Aurora, IL : Interesting Facts, Information & Historical Monuments | What is Aurora, IL known for

Welcome to our blog post on Aurora, IL! Located in the heart of the Midwest, Aurora is a city that brims with fascinating history, captivating attractions, and a vibrant community.

Nestled along the banks of the Fox River, this Illinois gem has a rich heritage that has shaped its identity and made it a beloved destination for visitors and locals alike. In this article, we will explore the intriguing facts, share valuable information, and unveil the historical monuments that define Aurora.

Interesting Facts About Aurora City

1. The City of Aurora was first settled in 1834 and is the second most populous city in the state of Illinois.

2. Aurora is home to two championship golf courses, Stonebridge Golf Club and Orchard Valley Golf Club.

3. Aurora is the only city in the United States to have an aquarium and a zoo on the same campus: the Phillips Park Zoo and the SciTech Hands-On Museum Aquarium.

4. An annual Air Classic event is held every August at the Aurora Municipal Airport.

5. Every St. Patrick’s Day, the downtown area of Aurora lights up with a parade which is part of the River Lights Festival.

6. Residents of Aurora have the convenience of taking an Amtrak train from the city to cities like Chicago, St. Louis, and Peoria.

7. Aurora is the headquarters to five Fortune 500 companies.

8. Aurora has the second-largest public school district in Illinois with 27 elementary schools, eight middle schools, five high schools, one early childhood center, and one alternative school.

9. The Aurora Public Library is the second biggest library system in the state of Illinois with a yearly circulation of over 2 million items.

10. The city of Aurora boasts one of the best parks systems in the state, with several parks and trails and a recreation center which is home to many classes and activities.

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What is Aurora City is Known For

Aurora, IL is known as the “City of Lights” and is located in the western suburbs of Chicago. It is known for its historic downtown area, which features 19th-century architecture, museums, galleries and other attractions. Aurora is also recognized as a center for manufacturing, medical research and technology. Its Fox Valley Mall provides opportunities for shopping and entertainment, while its city parks offer picnic and recreational activities. Aurora is proud of its diverse population, and actively promotes itself as an ideal place to live, work and play.

• What is Illinois famous for Historically?

History & Information About Aurora City

Aurora, Illinois, is 40 miles west of downtown Chicago and located along the Fox River in Kane and DuPage counties. Aurora was originally settled as a farming community in 1834 and was initially known as McCarty’s Mill and later was called the Village of East Aurora. The town was officially incorporated as Aurora in 1845 when it had a population of only a few hundred people.

Aurora grew rapidly and by 1870, it was the second-largest city in the state, and was the site of two major historic events. In 1923, the first heated swimming pool in the United States was built by George Hall at his home in Aurora. Also, in 1934, the first Mayor of Aurora, William R. Moore, was elected.

In 1962, city residents voted to move the city’s boundaries to include the unincorporated areas surrounding the City of Aurora. This annexation added an additional 27 square miles to the city, making Aurora one of the largest cities in Illinois and the tenth-largest in the country.

Today, Aurora is home to over 200,000 people, and is the second-most populous city in the state. The city is home to many businesses, including the Fox Valley Mall and Hollywood Casino. The city is the site of many large events such as the annual Aurora Summer Concert Series as well as festivals throughout the year, including the popular Last Fling Festival in September. Aurora was also the host city for the 2012 fall meeting of the G8 Summit.

• What is Illinois famous for Historically?

Best Famous Monuments & Historical Buildings in Aurora City

Aurora, located in the US state of Illinois, is known for its vibrant history and iconic monuments and historical buildings. As the city celebrates its bicentennial in 2021, here are some of the best famous monuments and historical buildings in Aurora that should not be missed.

First on the list is the Phillips Park Zoo, which is the oldest zoo in Illinois that was built in 1915. Visitors can see a variety of animals such as lions, tigers, kangaroos, and many more. The garden also contains an aquarium and a train station. Another popular landmark is the grand Hollywood Casino Aurora, which allows visitors to enjoy its casino, dining experiences, and entertainment.

Timber Lanes Bowling is another historic building that visitors can explore in Aurora. It dates back to 1889 and was the first bowling alley in the city. This alley is still kept up to date and it is one of the last remaining 10-pin bowling alleys in the city.

Aurora has a rich history when it comes to special events. The Aurora Energy Facility is a former power plant that is now home to many special events. This facility is open to the public and those attending can explore the historic building and the breathtaking nature nearby.

One of Aurora’s most iconic buildings is the Paramount Theatre. This neoclassical structure was built in 1931 and it is the largest movie theatre in the city. The theatre is known for its art deco architecture and its many shows and events.

Last but not least, the Aurora Regional Fire Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring Aurora’s history. The museum has exhibitions of memorabilia from the early days of firefighting in the city.

These are some of the best famous monuments and historical buildings in Aurora that visitors should explore. So, plan a visit to Aurora soon to experience the city’s historic richness for yourself!

• What is Illinois known for

Travel Guide For Visiting Aurora City

Aurora, IL, is a vibrant city located on the western side of the Chicago Metropolitan Area. With plenty of things to do, it’s an ideal destination for visitors of all ages. From outdoor activities to local festivals to museums and more, Aurora offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you’re looking for an exciting getaway or a family-friendly vacation destination, Aurora has something to offer everyone.

Things to Do:

1. Phillips Park Zoo: This free family-friendly zoo provides visitors with the opportunity to explore and learn about local wildlife. From zebras to giraffes to monkeys to red pandas, there’s something for everyone at the Phillips Park Zoo.

2. Paramount Theater: Located in the heart of downtown Aurora, the historical Paramount Theater provides entertainment for adults and kids alike. From concerts and shows to festivals and events, the Paramount Theater is a great place to see a show.

3. Hollywood Casino: Located within Aurora’s historic downtown district, Hollywood Casino is an exciting recreational destination for adults. With world-class slots, table games, and food & beverage options, it’s the perfect place to try your luck.

4. Waldenon Park: With its pristine lake and lush woodlands, Waldenon Park is the perfect place for outdoor activities. From fishing and kayaking to bird watching and hiking, the park offers a variety of recreation options.

5. Aurora Skating Path: For those looking for a little recreation on ice, the Aurora Skating Path is the perfect place. The one-mile loop offers a variety of skating options for skaters of all ages and abilities.

6. Henry’s Harmony Arts Festival: Henry’s Harmony Arts Festival is an annual music and arts festival held each summer in Aurora. This event showcases the work of some of the best local and national artists.

7. SciTech Hands-On Museum: SciTech is an award-winning science education center that’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. From interactive exhibits to activities and special events, there’s something for everyone at SciTech.

8. RiverEdge Park: A great place to visit, RiverEdge Park is a popular destination in the Aurora area for recreation and entertainment. From concerts and festivals to outdoor movies and events, there are plenty of things to do here.

9. Aurora Regional Fire museum: For those looking to explore the state’s rich firefighting heritage, the Aurora Regional Fire Museum is the perfect place. Learn about the history of Illinois firefighting and explore antique firefighting equipment.

10. Blackberry Farm: Get out of the city and explore this historic farm. From traditional amusements to agricultural exhibits, Blackberry Farm is a great place for a family outing. With its scenic trails, petting zoo and butterfly house, it’s an ideal place for family fun.

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