historicalsociety.org