Events

Tour begins with lunch in our restaurant followed by a narrated trolley tour. Learn about Starved Rock's history and legends of the area. The trolley takes passengers to the Eagle 1 to see the east end of Starved Rock State Park by water. Restrooms are available throughout

Calling All Cars, Trucks, and Motorcyles Last Show Light up your engines! The fastest and coolest cars are making their way to Lemont Downtown for our legendary cruise night car shows and block party. Wander the streets of historic Lemont Downtown viewing cars that take you back

Tour begins with lunch in our restaurant followed by a narrated trolley tour. Learn about Starved Rock's history and legends of the area. The trolley takes passengers to the Eagle 1 to see the east end of Starved Rock State Park by water. Restrooms are available throughout

Join us for a behind the scenes tour of our collection at the Old Joliet Prison! View our collection space, the artifacts we have found on-site, and learn about the process of preventing artifacts at an abandoned site. Ticket includes complimentary drinks (wine, beer & soda) and

Enjoy the 50th Season Finale!!! Joliet Township High School Orchestra, Central Band and the American Legion Band will be performing. Come early to get a good spot!

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!

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!  

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.  

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

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

Squirrel needs your help! His best friend, Acorn, has gone missing! To solve this mystery, stop by the Plum Creek Nature Center front desk to get your first clue. Then unlock your inner detective and follow the rest of the clues as they lead you on a

Meet local beekeeper Mike Rusnak to discuss the art of beekeeping. Ask questions, chat and troubleshoot. Rusnak has more than 18 years of beekeeping experience. Pick up specific beekeeping tips or simply learn more about the world of bees. Fee: Free! Age: All ages. This program will