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
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
It was once the World's Largest Amusement Park - It boasts the world's first suspended roller coaster and first parachute ride. Today, it's merely one of Chicago's best loved memories. The names alone evoke nostalgia: the Pair-O-Chutes, Aladdin's Castle, Shoot the Chutes, and of course, the Bobs
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 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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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 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
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