The Lake County Discovery Museum provides a fun, well-rounded museum experience close to home.
Hands-on interactive exhibits introduce the history of Lake County in a fun learning environment. The museum also displays the nation’s largest permanent exhibition on the history and significance of postcards. Changing exhibits in our special exhibition galleries take inspiration from art, history and popular culture.
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The Lake County Discovery Museum is accredited by the American Association of Museums.
Current Special Exhibitions
Hours and Admission
Regular gallery hours are Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Admission is $6 for adults, $2.50 for youth ages four to 17, $3 for students ages 18 to 25 and seniors ages 55 and up, and free for children three years and under.
- Discount Tuesdays: adults $3, ages 4-17 (up to five children per adult) FREE, $1.25 per child for groups with 5-10 children per adult.
- Museum members are free on all days.
- Through September 6, 2010 all active military personnel and their families can receive free museum admission as part of the Blue Star Museums program. Details.
- Through August 22, bring one children's book to donate to Bernie's Book Bank and save $1 per person on museum admission. Discount cannot be combined with any other coupon.
- Download a coupon: Save $1 per person on admission.
- Open daily except for New Year's, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
- Parking is free.
Special Programs
The museum offers a variety of public programs for families and adults year-round. Each July, the museum hosts Civil War Days, the largest Civil War reenactment in Illinois. At the Farm Heritage Festival each September, visitors are able to take a step back in time and explore Lake County’s rural roots. During the summer, museum educators provide fun and educational nature, history, and art day camps. The museum also makes a great place for a field trip or group tour.
Join us for special in-gallery talks Tuesdays from 11 am to 1 pm. These informal talks shed additional light on our exhibitions, and are free with museum admission.
Museum Membership
Support the museum and receive great benefits by becoming a member of the Friends of the Lake County Discovery Museum.
Explore the benefits of membership.
Museum Shop
The Museum Shop features locally made goods, fair trade products, local history books and postcard gifts. In addition, it carries items related to our current special exhibitions. |
