The Elmhurst History Museum will open a new exhibit titled “Worlds of Wonder: Remembering Chicagoland’s Amusement Parks” on May 17, 2019.

Chicago has had its share of jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring amusement parks, from the rotations of the first Ferris Wheel at the 1893 World’s Columbian exhibition to the ups-and-downs of The Bobs at Riverview. This new exhibit celebrates Chicago’s favorite destinations for fun and thrills, including early trolley parks and suburban attractions like Kiddieland and Dispensa’s Kiddie Kingdom. Learn about the signature rides and iconic venues through rare photos and video, memorabilia, advertisements and intriguing artifacts. Families will encounter hands-on interactive displays including a Skee-Ball game, marble roller coaster tracks station, virtual roller coaster experience, and a kid-friendly exhibit guide.

The exhibit runs through August 18, 2019. Admission is free.

In conjunction with the exhibit, the Museum is hosting an event on June 2, 2019, from 2-3 p.m. that is focused on the 1893 World’s Fair: “When the World Came to Chicago: The 1893 Columbian Exposition” by Chicago historian Al Walavich.

The Elmhurst History Museum is located at 120 E. Park Avenue in Elmhurst, Illinois.