Sun |
Closed
|
Mon |
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
|
Tue |
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
|
Wed |
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
|
Thu |
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
|
Fri |
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
|
Sat |
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
|
The Wells Street Art Festival is an annual event on the second weekend of June. It is located in Old Town's popular Wells Street corridor and attracts around 50,000 visitors yearly. The festival showcases talented artists from across the continent specializing in traditional painting, sculpture, artisan woodworking, metalsmithing, jewel crafts, digital arts, and more. Additionally, there is a dedicated performance stage where local musicians, performance artists, and cover/tribute bands entertain the crowd throughout the weekend. Moreover, at the corner of Wells Street and Evergreen Street is a children's play area where kids can participate in arts and crafts, watch a performance, or have fun. The festival also has over 20 food and drink vendors who sell a variety of tasty treats. Visitors can try something from all the excellent Old Town restaurants participating.
Naper Settlement is an outdoor museum showcasing downtown Naperville's rich history. Spread over 13 acres, it offers visitors a unique opportunity to connect with the area's cultural heritage and foster a sense of community. The museum's vision is to encourage conversations, enrich educational opportunities, and provide engaging experiences for visitors, businesses, and the local community. Naper Settlement is an excellent place for families to visit as it offers interactive learning opportunities for people of all ages. The site boasts 30 historic buildings that visitors can explore to learn about the connections between the past and present. Additionally, the museum hosts special events, programs, and on-site activities throughout the year, giving visitors a unique chance to engage with the area's rich cultural heritage.
The Chicago History Museum was founded in 1856, but unfortunately, most of its initial collection was destroyed during the Great Chicago Fire. The destructive fire resulted in the loss of some of the museum's original artifacts, including the Emancipation Proclamation signed by Abraham Lincoln. Since its reconstruction, the Chicago History Museum has amassed an impressive collection of historical artifacts relevant to Chicago and the nation. The collection comprises furniture used by Abraham Lincoln, the clothing he and his wife wore on the night of his assassination, and the first passenger car used in the Chicago 'L' system. Additionally, the museum has other materials, such as manuscripts, paintings, sculptures, and photographs that relate to the local history of Chicago. The Chicago History Museum also boasts an extensive collection of over 50,000 costumes and textiles from the late 19th Century to the present day.