Take a walk through Central Illinois history in The Grand Prairie Story, visit the Champaign County that Abraham Lincoln knew, get your hands on history in the Discovery Area, or as a blacksmith in Blacksmithing on the Prairie exhibit. In our immersive exhibits, you’ll learn and do!

Special Exhibit

A History of Healing

A History of Healing

NOW OPEN!

Check out this special exhibit exploring notable infectious diseases throughout Champaign County's history and how the community has responded to defeat them. 

Permanent Exhibits

The Museum of the Grand Prairie interprets the local history of Champaign County and East Central Illinois. We strive for objectivity and historical accuracy.

Please recognize that topics covered in our exhibits may be uplifting or disturbing for certain patrons or age groups. All of our exhibits are aimed at adults. While most exhibits have elements that children will enjoy, the Discovering Home exhibit is designed specifically for children.

Online Exhibits

This Legacy is Yours

This Legacy is Yours

Originally curated in 2001 alongside a physical exhibit, This Legacy is Yours was a cooperative effort between the National Council of Negro Women, Champaign County Chapter, and the Museum of the Grand Prairie to celebrate the achievements of African American Women in Champaign County.


Updates to this project are currently taking place. Check back soon for more!

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Your Legacy Too

Your Legacy Too

Completed in 2001 around the same time as This Legacy is Yours, Your Legacy Too is an ongoing project drawn from the Doris K. Wylie Hoskins Archive for Cultural Diversity intended to exhibit online and celebrate the accomplishments of African American men in Champaign County.


Updates to this project are currently taking place. Check back soon for more!

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Part of the Community

Part of the Community

The Museum of the Grand Prairie completed an oral history project with the East Frisian Community of northeastern Champaign County. This online exhibit, summarizes some of the experiences of early farmers who drained the wet prairie and made it the productive farmland it is today.

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Textile Traditions: The Quilts of Stanley and Dorothy Rankin

Textile Traditions: The Quilts of Stanley and Dorothy Rankin

Avid quilters, Stanley Rankin and his mother, Dorothy, created a multitude of beautiful, imaginative, and colorful quilts. Some are traditional, while other are purely works textile art. Enjoy the handiwork of these late 20th century quilters.

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