Free things to do in Illinois

Museum

Berwyn Historical Society

Berwyn

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Checked November 12, 2026

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The venue says: “Admission is always free.” — berwynhistoricalsociety.org, checked October 30, 2026

Museum

Block Museum of Art, Northwestern University

Evanston

No offer on their site

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The venue says: “Free and open to all” — blockmuseum.northwestern.edu, checked November 8, 2026

Museum

Calumet City Historical Society

Calumet City

Thursday 1:00-4:00 p.m., Tuesday 2:00-4:00 p.m., & 2nd Sunday 1:00-5:00 p.m. (varies by month)

Checked November 3, 2026

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The venue says: “Admission Free.” — calumetcityhistoricalsociety.org, checked November 8, 2026

Museum

Evanston Art Center

Evanston

Mon-Thurs: 9 am - 6 pm | Fri: 9 am - 5 pm | Sat & Sun: 9 am - 4 pm

Checked November 6, 2026

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The venue says: “ALL GALLERIES ARE FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC” — evanstonartcenter.org, checked November 8, 2026

Zoo & aquariumWHAT'S ON

Nov 13 · Fall Fest

Lincoln Park Zoo

Chicago

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The venue says: “Lincoln Park Zoo admission is free. No reservations needed. Just show up and explore– today, tomorrow, anytime.” — lpzoo.org, checked November 8, 2026

Museum

Mindworks: The Science of Thinking

Chicago

Checked November 8, 2026

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The venue says: “Admission is free!” — chicagobooth.edu, checked November 8, 2026

Tour & cruise

Navy Pier

Chicago

Daily 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Sunday–Thursday), 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Friday & Saturday)

Checked November 8, 2026

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The venue says: “There is no admission fee to enter Navy Pier.” — navypier.org, checked October 31, 2026

Park & beach

Oak Park Conservatory

Oak Park

Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00A-4:00P (Closed Mondays)

Checked November 7, 2026

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The venue says: “Free to the public, the Oak Park Conservatory offers a rich atmosphere of flora and fauna throughout three indoor Conservatory showrooms” — oakparkconservatory.org, checked November 8, 2026

Museum

Pullman Exhibit Hall

Chicago

Wednesday through Sunday 11 AM – 3 PM

Checked November 8, 2026

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The venue says: “Entry is free, but please consider a donation in support of our work for Pullman National Historical Park.” — friendsofpullman.com, checked November 8, 2026

Museum

Ridge Historical Society

Chicago

Tuesdays and Sundays 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Checked November 8, 2026

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The venue says: “Admission: Exhibits are free.” — ridgehistorical.org, checked October 15, 2026

Museum

Wilmette History Museum

Wilmette

Monday–Thursday, Sunday 1:00 PM–4:30 PM; Friday–Saturday Closed

Checked November 9, 2026

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The venue says: “General admission to the Museum and Research Room is FREE.” — wilmettehistory.org, checked November 9, 2026

Museum

Addison Historical Museum

Addison

Wednesday-Friday 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Second Saturday of the month (March-December) noon–4 p.m.

Checked October 31, 2026

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The venue says: “### Free Admission” — addisonadvantage.org, checked November 8, 2026

Water parkClosed for the season

Adventure Island at The Centre of Elgin

Elgin

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The venue says: “the free Lords Park Farm Zoo will be open the following dates and hours:” — elginil.gov

MuseumWHAT'S ON

Aug 15 – Nov 22 · Fall Depot Museum Exhibit

Batavia Depot Museum

Batavia

M, W, F: 2-4 p.m., Saturday, Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Closed Tuesday and Thursday

Checked November 3, 2026

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The venue says: “General admission is free!” — bataviaparks.org, checked November 8, 2026

Museum

Bolingbrook Arts Museum

Bolingbrook

Tuesday–Friday 2pm–7pm, Saturday–Sunday 12pm–5pm (closed Monday–Tuesday)

Checked November 8, 2026

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The venue says: “Free Admission during operating hours.” — bolingbrookartsmuseum.org

Museum

Buffalo Grove Park District Raupp Museum

Buffalo Grove

Monday–Thursday 11 am–4:30 pm, Sunday 1–4 pm

No offer on their site

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The venue says: “Admission is Free” — bgparks.org, checked November 8, 2026

Park & beach

Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center

Crystal Lake

Checked October 31, 2026

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The venue says: “FREE TO THE PUBLIC” — crystallakeparks.org, checked November 8, 2026

