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Bess Bower Dunn Museum of Lake County
1899 W Winchester Rd, Libertyville, IL 60048, United States
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Wa
Review №1

Parking was very easy...staff was friendly. Very quiet and clean. Lots of Lake County information.

Bl
Review №2

Yes its small but it was so cool to travel through time me and my daughter really enjoyed ourselves here

Ji
Review №3

A nice, quick tour of about an hour will fill any Lake county resident and give them a good sense of the areas history, in chronological order. There are some fun photo opportunities along the way, too!

Ed
Review №4

This is a lovely museum about our local history! The exhibits flow extremely well. The museum has a lot of awesome pieces of history but avoids being too cluttered or overwhelming. There is an extremely important and respectfully curated exhibit about indigenous people from the Lake County area. The modern history of specific townships was delightful. The voice overs by Wait Wait Dont Tell Me... host Bill Kurtis (a Mettawa native) were a nice touch. This is an asset to our county!

Ke
Review №5

We took our girl scout troop for the Native Drum Circle and Storytelling this evening. The gentleman were entertaining and told good stories. The girls learned a lot and we came away wanting to do this again.Who knew we could have such a great experience so close at hand and it was free!

Ro
Review №6

Now in its new, unassuming location in a concrete and asphalt business park (instead of its original, nice surroundings in a real, green park), the staff has nevertheless created a modern, thoroughly impressive museum showcasing a fair amount of the history of Lake County and its peoples, both native and immigrant. The museum is now much larger than before, with a mix of information making it suitable for all levels including children and those who wish to delve into more detail. Definitely worth a visit, and I hope Lake County eventually creates an annual museum pass. One comment about time: those who are quick surface browsers may spend 60-90 minutes, but those who wish to read and discuss all of the exhibit material may wish to do so over a2-3 hour period of time.

Ki
Review №7

We visited the museum on a Saturday with our Girl Scout troop and had a wonderful experience. The girls had a blast and we all learned a lot. Staff was really helpful and inviting.

Mi
Review №8

Completely renovated and just re-opened a few days ago. Very professionally done, and lots to see for everyone in the family. We’ll be back.

Do
Review №9

Lived in the area for years and glad I made the stop...my older nephew and 4 year old both enjoyed the displays and activities. We plan to go back

Na
Review №10

Great place to spend a few hours in the afternoon. Stop by thru September 8 2019 to see Marvelocity.....and more. Visit the many exhibits.Ample parking.

Ar
Review №11

Very nice place to being the family, is very educational and fun perfect for any age. Is a short place but kids have fun but most of all they learn something.

Na
Review №12

Wish there were more exhibits but its still a great experience

bi
Review №13

This was a neat little museum. It laid out the history of the country and the region as you walked through, from prehistoric to industrial times as you walk through. Noticeably, each of the rooms have some hands-on exhibits such as digging for bones or feeling soft pelts, which helps to keep the attention of kids.

Ka
Review №14

Fabulous museum! LOVED the Marvelocity exhibit by comic artist Alex Ross . So many interesting things to see, especially his creative endeavors as a young child and adolescent, when these stories we love about superheroes began emerging along with his design ideas of what they should look like and how they should interact. Just brilliant! There are many other fantastic displays about the history of Lake County, including important artifacts from Fort Sheridan and many other historical documents and pieces of history. All beautifully displayed in this more spacious museum. This was my first visit and I was very impressed, there is much to be proud of, I will gladly return. Bravo to all who work there, a very special treasure in Lake County!

Me
Review №15

Nice exhibit for Dias de los muertos. Make sure you watch the video. Entrance price is right.

Pa
Review №16

Well laid out with lots of historical references and culture. Plenty to read and absorb. Loved the special exhibits. Lots of hands on for the kids. Definitely a local interest for Lake County, Illinois.

Em
Review №17

An excellent place for kids and children and teens and adults of all! check out all the historical facts from Lake County to go back to the early 16 and 1700s. go back in time to see dinosaur fossils, woolly mammoth teeth and tusks, take a dinosaur dig, check out a potawatomi wigwam, and learn some amazing facts of history (and local history too)!. Highly recommend! We visit often, as we learn new things each time we visit.

Kr
Review №18

There Marvelocity exhibit was small but an incredible experience for Marvel fans.

Ca
Review №19

Very interesting collections if you take time to read the displays. Something for all age ranges.

La
Review №20

What a great experience learning about the history of Lake County.

Je
Review №21

Cute little museum - kids had fun going through it. Some hands on things, and lots to see.

Ry
Review №22

Last day of the Alex Ross exhibit. Very good.

Ma
Review №23

Its a small place but theres a lot in it and its largely relevant about the county which is neat to have it so focused. Ill be back.

Bi
Review №24

We found out about the Bess Bower Dunn museum because of a Marvelocity exhibit they have until September 2019. We came directly there when we arrived to the area. That part was not quite as large as I expected, but it was awesome - particularly as the admission price was quite reasonable. There was also a history exhibit that was informative and enjoyable. I recommend a visit along with your kids!

