Don’t stop your group activities and tours during the colder weather months. Here’s an outing that’s engaging, informative and, best of all, inside. 

Visit the beautifully restored Reddick Mansion and explore the 22- room Italianate mansion as you learn about the life of William Reddick and his family, such as his successful and wide ranging careers to his touches with greatness (he was on the platform at Ottawa’s famous Lincoln Douglas debate, albeit on the Douglas side). It’s a  fascinating site and story.

Enjoy a delicious Buffet Lunch in the Vintage Room of the I&M Canal Visitor Center and Lock 16 Café. The meal includes house-made quiches, salads, soups and sweets along with signature Lock 16 coffee, ice tea and an assortment of Republic of Tea teas served hot.

As an optional add-on, we can serve champagne or mimosas or conduct a wine tasting.

After lunch, Tricia Kelly, first person interpreter and famed storyteller (shown above), will lead you through one of three stories. Choose your Topic from these three options:

  1. Prairie Iron: The Remarkable Life of Pioneer Elsie Armstrong
    In this emotionally charged presentation, Tricia transforms into Elsie Armstrong—a mother and adventurer who relocated to Illinois in 1830 with her sons in tow. Her will knew no limits and her spiritual, physical and emotional strength surpassed many of even the strongest male pioneers. The tales of her setbacks and triumphs will leave you in awe and give you a whole new respect for the early settlers of Illinois.

  2. Interview With a Victorian
    Ever wonder what it would be like to live in another time? Think you were born in the wrong era? Wish you could travel back to the ‘good old days’ of the late 19th century? Tricia dons a dress (or two) to bring you an exclusive interview as a Victorian gal and will answer your questions about all things Victorian: childhood, relationships, money, housekeeping, fashion, social functions, motherhood, mourning, death and everything in-between. It could well change your mind about the ‘Gilded’ Age!

  3. Nellie Bly: Adventures of a ‘Mad’ Woman
    Tricia brings to life one of Victorian America’s true mavericks, New York journalist Nellie Bly. In addition to her famous trip around the world, Bly also took on the role of an inmate at Blackwell’s Asylum, writing of the horrors she witnessed. This one-hour, first-person presentation is sure to enlighten and entertain.

Just $49 per person for this 3-hour experience. This is an I&M Canal Adventure that goes beyond the boat and so can be booked outside the boat season. In season (May to October), this could be paired with a boat tour. Let us know if you’re interested and we can provide paired pricing.

To book your group, call us at (815) 220-1848, Ext. 2 or email us at [email protected]!