13825 Metric Road, Roscoe, ILOpen Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm
Historic Attractions Museum Logo - 25th Anniversary Edition - Roscoe, IL
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Frontier Land

Many items are on display including vintage badges, posters, costumes worn by famous actors, saddles, set props from the hit TV show Gunsmoke and Bonanza, various rifles and pistols owned by the likes of Annie Oakley, "Buffalo Bill" Cody, Jesse James, and Frank James.

Welcome to our museum exhibit featuring a collection of authentic and rare items from the Wild West era of American history. Our exhibit offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the thrill and excitement of the Old West, through a fascinating collection of artifacts and memorabilia from some of the most iconic figures and events of the era.

One of the highlights of our exhibit is the extensive collection of vintage badges, posters, costumes worn by famous actors, saddles, and set props from the hit TV shows Gunsmoke and Bonanza. Visitors can get up close and personal with these incredible items, experiencing the intricate details and unique designs that made these shows so iconic and beloved.

In addition to these famous TV shows, our exhibit also features an impressive array of rifles and pistols owned by legendary figures such as Annie Oakley, "Buffalo Bill" Cody, Jesse James, and Frank James. Visitors can see these incredible weapons up close, learning about their history and significance in the context of the Wild West era.

The exhibit also provides a rich historical context for these items, exploring the social and cultural landscape of the American West in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors can learn about the many different factors that contributed to the rise of the Wild West, from the Gold Rush to the expansion of the railroad, and discover the many different individuals and groups that played a role in shaping this fascinating and complex era of American history.

Overall, our Wild West exhibit is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in the history and culture of the American West. Whether you are a fan of classic Western movies and TV shows or simply someone who appreciates the rich heritage and legacy of this fascinating period in American history, this exhibit is sure to engage and inspire you.

A museum display features mannequins dressed as Western film cowboys, including John Wayne and Clint Eastwood, surrounded by photos, posters, a saddle, and other memorabilia from classic Western movies.
A museum display case with vintage clothing, boots, hats, accessories, old photographs, books, and train models; framed historical photos and documents hang on the wall behind the case.
Native American TeePee
Abraham Lincoln Log Cabin
A covered wagon display in a museum with Old West-themed exhibits, wooden storefronts, and historical artifacts under ceiling lights. The wagon’s canvas reads “1798 Lancaster to Philadelphia.”.
Buffalo Bill Jacket
Livery Stable
Display case with historical revolver, bullet, and documents about the 1876 Northfield Bank Robbery by the James-Younger Gang, including photos, text, and a letter of authenticity.
Barber Shop
Marshal's Office
A black vintage horse-drawn hearse with a mannequin driver in a dark coat and hat is displayed indoors at a Boothill Graveyard exhibit in Tombstone, Arizona. The hearse is roped off and surrounded by museum decor.

Check out other exhibits below

A silver Apollo command module is displayed in a museum, surrounded by informational panels and exhibits about space exploration, including posters and artifacts from various NASA missions.
NASA Space Exhibit
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A futuristic, silver and wood, open-cockpit car with large propellers on display in a museum, next to two other unique, vintage-style vehicles in the background.
Unique Creations
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Entrance to a Gangsterland exhibit, featuring vintage cars behind metal bars and a sign above with a black-and-white photo of a person in a cap peering through a hole.
Gangster Land
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A museum exhibit displays vintage sports jackets, trophies, and memorabilia in glass cases. Signs label sections by induction years, such as “2018 Inductees” and “2014 Inductees.” The room is brightly lit with organized displays.
Illinois Stock Car Hall of Fame
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A display of antique furniture, including an ornate wooden desk, a floral upholstered sofa, and various cabinets, is visible through large glass windows in a museum or gallery setting with beige walls and carpeting.
White House Furniture and Artifacts
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A brightly colored Bigfoot monster truck with massive tires is displayed indoors under overhead lights, emphasizing the size and details of its wheels and sponsor logos on the side.
Big Foot and Large Speed Boats
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Hall of Presidents
Hall of Presidents
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A museum exhibit displays a timeline of phonographs and vintage audio equipment, featuring antique record players, radios, and televisions along a wall with informative text and historical photos.
A Journey Through Time
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A bronze firefighter statue kneels, head bowed, before a steel beam. Behind are wall panels listing names, blueprints, and a photo of the Twin Towers with the sign: ORIGINAL BLUEPRINTS OF THE TWIN TOWERS.
9/11 Memorial
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A heavily rusted 1957 Plymouth Belvedere is displayed behind black ropes, with a large backdrop showing its excavation and the words “1957 Plymouth Belvedere Alive in 2007.”.
Miss Belvedere
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Lifelike wax figures depicting Jesus and his disciples at the Last Supper are seated at a long table with dishes, cups, and food. Behind them are large painted images and a stained glass window.
Hall of Christ
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A covered wagon display in a museum with Old West-themed exhibits, wooden storefronts, and historical artifacts under ceiling lights. The wagon’s canvas reads “1798 Lancaster to Philadelphia.”.
Frontier Land
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A blue and red shield-shaped road sign with INTERSTATE in white on a red background at the top and the number 90 in white on a blue background below.
Plan Your Visit

conveniently located 1 Mile off Interstate I-90

Just off the Rockton Road Exit

25 min. from Downtown Rockford, IL

55 min. from Downtown Madison, WI

1 hour 10 min. from Downtown Milwaukee, WI

1 hour 35 min. from Downtown Chicago, IL

2 hours from Dubuque, IA

2 hours 30 min. from Peoria, IL

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