I & M Canal

Indige-Facts Traveling Museum
2024-09-24 10:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
Are Native Americans U.S. citizens? How many Indigenous people live in this country? Do all American Indians live on reservations? What are the right words to describe the people who have always lived here? It is common for people to have questions about the lives and experiences of Native peoples. Still, knowing where to find answers or who to ask can be challenging. That is why the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian has set out to share information about Native Americans with the public through Indige-Facts, its new traveling exhibit.
Indige-Facts features facts about contemporary Native Americans. The traveling exhibit covers topics ranging from accepted terminology and population size to the sovereign rights of Native people. Indige-Facts is a great way to educate yourself on contemporary Native life in the United States. This exhibition is on loan from the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian in Evanston and is brought to Isle a la Cache Museum through the generous support of The Nature Foundation of Will County.
Fee: Free! Age: All ages. No registration required.
Isle a la Cache Museum is an accessible facility. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should submit a request online no later than 48 hours before the program

History of Auto Racing in Grundy County
2024-09-24 19:00 - 20:30 | Grundy County Historical Society Museum, 510 W. Illinois Ave., Morris, United States
Racing historian Stan Kalwasinski will give a presentation on the history of automobile racing in the Grundy County area on Tuesday evening, September 24, beginning at 7:00 pm. Included in his presentation will be tracks at the old Grundy County Fairgrounds, the Mazon Speed Bowl and the current Grundy County Speedway in Morris. A large collection of photographs will be shown.
The event will be held at the Grundy County Historical Society Museum, located at 510 W. Illinois Ave. in Morris.
Born and raised in Chicago, Stan Kalwasinski was bitten by the auto racing bug when he was about four years old and attended stock car races with his parents at 87th Street Speedway on Chicago’s southeast side. As a youngster, he went to the races at other Chicago area tracks like Raceway Park, Soldier Field, Mance Park and Santa Fe Speedway.
Over the years, Kalwasinski has been a photographer, motorsports writer and announcer. He was a track photographer at Raceway Park and at Illiana Motor Speedway in Schererville, Ind.,
In the 1990s, Kalwasinski was the announcer at Illiana Motor Speedway and at Grundy County Speedway in Morris, Ill.
Kalwasinski has gathered a large collection of Chicago and Midwestern area auto racing photos and has accumulated extensive files on area auto racing history. He had been a writer and columnist for both Midwest Racing News and National Speed Sport News for over 20 years, also writing stories for several motorsports magazines. Currently, he is a contributor to on-line racing sites like RaceStar Publications and Speed Sport News.
Kalwasinski is a member of the Mazon Speed Bowl/Grundy County Speedway Hall of Fame and is a board member of the Illinois Stock Car Hall of Fame.

75th Annual Grundy County Corn Festival
2024-09-25 11:00 - 22:00 | Downtown Morris, 111 E. Washington St., Morris, IL, 60450, United States
Celebrating its 75th year in 2024, the Corn Festival is the cornerstone event in Grundy County.
A county-wide celebration – Corn Festival makes its home in the county seat of Morris with an emphasis on events downtown. The festival is a homecoming of sorts and takes place September 25-29, 2024. The event celebrates the rich agricultural history in Grundy County and offers everything from a farm fair, craft shows, carnival, music, and food. The town is decorated beautifully to celebrate the fall harvest and everyone joins in the spirit by dressing in their best jeans and flannels.

Starved Rock Historic Trolley Tour
2024-09-25 15:00 - 16:30 | Starved Rock Lodge & Convention Center, 2680 E. 875th Rd., Oglesby, 61348, United States
Learn about the National Historic Landmark known as Starved Rock State Park and Lodge. Travel to the Lock and Dam, through historic downtown Utica and to the Starved Rock Visitor center.
Adults: $18, Seniors: $15, Children 10 & under: $13, Children 3 and under: Free
Reservations are required. Book online or call our Activities Office at (815) 220-7386.
*Online bookings subject to additional fees and taxes.*

Screen Printing Workshop
2024-09-25 17:30 - 20:30 | Open Space Art Gallery & Studios, 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, 61350, United States
Learn the art of screen printing and design your own unique Halloween inspired tea towel.
In this hands-on workshop, you’ll discover the fundamentals of screen printing techniques, from preparing screens to mixing inks and printing onto fabric. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, our skilled instructors will guide you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you leave with a personalized tea towel that reflects your spooky style. All materials will be provided, just bring your imagination!
Pre-registration required 10 seats available BYOB permitted to guests 21 and over All sales final

Tom Turner/Joe Corsello Gallery Opening
2024-09-26 16:00 - 19:00 | Grundy County Historical Society Museum, 510 W. Illinois Ave., Morris, United States
Join us for the official opening of the Tom Turner/Joe Corsello Gallery.
Tom has donated approximately 150 pieces from his collection to the Museum. There are also painting from Joe Corsello.
The event is open to the public. There is no charge. Refreshments will be served.