MuseumWHAT'S ON

Dec 6 · Tree Lighting Ceremony

Darien Historical Society

Darien

First and third Sunday of every month, 1:00 to 3:00 PM

Checked November 8, 2026

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The venue says: “Admission is free.” — darienilhistory.org, checked November 3, 2026

Museum

Dundee Township Historical Society

West Dundee

Wednesdays & Sundays, 2-4pm (March through December)

Checked November 6, 2026

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The venue says: “Admission is always free.” — dundeetownshiphistorical.org, checked November 8, 2026

MuseumWHAT'S ON

Nov 3 – Dec 4 · 11/3-12/4: Victorian Holiday Card Craft Kit To-Go

DuPage County Historical Museum & Wheaton Park District Administration Building

Wheaton

Monday-Friday: 8:30A-4:30P | Saturday & Sunday: 12-4P

Checked November 12, 2026

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The venue says: “Admission to the DuPage County Historical Museum is free.” — dupagemuseum.org, checked November 12, 2026

Museum

Earl D. Schoeffner Farm Museum

Momence

Fridays and Saturdays from 10am - 4pm

Checked November 7, 2026

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The venue says: “Admission is free!” — momencefarmmuseum.org, checked November 8, 2026

Museum

Ela Historical Society

Lake Zurich

Saturdays from 12 to 3 pm

Checked November 4, 2026

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The venue says: “Admission is free, and donations are appreciated.” — elahistory.org, checked October 15, 2026

Farm

Elawa Farm Foundation

Lake Forest

Daily sunrise to sunset; Visitor Center Daily 9 am – 4 pm

Checked October 31, 2026

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The venue says: “Our grounds are free to access from sunrise to sunset - 365 days a year” — elawafarm.org, checked November 8, 2026

Museum

Elgin Fire Barn No. 5 Museum

Elgin

Friday and Saturday, 12 PM - 4 PM

Checked November 9, 2026

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The venue says: “Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.” — elginfirebarnno5museum.com, checked November 9, 2026

Museum

Elmhurst History Museum

Elmhurst

Sunday, Tuesday-Friday 1-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Checked November 4, 2026

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The venue says: “Admission to the Elmhurst History Museum is FREE.” — elmhursthistory.org, checked November 8, 2026

MuseumWHAT'S ON

Nov 13 · First Division Museum Tour

First Division Museum at Cantigny

Wheaton

Wednesday – Monday, 10 am – 5 pm

Checked November 11, 2026

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The venue says: “Admission to the museum is free.” — fdmuseum.org, checked November 8, 2026

Museum

French Heritage Museum

Kankakee

Saturdays 10:00am - 2:00pm

Checked November 6, 2026

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The venue says: “Admission is always FREE (donations are appreciated)” — kankakeecountymuseum.com, checked November 8, 2026

Historic site

Gaylord Building Historic Site

Lockport

Tuesday – Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm, Weekend Hours – 12:00pm to 5:00pm

Checked October 31, 2026

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The venue says: “Admission is free.” — gaylordbuilding.org, checked November 8, 2026

FarmClosed for the season

Go-Ro Pumpkin Pop-Up

Union

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The venue says: “Free Admission (Always!)” — goropumpkinpopup.com

Museum

Graue Mill & Museum

Oak Brook

Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (mid-April through mid-November)

Checked November 4, 2026

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The venue says: “Admission is free.” — dupageforest.org, checked November 8, 2026

Museum

Grundy County Historical Society

Morris

Wednesday–Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Checked November 8, 2026

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The venue says: “Admission to the Museum is free.” — grundycountyhs.org, checked November 8, 2026

Farm

Heider's Berry Farm

Woodstock

Checked November 8, 2026

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The venue says: “Free Parking and No Entry Fee!” — heidersberryfarm.com

MuseumWHAT'S ON

Nov 12 · Learn from the Experts: Bugging Out

Hickory Knolls Discovery Center

St. Charles

Monday-Saturday 10am to 4pm

Checked November 8, 2026

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The venue says: “FREE ADMISSION” — stcnature.org, checked November 8, 2026

Park & beach

Hidden Oaks Nature Center

Bolingbrook

Wednesday-Sunday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Closed Monday and Tuesday)

No offer on their site

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The venue says: “Parking is always free, and so is admission to the nature center.” — reconnectwithnature.org, checked November 8, 2026

