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jANE aDDAMS hULL-hOUSE mUSEUMThis free museum, housed inside a National Historic Landmark on the UIC campus, explores immigration, labor rights, and social reform. Located in two of the original settlement house buildings founded by Jane Addams, the museum offers exhibits and educational material about the settlement house movement that helped expand democracy for marginalized communities in Chicago. Jane Addams is often credited with being the architect of modern social work and was the first American woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
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cHICAGO SUFFRAGE MURALS AND IDA B. WELLS NATIONAL MONUMENT
Three Women’s Suffrage Murals in the Loop’s Wabash Arts Corridor pay tribute to the 1920 passage of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote:
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DUSABLE BLACK HISTORY MUSEUM AND EDUCATION CENTERThis year, the DuSable Museum (740 E 65th Place) celebrates its 65th anniversary as America’s first independent Black history museum. Exhibits include “Fighting Racism in the Trenches: A Colored Woman in World War I,” which tells the story of Kathryn Magnolia Johnson, who served during WWI and went on to a career as an educator and activist in the NAACP and later the YMCA.
Along with the exhibits, you can also enjoy live music on select Thursdays at 6:30pm at the DuSummer Music Series. |
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Elmhurst history museum exhibitHistory of Her: Women Who Shaped Chicagoland
Open through August 9, 2026, this acclaimed exhibit explores the lives, education, and trailblazing careers of over 70 women who shaped the Chicago area in politics, sports, the arts, and social work. In conjunction with the exhibit, local actresses will perform living history tributes to several women pioneers in July and August. Find more information here. |
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gichiganiin indigenous nations museumLocated at 3001 Central Street, Evanston, the museum amplifies Native voices to improve public understanding and respect for Indigenous knowledge, history and contemporary contributions to society. Use your Wilmette public library cards for free admission. P.S. - Gichigaminn means “Great Lakes” in the Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) language.
The museum will hold a Garden Swap on July 15 from 11am-3pm. Learn about adding native plants into your garden and share tips with fellow gardeners. The event will have free seeds, an opportunity to do some weeding, and journaling about our relationship to land, food and community. Feel free to bring seeds to exchange. |
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national museum of mexican art pilsenThe NMMA serves Pilsen and greater Chicago as an arts and cultural center committed to accessibility and social justice, as well as education and appreciation of Mexican art and culture. Exhibitions include “Nuestras Historias: Stories of Mexican Identity” and the works of young artists from the Yolocalli 2025 youth art program.
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environment-related activities
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Hibbard Road and Skokie Blvd, Wilmette
keay nature centerKeay Nature Center in Wilmette offers a peaceful space with a walking path, playground and pond. Run by Wilmette Park District, the center features a number of native trees and shrubs. Deer and other wild animals are frequently spotted there.
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905 W. Eastman St, Chicago
chicago's wild mileDid you know that the world’s first floating eco-park is right here in Chicago? Built directly on the Chicago River, you can walk the Wild Mile’s boardwalk, bring a bag lunch to enjoy while taking in the city skyline, wave at kayakers paddling by, and look for wildlife like beavers, muskrats, turtles and over 100 species of birds that live there. (Rumor is that an otter was even spotted there once!)
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Throughout Cook County
cook county forest preserveCook County has 70,000 acres of forest preserves where residents can enjoy prairies, savannas, woodlands and wetlands that are home to ecosystems including over 100 threatened and endangered animal species. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, nature centers, picnic shelters, boating and campgrounds. Some preserves close to Wilmette are Skokie Lagoons and Harms Woods.
Maps and more info is available here. |
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Throughout Cook County
montrose point bird sanctuaryThis bird sanctuary's "Magic Hedge" attracts tens of thousands of migratory birds each year to rest, eat and shelter. Run by the Chicago Park District with help from dedicated volunteers who collect and scatter seeds, plant native plants and remove invasive plants, the Sanctuary has an ADA-accessible trail that travels near several popular birding locations within the site. This site also offers beautiful views of the Chicago skyline, and visitors can often find food trucks options in the parking lot to enjoy a hot lunch.
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