4 Must-see Historic Places Around Chicagoland

If you really want to get to know your new city, you need to understand its history. Chicagoland has been a dominant Midwest metropolis since the 1850s and offers a number of historic landmarks throughout the area that tell the story of how our bustling city has evolved.

Here are several historic places to visit around North Aurora and Romeoville you need to check out:

1. Blackberry Farm
100 S Barnes Rd, North Aurora
630-892-1550

Spring is officially here, and there's no better way to celebrate the new season than visiting Blackberry Farm. This historic landmark is a living history museum that provides you with a glimpse of pioneer life in Chicagoland. Blackberry Farm is a great family outing as admission to the farm includes unlimited train rides, hay wagon rides, pedal tractors, paddle boats, carousel and pony rides. There will be several family fun days this summer with free admission, so visit their site for all the details.

2. William Tanner House
305 Cedar St, Aurora
630-897-9029

The William Tanner House was built in 1857 for William Tanner, a prominent hardware merchant that had a big hand in shaping the Chicago community. This Victorian-era local house now serves as a free museum and offers several unique and rare artifacts. Anyone that appreciates architecture and design will be impressed by this home's Italianate style with high ceilings, oak grained woodwork and ornate plaster decoration.  

3. Isle a la Cache Museum
501 E Romeo Rd, Romeoville
815-886-1467

Isle a la Cache is a 101-acre nature preserve in Romeoville. The park sheds light on the natural landscape and habitats of the forest, prairie and wetland along the Des Plaines River. Activities at the park include hiking, fishing, canoeing and geocaching. The onsite museum is free to visit and provides a great educational opportunity for families, school groups, and youth groups alike. Be sure to mark your calendar for the upcoming Island Rendezvous in June, which celebrates when local fur traders gathered to celebrate a successful season back in the 18th century.

4. Gaylord Building
200 W 8th St, Lockport
815-838-9400

The Gaylord Building was built in 1838 and played a vital role in the Illinois and Michigan Canal. The tenants that occupied this building were big contributors to the canal's commercial success. This historic landmark includes a free museum inside. After exploring the museum, be sure to dine at the building's Public Landing Restaurant.

What are your favorite historic places in Chicagoland? Share in the comments below!