Cr
Review №25

Exceptional! The Marvelocity exhibit was amazing! I loved it! If you are any kind of a Marvel Comics fan, you have to visit this place before September 2019. Also, the American and natural history in this museum is exceptional! I had no idea that there was so much American history in the Lake Co., and Chicago area. Wow! Definitely a must see museum! I plan to visit again soon.

Ad
Review №26

Great little museum features local Lake County history with special exhibits (Day of the Dead exhibit). Modest Entry fee required with senior discount available.

Ch
Review №27

Fun, interesting local history museum. Well laid-out with old artifacts supported by clear multimedia presentations.

Mi
Review №28

What a great experience. Learning Lake County history is fun and acts as a reminder to my kids that great things come from right around them. It is also fun to learn the names of people that founded towns we live in. The Marvel exhibit was also a blast for my kids.

Su
Review №29

It’s a small museum, nice place to bring your kids in on a rainy day. It states the history of Lake county and has quite a few nice exhibits including a dinosaur model. There was a replica of a Potawatomi shelter. Nice marvel models too. Don’t have too much expectations though. Spend about an hour.

Is
Review №30

Cool exhibit, takes about an hour to go through. Interesting stuff

La
Review №31

This is a great small museum! Informational, interactive, and fun for the entire family!!! It took us around an hour to go through the entire museum, it was a great stop on our way to Milwaukee. It allowed us to rest, go to the bathroom, entertain the kids, and learn new things.

Do
Review №32

Lots of history of the Lake Co area. We took the grandkids and it wasnt enough kid friendly displays to keep their attention.

R
Review №33

I stopped by here to see the Marvel exhibit and admission was only $5. I didnt expect to find too much else, but I actually ended up spending most of the day there.

St
Review №34

Very nice place to see different exhibits! Great for the whole family! Went here for Alex Ross, Marvelocity. Gift shop is nice, as well.

D
Review №35

Nice little gem hidden in Libertyville office park, the Forest Preserve does a great job displaying the history of Lake County and hosting special exhibits. Well done!

Sh
Review №36

By reviewing all the reviews before we made the hour long trip, it was definitely worth it! Not too small and not too overwhelming. I can understand why some said their kids did not like it, but for my 8yr old it was perfect! Great history tool and we even went in a 2nd time. Would be great if there was a little food court but there were a few tables to sit and eat if you brought your own food. Friendly staff

Mi
Review №37

I was totally amazed by this museum. It is very nice. Reasonable pricing and kids will have fun. Must go for the Alex Ross art exhibit. It was a marvelous.

Su
Review №38

Very nice museum to visit with kids. Staffs are kind and lots to see :)

Mi
Review №39

I visited the museum with my sons and nephew. We went to see the comic art exhibit by Alex Ross. The museum it self was pretty small, its focused on the history of Lake County. Shows dinosaurs, fossils and Indian artifacts. The whole museum can be walked thru at a moderate pace in about 20-30 min.The comic art exhibit was really neat. If your a comic fan or an Alex Ross fan its worth it. Total cost was $12 so even though it was a small museum it was still worth while.

Ma
Review №40

I really like it! Its good value for $6!

Jo
Review №41

Spent 2 1/2 hours at the museum today, with my grandchildren (ages 9 and 10). They loved it, especially the Native American exhibit, which was also my favorite. They were excited to recognize some of the speakers on the video from the drumming and storytelling gathering a few weeks ago. My granddaughter wished she could spend the night sleeping on the bear skin!The only complaint was from my granddaughter, who wished the log cabin, hands-on exhibit from the old facility, would have been at this new one. She remembers it fondly, from when she was 6, and how much fun she and her brother had pretending to be Lake County pioneers.An overall great learning time for all three of us. It helps them appreciate the history of the forest preserve trails Ive taken them to, so far, over the last few years, and how to respect Mother Natures gifts to us all.THANK YOU ALL FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO!

La
Review №42

Lots to learn about historically about Lake County, Illinois. Very well presented and fascinating.

Av
Review №43

Nice exhibit about the history of Lake Country.Currently they have an exhibit of Marvel works by Alex Ross. If you like Marvel Comics go see it before it closes.

Ed
Review №44

Very small but nice little neat stuff.

Ma
Review №45

Awesome local focus that walks you through the history of lake county starting with dinosaurs. Loved the rotating Marvel exhibit.

Ty
Review №46

Small museum. You can get through it in about an hour. Lots of great Lake County and Illinois historical items. The Alex Ross Marvel exhibition is worth the admission alone.

Cr
Review №47

This was a great experience for the price. It is a good place to bring your family and the Marvelocity exhibit was outstanding. I highly recommend that you see it before it is gone.

To
Review №48

We thoroughly enjoyed visiting the new nuseum this past Sunday. They had great exhibits on native Americans on the Midwest, the history of Lake County, and of course their special exhibit...Marvelocity, the art work of Alex Ross. The latter was fantastic! Great gift shop items too....all of this for just $8 per patron!

ma
Review №49

Went here for a Marvel exhibit and then toured the Lake County museum. Exhibit was good, staff friendly.

Pa
Review №50

Great museum with friendly staff. Interactive areas for kids.

Ma
Review №51

Learned some history and the ladies were friendly.

