My son wants to take a mini vacation and was planning a trip to Starved Rock tomorrow, but the weather forecast is not favorable. He would like to find some place of interest that is indoors in case of bad weather. I know of the Medievel Times in Schaumburg and Conklin's Barn II Dinner Theater in Goodfield. Does someone know of more places, perhaps that are a little unusual or more exciting? (He has been to the museums, Shedd Aquarium, etc., in Chicago). He would prefer that it not be in a large city but might go if it's interesting enough. I need to know tonight because he wants to leave early in the morning. Thanks.|||Sorry I got this to you so late; here are just a few ideas: Okay I know you said 150 miles but what about 163? You could to St. Louis and hit up the City Museum? It really is not a museum at all, and it is fun for kids of ALL ages! I am 29 and love the place but I have taken kids as young as 5 and they love it! They also have an aquarium there that you can feed sting rays and crawl through a tunnel in the shark tank. The City Museum has indoor caves, 7 story slides, climbing areas, the magic forest; I could go on and on!!! This place is just great and it a little kept gem of our city. He wanted something different well this place has been mentioned on several websites such as Roadside America as being one of the wackiest places around. Check out there website: www.citymuseum.org/ There is also a ton of other stuff to do indoors downtown, I am trying to get this to you so I will just include a couple websites here (we do have a free science center): www.explorestlouis.com Okay what about going to Springfield IL? There is good stuff to do there. First of all Route 66 runs right through the city here are some places of interest on that: Shea’s Gas Station Museum - A favorite photo stop for Route 66 travelers from around the world, Shea’s is a charming and eclectic collection of over half a century of gas station memorabilia. Owner Bill Shea is always eager to share his stories about his collection and his life over 50 years alongside Route 66. He’s become an international celebrity, as noted by his guestbook, signed by visitors from around the world. Leave plenty of time to browse through his collection of photos, soak in the humor of his homemade signs, and hear some of his fascinating tales. 2075 Peoria Road. Springfield. (217) 522-0475 Cozy Dog Drive In – This traditional Route 66 diner became a part of the history of the Road…and the history of Springfield…when inventor Ed Waldmire introduced the Cozy Dog…the famous “hot dog on a stick” in 1946. The Waldmire family still makes the delicacy daily, Monday – Saturday. Inside the diner, located on Old Route 66 since 1949…you’ll find an amusing selection of Route 66 memorabilia, souvenirs, and delightful taste treats. 2935 S. Sixth Street. Springfield. (217) 525-1992 The Railsplitter – Recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the “World’s Largest Covered Wagon,” the Railsplitter and its drive, Abe Lincoln, welcome visitors throughout the year. Visionary Dave Bentley built the incredible creation by hand and continues to add new features to the exhibit each year. Old Route 66. Divernon. (217) 628-3338 Pig Hip Museum – Don’t blink as you approach this small community, rich with Route 66 lore. Tour the once popular Pig Hip Restaurant and spend some time with its colorful proprietor, Ernie Edwards. The museum is filled with articles from the original restaurant, dating back to 1937, as well as the collection of memories from nearly sixty years in business along Route 66. 101 W. Oak St. Broadwell. (217) 732-2337 Go see some of the historic sites there, a lot of them are indoor tours and very interesting: • Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum • Dana-Thomas House • Edwards Place • Elijah Iles House • Executive Mansion • Illinois State Capitol • Lawrence Memorial Library • Lincoln Depot • Lincoln Family Pew • Lincoln Home National Historic Site • Lincoln Ledger • Lincoln's New Salem • Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices • Old State Capitol • Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon • Vachel Lindsay Home Here are some other things to do: • Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum • Air Combat Museum • Dana-Thomas House • Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War Museum • Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Museum • Illinois Fire Museum • Illinois State Military Museum • Illinois State Museum • Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation Museum • Museum of Funeral Customs • Shea’s Gas Station Museum • Trutter Museum • Under the Prairie Frontier Archaeological Museum We spend weekends up here because there is a lot to do! What about going to Danville IL? There are a few things to do there. The Depot Museum 210 East Benton St., Rossville, IL 61834 The Depot, built by the C&EI railroad in 1903, has been restored to the 1950's era. The Museum features a wide collection of historical railroad memorabilia. Some of those featured include the C&EI, Wabash, Illinois Terminal and NYC. The museum is open from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day weekend. Hours are noon to 4 on Saturdays and Sundays and noon to 5 on holiday weekends. Groups are welcome and tours can be arranged from April 1st through September 30th. Vermilion County War Museum A military museum featuring memorabilia and artifacts from every conflict our country has been involved in, from the Revolutionary War to Operation Iraqi Freedom. Over 13,000 square feet on two floors features thousands of items including an extensive library, personal scrapbooks, memoirs, and photographs. Displays include: wood from "Old Ironsides", an original bronze "Remember the Maine" plaque, Kenneth E. Bailey's Congressional Medal of Honor, Civil War battle flags, and many other significant pieces. Voted one of the finest museums of it’s' type in the country. You could go up to the Quad Cities? There is a ton of fun stuff to do up there. Here are just a few things but check out their website, we like going there because it is close to home and there are so many cool things to do! Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse 1828 3rd Avenue Rock Island, IL 61201 Putnam Museum & IMAX® Theatre 1717 W. 12th Street Davenport, IA 52804 Augustana's Fryxell Geology Museum Swenson Hall of Geosciences Rock Island, IL 61201 Family Museum 2900 Learning Campus Drive Bettendorf, IA 52722-7710 Fejervary Park, Children’s Zoo and Aquatic Center 1800 W. 12th St. Davenport, Iowa Whitewater Junction - Railroad Themed Aquatic Center Longview Park Rock Island, IL 61201 Adventure Quest of the Quad Cities 3501 207th Street North Rapids City, IL 61278 John Deere Historic Site 8393 S. Main, Grand Detour Dixon, IL 61021-9406 Here is the website for more: http://www.visitquadcities.com/ If all else fails when I am trying to plan a weekend trip I pull out the map and start Googling all the towns around and see what their visitor’s site has. I have found some great places this way! Good luck I hope this helps you!|||This is great info! Thank-you Report Abuse

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