The Roots and Early Culture Of Lisle Are Still Alive At The Museums!

The Museums at Lisle Station Park provide visitors the opportunity to learn about the heritage and culture of 19th century Northern Illinois. Settled in 1832, the life of this agricultural community soon revolved around the railroad depot and the area became known as Lisle Station.

A cooperative effort of the Lisle Park District, Lisle Heritage Society, and the Village of Lisle, the Museum campus was created in 1978 to provide a home for the community's historic train depot. This partnership remains committed to the preservation of Lisle's rich heritage with the continuing development of the historical buildings and through exhibits and special programming. The roots and early culture of Lisle are still alive at The Museums at Lisle Station Park!

Our Mission

The mission of The Museums at Lisle Station Park is to preserve and interpret the dynamic history of Lisle that inspires and involves the community through research, programs and exhibits.

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Love Local History?

Have a research paper due and need primary resources? Get an up close view of our collections! Submit a Research Request to the Museum Curator. Research Requests will be addressed within 7 business days.

Download Our Research Request Form

The Museums of Lisle Station Park - Virtual Experience

Walk through each building from your phone, tablet, or computer, including over 160 artifacts and the complete Philips Collection, using our new partnership with Google Arts & Culture.

View Google Arts & Culture Virtual Experience

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The Museums of Lisle Station Park - Online Walking Tour

Wander the museum grounds by taking our walking tour from your device using Clio.

View Online Exhibit

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Lisle's Historic Cemeteries - Online Walking Tour

Visit two of DuPage County's oldest cemeteries located in Lisle using Clio.

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Sustaining Lisle's Heritage

Learn the story of how Lisle became incorporated as a town and some of the early struggles the town's first leaders faced.

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Ladies of Lisle

This exhibit honors women that help found and develop the Village of Lisle, IL.

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Beaubien Tavern

Named after an early settler of Chicago, the Beaubien Tavern has a long and colorful history. Originally built in the 1830s by William Sweet, the building was acquired by Mark Beaubien in 1840. Beaubien utilized the structure as a tavern. Between 1851 and 1857 it was used as a toll house for the SW Plank Road. In 1859, Beaubien was forced to sell the tavern for back taxes.

Beaubien Tavern    Tour Tidbit     Transcript    Self-Guided Tour

Plank Road    Tour Tidbit     Transcript

Hops Garden    Tour Tidbit     Transcript

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The Barn

The Barn once stood in Wisconsin. The 19th century building was disassembled, shipped, and reassembled on our grounds. It contains two operational workshops, one for blacksmithing and one for wood turning. Volunteers provide demonstrations and teach the art of blacksmithing here throughout the year.

Check Out Our Blacksmith Shop Commercial

The Barn    Tour Tidbit     Transcript    Self-Guided Tour

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CB&Q Waycar #14584

The term waycar was what CB&Q employees called this train car, though the term caboose has become most popular. This specific waycar was built in 1881 and served as an employee lounge space for the various workers traveling night and day on the train. It provided beds, a restroom, stove and a cupola, which provided the workers with a great window view of their surroundings. This waycar was donated to the museum in 1998 by a local car dealership that had been using it as an office.

Waycar    Tour Tidbit     Transcript    Self-Guided Tour

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Lisle Depot Museum

When fire destroyed Lisle's first depot, the Chicago Burlingon & Quincy Railroad rebuilt it in 1874. This structure is now the centerpiece of The Museums at Lisle Station Park. The station played a key role in the community's growth by serving as a passenger and shipping facility for 104 years. It continues to serve the community by preserving the heritage of Lisle. This structure includes the living quarters that once housed the stationmaster as well as the original Baggage Room. Visitors are invited to explore the many historical exhibits on display.

Lisle Depot    Tour Tidbit     Transcript    Self-Guided Tour

Railroad Vehicles    Tour Tidbit     Transcript

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Netzley-Yender House

In the late 1850s, this stately house was built by Jacob Netzley, a weaver by trade, after a fire ravaged his family's original home. Four generations of the Netzley family resided in the expansive Greek Revival style home before it was purchased by George Yender in 1910. A family of farmers, the Yenders lived in the home for 76 years.

Netzley-Yender House    Tour Tidbit     Transcript    Self-Guided Tour

Outhouse    Tour Tidbit     Transcript

Home Kitchen Garden    Tour Tidbit     Transcript

Lisle: A Farm Town    Tour Tidbit     Transcript