Think & Drink: Freedom Seekers and the Underground Railroad in Northeastern Illinois

Gaylord Building, Lockport 200 W. 8th Street, Lockport, IL, United States

Historian, Larry McClellan, author of Onward to Chicago: Freedom Seekers and the Underground Railroad in Northeastern Illinois (Southern Illinois University Press,  2023), shares untold stories of enslaved people escaping north to Illinois and the Chicago area. McClellan's research explores multiple escape routes, including the pivotal role of

Event Series Old Joliet Prison Flashlight Tours

Old Joliet Prison Flashlight Tours

Old Joliet Prison 1125 Collins St., Joliet, IL, United States

Flashlight tours are BACK! Starting at 7pm, you can explore the site on your own! Each guest will receive a flashlight to guide their way through the prison. Informational signs are stationed throughout the grounds providing historical information and photos. Last entrance 9pm. Book your tickets at

A River thru History – School Day

Columbia Woods Forest Preserve Willow Springs Rd. & Corcoran Rd., Willow Springs, IL, United States

A River Thru History - The Des Plaines Valley Rendezvous is a "living history" re-enactment of an event that would have occurred along the Des Plaines River prior to 1848.  The Rendezvous participants are in historically accurate clothing and shelters.  We expect to have over ninety encampments

Land & Water Cruise

Starved Rock Lodge & Convention Center 2680 E. 875th Rd., Oglesby, United States

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

BBQ-N-Blues LaSalle

LaSalle IL, United States

The 10th Annual BBQ-n-Blues is on September 13, 2024. And we’ll be celebrating with Bands, BBQ & a Rib Cook-Off Contest. Held on First Street between Marquette & Gooding in historic downtown La Salle, bands will begin at 4:00 pm with the Rib Cook-Off turn in at

Event Series A River thru History

A River thru History

Columbia Woods Forest Preserve Willow Springs Rd. & Corcoran Rd., Willow Springs, IL, United States

A River Thru History is an early American party with all the trimmings! Join this festive gathering of fur trappers, settlers, craftsmen, and entertainers along the banks of the Des Plaines River. Mission Statement: A River Thru History is a living history reenactment of early American life,

Sweets & Savory Crawl

City of Lockport

Take a culinary tour of Lockport's eateries on Sunday, September 15th. Visit Lockport restaurants and as many landmarks as you can!  Use your Restaurant Route Map & punch card to keep track of all the stops along the way. The Sweets & Savory Crawl Ticket includes: Reserved

Event Series Kindling

Kindling

True North 539 Bedford Rd., Morris, IL, United States

A fun new to Morris event, featuring live Midwest music, unique vintage finds and local makers. Kindling's goal is to bring a good time to the community, every 3rd Friday night from 3p-9p starting this May through October.    

26th Annual Prairie Day

Goose Lake Prairie Park

Spend the day with the Goose Lake Prairie Partners! Bring lawn chairs, blankets, bug spray, sun hats and enjoy the day!! Falcon Show & Tell Illinois Conservation Police Wildlife Mobile Exhibit Animal Rescue & Rehab American Indian Traveling Exhibit Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie Staff IDNR Fisheries Dave

Historical Walk-a-Thon Along the I&M Canal Towpath

Grundy County Historical Society Museum 510 W. Illinois Ave., Morris, United States

Join the Grundy County Historical Society for a Walk-a-Thon! Historical Anecdotes Beautiful Historic Site Photo Ops Photo Contest $30 registration fee (includes shirt). Register at (815) 942-4880, [email protected], or at The Grundy County Historical Society. You must register prior to September 19 for a shirt.  

Tully Monster Festival

Downtown Morris 111 E. Washington St., Morris, IL, United States

The Tully Monster is the State Fossil for Illinois. It was found in the Mazon Creek and only exists in Grundy County. Learn about the Tully Monster. See Tully Monster fossils. Participate in a Scavenger Hun and play games.