ATTRACTIONS
Amusements
Sports Zone Dome & Family Fun Center
100 Business Route 30 • Aurora, IL 60503
630-820-8624
This year round, fun family center has something for everyone and features Chicagoland's first golf dome, as well as the longest go-kart track in the Western Suburbs. The center also offers state-of-the-art batting cages, the largest indoor driving range in the area, an 18 hole miniature golf course, and party facilities. more... mapSwimming Stones
Located at Corner of Stolp Avenue & Benton Street
630-906-0654
Aurora's infamous kinetic water sculpture which was sculpted by Christian Tobin, this sculpture combines art with the laws of physics that enable giant stones to rock, spin, and swivel on a cushion of water. map
Casinos
Hollywood Casino
One New York Street Bridge • Aurora, IL 60506
630-801-1234, 800-888-7777
Chicagoland's biggest and best casino complex, this riverboat gaming facility offers 1,150 loose slots, 24 hot table games, and live poker, all on a 53,000 square-foot single level. High action tables, such as blackjack, Caribbean stud poker, craps, roulette, and mini baccarat, are also available, as well as a pavilion which contains two restaurants and an astounding collection of movie memorabilia. more... map
Historic Homes & Buildings
Farnsworth House
14520 River Road • Aurora, IL 60545
Located in Plano
630-552-8622
The first and most celebrated domestic structure designed by Mies van der Rohe after his arrival to the United States, this modernist's masterpiece is nestled on the banks of the Fox River and features a 60 acre estate complete with a sculpture park. more... mapGrand Army of the Republic Memorial (circa 1877)
23 East Downer Place • Aurora, IL 60505
630-906-0654
This Gothic Revival building stands as a memorial for the Grand Army of the Republic and it features a military memorabilia collection, including a wide range of Civil War artifacts. mapHeritage Hall and Chapel on the Green (circa 1855)
107 West Centre Street • Aurora, IL 60560
Located in Yorkville
630-553-6777
The Kendall County Historical Society’s chapel is the oldest church building in Kendrall County and it is adorned with stained glass windows and a restored 1899 pipe organ. The adjacent hall houses local artifacts, including photographs, maps, and clothing. mapLittle White School Museum (circa 1854)
Located at Jackson & Polk Streets in Oswego
630-554-2999
Originally constructed as a church, this Greek Revival building also served as a schoolhouse for nearly 50 years. It now houses thousands of artifacts and photos, primarily from the area encompassed by Oswego School District 308 boundaries. mapLyon Farm and Village
Located on Dunbar Lane in Yorkville
630-553-6777
A wide variety of interesting, historic buildings and artifacts that trace the history of Kendall County can be found at this village where visitors can learn about native prairie grasses found around the farm and enjoy a variety of history oriented special events. more... mapSri Venkateswara Swami Temple of Greater Chicago
1145 West Sullivan Road • Aurora, IL 60506
630-844-2252
One of the only three Sri Venkateswara Hindu temples in the United States, this temple has been serving the Indian community since 1983. more... mapWalter Payton's Roundhouse Complex (circa 1855-1865)
205 North Broadway • Aurora, IL 60505
630-892-0034
The oldest existing limestone roundhouse in the nation, Chicago Bear legend Walter Payton renovated this historic roundhouse into a complex that contains America's Brewpub, America's Brewing Company, America's Banquets, the Walter Payton Museum, and an open air entertainment courtyard. more... mapWilliam Tanner House Museum (circa 1856)
305 Cedar Street • Aurora, IL 60506
630-897-9029
This historic Italianate house was once owned by prominent merchant William Tanner and it is now home to the Aurora Historical Museum, which offers tours of the fully furnished home. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places house and features high ceilings, oak grained woodwork, ornate plaster decoration, and antique furnishings. map
Libraries & Research Centers
Aurora History Center
305 Cedar Street • Aurora, IL 60506
Located Next to the William Tanner House
630-897-9029
Documentary and research materials dating from the 1830s to the present, including letters, legal documents, books, and maps, are displayed at this center that also features a historic photographic collection. map
Museums & Galleries
African-American Heritage Museum
126 South Kendall Street • Aurora, IL 60506
630-375-0657