An
Review №52

Very nice museum. Wasnt crowded at all and had interesting exhibits.

To
Review №53

Great place to visit for a quick day out. The place is small and staff is friendly.

Jo
Review №54

A great way to spend a day.

Br
Review №55

Fun local museum, with interactive areas for the kids too.

Fr
Review №56

Good museum which only costs a couple dollars to get in. A good way to spend an hour of your life but the gift shop tried to get me to buy a book with a signature for 150 dollars

er
Review №57

Lots of info on historic lake county.

Ky
Review №58

The new marvel exhibit is worth seeing. Really cool to get into the mind of the creator!

De
Review №59

Interesting history and artifacts of Lake County. But came for the Marvelocity Exhibit and it didnt disappoint!

Ar
Review №60

Interesting history, some fun stuff for the kids

St
Review №61

Great place to take kids on a rainy day. Not huge but full of educational value and a good size to not tire out smaller children.

Al
Review №62

It was ok. It did provide interesting history about lake county and the area and it has a random marvel hall! I wouldnt say its fun for kids unless theyre into history

Ro
Review №63

Great Museum for the family. Great to learn more about where you live!

Ja
Review №64

Loved it. Small but really packed with interest. Nice little side trip before lunch!

Do
Review №65

Well-funded new version of the (formerly better) Lake County Discovery Museum, which was forced to move by Forest Preserve management.

li
Review №66

Great place. Had a wonderful time as a family at the Lake County Discovery Museum. This place is such a unique find in the suburbs. I love that I can take with entire family there and we all will have fun. It has the best of both worlds - indoor and outdoor fun. Great camps, programs and events. If you havent checked it out, it is a must!

Ro
Review №67

Great place to bring the kids on a rainy day. Small Museum but there is some interesting stuff.

Da
Review №68

A nice clean brand new Museum. Its well laid out and very informative. Excellent for adults all the way down to 6 years old

Su
Review №69

It was good. Should have been better if there were more interactive kids things.

Se
Review №70

A great local museum for kids and adults. They didnt have millions of dollars but they clearly put a lot of thought into everything they did. A bit hard to find.

Vi
Review №71

Learn a lot about where you live.

Al
Review №72

Interesting local history museum that exceeded my expectations

J.
Review №73

Small museum...but very well done. The museum does an excellent job focusing on the history of Lake County!

Ba
Review №74

This place is fascinating. You can learn all about Lake County and its history.

Ap
Review №75

Very cool place for history about Lake County.

na
Review №76

A nice little place tucked in the corner.

Da
Review №77

Nice small museum, recently redone, with exhibits that cover a wide range of local history, from before settlement up to the present day. A great place to spend a few hours on a rainy Saturday.

Ka
Review №78

Boring for a 6 year old.We were there for 15 minutes. The place is new and clean and the staff was nice, but we paid $9 for what every other county (many in Kane county) have for free.

Em
Review №79

Ive been to the Lake County Discovery Museum and now the new Dunn Museum and my family and I enjoyed the older one much more. I was a bit disappointed. The location and the displays were much more interesting at the Discovery Museum.

Ib
Review №80

The museum is really nice and mostly shares the history of Lake County.

Ch
Review №81

Nice little museum

St
Review №82

Extremely well designed and so much to learn about Lake County.

Je
Review №83

Great Place for a families that want a close get away. The exhibits are always changing and are educational and fun. Love that it right on Forest Preserve Grounds and that we can hike and picnic for a full days outing.

Ch
Review №84

Fun day trip. We went in discount Tuesday and it was not busy.

Ma
Review №85

Well put together

Li
Review №86

Cute little place

St
Review №87

Well done small local history museum

Ce
Review №88

Its been a Marvelous experience

Jo
Review №89

Great little museum.

sh
Review №90

What a great experience to view the Dickens exhibit and everything else included at the museum. We always learn exciting new things when visiting and are proud to have this great gem in our area.

De
Review №91

Great family friendly museum. Has amazing Dickenss exhibit now. Creative and beautiful items in shop.

SU
Review №92

Wonderful visit; plan to go again.

An
Review №93

Great Experience!

Lu
Review №94

It seems smaller than the former location of Lake County Discovery Museum less interactive exhibits then before. Less overall exhibits, seems like no room for the temporary exhibits like they had at old location

Ch
Review №95

Great local musuem to learn about where you live...

Ni
Review №96

Small but nice.

Jo
Review №97

Nice small museum with a locally connected collection.

Ro
Review №98

Nice local museum

Mo
Review №99

Good rainy day activity

To
Review №100

Average just short

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.6 Rating
  • Address:1899 W Winchester Rd, Libertyville, IL 60048, United States
  • Site:http://lcfpd.org/museum/
  • Phone:+1 847-968-3400
Categories
  • Children's museum
  • Museum
  • Tourist attraction
Working hours
  • Monday:10am–5pm
  • Tuesday:10am–5pm
  • Wednesday:10am–5pm
  • Thursday:12–5pm
  • Friday:Closed
  • Saturday:10am–5pm
  • Sunday:10am–5pm
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
  • Restaurant:No
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