With Over 2,000 Sock Monkeys, This Small Town Museum In Illinois Is A True Hidden Gem
By Linze Rice|Published June 13, 2023
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Linze Rice
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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.
One misconception about the Prairie State is that it’s boring. Sure, the repetition of day-to-day life anywhere can get a bit old sometimes, but the truth is that there are actually tons of great attractions in Illinois that excite and educate. And, if you’ve ever wondered what happened to that lost sock that never came out of the dryer, this hidden gem museum in Long Grove, IL might just be the spot for your next adventure.
The Sock Monkey Museum, located at 210 Robert Parker Coffin Road, is a whimsical museum, workshop, and gift shop that specializes in — you guessed it — sock monkeys.
The museum was established in 2019, but dates back to 2006 when the sock monkey that would become the inspiration for the business was first discovered at a Cracker Barrel restaurant. After that, the monkey began traveling with its owners around the world, and later a collection began to form from monkeys found at garage and estate sales, antique stores, and as gifts and donations.
It's since been featured in Melanie Homes' latest edition of "100 Things to do in Illinois Before You Die" book.
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The classic sock used for the monkeys has roots in Rockford, Illinois, when Swedish immigrant, designer, and inventor John Nelson perfected what would become known as the "Nelson Sock" in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
The museum is open Thursday through Sunday from 12-4 p.m. (5 p.m. on Saturdays) and costs between $4-6 per person for entry — though kids 4 and under get in for free.
Museum offers party packages and a workshop where you can make your own sock monkey with a pair of Rockford Red Socks. Everything you need is provided from the thread to the stuffing, and no sewing experience is necessary.
The Sew-A-Monkey Package comes with monkey-building materials, access to the museum, and help from staff. The session lasts 2.5 hours and costs $40 per person.
Throughout the year, the museum and monkeys are decorated to match holidays, themes...
So, would you visit this hidden gem museum in Long Grove, IL? Would you want to make your own sock monkey friend? Are there any other unique museums in Illinois you’ve been to? Tell us in the comments! Start planning your trip by checking out the Sock Monkey Museum website and the Sock Monkey Museum Facebook page! And there is plenty else to do while you’re in the charming small town of Long Grove, like shopping or visiting the oldest bar in Illinois!
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