Illinois has eight space-themed attractions that will bring out the explorer in anyone. Check out what makes these incredible places to exciting.
Whether you’ve always dreamed of going to the moon or just like to look at it, you’ll love these planetariums and observatories. Scroll on for more.
- Strickler Planetarium
Facebook/Strickler Planetarium Constructed in 1967, this wonderful attraction is situated at Olivet Nazarene University with the purpose of educating the public about our natural world. Projections of the night sky and much more will wow and amaze all ages.
Address: 1 University Avenue, Bourbonnais, IL, 60914
- The Adler Planetarium
Facebook/The Adler Planetarium Learn about everything from the constellations to the solar system to moon phases and so much more at what might be the most popular of Illinois’ space-themed attractions. It is located right on Lake Michigan and regularly features different events and exhibits.
Address: 1300 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, 60605
- The Challenger Learning Center
Facebook/Challenger Learning Center Woodstock Founded in 1986, this center was founded in order to honor the crew of the shuttle flight STS-51L, and it aims to promote STEM learning and give students hands-on experiences. Young visitors will learn all about what it is like to be an astronaut.
Address: 720 West Judd Street, Woodstock, IL, 60098
- Cernan Earth & Space Center
Facebook/Cernan Earth & Space Center Located on the campus of Triton College in a west Chicago suburb, this center features all sorts of different shows about our natural world. Guests learn about both earth and space at this hidden wonder.
Address: 2000 5th Avenue, River Grove, IL, 60171
- Museum of Science and Industry
Facebook/Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago This Chicago favorite museum features all sorts of wonderful exhibits, many of which change throughout the year. Guests can learn about the moon missions, take a virtual reality tour of space, learn about the robots used in space, and so much more.
Address: 5700 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, 60637
- Children’s Discovery Museum
Facebook/Children’s Discovery Museum, Normal, IL This three-story children’s museum is filled with exhibits and interactive displays that are fun for kids of all ages. In addition to fun exhibits and programs, there are also camps offered here that aim to teach kids about outer space.
Address: 101 East Beaufort Street, Normal, IL, 61761
- Northmoor Observatory
Google/Andrew Mass Housing a nine-inch refactor telescope, this little-known observatory is open Saturday nights between May and October when the weather is nice. It allows guests to truly watch the night sky in all its glory.
Address: Peoria, IL, 61614
- University of Illinois
Facebook/Astronomy Illinois Free open houses are available every second Friday of the month at the observatory at this popular University where you can also study astronomy. This is one of the best places to look at the night sky in the whole state.
Address: 901 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL
For more like this, check out these eight hands-on science museums in Illinois that will teach you something new.
Facebook/Strickler Planetarium
Constructed in 1967, this wonderful attraction is situated at Olivet Nazarene University with the purpose of educating the public about our natural world. Projections of the night sky and much more will wow and amaze all ages.
Address: 1 University Avenue, Bourbonnais, IL, 60914
Facebook/The Adler Planetarium
Learn about everything from the constellations to the solar system to moon phases and so much more at what might be the most popular of Illinois’ space-themed attractions. It is located right on Lake Michigan and regularly features different events and exhibits.
Address: 1300 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, 60605
Facebook/Challenger Learning Center Woodstock
Founded in 1986, this center was founded in order to honor the crew of the shuttle flight STS-51L, and it aims to promote STEM learning and give students hands-on experiences. Young visitors will learn all about what it is like to be an astronaut.
Address: 720 West Judd Street, Woodstock, IL, 60098
Facebook/Cernan Earth & Space Center
Located on the campus of Triton College in a west Chicago suburb, this center features all sorts of different shows about our natural world. Guests learn about both earth and space at this hidden wonder.
Address: 2000 5th Avenue, River Grove, IL, 60171
Facebook/Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
This Chicago favorite museum features all sorts of wonderful exhibits, many of which change throughout the year. Guests can learn about the moon missions, take a virtual reality tour of space, learn about the robots used in space, and so much more.
Address: 5700 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, 60637
Facebook/Children’s Discovery Museum, Normal, IL
This three-story children’s museum is filled with exhibits and interactive displays that are fun for kids of all ages. In addition to fun exhibits and programs, there are also camps offered here that aim to teach kids about outer space.
Address: 101 East Beaufort Street, Normal, IL, 61761
Google/Andrew Mass
Housing a nine-inch refactor telescope, this little-known observatory is open Saturday nights between May and October when the weather is nice. It allows guests to truly watch the night sky in all its glory.
Address: Peoria, IL, 61614
Facebook/Astronomy Illinois
Free open houses are available every second Friday of the month at the observatory at this popular University where you can also study astronomy. This is one of the best places to look at the night sky in the whole state.
Address: 901 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL
What other space-themed attractions do you enjoy? Share your favorites with us below in the comments.
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Address: 1 University Ave, Bourbonnais, IL 60914, USAAddress: 1300 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605, USAAddress: 720 W Judd St, Woodstock, IL 60098, USAAddress: 2000 5th Ave, River Grove, IL 60171, USAAddress: 5700 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637, USAAddress: 101 E Beaufort St, Normal, IL 61761, USAAddress: Peoria, IL, USAAddress: 901 S Mathews Ave, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
