Events

The History of the I&M Canal is a new 18-panel exhibit now on display in the historic Vintage Room at the I&M Canal Visitor Center.  It features original illustrations by Tom Willcockson, acclaimed artist and author of Passage to Chicago: A Journey on the Illinois & Michigan

The History of the I&M Canal is a new 18-panel exhibit now on display in the historic Vintage Room at the I&M Canal Visitor Center. It features original illustrations by Tom Willcockson, acclaimed artist and author of Passage to Chicago: A Journey on the Illinois & Michigan

This ongoing program runs from Saturday, Aug. 1, to Sunday, Aug. 30. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays.Students are heading back to the classroom in August, but the school of nature is always in session! Stop by the front desk at Isle a

Lincoln-Douglas Debate Re-Enactment: Relive the world’s most famous debate on the very grounds where it first took place in 1858. Debate Days Parade: March through downtown Ottawa in celebration of community, history, and pride. Historic Tours & Experiences: Explore Ottawa’s landmarks and learn how our city helped

As part of Ottawa's Debate Days, step into history—and help decide it. Welcome to The Great Taste Debate, a citywide food & drink experience where local restaurants, bars, coffee shops, bakeries, and ice cream spots go head-to-head in a delicious showdown inspired by Lincoln and Douglas.

Experience a Party for the Arts! Throughout the evening, there are food stations and open bar with top-of-the-line entertainment. The golden hour activities, hosted by MC Dan MacKenzie, take place inside our buildings and outside under tents. We will have singers, pianists, jazz ensembles, a violinist, a

Second Hand News recreates the experience of seeing Fleetwood Mac in their heyday. Made up of veteran Chicago musicians (Melissa Brausch, Josh Chicoine, Mike Holtz, Dan Ingenthron, Mike Vanier, and Lindsay Weinberg), the band features spot-on vocal harmonies, careful attention to detail, and electric live shows. Admission

Bronkberry Farms hosts vendors from the Chicagoland area and beyond who showcase, share, and sell their unique products to the community. See what our talented crafters and vendors have to offer this season and mark your calendars to come out and enjoy a day at the farm,

Hands-on workshop where you'll create your very own fairy garden. $55 per person includes all supplies needed.  

Experience the grace of afternoon tea and entertainment amid the historic beauty of the Reddick Mansion. Tea service includes assorted finger sandwiches, selection of fine teas, exquisites pastries and desserts. Victorian-inspired dress, tea hats, gloves, and lace are warmly encouraged. $35 per person.  

Grab your family, friends, lawn chairs and picnic blankets and come and enjoy the country sounds of Stacy Antonel and Sophie Goalt!! Admission is $25.

STORYTIME is the best morning on the farm. YAY! Grab the kids and come out to listen to story reading, enjoy an interactive experience, and then visit the farm animals at 10:00 am every Wednesday of our season! Want more time on the farm after? We have

Join us for Summer Socials at Duncan Manor — a weekly outdoor gathering designed to bring our community together through local makers, live music, food, and shared experiences on the grounds of our historic estate. Admission is $0 to $20.  

Get your friends together or come by yourself for a Local History Trivia Night from the LaSalle County Historical Society at CatsEye in Ottawa. $10 a person to play, welcoming teams of 1 to 4 players. Prizes awarded for 1st and 2nd place which include a local

Grab your family, friends, lawn chairs and some food and come and enjoy the sounds of Brother John's Big Band as we celebrate the 250th birthday of the USA!

In its second year, Chicago Street Markets continues to collaborate with the Village of New Lenox to expand the New Lenox Farmers Market, offering more variety from local farmers, growers, makers and bakers.  Admission is free.  

  Enjoy live music, popcorn, Thyme Craft Kitchen, and a 50/50 raffle with our guest emcee Dr. Tracy Morris from IVCC. Guests can bring their own chairs and blankets and enjoy music under the tree canopy on the Mansion's West Lawn (the Grove). Admission is 5 per person.

Grab your family, friends and lawn chairs and come and enjoy the sounds of 90s Pop Nation along with some food, and adult beverages.

Grab your lawn chairs or blankets, bring your family and friends, and enjoy an evening of great music under the summer sky. Plus, come hungry—food trucks will be on-site serving up delicious eats throughout the event! Music by The Breakfast Club. Admission is free.  

Mitchell Trachtenberg presents a  wonderful talk about the history of Chicago's best-known infrastructure.  Since the city's beginning, moving bridges have been built to cross the river while allowing shipping.  Going through generations of design shifts and re-invention, these causeways became both iconic and infuriating to Chicagoans. Mitchell

 A one act play written and performed by Jim Healy telling the exciting and moving story of the voyage of Father Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet down the Mississippi River 350 years ago. Come join us. Free admission. Hospitality provided by St. James Altar & Rosary Society.