The Elgin Public Museum building in autumn

Built in 1907, Elgin Public Museum is the only natural history museum in the Fox Valley area. The museum offers exhibits and educational programs with natural history and cultural themes for families, school groups, scouts, clubs, organizations, homeschoolers, and anyone who wants to have fun while learning!

Explore Your World at Elgin Public Museum!

@ S. Valun
New exhibition! "A Celebration of Souls: Day of the Dead in Southern Mexico"

The Elgin Public Museum will host a temporary exhibition exploring the history and significance of Day of the Dead celebrations in Oaxaca, a southern region of Mexico.

The opening of the exhibit will take place May 30, 2009 at 2:00 pm.

"A Celebration of Souls: Day of the Dead in Southern Mexico" was developed by The Field Museum, Chicago, in collaboration with Mars, Incorporated. Running through mid-August, the exhibit uses stunning photographs to capture a typical Oaxacan Day of the Dead.

Special programming is planned throughout the summer. For more information call the Elgin Public Museum at 847-741-6655.

Elgin Public Museum
is located in beautiful 108 acre Lords Park, which is located east of Elgin's historic district. Plan on spending time at the Park after your visit to the Museum! Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic in the shade of towering oak trees. Visit the bison and elk at the zoo. There are playgrounds, nature trails, basketball courts, pools and ponds. Zoo hours are 10 am to 5 pm during the summer months.

Admission to the museum is by donation. Suggested donation is $2 for adults, $1 for children under 12 and $5 for a family.

Parking is free.

Phone: (847) 741-6655
E-mail: EPM@cityofelgin.org
Fax: (847)931-6787

The Museum is open to the Public:

Spring Hours
Saturday & Sunday
12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Summer Hours
Beginning May 26
Tuesday - Sunday
12 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Group Tours & Programs
Call for appointment.
(847) 741-6655

Exhibits include:
Tyrannosaurus rex; The Fossils of Mazon Creek;Extinct, Endangered, & Threatened Animals; Animal Adaptations; Ice Age Mammals; The LaSalle Expedition; Native American Lifeways; and more!

Maps

To view a map and get directions to the Elgin Public Museum at 225 Grand Blvd. in Elgin, please click here.

To view a map and get directions to the Hawthorne Hills Nature Center at 82 Brookside Dr. in Elgin, please click here.

NOTE: By clicking the above link, you will be redirected away from Elgin Public Museum's Website.

Directions

From I-90
(Northwest Tollway)

Exit Rte. 25 south (Dundee Ave.)
Turn left onto Rte. 58 (Summit Ave.)
Turn right onto Hiawatha Ave.
Go straight at the stop sign and CROSS OVER Grand Ave.
Veer right past the Aquatic Center.
ELGIN PUBLIC MUSEUM will be clearly visible to your left.

From From Rte. 19
(Irving Park Rd/Chicago St)

Turn north onto Rte. 25
Turn right onto Franklin Blvd. - look for the brown informational sign
Go straight at the stop sign and CROSS OVER Grand Ave.
ELGIN PUBLIC MUSEUM will be clearly visible straight ahead.

NOTE: If you miss Franklin, proceed to Rte. 58 and turn right, then make a right on Hiawatha (see directions from I-90)

Special Needs

The Elgin Public Museum building is wheelchair accessible, and an elevator is available to visitors. Please call ahead regarding any other special needs, and we will do our best to make accommodations for your visit.