The Growing Up X exhibition explores the toys, technologies and cultural touchstones surrounding Gen Xers in their childhood. Museum visitors will see items familiar to anyone who grew up in the 1970s and 1980s, from telephones with cords, record and cassette players, and an Apple IIe computer
This exhibition allows us to observe each artist's ability to capture doorways from their viewpoint. The viewer is given insight into several interpretations of doorways from a variety of doors, arches, and gateways. This exhibition celebrates the allure of portals and the intrigue of what lies beyond.
Annual Spring Clean-Up Claim Your Section Of The Canal Trails! The Illinois and Michigan Canal State Trail is 62 miles from Rockdale (Joliet) to LaSalle and is a popular recreational trail utilized by hikers, bikers, and joggers. After the long winter, debris and litter descend upon the
Visit The Tackle Box bait shop to get a bucket and a picker; receive a gift for participating. Free, all ages.
This ongoing program runs from Wednesday, May 1, to Friday, May 31. Preserve hours are 8 a.m. to sunset. Take part in the inaugural Four Rivers bird photography competition! Submit your picture of a migratory bird at McKinley Woods for a chance to win a gift certificate
This ongoing program runs from Wednesday, May 1, to Friday, May 31. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. Enjoy this monthlong celebration of our migratory birds! Festivities will include ongoing crafts, family-friendly activities and hands-on exploration of
LEARN, HUNT, BUY...MOREL MUSHROOMS during Ottawa's Midwest Morel Fest. We're excited to welcome back this beloved annual, one-day event in Ottawa, IL. This unique festival offers everything mushrooms from the morel enthusiast to the curious observer! Join us at the Jordan Block (100 Main Street) where you
Start your day at Market on Canal with a free yoga class hosted by Nicole Schneider. This class is perfect for all levels and is a preview for the popular spring and summer yoga series. Bring your mat, towel, water, and prepare for a fun time! Register
We’ve waited all winter to be reunited with the amazing vendors at Market on Canal. We are so proud of this sweet, outdoor vintage and handcrafted market that includes over 45 selected vendors, live music, food trucks, and drinks. It’s a vibe you can find nowhere besides
A murder on the I&M and other personal canal memories by Ottawa's Hank Walsh.
The Four C Notes was created by John Michael Coppola, best known for appearance in Chicago's long running production of the Broadway, smash hit Jersey Boys. The Four C Notes are the Midwest's ONLY tribute dedicated to recreating the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons!
The Lemont Quarryman Challenge 5K and 10‐mile race offers runners a challenging course in Lemont's unique, scenic and small town setting. The 5K and 10‐mile race start and finish in historic downtown Lemont and wind through the hilly neighborhoods of Lemont. Village of Lemont Village Hall Parking
Children learn how to fish safely, tie knots, identify fish and reptiles, cast, and most importantly, they see the community cares for them. All participants also enjoy a free lunch and giveaways. Fishing is a sport they can participate in and enjoy for the rest of their
Come brunch with us this Mother's Day! This 120 minute cruise will take you west out of Ottawa under the railroad bridge. You’ll enjoy the breathtaking views of the rock faces as you travel to Buffalo Rock and get a unique view of the industries that are
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
Myth Busting in the Illinois & Michigan Canal Heritage Area - Second Sunday Lecture Series Have you ever heard conflicting stories about how long the I&M Canal was in business and what its impact was? Did anyone die digging the canal and did they really get paid
It was once the World's Largest Amusement Park - It boasts the world's first suspended roller coaster and first parachute ride. Today, it's merely one of Chicago's best loved memories. The names alone evoke nostalgia: the Pair-O-Chutes, Aladdin's Castle, Shoot the Chutes, and of course, the Bobs
You can now book your trip for a tour along the I&M Canal on our 1840s-Replica, Mule-Powered I&M Canal Boat. In addition to the leisurely 60-to-90-minute ride, the experience includes the opportunity to meet Moe the Mule as part of our "Mule Tending 101" pre-tour introduction, be
New for this year, we’re dedicating the 11:30 am ride each day to providing a fun adventure for our younger passengers aged 5-12. Purchase tickets for the 11:30 am I&M Canal Boat Ride, and children and their guardians will discover what it would have been like to
The Chicago Maritime Museum announces the grand opening of two new permanent exhibitions on May 17, the most significant addition to the galleries since the museum opened in 2016. The exhibitions focus on the Lady Elgin, the deadliest disaster on the open waters of the Great Lakes
After spending time looking at the condition of the wall surrounding the Wallace-Dickey Cemetery on the north bluff in Ottawa, both Chuck Sanders, president of the Wallace-Dickey Cemetery Preservation Association, and Keith Stehl, Ottawa Masonry, acknowledge it going to be a large and expensive undertaking. “We want
Join reenactors and living historians as they represent many time periods from the Roman Empire through World War II. They will be encamped all weekend and have uniforms and equipment on display for the public to inspect. Also, the original 19th century buildings on site that were
Kites in Flight This 2-day event will feature professional kite flying demonstrations from the Chicago Kite Company, a designated area for kids/family kite flying, live entertainment the whole family will enjoy, a candy drop, balloon artists, face painting, bounce houses & obstacle course, and much more! Kites
Enjoy the game of base ball as it was played before the Civil War by the rules of 1858. The Lemont Quarrymen will be battling the McLean County Prairie Chickens and the DuPage Plowboys!! Hot dogs, brats and chicken legs, soft drinks and snacks will be offered
Join reenactors and living historians as they represent many time periods from the Roman Empire through World War II. They will be encamped all weekend and have uniforms and equipment on display for the public to inspect. Also, the original 19th century buildings on site that were
