Growing Up “X”

Illinois State Museum - Lockport Gallery 201 W. 10th St., Lockport, IL, United States

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

Where Feathers Meet the Flash – Photo Contest

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

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

Migration Celebration at Four Rivers

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

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

A Walk thru Time Living History Timeline Day Two

Will County Heritage Village Open Air Museum 249 W. 2nd St., Lockport, United States

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

Guided Tours of Wallace-Dickey Cemetery

Wallace-Dickey Cemetery The Dayton Bluff, 2997 IL Rt. 71, Ottawa, IL, United States

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

Event Series Kites in Flight

Kites in Flight

Riverfront Park - Ottawa 400 Clinton St., Ottawa, IL, United States

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

Presentation about General Wallace

Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum 1100 Canal St., Ottawa, United States

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

History of HoChunk Nation -Grundy County Historical Museum Annual Meeting & Dinner

Maria's Ristorante 1591 N. Division St., Morris, IL, United States

Gerald Savage, HoChunk Native American, as Chief White Winnebago will describe the culture and history of the HoChunk nation. Location: Maria's Ristorante Dinner is at 6:30 pm and program starts around 7:00 pm. RSVP by May 15th. Cost of dinner is $30. Call Museum to reserve your

Nellie Becker – A Titanic Story and Part of the 1912 Exhibit

Bureau County Historical Museum 109 Park Ave., Princeton, IL, United States

The Titanic sank in the frigid Atlantic Ocean on the night of April 14-15, 1912. The tragic loss of over 1,400 lives that night, the failures of the great unsinkable ocean liner, the insufficient lifeboats, all would affect legislation of ship building and sea travel in the

Cicada Symphony

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

This ongoing program runs from Thursday, May 23, to Friday, June 7. Preserve hours are 8 a.m. to sunset. Travel along Four Rivers’ Woodland Loop Trail and discover the remarkably unique life cycle of the periodical cicada. “Cicada Symphony,” written by Sue Fleiss, is rhythmic, engaging and

Think & Drink – The Happy Invention: History & Significance of Picture Postcards

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

Did you know that the first picture postcards in the United States were printed for the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair? Which means Illinois played a pivotal role in postcard development. Join us for our May Think & Drink as we delve into the fascinating history of picture

Event Series Streator Park Fest

Streator Park Fest

Streator Park Fest 201 E. Hickory, Streator, United States

Annual Streator Park Fest. Come enjoy family fun in our beautiful downtown city park. Featuring a carnival, craft, flea market, magic show, safety demonstrations, food vendors and free stage entertainment.  

Turtles of Will County

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

In shell-ebration of World Turtle Day on May 23, an interpretive naturalist will give an 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. Free. All ages welcome Isle a

Event Series Wild Bill Days

Wild Bill Days

North Utica 101 E. Canal, North Utica, United States

Join the Old West Regulators as they perform the life and times of James Butler Hickok! Re-enactments both Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. Family friendly entertainment, live blacksmithing, special exhibits and much more!  

Blues, Brews & BBQ at The Forge

The Forge Adventure Park and Ziplines 227 Heritage Quarries Drive, Lemont, Illinois

Experience the signature flavors & soul of Chicago in the suburbs, at The Forge in Lemont, IL on May 25th with "Blues, Brews & BBQ. " Enjoy live Chicago blues music from local talents like Windy City Rev Ups, Andrew Diehl, Big Dog Mercer, and The Blooze

Kids Tie Dye Party

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

Katie Goetz of Goetz Creative will be bringing all the materials for this fun tie dye class for kids of all ages. She will be teaching a heart design. 10 seats available - preregistration required Children 6 and under should be accompanied by an adult. Shirts run

BYOB Wine & Dye

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

Join Katie of Goetz Creative for a fun and unique tie dye workshop! Katie will teach you a variety of designs to choose from as you sip on wine, or whatever your preferred drink of choice may be! BYOW (Bring Your Own Wine) - this event is

Lock & Lunch – Ottawa to Starved Rock

Sainte Genevieve Riverboat 231 Albin Stevens Dr., Ottawa, IL, United States

Experience something new and fun when you're a passenger aboard the Sainte Genevieve Riverboat as it passes through the Starved Rock Lock on the Illinois Waterway. Lunch in the Main Dining Room of historic Starved Rock Lodge and transportation are included. From Ottawa to Starved Rock: 9:00am

Lock & Lunch – Starved Rock to Ottawa

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

Experience something new and fun when you're a passenger aboard the Sainte Genevieve Riverboat as it passes through the Starved Rock Lock on the Illinois Waterway. Lunch in the Main Dining Room of historic Starved Rock Lodge and transportation are included. From Starved Rock to Ottawa: 11:00am

Will-Derness Women’s Weekend

Hickory Creek Preserve 10537 W. LaPorte Rd., Mokena, IL, United States

Join us for a women's camping weekend to connect with nature and friends new and old! Take time to unplug and enjoy the outdoors with camping, hiking, evening campfires, camp cooking, outdoor skills, mindfulness activities and more. This three-day, two-night campout is held in a safe, supportive

Kid’s Free Fishing Tournament

Lock 14 Access Canal Rd &, IL-351, LaSalle, IL, United States

37th Annual event at Lock #14, LaSalle For boys and girls - two different age groups: 4-12 and 13-15. Registration 8:00 a.m. Fish: 9:00 am - 11:00 am.  Bring your own tackle (one pole and one hook). No artificial lures. Snacks & drinks provided! Bait provided! Prizes

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

Travel Tales Trail Exploration

Plum Creek Nature Center in Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve 27064 Dutton Rd., Beecher, IL, United States

It's summer vacation time, but humans aren't the only animals that travel. Whether a short leap or a long migration, wildlife is also on the go! Hike the shoreline of Snapper Pond to follow Travel Tales, an outdoor exploration trail. Ten resident animals are featured at the