Aurora, IL Road Trips

African-American Heritage Museum & Black Veterans Archives, 126 S. Kendall St.. Hundreds of sculptures of figures from African-American history displayed in the yard of Dr. Charles Smith's former home. 1 Aurora Regional Fire Museum, Corner of New York & Broadway. A collection of unique firefighting memorabilia set in Aurora's old Central Fire Station, built in 1894. $5. Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Rd. A living history museum of 19th century life spread out over 54 acres with a lake, ponds, a stream, and an arboretum. $6-9, 2 and under Free. (updated Mar 2019) David L. Pierce Art & History Center, 20 E. Downer. The Aurora Public Art Commission hosts eight to 10 rotating exhibits displaying a full spectrum of innovative arts. The History Center has a collection of photographs, books, maps and other memorabilia. There is also a gift shop. (updated Mar 2019) 2 The Grand Army of the Republic Hall, 23 E. Downer Place. Built as a monument to Aurora's Civil War veterans in 1878, it's now a small structure next to the library that sticks out in its antiquity. Paramount Arts Center, 22 E. Galena Blvd.. Home to "Broadway in the Burbs," this lovingly restored Art Deco movie palace presents live entertainment by world-class performers, plays, touring musicals and other special events. 3 Phillips Park, 1000 Moses Dr.. There's a golf course, a swimming center operated by the Fox Valley Park District, a lake, some neat gardens, and a small free zoo filled specifically with North American animals. (updated May 2016) Schingoethe Center for Native American Cultures, 347 S.

Hollywood Casino is a decent gambling experience on the Fox River downtown. Offers table games such as blackjack, craps, and roulette, as well as a variety of slot machines. Friendly staff and an expensive buffet. An iPod Tour downtown is a unique way to get acquainted with the brown stone architecture. Tour brochures are available at the Aurora Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. Raging Waves Waterpark in nearby Yorkville is an Aussie-themed park with 18 water slides, a wave pool, lazy river, 20 private cabanas, and more. Farmers Market Saturday mornings 8am-noon June through October at the Aurora Transportation Center. Summer Music Festivals downtown such as Rock on the Fox, Jazz on the Fox, Summer Jam, and Fan Favorites. Oakhurst Forest Preserve, near Phillips Park, is a pleasant oasis from the suburbs, with a large hill, an even larger lake, and plenty of paths for walking, running, or biking. 1 Phillips Park Family Aquatic Center. (updated Sep 2021), 2 Splash Country Water Park. , 3 Vaughan Aquatic Center. - located in Aurora

Jake's Bagels and Deli, 220 N. Broadway. Bagels are their specialty, with at least one unique flavor always available with the rest of the regulars. Their coffees (they have Green Mountain) and sandwiches also shine. Two Brothers Roundhouse (formerly Walter Payton's Roundhouse), 205 N. Broadway, ☏ +1 630-264-2739. an international award-winning brewery with good American regional cuisine and pub food.

1 Tredwell Coffee, 18 W. Downer Place, ☏ +1 630 844-1418. (updated Sep 2021) Nikarry's Family Resurant, 803 N. LAKE STREET, ☏ +1 630 260-2055.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Aurora - Naperville, an IHG Hotel, ☏ +1 630 896-2800. 111 North Broadway. About 50 minutes away from the O'Hare International Airport and Chicago's Midway Airport, and 10 minutes away from the Aurora Municipal Airport. Has meeting facilities. Hampton Inn & Suites Aurora, 2423 Bushwood Drive, ☏ +1 630 907-2600. 127 hotel guest rooms equipped with microwave and refrigerator, free internet, a 6,000 square feet Indoor Pool Complex, and five Meeting Rooms with Video Conferencing capability. Quality Inn Aurora O'Hare Airport Hotel, 4005 Gabrielle Lane, ☏ +1 630 820-3400. 25 miles from O'Hare International Airport, 2002 Silver Hospitality Award winning hotel.[2]

Aurora is just off the East-West Tollway (I-88) in Illinois. Take the Route 31 exit south for downtown and most other things, and take the Farnsworth exit south for Phillips Park Zoo, Aurora Transportation Center, and the Two Brothers Roundhouse (formerly Walter Payton's Roundhouse.) Aurora is part of Chicago's Metra commuter rail system, the last stop on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe line which leaves from Union Station in the Loop. 1 Aurora Transportation Center, 233 North Broadway. (updated May 2019) The Aurora train station is a local hub for Pace, the Chicagoland suburban bus service [1] . Aurora has a small municipal airport of its own, but the best way to go is to fly into one of the Chicago airports (O'Hare or Midway) and just take the train or a taxi to Aurora. 2 Aurora Municipal Airport (AUZ IATA). General aviation (updated Mar 2019)

As is commonplace in the suburbs, the easiest way to get around is by car. However, Pace Bus also has extensive service in Aurora (it being Illinois's second largest city, after all), and multiple routes connect the Aurora Transportation Center with the rest of the city as well as Elgin, Geneva, St. Charles, Batavia, and Naperville.