This Kane County Museum Voted Best Suburban Museum

AURORA, IL — The Aurora Regional Fire Museum was voted the best suburban museum by a local newspaper.

The Daily Herald released Aug. 16 its Readers' Choice Best of the Best Awards for 2026, crowning the museum in Aurora's 1894 Central Fire Station among the "best of the best."

The museum, at 53 N. Broadway, features two floors of exhibits that explore the history and preserve the legacy of local, regional and national fire service while teaching fire safety and prevention. For example, in the Children's Discovery Room, young visitors can interact with a child-sized fire station and fire engine.

The Daily Herald's readers' award is not the first recognition the Aurora Regional Fire Museum experienced in the last year. It was named the 2026 Small Institution of the Year in addition to receiving the Award of Superior Achievement (Exhibits) from the Illinois Association of Museums and the Corporate Responsibility Award from the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance. Executive Director Brian Failing also received the Small Museum Association Award for his leadership.

"It is heartening to see so many families and children enjoying the museum’s exhibits and programs and to see the impact the museum is having in our local community and the region," Board President Karen Yaggie said in a statement. "A museum's impact is not measured based on its size; small museums can have a major impact in their community. We truly are humbled by this recognition."

The Aurora Regional Fire Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

The full results of the Daily Herald's awards can be found online.