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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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