Illinois is home to some of the country’s most fascinating museums — and not all of them fit the traditional mold. Beyond the famous art and science institutions, you’ll find spots dedicated to everything from paper money and pinball to nuclear energy and neon signs.
Whether you’re a history buff, pop-culture fan or just looking for a quirky weekend adventure, these one-of-a-kind museums across Illinois offer something unexpected, educational and fun for the whole family.
Here, Stacker compiled a list of the highest-rated specialty museums in Illinois on Tripadvisor as of Aug. 13, 2025. Keep reading to see what unique museums made the list.
30. Super Museum
Rating: 4.2/5 (273 reviews)
City: Metropolis
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29. World’s Tallest Man Statue
Rating: 4.6/5 (160 reviews)
City: Alton
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28. The Old Blacksmith Shop
Rating: 4.6/5 (155 reviews)
City: Galena
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27. Popeye Museum
Rating: 4.5/5 (72 reviews)
City: Chester
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26. Museum Of Ice Cream Chicago
Rating: 3.1/5 (430 reviews)
City: Chicago
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25. Wheels O’ Time Museum
Rating: 4.8/5 (117 reviews)
City: Dunlap
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24. International Museum of Surgical Science
Rating: 3.9/5 (219 reviews)
City: Chicago
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23. Illinois State Museum
Rating: 4.3/5 (329 reviews)
City: Springfield
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22. Halim Time & Glass Museum
Rating: 4.9/5 (79 reviews)
City: Evanston
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21. Chicago Sports Museum
Rating: 4.2/5 (155 reviews)
City: Chicago
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20. Glessner House Museum
Rating: 4.5/5 (105 reviews)
City: Chicago
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19. IL Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum
Rating: 4.6/5 (351 reviews)
City: Pontiac
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18. Peoria Riverfront Museum
Rating: 4.2/5 (310 reviews)
City: Peoria
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17. Wrigley Field Tours
Rating: 4.3/5 (99 reviews)
City: Chicago
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16. The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Rating: 4.4/5 (210 reviews)
City: Chicago
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15. Color Factory Chicago
Rating: 4.6/5 (39 reviews)
City: Chicago
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14. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Laurent House
Rating: 4.8/5 (86 reviews)
City: Rockford
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13. Illinois Railway Museum
Rating: 4.5/5 (309 reviews)
City: Union
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12. Caterpillar Visitors Center
Rating: 4.4/5 (461 reviews)
City: Peoria
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11. Museum Of Illusions Chicago
Rating: 4.4/5 (131 reviews)
City: Chicago
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10. American Writers Museum
Rating: 4.8/5 (452 reviews)
City: Chicago
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9. Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Museum (ISAC)
Rating: 4.7/5 (570 reviews)
City: Chicago
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8. Historic Attractions
Rating: 4.9/5 (554 reviews)
City: Roscoe
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7. Volo Museum
Rating: 4.5/5 (459 reviews)
City: Volo Lake County
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6. Adler Planetarium
Rating: 3.9/5 (2,214 reviews)
City: Chicago
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5. Chicago Fed’s Money Museum
Rating: 4.6/5 (536 reviews)
City: Chicago
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4. Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
Rating: 4.7/5 (1,402 reviews)
City: Oak Park
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3. Richard H. Driehaus Museum
Rating: 4.7/5 (1,497 reviews)
City: Chicago
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2. Medieval Torture Museum
Rating: 4.8/5 (1,062 reviews)
City: Chicago
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1. Chicago Architecture Center
Rating: 4.8/5 (4,059 reviews)
City: Chicago
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This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Madison Troyer, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 51 states.
