Aurora, Illinois

Visit Aurora, the second largest city in the state of Illinois, in your RV rental from RVshare! Nicknamed the "City of Lights" in 1908, Aurora was one of the first cities in the country to implement an all-electric street lighting system. The city stills glows at night with its numerous buildings and commercial establishments. It is also known for its remarkable and imposing structures done by prominent architects such as George Grant Elmslie, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Bruce Goff and Frank Lloyd Wright, to name a few. The city’s downtown area is where you will find historical places and architectural landmarks beside modern edifices, making it a very eclectic and exciting city. Although the city is rapidly progressing, it has kept its old world charm, evidenced by its architectural marvels and very warm and friendly people.

It is not an exaggeration to say that the city has so many attractions that choosing what to do and where to go might be overwhelming, so we have come up with a list of places to visit in Aurora which we hope will help you plan your itinerary.

Popular Tourist Attractions

Aurora Regional Fire Museum

Located in the old Central Fire Station of the city, the Aurora Regional Fire Museum was opened to the public in 1968. The Central Fire Station was built in 1894 and served the city until 1980. Adults and kids alike will find this museum very interesting because it chronicles the history of the fire department of Aurora and its surrounding areas. The museum features a vast number of artifacts, fire apparatuses, and hundreds of photographs and archival materials. You can also check out a section of the museum which provides the visitors an inside look on how the museum collects and preserve items.  It also houses a gift shop where you can find gift items and toys related to fire fighting. The Aurora Regional Fire Museum is open for walk-in visitors on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, from 1 to 4pm.

Paramount Theater

You haven’t been to Aurora if you have not visited the Paramount Theater. The theater was opened in 1931 and was the premier event place to watch a movie, and enjoy the vaudeville, concerts, circus performances, sing-a-longs, and other live performances. After 40 years, the theater was in such disrepair that it was closed down. By the late 1970s restoration of the theater began, and the theater was restored back to its former grandeur. Today, the theater is not only where you can enjoy world-class performances but is also a tourist destination as well.  In fact, it was named by the League of Chicago Theatres as one of the Top Ten Theatres in Chicago. If you want to watch a musical or other live entertainment acts while visiting Aurora, it is advisable to check out their website for schedule and tickets. 

Blackberry Farm

Just a few minutes away from the heart of Aurora, the Blackberry Farm is guaranteed to provide you and your family hours of activities and fun. It is the best way to learn more about the history of the city in a very unusual and unique way.  The pioneer life is re-created through various hands-on activities and educational demonstrations from as early as the 1840s to 1900s. It features a Discovery Barn, Pioneer Cabin and Wagner House from the 1840s, Pottery Shop from the 1850s, Weaver’s Cabin from the 1860s, One-room Schoolhouse from the 1880s, Huntoon House from the 1890s, and a Blacksmith Shop from the 1900s. Your kids can enjoy its adventure playground and unlimited rides on the carousel, train, pedal tractors, hay wagon, paddleboats and ponies. The Blackberry Farm is open from May to October. It is advisable to purchase your tickets before your visit.

Campgrounds and State/National Parks

Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp Resort

Looking for a fun and activity-filled campground for an RV rental in Aurora, IL? The Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp Resort is where you and your kids will have tons of fun! Located in the village of Millbrook about 19 miles from the city of Aurora, the RV Park is ideal for families who want to explore Aurora and its surrounding areas while enjoying the amenities of an RV Park. The RV Park has 367 shaded RV spaces with room for slideouts, 55 of which are full hookups. Amenities and services include wi-fi internet access, 2 heated outdoor pools, a hot tub, kiddie pool, basketball and volleyball courts, playground, recreation center, general store, just to name a few. It also offers numerous activities such as bingo, woodcarving, weekly dance classes, arts & crafts, and a whole lot more. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp Resort is open all year round.

Hide-A-Way Lakes Campground and Recreational Park

Situated in 150 acres of wooded and secluded area, the Hide-A-Way Lakes Campground and Recreational Park is perfect for RVers who are on the lookout for an RV park for a travel rental in Aurora, IL. Just imagine enjoying outdoor activities that will remind you of your own childhood, when playing meant having fun in the outdoors! The camp has a total of 400 spaces, 100 of which are shaded full hookups RV sites. Amenities and services include a recreational hall, camp store, horseshoe & bag tournaments, playgrounds, picnic area, and hiking, nature & biking trails. You can also enjoy numerous water activities at the nearby lake. The campground is open all year round.

Sycamore RV Resort

Located in the city of Sycamore about 40 minutes from Aurora, the Sycamore RV Resort is a family owned and operated RV Resort that was established in 1986. The RV Park is situated along the banks of a lake where you can enjoy numerous activities such as swimming, boating and fishing. The RV Park has 74 spaces, 10 of which are full hookups. Amenities and services include a pavilion, restrooms and showers, Laundromat, campground store, basketball and tennis court, to name a few. Although the RV Park is open all year round, it has limited spaces so it is highly recommended that you reserve a space for your RV rental in Aurora, Illinois.

Events

Aurora GreenFest

Looking for a “green” festival? Join the locals as they celebrate Aurora GreenFest. It is a one-day event held annually at the Prisco Community Center & McCullough Park. It features a Children’s Eco-Village and Community Trade Show participated by about a hundred eco-friendly exhibitors, live entertainment, and lots of organic food! You can check out their website for more information.

Entertainment

Comedy bars, live theater, restaurants, cafes, and bars, Aurora has it all! You will never run out of things to do and see in Aurora. Savor the gastronomical delights in Pomegranate Restaurant, Pie Boss, Chef Amaury’s Epicurean Affair, and Two Brothers Roundhouse. You can laugh the calories away at the Zanies Comedy Club, and show your dance moves at the Saddle Up Saloon & Dancehall.

The City of Aurora might not be as famous as Chicago but it can hold its own with its numerous attractions, fantastic restaurants and fun events. The only downside is that you might not have time to visit all of its sites! Why not rent that RV and start exploring Aurora.  

Thank you for choosing RVshare for your RV rental needs!