Aurora Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Aurora featuring a city and a river or creek
Aurora
Aurora which includes a river or creek and a bridge
Aurora Regional Fire Museum which includes interior views, signage and heritage elements
Aurora

As the location for a zoo, science museum, water park and outlet mall, and a setting for iconic movie Wayne’s World, this city is one of Illinois’ treasures.

The charming Fox River divides the center of Aurora, one of the largest cities in Illinois. Casinos, theaters and restaurants fill a thriving entertainment district, while museums and historic institutions add character and substance. Bring the whole family for the range of fun activities in this city’s eclectic downtown zone.

The Aurora Regional Fire Museum offers a revealing window into the city’s traditions and history. Inspect the exhibits’ many artifacts and photographs in this 19th-century fire station. See model fire engines and old badges and helmets, among other items, that reveal Aurora’s firefighting past.

Rising from Stolp Island in the Fox River is the art deco tower of the Paramount Theater, another of the city’s cornerstones. Admire the Venetian features of the building when you attend a dance recital, comedy show or Broadway musical.

This 1930s theater shares the island with restaurants, hotels and the Hollywood Casino. Try your luck at the casino and take a trip to the 19th-century Grand Army of the Republic Hall, a military museum in a Gothic Revival building.

For a change of pace, bring your children to Splash Country Waterpark on the city’s western fringes. Highlights include a vast lazy river and aquatic playground. While in the area, practice your swing at Orchard Valley Golf Course and visit Blackberry Farm, a recreation of a 19th-century farm.

Aurora is in the northeastern corner of Illinois. Drive west from Chicago for 40 miles (60 kilometers) to reach the city in roughly 45 minutes. Rail service also takes passengers to the Aurora railway station in the city center. Get around the region via the Pace Bus to enjoy a city that is a diverse entertainment hub with a great range of museums and restaurants and a charming river district.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Aurora - Naperville by IHG
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Aurora - Naperville by IHG
2.5 out of 5
111 North Broadway Avenue, Aurora, IL
The price is ฿4,379 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
฿4,379
฿4,773 total
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Aurora. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Everything was great."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Aurora - Naperville by IHG
SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Chicago Lombard
SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Chicago Lombard
2.5 out of 5
222 E 22nd Street, Lombard, IL
The price is ฿2,919 per night from 3 Jul to 4 Jul
฿2,919
฿3,240 total
3 Jul - 4 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lombard. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,106 reviews)
"Breakfast was good, but the eggs had strange texture, almost like they were powdered. Nice they featured a different meat for breakfast each day. Staff was very helpful. They had some renovation going on but they were quiet. The only disappointment was our window in our room was filthy,hard ..."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Chicago Lombard
Holiday Inn Chicago SW-Countryside ConfCtr by IHG
Holiday Inn Chicago SW-Countryside ConfCtr by IHG
3.5 out of 5
6201 Joliet Rd, Countryside, IL
The price is ฿3,568 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
฿3,568
฿3,996 total
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Countryside. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the clean rooms ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,041 reviews)
"Was nice.... but pool being out of order was unexpected and a bummer. Staff not really apologetic about it either."

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

Holiday Inn Chicago SW-Countryside ConfCtr by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
InTown Suites Extended Stay Chicago IL - Oakbrook
InTown Suites Extended Stay Chicago IL - Oakbrook
2.5 out of 5
350 East Roosevelt, Villa Park, IL
Stay at this aparthotel in Villa Park. Enjoy free parking, laundry facilities and premium TV channels. Popular attractions Drury Lane Theater and Oakbrook Center ...
6.2/10 (13 reviews)
"Terrible check in. Queen size rooms do not actually have queen beds."

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2025

InTown Suites Extended Stay Chicago IL - Oakbrook
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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