Open Elgin Museum Crawl adventure

Free Trolley Rides and admissions 

Discover the rich tapestry of Elgin's history and visit four of its remarkable museums and the Gail Borden Public Library 150^th anniversary exhibit during the  “Open Elgin Museum Crawl” on Saturday, May 25, 2024 from noon to 4:00pm.

Take a captivating journey by hopping aboard a trolley. To start your museum crawl adventure, simply choose any of the five participating locations and visit with free admission the Elgin Public Museum of Natural History and Anthropology, Elgin History Museum, Elgin School District U-46 Planetarium, Fire Barn No. 5 Museum and the Gail Borden Public Library 150th Anniversary Exhibit.

“Enjoy a unique glimpse into the past and present of our vibrant community,” says Carol Gieske, CEO and President of the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce.  “Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply curious about the stories that shape our city, the Open Elgin Museum Crawl welcomes you with open arms. Best of all, admission is free, making this inaugural event accessible to everyone who wishes to explore and learn.”

The event is sponsored by the Chamber’s Enhancing Elgin Committee comprised of the City of Elgin, Elgin Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, DNA, School District U-46, Elgin History Museum, Elgin Community College, and Caring Farewells. 

Denise Raleigh, Division Chief, Public Relations & Development, Gail Borden Public Library and member of the Enhancing Elgin Committee, adds, “We are excited to be featuring these museums on this first Open Elgin Museum Crawl. What other city has these culturally rich amenities, such as an Observatory, Fire Barn, Public Museum and History Museum. The Gail Borden Public Library is proud to join in with our 150^th Library Anniversary Exhibit.”

“We also would like to thank the City of Elgin for sponsoring the trolley as it will make this event extra fun for visitors to ride through this town of unique architecture between locations.”

The free trolley ride will continuously move from location to location, starting from the Gail Borden Public Library at 270 N. Grove at noon.  It will end at 4:00pm. It will take an hour to complete the circuit so it is suggested that people plan on watching the time or use ride sharing to get back to where they parked their car.  Seating on the trolley is limited, so be aware that the safest way to not miss any of these places is by walking or by car.

About the Museums and their locations:

The Elgin Elgin Public Museum of Natural History and Anthropology, 225 Grand Blvd. It is the oldest building in Illinois built expressly as a museum and still serving its purpose. Its exterior  boasts a Neo-Classical style and the interior is rich with original oak woodwork, plaster wall ornamentation and ceramic tile floors.

Elgin History Museum, 360 Park Ave. Impressive exterior of Greek Revival architecture and explore the extensive collection of Elgin Watch Company timepieces inside and more historical artifacts.

          U-46 Planetarium & Observatory, 312 Watch St. This 1910 Classic Revival was built by the Elgin Watch Company so their watches could be precisely set by the stars.

          Elgin Fire Barn Museum, 533 Charles St. Designed by Elgin architect Smith Hoag in a Classic Revival style, this fire museum once required room for horses that pulled the water tanks to fight fires in 1903.

          Gail Borden Main Library, 270 N. Grove. This award-winning two-story library is north of Kimball St. on the Fox River. The stunning Prairie School-inspired exterior blends with the old and new architecture of the area.  The interior offers maximum natural light for majestic views of the Fox River.