Whether you are visiting or you live in DeKalb, there is a lot for everyone to do all year-round! There are several theaters, museums, and festivals to attend.
As the birthplace of barbed wire, DeKalb is the home of many historic sites. The homestead built by Joseph Farwell Glidden, inventor of "The Winner" barbed wire, is being restored as a living history museum. The Ellwood House, a grand Victorian mansion, is located in a lovely park in the heart of DeKalb, Illinois. Built by Glidden's manufacturing partner, barbed wire millionaire Isaac L. Ellwood in 1879, the mansion remains with its original furnishings just as when the Ellwood family lived there decades ago. Although his home is no longer standing, the legacy of Jacob Haish lives on in his philanthropic ways which helped build DeKalb Public Library and the hospital, among others.
Other entertainment venues in the DeKalb area include the following:
NIU Art Museum
Altgeld Hall, First Floor, West End
Northern Illinois University, DeKalb
Phone: 815-753-1936
Fax 815-753-7897
T-F 10-5, Sa 12-4 and by appointment for group tours September - Mid May
Rotating exhibitions from the university’s collections, contemporary art by regional and national artists, and national traveling exhibitions. Get-On-The-Bus excursion program. Exhibitions and lectures are free and open to the public. www.vpa.niu.edu/museum
Anthropology Museum
Northern Illinois University Stevens Building,
DeKalb, IL 60115
(815) 753-0230
Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm
Blackwell History of Education Museum
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL 60115
(815) 753-1236
The Milan Township District #83 One-room Country School They have displays, workshops and programs available to the public and for scholarly study and research.
Davis Hall Observatory
Northern Illinois University Davis Hall
DeKalb, IL 60115
(815) 753-1772
Fridays in February & March from 7 - 9PM; Fridays in April & May from 8 - 10PMCall for group appointments
DeKalb Community Labyrinth & Serenity Garden
Huntley Park, between S. 2nd & S. 3rd Streets
DeKalb, IL 60115
DeKalb Gallery
161 E. Lincoln Hwy
DeKalb, IL 60115
(815) 754-4316
Ellwood House Museum & Park
509 N. 1st Street
DeKalb, IL 60115
(815) 756-4609;
Call for tour hours
National Registry of Historic Places. One-hour tours include the beautifully restored home, the children's playhouse, and the Visitor's Center. Experience a by-gone era as you tour the great English living room with its vast stone fireplace, the mahogany-paneled dining room, and the magnificent rotunda with a three-story spiral staircase. The many restored bedrooms, servant’s rooms, and service areas provide a glimpse of a complete household at the turn of the twentieth century. A visit to this elegant home brings the past to life! Tours are available daily.
Glidden Homestead & Historical Center
921 W. Lincoln Hwy
DeKalb, IL 60115
(815) 756-7904
This site has been commemorated by the Illinois State Historical Society as the birthplace of barbed wire. It was the home of Joseph Farwell Glidden, inventor of "The Winner" barbed wire. It is now undergoing restoration, but is open May-November for events and tours.
Gurler House
205 Pine Street
DeKalb, IL 60115
(815) 758-4897
Tours are available by appointment. This is a beautiful example of the Greek Revival Style.
Harley-Davidson Museum
969 Peace Road
DeKalb, IL 60115
(815) 756-4558
Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm; Saturday, 9am - 3pm
Over 65 antique and modern motorcycles are on display, along with memorabilia & vintage clothing.
Heritage Square Gallery
105 N. 1st Street
DeKalb, IL 60115
(815) 756-1445
The Gallery is open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
Experience DeKalb's rich history in photographs. Hundred's of pictures highlight the growth and changing face of the downtown area from 1860 through the present
Jack Olson Gallery
Northern Illinois University NIU Visual Arts Building, AB200 Art Gallery
DeKalb, IL 60115
(815) 753-4521
Monday - Friday, 10am - 4pm
Joseph F. Glidden Homestead
921 W. Lincoln Hwy
DeKalb, IL 60115
(815) 756-7904
Midwest Museum of Natural History
425 W State Street
Sycamore, IL 60178
(815) 895-9777
Nehring Gallery
111 S. Second St. (2nd floor) DeKalb
Call Jessica at (815) 758-6363
www.nehringcentergallery.org
Regional History Center
Northern Illinois University
Swen Parson, Room 155
DeKalb, IL 60115
(815) 753-1779
They have records on 18 of the 19 northern Illinois counties. They also have genealogical information.
Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Clock
DeKalb Memorial Park
Northwest corner of 1st St. & Lincoln Hwy
DeKalb, IL 60115
(815) 748-7788
This is a World War 1 memorial, originally dedicated in 1921. The town mural is also located here.
164 E. Lincoln Highway (Route 38) DeKalb, Illinois 60115 (877)-DeKalb1