On the Move
In two to three years, the Museum will make the move from its current location in Wauconda to the Lake County Forest Preserves new General Offices building on Winchester Road in Libertyville. Private donations are being sought to fund the move. With twice the exhibit space of its current building and a more controlled environment to store collections, the new location will allow the Museum to display more of its artifacts and special exhibits and to better protect its historic collections.
The central-county location near public transit and major roadways is expected to increase accessibility and public attendance, as well. Lakewood Forest Preserve will continue to host popular annual outdoor events such as Civil War Days in July and the Farm Heritage Festival in September.
Whether you're a regular museum visitor or new to the area, we invite you to share your thoughts and ideas with us as we prepare to move and expand our exhibit space, and to ask us any questions you may have about the relocation. Please contact Katherine Hamilton Smith, Director of Cultural Resources, at 847-968-3380.
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Construction Alert: Spring 2012-Summer 2014
Lakewood Forest Preserve will benefit from a major Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) road improvement project to widen the intersection of Fairfield Road and Route 176 in Wauconda.
During construction, access to Lakewood, the Lake County Discovery Museum, the Dog Exercise Area and all adjacent trails will remain open. Visitors should be alert to signage that may direct to alternative entrances.
Improvements will aid traffic flow, make Lakewood's main entrance more accessible, and provide safe crossing for trail users via underpasses for the Millennium Trail and Fort Hill Trail. A new paved section of the Millennium Trail and a mowed equestrian trail will also be added.
Completion of trails, underpasses, preserve entrance, Dog Area expected early 2013; completion of road construction expected in 2014.
Read more. Check LCDOT for updates.
View project map.
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About the Museum
The 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.
Sign up for our e-mail newsletter to keep up to date on the latest exhibits, events and programs. Find us on Facebook, share your Museum photos on Flickr or follow us on Twitter.
The Lake County Discovery Museum is accredited by the American Association of Museums. The Friends of the Lake County Discovery Museum commissioned a fun congratulatory video.
Current and Upcoming Special Exhibitions
Sponsored by The Daily Herald
- The Blues: From the Heart and Soul - Runs through August 19, 2012. This unique exhibition offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most influential periods of modern music and showcases the expansive collection of memorabilia from Chicago blues legend “Barrelhouse” Chuck Goering of Libertyville, Illinois.
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.
- Download a coupon: Save $1 per person on admission.
- Open daily except for New Year's, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve 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. |
