7 Little-Known Museums In Illinois Where Admission Is Free

In 2004, two veterans opened the Livingston County War Museum in order to recognize the service and sacrifice of military veterans from Central Illinois and Livingston County. It is located inside the old city hall building on the third floor. The museum displays 200 uniformed mannequins that serve to honor veterans. Display cases with guns, weapons, photos, meal rations, and other military-related artifacts are also on exhibit throughout the museum. It's a great place to learn about war and the veterans who served our country. Located at 321 N Main Street in Pontiac.

Dixon was Ronald Reagan's hometown and this museum is housed in his boyhood school, which has several exhibits about the former President on display. Affiliated with the Smithsonian Institute, this museum has galleries covering early American farming, prairie life, Native American life, Abraham Lincoln, and much more. Don't forget to stop by the gift shop! Located at 205 W 5th Street in Dixon.

Featuring experiences of famous citizen-soldiers from Illinois along with military artifacts, this museum also preserves the history and legacy of the National Guard. Among the fascinating artifacts housed here are vehicles, uniforms, and a board that President Lincoln used for target practice. Located at 1301 N MacArthur Blvd. in Springfield.

Housed in an austere Palladian Style building that has been added to the National Register of Historic Places, Karpeles Manuscript Library and Museum houses important original manuscripts, art, and other items of cultural and historical significance. One item preserved here is a Norman Rockwell trial sketch of Mark Twain's "Life on the Mississippi." Located at 700 22nd Street in Rock Island.

This museum is dedicated to the historical preservation of Ottowa along with scouting groups. Come and see artifacts from the Boy Scouts, Lone Scouts, and Girl Scouts as you also learn the history of the city. Located at 1100 Canal Street in Ottawa.

Modeled after characters in the form of ceramic pitchers, Toby Jugs date back to the 1800s. Learn about the history and cultural significance of these vessels as you peruse the museum's 8,000+-piece Toby Jug character collection. Located at 910 Chicago Ave. in Evanston.

For a museum that's a bit different and a heck of a lot of fun, head to America's Playable Arcade Museum where you can get hands-on with retro '80s arcade games and pinball machines. It's a great place for the whole family! Located at 107 S Hamilton Street in McLean.