American Writers Museum - Chicago (IL)

5 /5 Maryam: I spent more than an hour here, and yet there are still things I didn’t get to explore. What a great museum for everyone to learn more about their favorite books and writers! Children can have a lot of fun in the children’s book room, but adults can also enjoy the interactive environment designed to engage with every writer’s life. You can learn about each American writers across all states. Fell free to study your state! Finally, you’ll be able to create your own bookmark with your favorite books, and last but not least, you can become a writer and use an old typewriter to write like one! A must-visit when you’re in Chicago.

5 /5 Erich Kilbarger: Great place for a visit where you can see the whole thing. Many museums in the area are so large there is no way to see everything in a single visit, but here you can. The gaming exhibit was wonderful. Check with your library for explore Illinois free passes.

5 /5 Kelsey Kot: Easily a place you can spend a good four hours. Interesting exhibits that entice every sense. Lovely little childrens area, interactive displays and so much information in easily digestible sections. Highly recommend!

5 /5 Zay McCullough: I arrived here around 1:05pm on a Saturday afternoon with my son and sister using the all inclusive Go City Pass. It is located on the 2nd floor of the building. Cassidy Kearns was the front desk staff that checked us in. The process was easy as they simply scanned our passes. It wasn’t busy at all. A part of the Go City pass was a challenge to complete called “murder in the Chicago loop”. After we checked in, we went ahead and got it, so that we can complete the mystery after we finish reviewing the museum. If you are in a party you can do it as a group. Per Cassidy, this is something new that they are doing. (Unfortunately, we didn’t get to do it due to timing. We planned to do it the next day but just didn’t work out). The first area was the children’s area with children books. We sat here for a bit and I listened to my son read me a book. I like this option. I work a lot and this vacation was work free. This allowed for some educational quality time. He read the Grinch. Most of the museum was interactions which was cool. On one wall, there were tiles you turn that can reveal sound, a smell, or something to see. In one area, you can create a character and a backstory. My sister and I didn’t do it but we went through and read most of what other people have already done. Some were good, some were funny, and some were inappropriate. I think staff should periodically go through them. If you’re a parent, I’d monitor what your child writes and proofread before letting your child read them. My favorite part was the typewriter and being able to send a letter. It was $2, which wasn’t paid. I believe this paid for the stamp and the envelope. Towards the end, there was a machine that will print off a story! You choose how quick of a read you want, and it prints out! I really wish I had allocated more time here. We were supposed to had been there earlier but my sister and son wanted to sleep in, lol. I would most definitely return when I’m back in the area. I highly recommend checking them out, especially if you’re into reading and writing. There was a lot of activities, for all ages.

5 /5 Jason Woodrum: A small but informative museum dedicated to all forms of American writing. Provides both informative displays (with plenty to read and look at) as well as several interactive sections, including type writers to contribute your own portion to the body of American writing. A great spot to spend an hour or two before catching the L back to OHare for your flight home.