“The History of the Chicago Portage” Presented by Benjamin Sells Benjamin Sells, author of the recently published “A History of the Chicago Portage”, will present the story of how a seven-mile stretch of marshland gave rise to the city of Chicago. From the indigenous people who

  “Mapping the Chicago Portage: Seventeenth-Century Explorations by Jolliet, Marquette, La Salle, and Joutel” Presented by Richard Gross When a local amateur historian, John Swenson, and a podcast by a group of Chicago historians, writers, and artists asserted a route south of Chicago, different from the site

Get ready to shake off those winter blues! Join us in Lock 16’s Vintage Room for our bright and festive Spring Tea. Come enjoy a classic tea menu of Spring inspired homemade scones, Devonshire cream & jam, tea sandwiches, sweets and a selection of teas. Reservations are

A Roman Catholic Mass will be celebrated by Pere Jacques Marquette, S.J., (portrayed by Fr. Thomas Koys).  A reception will follow in the parish hall, along with a talk on Fr. Marquette, led by Fr. Jim Heyd.  The 1853 church is situated on a high bluff at

For its 10th edition, the Expo Chicago art fair has lined up more than 170 exhibitors from 36 countries to present work at the Navy Pier. The fair is slated to run April 14–16, with a VIP preview day on April 13. Among leading galleries that will

A one-act, one-person play written and performed by Jim Healy, in honor of the 350th anniversary of Father Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet’s voyage down the Mississippi River in 1673. At the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre in Joliet, Illinois. $20 admission includes: 7:00 pm Live

Celebrate Earth Day with the whole family! Meet a real life National Park Service ranger and learn about America’s first National Heritage Area. You’ll receive a Junior Ranger badge, a certificate, and a whole lot of knowledge that you can share with others about the Illinois &

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

Bird of Prey shows and family activities at Starved Rock Visitor Center, Starved Rock Lodge and Illinois Waterway Visitor Center. Take a short hike to the top of Starved Rock for live eagle viewing or join the park naturalist for a guided eagle viewing tour. Call for

Join the 100 Year Celebration at the Museum of the Grundy County Historical Society! Helpful experts will be present at various exhibits in the museum, including the I&M Canal, fossils, tool shed, and more. You can even watch a demonstration on an old fashioned loom! Refreshments will

The whole family will enjoy this FREE performance at the Lock 16 Visitor Center! The Canal Corridor Association will host an Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau presentation entitled "Forgottonia, An Intimate Portrait of Rural Illinois" by Chris Vallillo. Don’t miss Chris Vallillo as he performs his

  Beautify the Historic District this Saturday!!! It's that time of year again for CLEAN SWEEP!!!   CLEAN SWEEP Action Plan… • Plant Annual Flowers • Maintain Our Public Gardens • Add Fresh Mulch To Planting Beds • Remove Weeds, Invasive Species & Trash   CLEAN SWEEP

Take a tour through time from the Roman Empire to the 20th Century. Explore Heritage Village buildings furnished to the time period. Historical reenacts and activities throughout the weekend.

Join Historic Pullman Foundation for its annual "Pullman Railroad Days", taking place at Pullman National Historical Park. This weekend-long celebration about the important Pullman story: railroad innovation and the people who drive it. In partnership with Metra, and the American Association of Private Railroad Car Owners, visitors

In shell-ebration of World Turtle Day on May 23, a naturalist will be giving a turtle-ly informative presentation on the different turtle species that can be found in Will County, followed by a feeding of our resident Blanding’s turtles. No registration required. Isle a la Cache Museum

Visitors of all abilities are invited to celebrate nature through accessible activities. Little Red Schoolhouse's 6,000 square foot garden with an accessible trail encourages people of all abilities to physically interact with nature.

LET’S GO TO THE MOVIES AT THE HISTORIC ROXY LOCKPORT THEATER! "Singin' in the Rain" and "The Great Outdoors" Doors open 45 minutes prior to the movie start time. Come early and enjoy a beverage from the full-service bar and a light snack available for purchase in

If you've never visited Isle a la Cache Museum, take advantage of this opportunity to see what's going on in our 18th-Century Traders Cabin and peek inside the Native American longhouse.

The Forge Blues & Brews Fest is coming up! This event is only $5 for admission and includes live blues music all day from renowned artists, including Joanna Connor. Drink tickets will be available for pours from more than 15 featured Illinois breweries. Park food & beverage,

Celebrate the life and times of Deadwood’s most famous gunslinger and the I&M Canal's most famous mule tender—Wild Bill Hickok at Wild Bill Days. See big name artists and your favorite bands perform live concerts on Main Street all weekend long and Outlaw Square will host a