26th Annual Prairie Day

Goose Lake Prairie Park

Spend the day with the Goose Lake Prairie Partners! Bring lawn chairs, blankets, bug spray, sun hats and enjoy the day!! Falcon Show & Tell Illinois Conservation Police Wildlife Mobile Exhibit Animal Rescue & Rehab American Indian Traveling Exhibit Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie Staff IDNR Fisheries Dave

Indige-Facts Traveling Museum

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

Are Native Americans U.S. citizens? How many Indigenous people live in this country? Do all American Indians live on reservations? What are the right words to describe the people who have always lived here? It is common for people to have questions about the lives and experiences

History of Auto Racing in Grundy County

Grundy County Historical Society Museum 510 W. Illinois Ave., Morris, United States

Racing historian Stan Kalwasinski will give a presentation on the history of automobile racing in the Grundy County area on Tuesday evening, September 24, beginning at 7:00 pm. Included in his presentation will be tracks at the old Grundy County Fairgrounds, the Mazon Speed Bowl and the

Starved Rock 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. Adults: $18, Seniors: $15, Children 10 & under: $13, Children 3 and under: Free Reservations are required.

Screen Printing Workshop

Open Space Art Gallery & Studios 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, United States

Learn the art of screen printing and design your own unique Halloween inspired tea towel. In this hands-on workshop, you'll discover the fundamentals of screen printing techniques, from preparing screens to mixing inks and printing onto fabric. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, our skilled

Tom Turner/Joe Corsello Gallery Opening

Grundy County Historical Society Museum 510 W. Illinois Ave., Morris, United States

Join us for the official opening of the Tom Turner/Joe Corsello Gallery. Tom has donated approximately 150 pieces from his collection to the Museum. There are also painting from Joe Corsello. The event is open to the public. There is no charge. Refreshments will be served.  

Spooky Wood Burning Workshop

Open Space Art Gallery & Studios 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, United States

In this workshop, you'll craft a custom spooky decorative wood board using the art of pyrography. You'll learn the basic techniques of decorative wood burning, which, although dating back centuries, can be expressed with fun, contemporary designs. Using a pen-like burning tool, you'll work on small wood

Breakfast with the Birds

Monee Reservoir 27341 S. Ridgeland, Monee, United States

Start the day with a colorful display of red, yellow, blue and more. Monee Reservoir Visitor Center will open its doors early for bird viewing. A naturalist will offer bird information and identification as you enjoy a light continental breakfast provided for bird lovers. Sit on the

Museum Campus Day

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

Have you ever wondered what's going on in our 18th-century Traders Cabin or wanted to peek inside the Native American longhouse above the pollinator garden? This is your chance to explore all the buildings at Isle a la Cache Museum and learn about the Potawatomi and French

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. Adults: $18, Seniors: $15, Children 10 & under: $13, Children 3 and under: Free Reservations are required.

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

Scarecrow Fest

Downtown Ottawa 223 W. Madison, Ottawa, United States

The long standing Ottawa Scarecrow Fest returns to Downtown Ottawa with activities for the entire family. Stroll from Washington Park to the Jordan block visiting craft vendors, trying a great variety of food (including freshly made apple cider donuts!), and listening to live music. Plus, the kids

Pelican Party

Four Rivers Environmental Education Center 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, United States

The migrating American white pelicans are coming in for a landing here at Four Rivers! Enjoy seeing a pelican close up at one of the 45-minute live-bird presentations, scheduled for 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Meet naturalists at each of the pelican hotspots to observe these huge

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

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

Event Series Recycle your Bicycle

Recycle your Bicycle

Monee Reservoir 27341 S. Ridgeland, Monee, United States

Clean out the garage and make a difference by recycling your bicycle! The Forest Preserve District is collecting for Working Bikes, an organization that refurbishes and distributes bikes locally and globally as tools of empowerment. No bike is too old or rusty! Fee: Free! Age: All ages.

Event Series Recycle Your Bicycle

Recycle Your Bicycle

Monee Reservoir 27341 S. Ridgeland, Monee, United States

Clean out the garage and make a difference by recycling your bicycle! The Forest Preserve District is collecting for Working Bikes, an organization that refurbishes and distributes bikes locally and globally as tools of empowerment. No bike is too old or rusty! Fee: Free! Age: All ages.

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

Event Series Autumn on the River

Autumn on the River

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

Tour begins with lunch at 11am in the historic dining room at the Lodge, followed by a narrated trolley tour with history and legends of the area. The trolley will then take you to the new river boat, The Eagle I where you will see the beautiful

October Poetry Writing Workshop

Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre 201 W Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL, United States

There are 25 seats available on a first-come, first-serve basis, indoors. Ages 16+ Please bring your own notebook and pen. If you do not have the tools, they will be provided for you. Questions about the workshop can be directed to Uxmar: [email protected]. Presented by Joliet's first

The Reflections

Jacob Henry Mansion 20 S. Eastern, Joliet, IL, United States

The New Reflections R&B Soul vocal group originated out of Chicago. Their style and performance have electrified audiences all over the United States and over seas as well. With their Motown tribute to the Temptations and The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles they bring back

Joliet Arsenal Museum Exhibit Opening

Joliet Area History Museum 204 Ottawa St., Joliet, IL, United States

The exhibit opening will be accompanied by a screening of a documentary film commissioned to commemorate the Arsenal's history that has aired on WTTW.  

Thrifted Ghost Painting

Open Space Art Gallery & Studios 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, United States

Join us for a fun and spooky art class where we'll transform ordinary thrifted paintings into haunting masterpieces! In this class, you'll learn how to creatively add ghostly figures, eerie details, and atmospheric effects to old or unwanted artwork, breathing new (after)life into them. No previous painting