Museum

Illinois State Museum-Lockport Gallery

Lockport

Checked November 6, 2026

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The venue says: “Admission: FREE” — illinoisstatemuseum.org, checked November 8, 2026

Museum

Isle a la Cache Museum

Romeoville

Wednesday-Sunday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

No offer on their site

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The venue says: “admission to the museum is free” — reconnectwithnature.org, checked November 8, 2026

Museum

Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum

Lisle

No offer on their site

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The venue says: “Admission is free.” — ben.edu, checked November 8, 2026

Museum

La Salle County Historical Society

North Utica

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 12-4pm

Checked November 7, 2026

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The venue says: “Visiting the LCHS Museum Campus is free- we charge no admissions fee.” — lasallecountyhistoricalsociety.org, checked November 8, 2026

Water park

Marge Cline Whitewater Course

Yorkville

Checked November 11, 2026

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The venue says: “Admission Fee Free” — yorkville.il.us, checked November 11, 2026

Museum

National Shrine and Museum of St. Therese

Darien

Monday through Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm CT

Checked November 7, 2026

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The venue says: “admission is always free” — littleflower.org, checked November 8, 2026

Museum

Niles Historical and Cultural Center

Niles

Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 11am-3pm

Checked November 7, 2026

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The venue says: “Admission is free. Free tours for all.” — nileshistoricalandculturalcenter.org, checked November 8, 2026

MuseumWHAT'S ON

Nov 12 · "Things We Value"

NIU Art Museum

DeKalb

Wednesday 10 a.m.–1 p.m., Thursday Noon–6 p.m., Friday Noon–6 p.m., Saturday Noon–3 p.m.

Checked November 7, 2026

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The venue says: “Admission is free and open to the public, but donations are always appreciated.” — niu.edu, checked November 8, 2026

Museum

Palatine Historical Society

Palatine

Tuesday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Checked November 8, 2026

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The venue says: “Admission is free!” — palatinehistoricalsociety.com, checked November 8, 2026

Zoo & aquarium

Phillips Park Zoo

Aurora

No offer on their site

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The venue says: “Admission to the Phillips Park Zoo is free!” — zoo.aurora.il.us

Farm

Primrose Farm

St. Charles

Checked November 8, 2026

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The venue says: “There is no admission fee to visit the grounds or tour the farmyard.” — primrosefarm.org, checked November 8, 2026

Museum

Rolling Meadows Historical Museum

Rolling Meadows

Sundays only, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Checked November 1, 2026

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The venue says: “Free and open to the public” — cityrm.org, checked November 8, 2026

MuseumClosed for the season

Stone Mill Museum

Sandwich

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The venue says: “Admission is free but donations are welcomed.” — sandwichhistory.net, checked November 8, 2026

Museum

The Kendall County Historical Society - Lyon Farm

Yorkville

Checked November 8, 2026

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The venue says: “Free admission. Donations appreciated.” — lyonfarmkchs.org

Museum

Tinley Park Historical Society

Tinley Park

Wednesday 10:00am to 2:00pm; first Sunday of each month 1:00pm to 3:00pm; second Thursday of each month 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Checked November 11, 2026

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The venue says: “Admission is FREE.” — tinleyparkhistoricalsociety.org, checked November 8, 2026

MuseumWHAT'S ON

Oct 10 – Nov 14 · Second Saturdays at the Museum

West Chicago City Museum

West Chicago

Wednesday 12:00-16:00, Thursday 12:00-16:00, Friday 12:00-16:00, Saturday 12:00-16:00

Checked November 11, 2026

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The venue says: “Admission is FREE.” — wegohistory.com, checked November 11, 2026

Tour & cruise

Wildwood Program Center

Park Ridge

Tues-Thurs 10:00am-6:00pm, Sat 10:00am-4:00pm

Checked September 18, 2026

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The venue says: “Admission to the Nature Center is FREE!” — prparks.org, checked November 9, 2026

Museum

Will County Historical Museum and Research Center

Lockport

Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 11:00–15:00

Checked November 11, 2026

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The venue says: “Admission is free.” — willhistory.org, checked November 11, 2026

Park & beach

Willowhaven Park

Kankakee

Sunrise to Sunset daily

No offer on their site

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The venue says: “Willowhaven Park is open every day and is free to the public.” — btpd.org, checked November 8, 2026

Museum

Freeport Art Museum

Freeport

Checked November 6, 2026

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The venue says: “keeping museum admission free” — freeportartmuseum.com, checked October 24, 2026

