What is Explore More Illinois?
Explore More Illinois is a free service that provides instant online access (with your Library card) to free and discounted tickets to museums and other fun cultural attractions. Explore More Illinois can be accessed 24/7 from any computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Pass access is limited to card holders ages 18 and older. Users may choose from passes based on venue and date. A limit of two active reservations are allowed at one time. A photo ID matching the name on the reservation must be shown at the attraction on the day of the reservation.
How do I get a Pass?
Get started at Explore More Illinois Login. From the drop-down menu, choose the Brookfield Public Library, enter your Library card number and PIN. Please note that your Library card must be in good standing. If you cannot log in, please call the Library at 708-485-6917. Browse passes and available offers for the upcoming three months. You can also search for offers by date, attraction name, or location.
How can I make a Reservation?
Reservations must be made for a specific date. Using the calendar, select the date then choose the Reserve option under the attraction. A confirmation box will appear and a confirmation email will be sent. It is recommended to print your pass shortly before your visit. Once you print or download your pass, you cannot cancel your reservation. Two active reservations are allowed per Library card. Reservations may be cancelled before they are printed or downloaded. Once you print or download your pass, you can not cancel your reservation, and it remains an active status until after the date on the pass.
What do I need to bring to the attraction on the day of the reservation?
You will need to bring a photo ID and either a smartphone with the pass available on the phone or a printed copy of the pass. Some attractions require a printed copy; this is indicated when you make the reservation.
What attractions are included?
Please note that participating attractions may change. Please visit Explore More Illinois to see current attractions and offerings.
Participating Attractions (as of February 17, 2025)
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum / Springfield
- American Writers Museum / Chicago
- Bix Beiderbeck Museum & Archives / Davenport, IA
- Buffalo Grove Park District Community Arts Center / Buffalo Grove
- Cantigny / Wheaton
- Chicago a cappella / Chicago
- Chicago Botanic Garden / Glencoe
- Chicago Children's Museum / Chicago
- Chicago Hounds Major League Rugby / Bridgeview
- Chicago Maritime Museum / Chicago
- Chicago Symphony Orchestra / Chicago
- Children's Discovery Museum / Normal
- Civil War Museum / Kenosha, WI
- David Davis Mansion / Bloomington
- Des Plaines History Center /
- Dillon Home Museum / Sterling
- Dinosaur Discovery Museum / Kenosha, WI
- Discovery Center Museum / Rockford
- Doudna Fine Arts Center / Charleston
- DuPage Children's Museum / Naperville
- DuPage Symphony Orchestra / Naperville
- Edwards Place / Springfield
- Evanston History Center / Evanston
- Exploration Station...a children's museum Bourbonnais Park District / Bourbonnais
- First Floor Theater / Chicago
- Forest Park Nature Center / Peoria Heights
- Fox River Grove Memorial Public Library / Fox River Grove
- German American Heritage Center & Museum / Davenport, IA
- Griffin Museum of Science + Industry / Chicago
- Haitian American Museum of Chicago / Chicago
- Harris Theater / Chicago
- Historic Auto Attractions / Roscoe
- Illinois Holocaust Museum / Skokie
- Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra / Ottawa
- Kankakee Valley Theatre Association / Kankakee
- Kenosha City Museum / Kenosha, WI
- Kidzeum of Health and Science / Springfield
- Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art / Oak Brook
- Mary & Leigh Block Museum of Art / Evanston
- Museum of Contemporary Art / Chicago
- North Suburban Library District / Loves Park and Roscoe
- Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum / Chicago
- Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum / Peoria
- Quad City Botanical Center / Rock Island
- Raupp Museum / Buffalo Grove
- Springfield Art Association / Springfield
- Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens / Rockford
- Vermilion County Museum / Danville
- Volo Museum / Volo
- Western Illinois Museum / Macomb
- Wheels O' Time Museum / Dunlap
This list was last updated on February 17, 2025. The list of participating and attractions and their offers are subject to change. Please log into Explore More Illinois to see the most current offerings.
Does Explore More Illinois include free or discounted admission to major Chicago attractions?
Popular Chicago museums including Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, Art Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium are NOT included in the Explore More Illinois program.
For more information on these popular Chicago museums, please visit Choose Chicago and Chicago Parent or visit the museum's website for free admission dates.