Night Hike: Bats

Messenger Woods Nature Preserve 13800 W. Bruce Rd., Homer Glen, IL, United States

Bats have long been the subject of lore and myth. Separate fact from fiction as evening twilight descends upon the woodland then embark on a guided night hike to discover the diversity of bat species in Will County. Bat sounds undetected by human hearing will be revealed

Music on the Veranda – Jeff Manfredini

Starved Rock Lodge & Convention Center 2680 E. 875th Rd., Oglesby, United States

Jeff Manfredini – Pop, Rock, Folk, & Country 60's to present. Join us every Friday and select Saturdays for live music on our Veranda. Come enjoy the views, great food, and grooves! 8-11 pm.  

Event Series Ottawa Farmers & Makers Market

Ottawa Farmers & Makers Market

Washington Square Park 101 E. Lafayette St., Ottawa, Illinois

Come to Ottawa Farmers & Makers Market to purchase freshly picked, home-grown vegetables and fruits! Also featured are home baked goods, jams and jellies, dog treats, handmade soaps and fresh roasted coffee. With a motto of we BAKE it, we GROW it, we SELL it FRESH, your

LaSalle County Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Jordan Block 123 W. Main St., Ottawa, United States

Join the fight for Alzheimer's! Join us for the 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer's Illinois Valley on September 7th at Jordan Block. We hope you'll join us as we take to the streets of Ottawa to spread awareness and raise funds for those impacted by Alzheimer's and

Backpacking 101 Part 2: Training Hike

McKinley Woods - Kerry Sheridan Grove 25055 Walnut Lane, Channahon, IL, United States

For the second program in our backpacking series, it's time to start training! Learn how to pack your backpack and train with all that weight on your back. Let's get out on the I&M Canal State Trail for a 5-mile training hike on paved and limestone trails.

Playing the Past for Junior Girl Scouts

Isle a la Cache Museum 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, United States

Step into the past at Isle a la Cache and experience life in 1750! A costumed interpreter will lead participants in character creation, games, chores and more. How were girls' experiences back then similar to today? How were they different? Experience it for yourself. This program meets

Fresh from the Midwest

Illini State Park 2660 E. 2350th Rd., Marseilles, IL, United States

Come on down to Illini State Park on Saturday, September 7 and enjoy a day full of original music made by songwriters and musicians from the Illinois Valley and beyond! All ages, $20 suggested donation to support the artists and benefit Illini State Park's projects. A donation

Morris Beer Fest – Oktoberfest Edition

Goold Park 308 Northern Avenue, Morris, United States

This year’s festival is open to public ticketholders over the age of 21 and is projected to bring approximately 50 breweries, live musical acts and food vendors to Goold Park. Attendees who are at least 21 years of age and who have pre-purchased a festival pass will

Taste of Lemont

Metra Parking Lot - South 101 Main St., Lemont, United States

FOOD, MUSIC, FAMILY FUN The Taste of Lemont is a fun, family friendly event. The event will feature some of the best food and beverages the Lemont community can offer, a substantial split the pot raffle, and an 8 p.m. concert from one of Chicagoland’s top cover

Event Series Bureau County Homestead Festival

Bureau County Homestead Festival

Down on Main Street Concert Site 2 S. Main St., Princeton, IL, United States

History of the Homestead Festival The annual Homestead Festival honors Reverend Owen Lovejoy and his contributions to our nation's history. Lovejoy was prominent in the abolition movement and the Underground Railroad, a founder of the Illinois and national Republican Party, and a congressional leader. 2024 Entertainment: Friday,

Event Series Mega Hike

Mega Hike

Starved Rock Lodge & Convention Center 2680 E. 875th Rd., Oglesby, United States

Have you ever wanted to hike all the canyons in the park? Well now you can do it in one day. Hikes leave the Lodge at 9am and expected time for lunch is 1:30pm. Return to the Lodge at 4:30pm. Board a trolley with a pair of

Event Series Steeples & Saloons Walking Tour

Steeples & Saloons Walking Tour

Lone Buffalo Restaurant & Tap Room 812 LaSalle St., Ottawa, IL, United States

Embark on a journey through time with our Steeples & Saloons walking tour, a captivating exploration of Ottawa, Illinois' rich history and architectural marvels. This engaging tour is perfect for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone looking to immerse themselves in the vibrant past of a town

Take it Outside Hike: Wauponsee Walk

Sugar Creek Administration Center 17540 W. Laraway Rd., Joliet, United States

Join the fun and join the Goosechase! The Take It Outside challenge took Will County by storm in 2023, and all our favorite Goosechasers are welcome back along with new friends for our 2024 challenges! Come out for a seasonal hike for each of this year's campaigns

Event Series Waterfowl Cruise

Waterfowl Cruise

Starved Rock Lodge & Convention Center 2680 E. 875th Rd., Oglesby, United States

Board a trolley outside of the Great Hall of the Lodge. The Trolley takes you to the Eagle 1 to enjoy an hour long boat ride where you will get to spy the Waterfowl of the Illinois River. The trolley will return you to the Lodge. Reservations

Land & Water Cruise

Starved Rock Lodge & Convention Center 2680 E. 875th Rd., Oglesby, United States

Tour begins with lunch in our restaurant followed by a narrated trolley tour. Learn about Starved Rock's history and legends of the area. The trolley takes passengers to the Eagle 1 to see the east end of Starved Rock State Park by water. Restrooms are available throughout

A Blast from the Past – Helen Russel

Starved Rock Lodge & Convention Center 2680 E. 875th Rd., Oglesby, United States

This new show is a great mix of songs from Country, Rock & Roll and Bluegrass! All songs are very recognizable! Sing along with many of the songs as they bring back great memories and fun times! Audience participation to Shake their Tailfeathers as well as other

Event Series Lemont Farmers Market

Lemont Farmers Market

Lemont Village Green 322 Main Street, Lemont, IL, United States

It 's back! The Lemont Farmers Market takes place in Village Green Park in #LemontDowntown. Enjoy local vendors serving up fresh produce, baked goods, and special treats along with live music. Find the market every Tuesday from August - October 18 with new vendors each week. Thank you

Land & Water Cruise

Starved Rock Lodge & Convention Center 2680 E. 875th Rd., Oglesby, United States

Tour begins with lunch in our restaurant followed by a narrated trolley tour. Learn about Starved Rock's history and legends of the area. The trolley takes passengers to the Eagle 1 to see the east end of Starved Rock State Park by water. Restrooms are available throughout

Historic Trolley Tour

Starved Rock Lodge & Convention Center 2680 E. 875th Rd., Oglesby, United States

Learn about the National Historic Landmark known as Starved Rock State Park and Lodge. Travel to the Lock and Dam, through historic downtown Utica and to the Starved Rock Visitor center.    

Think & Drink: Freedom Seekers and the Underground Railroad in Northeastern Illinois

Gaylord Building, Lockport 200 W. 8th Street, Lockport, IL, United States

Historian, Larry McClellan, author of Onward to Chicago: Freedom Seekers and the Underground Railroad in Northeastern Illinois (Southern Illinois University Press,  2023), shares untold stories of enslaved people escaping north to Illinois and the Chicago area. McClellan's research explores multiple escape routes, including the pivotal role of

Event Series Old Joliet Prison Flashlight Tours

Old Joliet Prison Flashlight Tours

Old Joliet Prison 1125 Collins St., Joliet, IL, United States

Flashlight tours are BACK! Starting at 7pm, you can explore the site on your own! Each guest will receive a flashlight to guide their way through the prison. Informational signs are stationed throughout the grounds providing historical information and photos. Last entrance 9pm. Book your tickets at