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 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
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
We are taking Wild Child on the road this season, visiting different preserves around Will County. Answer the call of your wild child by getting your toddler outside with this monthly nature-themed program. Join a naturalist for hands-on activities such as games, stories, crafts, hikes and more!
"Prayers to Mother Nature - In Small Places" is an amalgamation of two concepts. On their own they have little to nothing in common. Art however is great at fusing unrelated ideas. View the work of photographer, Hank Erdmann.
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.
Post Game Fireworks Halloween – Bats, balls, and boos – oh my! Join us at the ballpark for a Halloween extravaganza filled with thrills, chills, and baseball skills! Fans are encouraged to come in Halloween costumes!
People come from far and wide to revel in the soulful sounds of Trippin' Billies at The Mount at The Forge: Lemont Quarries in Lemont, IL, on Friday, August 30th, as the Trippin' Billies capture the essence of the beloved Dave Matthews Band in their high-energy performance.
Enjoy an evening at Hammel Woods exploring the habitat of our local bat species. Watch the bats emerge from their sleeping quarters to go out on their nightly hunt. Using echolocation technology, listen for bats as we stretch our legs on a short hike. Discover some fascinating
Join a naturalist for the rare opportunity to experience Kankakee Sands at night. As your sharp vision fades away with the sun, your other senses will compensate. Become immersed in the songs of insects and sounds of grasses swishing in the breeze. Discover the fragrance of the
Abbynormal – New & Classic Rock. Join us every Friday and select Saturdays for live music on our Veranda. Come enjoy the views, great food, and grooves!
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
Rare and mysterious. Exceptionally unique. Wonders of the world. Are these distant lands or fairytales? No, these describe several preserves right here in Will County! On these naturalist-led hikes, discover the plants, animals and land formations that make up some of our most protected sites. Meet the
Old Cars, cruisers, food, muivs and family fun. Registration 9am-noon.
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
Music in the Park Ottawa's free concert series, Music in the Park, kicks off its 2024 season in late June with musical acts delivering a delightful blend of retro rock, country and contemporary that'll carry audiences on a music journey from the '50s to the present. Concerts
Held in downtown Streator on Main Street each Labor Day weekend, this family event brings over 600 restored and antique cars and features its namesake 1917 Roamer automobile. The largest automotive event in downstate Illinois attracts spectators numbering between 15 -20,000. It's a time of nostalgia, camaraderie
Military Appreciation – We're doubling down on our gratitude for our nation's heroes! Join us for another unforgettable evening of honor, respect, and baseball as we continue to salute those who serve.
Big Uproar – Americana, Modern & Classic Rock. Join us every Friday and select Saturdays for live music on our Veranda. Come enjoy the views, great food, and grooves!
22nd Annual Woods Walk challenge! This ongoing program runs from Sunday, Sept. 1, through Saturday, Nov. 30. Get out on the trail and enjoy the changing of the seasons with the 22nd annual Woods Walk challenge! Experience 10 beautiful Will County trails during their fall splendor: Forsythe
Start the day off right with some self-care, beautiful nature and quiet reflection. This program includes a 35- to 45-minute all-levels yoga session and a 35- to 45-minute hike along our scenic trails. Fee: Free! Age: Ages 14 or older. (Participants younger than 18 must be accompanied
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
Pick up some dirty tricks to earn some treats! Help Hidden Lakes Trout Farm look its best by picking up litter in the preserve. Fishing line and other debris pose serious threats to our furry and feathered friends. Animals may become entangled in fishing line or swallow
Stop by the Tackle Box Bait Shop to pick up your guide to una busqueda del tesoro, aka a treasure hunt or scavenger hunt. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, some of the nature items on the scavenger hunt are listed in Spanish. Travel around the preserve