Spooky Wood Burning Workshop
2024-09-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Open Space Art Gallery & Studios, 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, 61350, United States
In this workshop, you’ll craft a custom spooky decorative wood board using the art of pyrography. You’ll learn the basic techniques of decorative wood burning, which, although dating back centuries, can be expressed with fun, contemporary designs. Using a pen-like burning tool, you’ll work on small wood pieces to practice the basic technique. Next, you’ll move on to your masterpiece, etching a custom design (templates provided) onto a premium wood board. All supplies and equipment provided.
Pre-registration is required- sign up today! Ages: 10 and up | Instructor: Amanda Weygand Zehr

Breakfast with the Birds
2024-09-27 07:00 - 09:00 | Monee Reservoir, 27341 S. Ridgeland, Monee, 60449, United States
Start the day with a colorful display of red, yellow, blue and more. Monee Reservoir Visitor Center will open its doors early for bird viewing. A naturalist will offer bird information and identification as you enjoy a light continental breakfast provided for bird lovers. Sit on the patio or inside; both have a full view of the bird-feeding station. With a pastry in hand and eyes on the bird feeders, you can’t ask for a better morning. Fee: Free! Age: All ages. No registration required. The visitor center and patio are fully accessible. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should submit a request online no later than 48 hours before the program.

Recycle Your Bicycle
2024-09-27 08:00 - 19:00 | Monee Reservoir, 27341 S. Ridgeland, Monee, 60449, United States
Clean out the garage and make a difference by recycling your bicycle!
The Forest Preserve District is collecting for Working Bikes, an organization that refurbishes and distributes bikes locally and globally as tools of empowerment. No bike is too old or rusty! Fee: Free! Age: All ages. No registration is required. The bike drop is on the turf immediately off the paved parking lot. Sidewalks in the parking lot are accessible. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should submit a request online no later than 48 hours before the program.

Museum Campus Day
2024-09-27 10:00 - 16:00 | Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
Have you ever wondered what’s going on in our 18th-century Traders Cabin or wanted to peek inside the Native American longhouse above the pollinator garden?
This is your chance to explore all the buildings at Isle a la Cache Museum and learn about the Potawatomi and French fur traders who once called this area home. Drop in for a self-guided exploration during normal operating hours. Fee: Free! Age: All ages. No registration required. Indoor facilities are accessible; outdoor areas are accessible via paved and limestone trails. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should submit a request online no later than 48 hours before the program.

Historic Trolley Tour
2024-09-27 15:00 - 16:30 | Starved Rock Lodge & Convention Center, 2680 E. 875th Rd., Oglesby, 61348, United States

Scarecrow Fest
2024-09-28 10:00 - 19:00 | Downtown Ottawa, 223 W. Madison, Ottawa, 61350, United States
The long standing Ottawa Scarecrow Fest returns to Downtown Ottawa with activities for the entire family.
Stroll from Washington Park to the Jordan block visiting craft vendors, trying a great variety of food (including freshly made apple cider donuts!), and listening to live music. Plus, the kids can enjoy pumpkin painting and other free crafts, games, and fun entertainers before walking around to view this year’s Scarecrow Competition entries throughout Downtown! Don’t forget to stop in all the local shops along the way to check out all Ottawa has to offer.

Pelican Party
2024-09-28 11:00 - 15:00 | Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, 60410, United States
The migrating American white pelicans are coming in for a landing here at Four Rivers!
Enjoy seeing a pelican close up at one of the 45-minute live-bird presentations, scheduled for 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Meet naturalists at each of the pelican hotspots to observe these huge birds in the wild. Travel along interactive trails with games and activities for the whole family, including inflatable jousting to learn about the challenges of sibling rivalry and wetland hopscotch to discover the importance of forest preserves. Get your face painted with your favorite animal, grab lunch from the Tacos Maui food truck and enjoy free s’mores at the trailside campfire. Pelican Party is supported by Alliance Pipeline, a joint venture of Enbridge and Pembina, through the assistance of The Nature Foundation of Will County. Fee: Free! Age: All ages. No registration required. This is an inclusive event, welcoming individuals of all abilities. Four Rivers is a fully accessible facility. All trailside activities take place along a paved trail no longer than 2 miles. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should submit a request online no later than 48 hours before the program.

