Learn The History of The Aurora Area This Fall

Embrace the crisp air and vibrant colors of autumn by exploring the remarkable museums throughout the Aurora area. Fall is the perfect time to discover history, art, innovation, and family fun—indoors and out!

Walk through The Grand Army of the Republic Hall honoring Civil War veterans or visit the Little White School Museum’s extensive archives in Oswego. More historic gems await at the Hinckley Historical Society Museum with its quirky Hollywood tales and sports history.

Discover the Geneva History Museum, one of Kane County’s finest, showcasing Geneva’s evolving story in its 3,000-square-foot Main Gallery and diverse exhibitions that celebrate the city’s remarkable past. Step back in time at treasures like Friends of the Viking Ship where you can see a replica Gokstad ship.

Delight in hands-on adventures at outdoor destinations like Fabyan Windmill’s living-history farm, where pioneer-era buildings and seasonal events bring history to life, and Lyon Farm & Village in Yorkville, which hosts fall festivals packed with fun activities for every generation.

Immerse yourself in aviation history at the Air Classics Museum in Sugar Grove, where vintage planes and interactive exhibits fuel curiosity for all ages. Families can revisit the heroics of Aurora’s firefighters at the Aurora Regional Fire Museum or uncover Batavia’s storied past—including a special Mary Todd Lincoln exhibit—at the charming Batavia Depot Museum. For animal lovers, Phillips Park Zoo offers a free, year-round wildlife experience, while the scenic Peck Farm Park combines nature trails, a butterfly house, and the historic Peck House Museum.

Art lovers and history buffs should not miss the David L. Pierce Art & History Center’s rotating gallery exhibits celebrating Aurora’s heritage, or the Schingoethe Center at Aurora University, renowned for its preservation of Indigenous cultures. Marvel at world-class architecture at the tranquil Edith Farnsworth House in Plano.

Nestled along the banks of the Fox River, Red Oak Nature Center offers a truly immersive autumn experience. The center’s scenic trails wind through vibrant woodlands, alive with the changing colors of oaks, maples, and hickories—perfect for family walks, bird watching, and spotting deer and other native wildlife. In autumn, special seasonal programs and guided hikes highlight changing ecosystems and animal activity as the forest prepares for winter. Indoors, interactive exhibits take visitors of all ages into the region’s glacial history, river life, and native fauna, while the observation beehive and rescued animal ambassadors provide hands-on learning. The nature center’s Treehouse Room, with panoramic forest views, invites kids for discovery-based play and creative exploration.

As autumn’s colors sweep across the Chicagoland's Fox River Valley, there’s no better place to embrace the season than the Aurora Area. With every unique attraction, festive event, and scenic destination, you’ll find moments big and small to create lasting memories. Learn more about the Aurora Area in the autumn season through our Fall Itinerary!