Trip Planner:   USA  /  Illinois  /  Chicago  /  Chicago History Museum

Chicago History Museum, Chicago

4.4
#7 of 53 in Museums in Chicago
History Museum · Hidden Gem · Museum
Create an itinerary including Chicago History Museum
At Chicago History Museum, learn all about the Windy City's history and its role as the scene of numerous nationally significant moments. Check out exhibits like Facing Freedom, which focuses on key American conflicts over freedom from the 1850s to the 1970s. Then head into the Abraham Lincoln alcove to discover details of the 16th president’s election, leadership during the Civil War, and assassination. The Sensing Chicago exhibit invites children to use their senses to learn about the city’s past. Temporary exhibits feature artifacts covering everything from the city’s art to its social movements. The community gallery highlights each of the city’s distinct communities. The museum is easily accessible via a quick walk from the nearby public transportation. Put Chicago History Museum into our Chicago online trip itinerary builder to see other points of interest to visit during your vacation in Chicago.
Create a full itinerary - for free!

Chicago History Museum reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
1,179 reviews
Google
4.6
TripAdvisor
  • Provides a great history of Chicago with all the highs and lows from the Great Fire to current day. You will learn about all the factors that led to the city's growth and expansion. Each display... 
    Provides a great history of Chicago with all the highs and lows from the Great Fire to current day. You will learn about all the factors that led to the city's growth and expansion. Each display...  more »
  • We enjoyed walking through this museum. There were several displays, including the great Chicago fire, which destroyed much of the city. 
    We enjoyed walking through this museum. There were several displays, including the great Chicago fire, which destroyed much of the city.  more »
Google
  • Very entertaining and educational! It isn't just about Chicago history. It also has some U.S. history as well! If you are a true historian and just love learning about facts you didn't know before, then this is the place to go! If you want to travel back in time, then this place is also the way to go! Take advantage of those free days for Illinois residents! The staff are very friendly and welcoming. The museum is very clean. Before visiting the museum for the first time, I thought it was just going to be old Chicago history like 19th and 20th century. But, I was surprised to see some 21st century history that isn't so much far back! That is so cool that they try to include as much history as possible. The most fun part of my museum experience was learning about the Chicago Fire. You learn to humble yourself a bit and really look at what's truly important. You get to see old letters of those who survived the Chicago fire! Amazing!
  • Well designed, top quality exhibits of Chicago history. We spent a little under 3 hours and that was about right to see everything. Parking is nearby and plentiful for us on a Saturday afternoon. I've been looking into family genealogy so having dates, addresses, and occupations of my grand parents and great grandparents, et. al. in the forefront of my mind I tried to imagine their life in the historical context of events displayed at the museum. I was fascinated; however, I don't think this is a good time for kids. This is an adult oriented museum with a wealth and breadth of Chicago history.

Plan your trip to Chicago

  • Get a personalized trip
    A full day by day itinerary based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place. Everyone on the same page.