Historic site

John Deere Historic Site

Dixon

April–October: Sun 1pm–5pm, Mon Closed, Tues 1pm–5pm, Wed–Sat 9am–5pm

No offer on their site

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The venue says: “each John Deere Attractions Site is open to the public and completely free.” — deere.com, checked November 9, 2026

Museum

Loveland Community House

Dixon

Monday – Saturday, 11:00am – 4pm

Checked November 9, 2026

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The venue says: “The museum is free admission” — lovelandcommunityhouse.org, checked November 9, 2026

MuseumWHAT'S ON

Dec 12 · Cartoon Club–Trees

Rockford Art Museum

Rockford

Thursday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Checked November 8, 2026

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The venue says: “GALLERIES ARE OPEN THU-SUN, 10 AM-5 PM WITH FREE ADMISSION” — rockfordartmuseum.org, checked November 8, 2026

MuseumClosed for the season

Waukesha Hangar - Poplar Grove Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum

Poplar Grove

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The venue says: “Free museum admission” — wingsandwheelsmuseum.org, checked November 8, 2026

Museum

Archbishop Fulton Sheen Museum

Peoria

Monday-Friday: 9am - 4pm, Saturday: 9am - 12pm

Checked November 1, 2026

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The venue says: “The museum is open for free and operates on your generosity.” — celebratesheen.com, checked November 8, 2026

Museum

Cambridge Natural History Museum

Cambridge

Checked November 1, 2026

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The venue says: “Admission is free.” — cambridgenaturalhistory.org, checked November 8, 2026

Farm

Camp Creek Farm & Orchard

Lynn Center

Checked November 8, 2026

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The venue says: “Free admission!” — campcreekfarm.com, checked November 8, 2026

Museum

Cruisin with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center and Gift Shop

Bloomington

Monday–Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (Tuesday 9 a.m.–8 p.m.), Sunday closed

Checked November 2, 2026

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The venue says: “Admission to the Visitors Center is free every day.” — cruisinwithlincolnon66.org, checked November 8, 2026

Show

Farmer City Haunted Forest

Farmer City

Checked November 5, 2026

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The venue says: “The Farmer City Haunted Forest is completely free to the public!” — fchauntedforest.com, checked November 8, 2026

Park & beach

Glen Oak Park

Peoria

dawn to dusk

No offer on their site

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The venue says: “While there is no fee to enter, Luthy does have hours of operation.” — peoriaparks.org, checked November 8, 2026

Park & beach

John Deere Pavilion

Moline

Sunday Closed, Monday 1pm-5pm, Tuesday-Saturday 9am-5pm

No offer on their site

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The venue says: “each John Deere Attractions Site is open to the public and completely FREE.” — deere.com, checked November 9, 2026

Museum

Museum of the Grand Prairie

Mahomet

Open 1 - 5 PM daily (Summer Hours Mon-Sat 10 AM - 5 PM, Sun 1 - 5 PM; closed Jan-Feb)

Checked November 9, 2026

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The venue says: “As a facility of the tax-supported Champaign County Forest Preserve District, the museum is always FREE!” — museumofthegrandprairie.org, checked November 8, 2026

FarmWHAT'S ON

Sep 29 – Nov 24 · Orchard Season

Okaw Valley Orchard

Sullivan

Wed–Sat 9 AM – 5 PM, Sun 12 – 5 PM

Checked November 9, 2026

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The venue says: “Free to Visit” — okawvalleyorchard.com, checked November 9, 2026

Farm

Prairie Farms

Champaign

Mon-Fri 4-7pm, Sat-Sun 1-7pm

No offer on their site

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The venue says: “Admission to the farm is free, but donations are appreciated.” — champaignparks.org, checked November 8, 2026

Farm

Prairie Moon Farm

Knoxville

Saturdays and Sundays 9:00am - 5:00pm

Checked November 8, 2026

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The venue says: “Free Admission • Food & Drinks • Vendors • Fall Vibes • Family Fun” — prairiemoonfarm.com, checked November 8, 2026

Museum

Rock Island Railroad Museum

Chillicothe

Sunday 1pm–4pm, March through November

Checked November 8, 2026

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The venue says: “Both museums are open to the public at no charge however donations are appreciated.” — chillicothehistorical.org, checked November 8, 2026

Museum

Tarble Museum of Art

Charleston

Tuesday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday 1 - 5 p.m.

