Aurora was named after the goddess of the dawn when the McCarty family established it as a village in 1837. Joseph McCarty and his brother, Samuel McCarty, ran a sawmill business and a grist mill. These businesses attracted more people because of the employment opportunities they offered. Later, a post office came about. Soon, access to electricity allowed the city to have public lighting from the available electric lights. It was the first city in the U.S. to do this, which led it to be nicknamed the "City of Lights."
Today, the city is a major tourist attraction as it offers access to theatres, museums, parks, restaurants, temples, and zoos. The Phillips Park Zoo provides a safe environment for visitors to get better knowledge regarding wildlife. It is home to alligators, elk, peafowls, bald eagles, bullfrogs, ball pythons, and mountain lions. Abbey Farms is another exciting destination, as you will learn about farming cauliflower, cucumbers, and tomatoes. After learning about animals and plants, head to the Splash Country Waterpark for incredible water rides and activities.
You will have more outdoor adventures if you camp at the nearby Huron-Manistee National Forest. The forest has diverse habitats, including dunes, dry sand prairies, marshlands, fens, bogs, and oak savannahs. The watersheds in the forest are excellent for fishing and have abundant trout. You will also get to hike multiple trails that reach 330 miles, stargaze, or go geocaching.
More activities in Aurora include visiting the Vaughan Aquatic Center, Aurora Regional Fire Museum, and the Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple. If you have kids, consider stopping at the Kiddy Club. It is a clean environment for toddlers to enjoy a vast playground and indoor sandbox. Also, they can enjoy bubbles or join a dance party.
Aurora GreenFest – It is a celebration held by Aurora locals at the Prisco Community Center and McCullough Park. The event features a community trade show and the Children's Eco-Village. You will enjoy live entertainment and organic meals.
Aurora Festival of Lights – A winter event usually involves driving through spectacular displays along a one-mile route. The presentations include penguins, bears, helicopters, holiday trains, and reindeer. The event is held at the Phillips Park Golf Course in Aurora, Illinois.
Naperville Ribfest – It is an upcoming event held every June in Wheaton, Illinois. The Exchange Club sponsors the event, and patrons can enjoy the carnival as different premium artists perform. You will also dine on delicious ribs and other foods.
Indiana Dunes National Park offers access to Lake Michigan, which is excellent for watersports, fishing, and walks along the beach. Also, you may enjoy horseback riding, hiking, and biking. The nearby meandering forest trails will take you through oak, beech, basswood, and towering maple trees.
Gateway Arch National Park has historic city buildings, modern-day museums, and the famous arch. It is only a few miles from the Mississippi River and Union Station. Outside the park, you can also visit the National Blues Museum and the National Museum of Transport. Typical local restaurants include Pappy's Smokehouse, Olio, and Seoul Taco.
Mammoth Cave National Park provides hiking, biking, horseback riding, and fishing opportunities. It is home to over 400 miles of caverns and an extremely long cave system. Near the national park is Dinosaur World, an exciting place to learn about dinosaurs. Kentucky Action Park is also nearby. There, you can enjoy a horse ride and explore the outlaw cave.
Shabbona Lake State Park covers 1,550 acres. It is home to the artificial Shabbona Lake, a common fishing spot. You may fish or explore the mystic trails. This lake is also a remarkable place for motorboats and rowboats.
Illini State Park is a common weekend stop-over, providing excellent views. There are also many fishing, swimming, boating, and hiking opportunities. Visitors can explore the surrounding area, which has restaurants and museums. Other popular attractions include the Middle East Conflict Memorial Wall and the Owen Lovejoy Homestead.
Kankakee River State Park provides access to both sides of the 11-mile Kankakee River. Here you can hike, bicycle or camp. The river is also great for fishing, canoeing, and boating. Nearby towns are Frankfort, Bradley, and Kankakee.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail allows you to experience the last glacier of Wisconsin from about 10,000 years ago. The area has unique geological features like hills, ridges, lakes, and rivers. You can hike the 6.8-mile Ice Age Trail: Holy Hill Segment.
Lincoln Home National Historic Site offers you the chance to experience the only house owned by President Abraham Lincoln. The two-story house started as a single-story, but the extra floor became necessary when the couple had three sons.
Pullman National Monument reminds you of the planned community of the 1800s. The aim was to provide improved employee housing and manufacturing. Unfortunately, it wasn't successful.
Big Rock Campground opens every day of the year and offers fishing, hiking, skiing, and birdwatching opportunities. It is in an area of mature woodlands that gives you a real experience with nature. The campground has 96 sites. The campground charges between $12 and $35 for access to full hookups and dump stations.
Mallard Bend Campground and RV Park is located in Sheridan, Illinois. It has a river where you can enjoy boating and fishing. The campground also has a general store, a heated pool, and a swimming pond. There are 127 back-in and pull-through sites offering showers, full hookups, and Wi-Fi. The weekly charge is $650, and pets are allowed.
Leisure Lake Membership Resort is a 40-minute drive from Chicago. The resort is excellent for families, especially if you have kids. You will enjoy dance parties, live entertainment, a swimming lake, and a 24-acre fishing lake.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Aurora, IL, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Aurora?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Aurora from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Aurora?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
