35 Beautiful Literary Spots Across America for Every Reader
18. The Spellbinding Magic of The American Writers Museum (Chicago, IL)

A more recent addition to the literary landscape, The American Writers Museum in Chicago, Illinois, is the first and only museum in the U.S. dedicated to celebrating American literature. Opened in 2017, this innovative space offers interactive exhibits, multimedia displays, and immersive storytelling experiences that explore the evolution of American writing across all genres—from novels and poetry to journalism, plays, and digital media. Visitors can explore exhibits like The Nation of Writers, which highlights the lives and works of over 100 of the country’s most influential authors, and The Mind of a Writer, an interactive space that allows guests to try their hand at writing exercises and creative storytelling. Other highlights include an entire section dedicated to children’s literature, a rotating display of rare manuscripts and first editions, and a literary-themed mural celebrating writers from Maya Angelou to Ernest Hemingway. Whether you're a die-hard bibliophile or just curious about the history of American storytelling, this museum offers a fresh and modern way to appreciate literature.