Checked November 4, 2026

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The venue says: “FREE gallery admission and visitor parking.” — eiu.edu, checked November 8, 2026

Museum

Tazewell County Genealogical & Historical Society

Pekin

Tuesday-Thursday 10:00 am-2:00 pm, Sunday 2:00 pm-4:00 pm

Checked November 8, 2026

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The venue says: “Admission - Free” — tcghs.org, checked November 9, 2026

Park & beach

The Whiteside Garden

Charleston

Paths and grounds: sunrise to sunset daily; Welcome Center: Monday-Saturday 9am-3pm (March 1 - October 1)

Checked November 3, 2026

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The venue says: “Admission is free, but donations are appreciated” — dhnature.org, checked November 8, 2026

Farm

Wagon Wheel Pumpkin Farm

Clinton

Checked November 11, 2026

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The venue says: “the admission is free” — thewagonwheelpumpkinfarm.com, checked November 11, 2026

Museum

Western Illinois University

Macomb

Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Saturday 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Checked November 11, 2026

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The venue says: “Admission is free.” — wiu.edu, checked October 28, 2026

Family funWHAT'S ON

Mar 27 – Dec 31 · Route 66: The Road That Takes You Photographic Exhibition by David J. Schwartz

Illinois Route 66 Experience at Illinois State Fairground

Springfield

Daily roughly 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

No offer on their site

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The venue says: “The Experience is open 365 days a year from roughly 8am to 8pm and is FREE of charge, however, donations are greatly appreciated!” — illinoisroute66.org, checked November 8, 2026

Museum

Illinois State Museum

Springfield

Checked November 6, 2026

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The venue says: “Admission: FREE” — illinoisstatemuseum.org, checked November 8, 2026

Museum

Jacksonville Area Museum

Jacksonville

Wednesday 10am–4pm, Saturday 10am–4pm, Sunday 1pm–4pm

Checked November 6, 2026

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The venue says: “Admission is free, but a donation of $5 is appreciated.” — jacksonvilleareamuseum.org, checked November 8, 2026

FarmClosed for the season

Kristin's Pumpkin Patch

Springfield

View →

The venue says: “No Admission Fee” — kristinspumpkinpatch.com, checked November 6, 2026

Museum

Quincy Art Center

Quincy

Tuesday - Saturday | 11 am - 5 pm

Checked November 8, 2026

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The venue says: “Open to the public and no admission fee.” — quincyartcenter.org, checked November 8, 2026

Museum

Trutter Museum

Springfield

Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Fall & Spring); Mon.-Thu., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Summer)

Checked November 7, 2026

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The venue says: “The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.” — llcc.edu, checked November 7, 2026

Museum

African American Museum

Carbondale

Tuesday-Saturday 11am-5pm, Closed Sunday and Monday

Checked October 30, 2026

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The venue says: “Free admission to the Main Building and The Cloisters museum and gardens” — aamsi.org

Museum

Collinsville Historical Museum

Collinsville

Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m.

Checked November 8, 2026

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The venue says: “Free admission.” — collinsvillemuseum.org, checked November 8, 2026

Farm

Liberty Apple Orchard

Edwardsville

Sunday 12:00 pm – 4:30 pm, Tuesday–Wednesday 2:00 pm–5:00 pm, Thursday–Friday 2:00 pm–5:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am–5:00 pm, Monday Closed

Checked November 7, 2026

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The venue says: “No admission fees, just family fun enveloped in the fragrances and hues of fall!” — libertyappleorchard.com, checked November 8, 2026

Show

Luehrs’ Ideal Rides

Collinsville

Checked November 9, 2026

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The venue says: “FREE ADMISSION!!” — luehrs.com, checked November 8, 2026

Farm

Mills Apple Farm

Marine

Tues - Fri 1 PM - 5 PM, Sat - Sun 10 AM - 5 PM

Checked November 7, 2026

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The venue says: “Admission is free as are wagon rides on weekends and most other events.” — millsapplefarm.com, checked November 8, 2026

Farm

Relleke Farms

Granite City

Daily 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Checked November 9, 2026

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The venue says: “Admission and parking are free!” — rellekepumpkinpatch.com, checked November 9, 2026

Farm

Rendleman Orchards

Alto Pass

Monday – Saturday: 9:00am to 5:00pm, Sunday: 12:00pm to 5:00pm

Checked November 9, 2026

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The venue says: “Admission is FREE; Flower Pricing is by the cup.” — rendlemanorchards.com, checked November 8, 2026