Cornell IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Cornell, Illinois.
1. Pub 13
LOCAL DINING HOTSPOT
Pub 13 is a popular dining establishment in Cornell that offers visitors a taste of local cuisine and atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a relaxed environment while sampling regional specialties and beverages. The pub serves as a gathering place for both locals and tourists exploring the Cornell area.
2. The Eagle Performing Arts & Conference Center
ARTS AND EVENTS VENUE
The Eagle Performing Arts & Conference Center hosts a variety of cultural and community events in Cornell. This versatile venue showcases local talent through performances and provides space for conferences and gatherings. Visitors can check their event calendar to catch shows and exhibitions throughout the year.
3. Route 66 Shield Mural
HISTORIC HIGHWAY ARTWORK
The Route 66 Shield Mural stands as a colorful tribute to America's historic Mother Road that once passed through this region. This popular photo spot commemorates Illinois' connection to the legendary highway that connected Chicago to Los Angeles. Visitors often stop to capture pictures with this nostalgic piece of roadside artwork.
4. IL Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum
HISTORIC HIGHWAY HERITAGE
The Illinois Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum preserves the rich history of the iconic American highway through Illinois. Exhibits feature vintage photos, memorabilia, and artifacts that tell the story of Route 66's impact on local communities and American culture. Visitors can explore the evolution of travel along this historic corridor known as the 'Main Street of America.'
5. Cornell Village Parks
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREAS
Cornell Village Parks provide residents and visitors with spaces for outdoor relaxation and recreation. These community green spaces feature amenities for families and individuals seeking to enjoy nature within the village limits. Visitors can spend an afternoon picnicking, playing sports, or simply unwinding in these peaceful local settings.
6. Cornell Seasonal Festivals
COMMUNITY CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS
Cornell's Seasonal Festivals bring the community together throughout the year with themed celebrations that showcase local culture and traditions. These events typically feature live entertainment, food vendors, crafts, and activities for all ages. Visitors should check the village calendar to coincide their trip with these festive gatherings that highlight the spirit of small-town Illinois.
7. Museum of Science and Industry
INTERACTIVE SCIENCE EXPERIENCE
The Museum of Science and Industry stands as one of the largest science museums in the Western Hemisphere, offering hands-on exhibits that make learning an adventure. Visitors can walk through a replica of the human heart, tour a coal mine, witness baby chicks hatching, and explore numerous interactive displays showcasing technological innovation. This landmark institution provides an engaging educational experience for curious minds of all ages with its blend of historical artifacts and cutting-edge science demonstrations.
8. Frank Lloyd Wright Robie House
PRAIRIE STYLE ARCHITECTURE
The Frank Lloyd Wright Robie House stands as a masterpiece of Prairie School architecture and one of the most important residential designs in American history. Completed in 1910, this UNESCO World Heritage site exemplifies Wright's revolutionary open floor plans, horizontal lines, and integration with the surrounding landscape. Visitors can tour this architectural gem to appreciate its innovative design elements, including art glass windows, built-in furniture, and the dramatic cantilevered roof that influenced modern architecture worldwide.
9. Hyde Park Art Center
CONTEMPORARY ART SHOWCASE
Hyde Park Art Center showcases work by Chicago-area artists while offering hands-on classes for creative minds of all ages. The center serves as a vibrant hub for contemporary art with rotating exhibitions that highlight diverse artistic expressions and emerging talents. Visitors can engage with the local art scene through exhibitions, workshops, and events that connect artists with the community.
10. Smart Museum of Art
UNIVERSITY ART COLLECTION
The Smart Museum of Art houses over 16,000 works spanning 5,000 years of artistic creation from cultures around the world. As the University of Chicago's art museum, it offers free admission to all visitors who wish to explore its acclaimed interdisciplinary exhibitions and collaborative programs. Visitors can discover ancient artifacts alongside contemporary masterpieces in this thoughtfully curated space that encourages dialogue between different artistic traditions and time periods.
11. DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE
The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center stands as the nation's first independent museum dedicated to the study and conservation of African American history, culture, and art. Its compelling exhibits chronicle the African American experience from its African origins through the present day with powerful artifacts, artworks, and multimedia presentations. Visitors can gain deeper understanding of the significant contributions and struggles of African Americans throughout history in this important cultural institution.
12. Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures
ARCHAEOLOGICAL TREASURE COLLECTION
The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures presents a remarkable collection of rare artifacts from the ancient Middle East dating from 10,000 BC to AD 650. This specialized museum offers visitors a glimpse into early human civilizations through carefully preserved archaeological treasures and scholarly exhibitions. Visitors can travel back in time as they examine ancient tools, art, and cultural objects that illustrate the development of human society and innovation.
13. Connect Gallery
LOCAL ART EXHIBITION
Connect Gallery showcases the work of local and regional artists in an intimate exhibition space in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood. The gallery features rotating exhibits spanning various media, styles, and perspectives that reflect the diverse artistic community. Visitors can experience contemporary art in an accessible setting that fosters connections between artists, their work, and the public.
14. Cornell Outdoor Concerts
LIVE MUSIC EVENTS
Cornell Outdoor Concerts bring live music to the community with performances set against the backdrop of small-town Illinois. These events feature a variety of musical genres and provide entertainment for locals and travelers alike throughout the warmer months. Visitors can bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy these cultural gatherings that showcase regional talent and create memorable summer evenings.
15. Sports Competitions in Cornell
LOCAL ATHLETIC EVENTS
Sports Competitions in Cornell bring together athletes and spectators for friendly competition and community spirit. These events range from youth leagues to adult tournaments across various sports popular in the region. Visitors can catch a game, cheer on local teams, and experience the authentic small-town sporting culture that forms an important part of Cornell's community identity.