Aurora (population 142,900) is 50 miles southwest of downtown Chicago in the Fox River Valley, and was settled in 1834. The fertile farm lands and water power attracted settlers, the railroad made its way here in the late 1840s and Aurora soon became a thriving community. The town is named for the Latin word aurora, meaning “dawn,” because Aurora was the first town in the state to install electric lights.

Aurora is located along a high-tech corridor with other cities such as Naperville, Joliet, and St Charles. The Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, the world’s largest energy particle accelerator, is located here. Self-guided tours are available and films are shown in the auditorium.

Local history is well-preserved in Aurora. The Aurora Historical Museum specializes in nineteenth-century life, and the Blackberry Historical Farm Village is modeled on an 1840s farm. Children in particular will love the lambs and pygmy goats in the children’s farm and enjoy going for the horsedrawn carriage and pony rides.

A treasured piece of history in Aurora is the Paramount Arts Center. Built in 1931 by the firm of Rapp and Rapp (they designed some of the country’s most glorious movie palaces), the theater has now been restored to its original glory. With seating for more than 1,800 people, the theater is booked for plays and musical performances throughout the year. Backstage tours are available for a small fee.

Michael Jordan, who loves the game of golf almost as much as basketball, opened his golf center here a few years ago. It is a multi-level driving range (heated whenever necessary), complete with an area to improve one’s short game.

Aurora can be reached by bus or train out of downtown Chicago. If coming by car, take I-88 out of west suburban Chicago.