Elgin Public Museum
Founded in 1924, the Elgin Public Museum immerses you in the natural wonders and intriguing history of the Fox River Valley. This free museum houses an eclectic collection that includes everything from mastodon bones to vintage toys. You can also pay a small fee to visit the Keller Educational Center’s planetarium for an out-of-this-world experience.
225 Grand Blvd, Elgin, IL 60120
Phone: 847-741-6655
Elgin Tower Building Observation Deck
Ride an elevator up to the 23rd floor of the historic Elgin Tower Building for unbeatable views of the surrounding landscape. Built in 1929, this art deco high-rise was once the tallest building outside Chicago. The free observation deck lets you take in panoramic vistas of the river valley and gaze out over miles of prairie.
100 E Chicago St Suite 1200, Elgin, IL 60120
Phone: 847-531-5901
Elgin History Museum
Step back in time at the Elgin History Museum, housed in a stately former bank building constructed in 1923. Exhibits spotlight Elgin’s origins as a mill town and its rise as the “Butter Capital of the World.” You can also learn about Elgin’s pivotal role in watchmaking and explore the museum’s collection of timepieces.
360 Park St, Elgin, IL 60120
Phone: 847-742-4248
Trout Park
Escape into nature without leaving the city at Trout Park, featuring a sculpted pond stocked with rainbow trout. Cast a line from one of several fishing docks or simply relax lakeside on a bench. You can also rent a canoe, kayak, or pedal boat to explore the pond’s coves and islands up close.
710 Villa St, Elgin, IL 60120
Phone: 847-531-7041
Lords Park Zoo
At the charming Lords Park Zoo, you’ll find over 100 animals spanning 50 different species, all living in naturalistic habitats. Highlights include the compact Primate House with golden lion tamarins and black-handed spider monkeys and the outdoor Great Cats exhibit featuring lions, tigers, and snow leopards.
100 Oakwood Blvd, Elgin, IL 60120
Phone: 847-741-4284
Elgin Artspace Lofts
Elgin’s downtown revitalization includes the Artspace Lofts, an imaginative live/work space for artists and their families. Take a self-guided walking tour to admire the building’s one-of-a-kind mosaic walls and sculptural flourishes. You can also step inside the Riverwalk Cafe to browse works by resident artists.
51 S Spring St, Elgin, IL 60120
Phone: 847-428-7010
Elgin Firefighters Museum
Discover the courageous history of Elgin’s firefighters at this compact museum near the downtown fire station. Exhibits spotlight antique fire trucks and equipment along with a wealth of firefighter memorabilia. Kids love the interactive exhibits, including a dress-up area and a miniature house to practice extinguishing “fires.”
516 E Chicago St, Elgin, IL 60120
Phone: 847-697-4753
The Hemmens Cultural Center
Dating from the 1970s, the sleek, modernist Hemmens Cultural Center functions as Elgin’s premier performing arts venue. The glass-walled facility hosts concerts, theater performances, art exhibitions, and other cultural events throughout the year. Even if nothing’s scheduled during your visit, it’s worth walking through the soaring atrium space.
45 Symphony Way, Elgin, IL 60120
Phone: 847-931-5900
Plan Your Trip With Charter Bus Elgin
If you’re planning an excursion to Elgin with a school group, church group, or tour group, rely on Charter Bus Elgin for safe, comfortable transportation. Our modern buses offer plenty of room for luggage and amenities like WiFi and DVD players. Give us a call today at 773-477-9548 to start planning your custom Elgin itinerary.