Visit An Aviation Museum Then Dine At An Airplane-Themed Cafe On This Delightful Adventure In Illinois
By Linze Rice|Published May 13, 2023
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Linze Rice
Author
Ope! From the rural cornfields of DeKalb County, Linze is an Illinois native and true Midwestern gal who can make a mean bonfire and whip up a perfect marshmallow salad. Since 2014, her bylines and photography have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and Block Club Chicago/DNAinfo Chicago, Only in Your State, and more. She has interviewed Dolly Parton, written about beloved diners along historic Route 66, visited the last Rainforest Cafe in the Illinois, and reviewed luxurious English manor-inspired hotels. Whether it's writing about a local gem or world-renowned establishment, Linze brings a heartwarming and historical perspective to each story, using facts, wit, and personal experience to impress upon readers the importance of culture, food, travel, and all things local. Her favorite destinations in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, the charming small town of Sycamore, and historic Rosehill Cemetery. When she's not writing or photographing, Linze enjoys gardening, spending time with her husband and pets, cooking, baking, and grilling, and relaxing with trashy TV.
There are so many great ideas for day trips in Illinois. Whether you’re into architecture, nature, local shopping, or a day at the beach, there’s truly something for everyone here. Recently my husband surprised me with a fun day trip of our own, and it was tailored to my love of aviation. If you’re an AV nerd like me, then you’ll love this airplane-themed adventure in Illinois.
Clow International Airport, 130 S. Clow International Parkway, is a small regional airport in Bolingbrook, Illinois. It's a public general aviation facility that not only serves as a point of air travel, but also is home to two unique features that make it much more than just an airport.
Chicago Bolingbrook International Airport, 130 Clow International Pkwy C, Bolingbrook, IL 60490, USA
The Illinois Aviation Museum is also located here. I took this photo when I visited for the first time, and it's a trip I'll definitely be making again.
Illinois Aviation Museum, S, 110 Clow International Pkwy, Bolingbrook, IL 60490, USA
Linze Rice
Open hours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, making it perfect for a weekend adventure.
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The nonprofit museum is set in an airplane hangar and a series of classrooms and offices where real planes and aviation memorabilia are on full display.
As an aviation enthusiast myself, I was stunned to find out that this hidden gem was within an hour from my house. It's amazing to be able to walk right up to a helicopter and look inside.
Once I explored every square inch of the museum (and got tons of cool insight from the friendly staff) I headed across the parking lot to Charlie's Restaurant — a classic American diner that slings comfort food favorites from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
Charlie's Restaurant, 130 Clow International Pkwy, Bolingbrook, IL 60490, USA
Inside, you'll find a cozy atmosphere and more plane decor. I was surprised to see the place filled with locals looking for a good meal and not just travelers passing through. My first order was for a hot cup of coffee, which always tastes better at a diner.
Pro tip: Get a window seat if you can, since you're practically on the tarmac! Watch as planes take off and land beside you — a true aviation geek's dream.
Or, go with a classic lunch of crispy chicken tenders and fries, a juicy burger, or a crunchy salad. Bonus points if you make the airplane sound as you fly a fry into your mouth.
