Before he went off to write, hunt, drink and fish in various exotic locales, Hemingway grew up in the Chicago suburb of Oak Park in the early 1900s. The museum focuses on the first 20 years of his life and exhibits photos, letters and other memorabilia, as well as video presentations. There's a gift shop, too. Nearby is the stately, turn-of-the-20th-century home where he was born. It is open for tours. Both the museum and the house are open Sunday-Friday 1-5 pm and Saturday 10 am-5 pm. Combined admission: US$8 adults, US$6 seniors and children. 200 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park. Phone 708-848-2222. http://www.ehfop.org.
