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

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

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

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

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

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!    

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

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

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

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

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