I'm in the southwest suburbs about an hour from the loop (downtown Chi). I was going to respond yesterday when I saw your posts about the museum and Oquawka, but didn't make it. I swear we're both born and bred here, but neither of us had ever heard of Oquawka, so I looked it up; the story about the poor elephant (Norma Jean) that was struck by lightning, and her burial site is what people used to refer to as quaint, very quaint.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oquawka,_IllinoisI was also racking my brain trying to remember the last time I was at the Field Museum, and I figure it had to be at least eight years ago (I think it was $12.50 then). Yeah, a little steep, I looked that up too; now $15.00 adm. and $16.00 for parking (life in the big city). It is a great museum though; Sue the largest and I think the most complete T. Rex skeleton in existence cost them over 8 million $, maybe that's why they have to charge so dang much.
If you and/or your wife like art, the Art Instiute has an incredible collection.
What's drawing you to Normal, IL?
Have you given any thought to visiting the Rock Island Arsenal Museum? Another place we haven't been to for years, but that's time well spent (interesting place).
http://riamwr.com/museum.htmLet me know how your itinerary develops.