Savanna Museum And Cultural Center Is A Hidden Gem Worth Driving To In Illinois
By Melissa Mahoney|Published October 22, 2021
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I've worked in the entertainment industry for much of my adult life and I love photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world! Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream.
Historic sites and museums are abundant in Illinois. While there are lots of big-name attractions in Illinois, there are some lesser-known places that are also worthy of a visit. Take, for example, the Savanna Museum and Cultural Center in the small city of Savanna, Illinois. This local museum has been open since 2011 and offers several fascinating permanent and rotating exhibits, as well as special events throughout the year.
The Savanna Museum & Cultural Center is located on Main Street in the small Illinois town of Savanna. Throughout the three-story building, you'll find several permanent exhibits as well as a host of traveling exhibits. There may be something new to see each time you visit.
If you love trains, you're going to love the train display at the Savanna Museum! The Railroads of Savanna exhibit has over 1,000 square feet of model railroad which kids and adults alike will love.
Learn about the railroad history of Savanna as you peruse this impressive train exhibit. The displays were put together through the hard work of several local scale model club members.
The third floor of the museum is home to the Civil War Soldiers exhibit. The collection is from a former history teacher, Mr. Gene Wright, who collected these mannequins and dressed them in replica Civil War uniforms.
The museum also has exhibits centered on local notable residents Helen Scott Hay and Wayne King (pictured here). Born in Savanna, Ms. Hay was a Red Cross nurse who went on to establish modern nursing schools in Europe and Wayne King became a famous big-band musician.
Events are held throughout the year, including the museum's annual Festival of Trees celebration from Thanksgiving through mid-December. This is one event you can't miss!
Have you been to the Savanna Museum & Cultural Center? What is your favorite museum to visit in Illinois? Please tell us in the comments. For more information, visit the Savanna Museum & Cultural Center website or Facebook page.
Looking to explore more of Illinois’ hidden gems? Head to this article to read about several lesser-known locations around the state.
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