Chicago’s Riverview Park

Jacob Henry Mansion 20 S. Eastern, Joliet, IL, United States

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

Chicago Maritime Museum Debuts Two New Exhibits

Bridgeport Art Center 1200 W. 35th St., Chicago, United States

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

Civil War Re-enactment Event

The Reddick Mansion 100 W. Lafayette St., Ottawa, United States

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

A Walk thru Time Living History Timeline – Day 1

Will County Heritage Village Open Air Museum 249 W. 2nd St., Lockport, United States

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

A Walk thru Time Living History Timeline Day Two

Will County Heritage Village Open Air Museum 249 W. 2nd St., Lockport, United States

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

Guided Tours of Wallace-Dickey Cemetery

Wallace-Dickey Cemetery The Dayton Bluff, 2997 IL Rt. 71, Ottawa, IL, United States

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

Event Series Kites in Flight

Kites in Flight

Riverfront Park - Ottawa 400 Clinton St., Ottawa, IL, United States

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

Presentation about General Wallace

Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum 1100 Canal St., Ottawa, United States

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

History of HoChunk Nation -Grundy County Historical Museum Annual Meeting & Dinner

Maria's Ristorante 1591 N. Division St., Morris, IL, United States

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

Cicada Symphony

Four Rivers Environmental Education Center 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, United States

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

Think & Drink – The Happy Invention: History & Significance of Picture Postcards

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

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

Turtles of Will County

Isle a la Cache Museum 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, United States

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

Blues, Brews & BBQ at The Forge

The Forge Adventure Park and Ziplines 227 Heritage Quarries Drive, Lemont, Illinois

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

Kids Tie Dye Party

Open Space Art Gallery & Studios 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, United States

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

BYOB Wine & Dye

Open Space Art Gallery & Studios 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, United States

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

Event Series Streator Park Fest

Streator Park Fest

Streator Park Fest 201 E. Hickory, Streator, United States

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.  

Event Series Wild Bill Days

Wild Bill Days

North Utica 101 E. Canal, North Utica, United States

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!    

Event Series Wild Bill Days

Wild Bill Days

North Utica 101 E. Canal, North Utica, United States

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!    

Lock & Lunch – Ottawa to Starved Rock

Sainte Genevieve Riverboat 231 Albin Stevens Dr., Ottawa, IL, United States

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

Lock & Lunch – Starved Rock to Ottawa

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

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

Will-Derness Women’s Weekend

Hickory Creek Preserve 10537 W. LaPorte Rd., Mokena, IL, United States

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