Architecture Adventure

Stopping into the Elgin area for a glance at history through the art of architecture is best started by checking into where you’ll be staying. See the full list of accommodations

Once you’re all set for today’s adventure, head over to BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir for a look into this absolutely stunning Hindu temple. BAPS is open to visitors everyday from 9AM to 6:30PM. Visitors are required to wear clothes covering the full body. Check their website for more information for potential visitors.

Once you’ve finished at BAPS, take Route 20 from Bartlett into Downtown Elgin. The downtown historic commercial district is full of architecture dating back to the 1800s. Plus downtown is situated on the scenic Fox River so taking the tour around sunset is going to be the perfect backdrop for some impressive photos of your trip. An added bonus is that downtown Elgin has a plethora of adorable shops that you can explore while exploring the architecture. You can learn more about the district through this Historic Elgin page.

After finishing up, walk over to Grand Victoria Casino for a meal at their award-winning restaurant- Buckingham’s Steakhouse and Lounge. Here you can order high-quality steaks, chops, and seafood for a truly top-tier dining experience. Another popular option in downtown Elgin is Al’s Cafe & Creamery, known for its specialty dishes and famous Burns malts and shakes. Al’s is located in the Ranstead Building, which was designed by Elgin Architect Smith Hoag and built in 1892.

Start the day by visiting a stop or two on the Explore Elgin Area Coffee Trail.  Then enjoy the exhibits at Elgin History Museum, which is located in Old Main, a building constructed in 1856 during a time when the Greek Revival style was popular. This building was first used as a private school that included dormitories. It was also used as housing for the principal and his family. Then in the late 1980’s, the building received extensive rehabilitation and became home to the Elgin History Museum.

Next, head over to Lord’s Park, a 100+ acre park where you can experience the picturesque pavilion, walking paths and shelters, Lord’s Park Zoo and the Elgin Public Museum.  This building was constructed in 1907 to serve as a museum. This building is now over 100 years old and is still used as such, making it the oldest museum building in Illinois that still houses a museum. The Elgin Public Museum focuses its exhibits on natural history and anthropology. Previous exhibits included topics like local ecosystems, endangered species and local geology.

Next, head into the historic residential district for a walking tour of neighborhoods composed of homes listed in the National Register of Historic Homes. These residences include the classic Painted Lady style, Sears homes, and Bungalow designs. In fact, these neighborhoods are so full of historic architecture, filmmakers come to Elgin for filming scenes for their movies and TVs shows to capture the vision of the past. Once you start walking around these neighborhoods, you’ll see why! We recommend checking out the Historic Elgin website for addresses worth exploring.

Return in September for our Annual Historic House Tour that features unique homes each year. You won’t want to miss this two-day event.

Take a drive out to the county for the only farmhouse Frank Lloyd Wright ever designed and built in his lifetime, Muirhead Farmhouse. Descendants of the original family still live in the home, so they are able to give visitors a first-hand glance at the process of working with Frank Lloyd Wright. The property is surrounded by a forest preserve so nature is often spotted roaming across the lawn. Book your tour of the farm from May to October.

Cap off your architectural tour with dinner at Art & Alma’s Supper Club, a beloved supper club and saloon since 1908 in the heart of nearby Burlington. This unassuming building offers a timeless ambiance of rural America and some truly exceptional food from prime rib and ribeye steak to lobster thermidor pasta.