A magnificent sculpture garden by self-taught artist Dr. Charles Smith that is dedicated to the contributions and experiences of African -Americans is featured at this museum which also contains memorials to the 4,000 African-Americans who died in Vietnam, as well as memorials to victims of the Rwanda tragedy and the whites that helped with the Underground Railroad. mapAir Classics Museum of Aviation
43W77 Route 30 • Aurora, IL 60554
Located at Aurora Municipal Airport in Sugar Grove
630-466-0888
This museum contains all types of vintage military and training planes, as well as displays of aviation uniforms and memorabilia and an exciting array of hands-on exhibits. Expert tour guides offers tours for groups Tuesday through Sundays. more...Aurora Art and History Center
20 East Downer Place • Aurora, IL 60505
630-906-0650
Formed in 1906 to preserve and promote the history of Aurora, this museum contains three floors of changing exhibitions, as well as a great collection of photographs, books, maps, and other memorabilia. A museum and gift shop which carries an array of historic and art gifts is also on site. mapAurora Regional Fire Museum
53 North Broadway • Aurora, IL 60505
630-892-1572
An exhibit of the Great Chicago Fire, as well as uniforms and photographs, are on display at this museum that is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the artifacts and history of Aurora and surrounding area fire departments. more... mapBlackberry Farm's Pioneer Village
100 South Barnes Road • Aurora, IL 60506
630-892-1550
Situated on 55 scenic acres, this living history museum is complete with a lake, ponds, a meandering stream, an arboretum with over 200 varieties of trees, and historic agricultural gardens. The village contains five large museum collections and visitors can enjoy period craft demonstrations, train and hay rides, and a gift shop while at this village. mapSchingoethe Center for Native American Cultures
347 South Gladstone Avenue • Aurora, IL 60506
Located at Aurora University
630-844-5656
Containing a collection of over 6,000 items of Native American arts, artifacts, and related materials donated by the Schingoethes, this museum explores historical and contemporary Native American cultures of North America through hands-on and interactive exhibits for all ages. An extensive Native American reference library is also on site. more... map
Parks, Gardens & Zoos
Aurora West Forest Preserve
Between Galena Boulevard & Route 56 • Aurora, IL 60506
Located on Hankes Road
630-232-5980
This preserve features over 40 acres of mature woodland with large oak trees, a diverse assortment of native shrubs, and a wet soil valley. mapBliss Woods Forest Preserve
5S660 Bliss Road • Aurora, IL 60554
Located in Sugar Grove
630-232-5980
Get a glimpse at the natural environment that existed in this area before European settlers arrived while at this 285 nature preserve where you will find plant species numbering more than 240, with some found nowhere else in the county. The woods are a haven for animals and the preserve includes a campground, picnic spots, and recreation areas.Phillips Park
Located on Smith Boulevard
630-898-7228
This 280 acre mammouth park has a wide variety of recreational features, including picnic facilities, a children's playground, waterfalls, sunken gardens, sand volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, bike trails, ice skating, hiking, fishing, an 18 hole golf course, a zoo, and an aquatic center. mapPhillips Park Zoo
901 Ray Moses Drive • Aurora, IL 60505
630-978-4700
An educational experience for students, groups, and citizens is provided at this zoo where animals are kept in a safe environment and natural habitats to the best extent possible. Visitors of the zoo will see animals such as wolves, foxes, otters, elk, goats, pot-bellied pigs, swans, ducks, birds, and reptiles. Tours of the zoo are also available. more... map
Science & Technology
SciTech Hands-On Museum
18 West Benton • Aurora, IL 60506
630-859-3434
More than 200 exhibits on light, magnetism, weather, math, physics, and chemistry can be found at this fun and entertaining science museum which encourages people of all ages to explore, discover, and experiment with the exhibits. An outdoor science park is also on site which features a virtual reality experience. more... map
Tours & Cruises
Aurora Downtown Walking Tour
44 West Downer Place • Aurora, IL 60506
630-897-5581
Take an informative and intriguing self-guided tour of Aurora's historic downtown and see numerous historic buildings and sites. Tour brochures are available at the Aurora Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. map
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