Chicago day trip: Check out this hidden gem in Long Grove

If you're looking for something a little different to do, check out the Sock Monkey Museum in Long Grove.

Photo byDenisse LeononUnsplash

(CHICAGO) Located in the northern suburbs of Chicago is a whimsical museum, perhaps the only of its kind, filled with sock monkeys.

• What is it? The Sock Monkey Museum
• Where is it located? 210 Robert Parker Coffin Road, Long Grove, IL
• What will you find there? Thousands of sock monkeys.

Although the museum has only been around since 2019, the sock monkey that inspired it all has been traveling the world since 2006. Its owners first spotted the doll in a Cracker Barrel. As they traveled, they brought the sock monkey with them, and a collection of other sock monkeys began to grow, coming from garage sales, estate sales, and antique stores.

Eventually, the owners had amassed a large collection of sock monkeys. So, they opened the museum in Long Grove. Long Grove, about 35 miles north of Chicago, is a charming town with a historic covered bridge, outdoor festivals, and many boutique shops. The Sock Monkey Museum was once a Christmas shop.

Did you know?

Sock monkeys were inspired by the red-heeled sock, called the Nelson Sock, which was invented by a Swedish immigrant living in Rockford, Il.

What do do at the museum?

Aside from checking out the collection of over 2,000 sock monkeys, you can also:

• Have a party making your own sock monkey (stuffing only - no sewing).
• Attend a workshop where you can sew your own sock monkey. You will be given a pair of Rockford Red Heel socks, stuffing, needle and thread, buttons, yarn and fabric, and guided instructions. (Workshops are by appointment only)
• Shop at the gift shop where you will find sock monkeys, snacks, sock monkey merchandise, Christmas ornaments, and much more.

When to go

The museum is open Thursday through Sunday from 12 PM to 4 PM (5 PM on Saturdays.) Admission is $6 for adults, Children 11 and under get in for $4.00, while kids 4 and under are free. Groups of larger than ten need to make an appointment.

A portion of the entrance fees are donated to the Chimp Sanctuary Northwest, a sanctuary in the Cascade Mountains that cares for chimpanzees that have been abandoned by entertainment and biomedical testing industries.

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