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, 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Admission is $6 for adults and $2.50 for youth ages four to 17, and free for children three years and under. Admission is $2.50 for seniors after 2 p.m.
- 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 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 Fall 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.
Museum Membership
Support the museum and receive great benefits by becoming a member of the Friends of the Lake County Discovery Museum.
Membership benefits:
- Free admission
- Museum Shop discounts
- Free subscription to the museum's Historian or Image File magazine
- Invitations to exclusive members-only events
To become a member, call 847-968-3400 or download a membership application (PDF file).
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. |
Since 1976, Lakewood Forest Preserve (formerly known as Lakewood Farm) has been home to the nationally accredited Lake County Discovery Museum. The former farm buildings have been adapted and expanded to accommodate the Museum galleries, administrative offices, and the Museum's two archives: the Curt Teich Postcard Archives and the Lake County History Archives. |