Franken-Fish Creations
2024-10-01 10:00 - 2024-10-31 16:00 | Hidden Lakes Historic Trout Farm, 475 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, 60440, United States
Create your own monster fish this spooky season.
Visit the Tackle Box bait shop to receive crayons and a fish in need of color and life. Then explore Hidden Lakes Trout Farm to find textures to add as well as challenges that may add a few more fins, eyes, teeth and other parts to your fish! Complete your Frankenstein-inspired fish and turn it into the bait shop to be displayed for a treat.
Fee: Free! Age: All ages.
No registration required.
Hidden Lakes Trout Farm has paved accessible trails leaving from the parking lot. The shoreline fishing area is on natural surfaces over uneven terrain. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should submit a request online

Spooky Scavenger Hunt at Four Rivers
2024-10-01 10:00 - 2024-10-31 16:00 | Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, 60410, United States
Wear your favorite costume and search for spooktacular items in the forest with your friends and family or scout group!
Some items may be natural, while other items may be SUPER-natural! Can you find them all as you meander through the forest?
Stop by Four Rivers Environmental Education Center to get your scavenger hunt then head out to test your searching skills. It will be a spooktacularly fun time!
Fee: Free! Age: All ages.
No registration required.
This is an inclusive program, welcoming individuals of all abilities. The hike will be approximately 0.5 mile on paved trails. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should submit a request online no later than 48 hours before the program.

Autumn on the River
2024-10-02 11:00 - 15:00 | Starved Rock Lodge & Convention Center, 2680 E. 875th Rd., Oglesby, 61348, United States
Tour begins with lunch at 11am in the historic dining room at the Lodge, followed by a narrated trolley tour with history and legends of the area. The trolley will then take you to the new river boat, The Eagle I where you will see the beautiful fall foliage of the Starved Rock State Park area by water. There are restrooms available throughout the tour and minimal walking is involved.
$60 adults, $55 children 10 and under.

October Poetry Writing Workshop
2024-10-02 17:00 - 20:00 | Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre, 201 W Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
There are 25 seats available on a first-come, first-serve basis, indoors. Ages 16+ Please bring your own notebook and pen. If you do not have the tools, they will be provided for you. Questions about the workshop can be directed to Uxmar: WriteWithUxmar@gmail.com.
Presented by Joliet’s first Poet Laureate: UXMAR TORRES!

The Reflections
2024-10-03 10:45 - 14:00 | Jacob Henry Mansion, 20 S. Eastern, Joliet, IL, 60433, United States
The New Reflections R&B Soul vocal group originated out of Chicago.
Their style and performance have electrified audiences all over the United States and over seas as well. With their Motown tribute to the Temptations and The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles they bring back all the wonderful times of the Motown legacy.
Lunch Entrée: Seasoned chicken breast served on a bed of fettuccine with alfredo sauce, served with steamed broccoli.
Cost: $60 per person.

Joliet Arsenal Museum Exhibit Opening
2024-10-03 17:30 - 20:00 | Joliet Area History Museum, 204 Ottawa St., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
The exhibit opening will be accompanied by a screening of a documentary film commissioned to commemorate the Arsenal’s history that has aired on WTTW.

Thrifted Ghost Painting
2024-10-03 18:00 - 19:30 | Open Space Art Gallery & Studios, 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, 61350, United States
Join us for a fun and spooky art class where we’ll transform ordinary thrifted paintings into haunting masterpieces!
In this class, you’ll learn how to creatively add ghostly figures, eerie details, and atmospheric effects to old or unwanted artwork, breathing new (after)life into them. No previous painting experience is required—just bring your imagination and a sense of humor! Whether you want to create something spooky for Halloween or just enjoy the thrill of upcycling, this class is perfect for all ages.
All necessary painting supplies (paints, brushes, etc.) provided – We will have various thrifted paintings available for you to choose from but if you have one you would prefer to use, bring it along!
Join us and make a one-of-a-kind, upcycled artwork to take home and scare your friends! BYOB for ages 21+ Preregistration Required

Historic Trolley Ride
2024-10-04 15:00 - 16:30 | Starved Rock Lodge & Convention Center, 2680 E. 875th Rd., Oglesby, 61348, United States
Relax and enjoy one of our various trolley tours!
Trolley transportation is included with every tour. It’s the perfect way to learn about the rich history of the Starved Rock area. Reservations are required. Book online or call our Activities Office at (815) 220-7386.
*Online bookings subject to additional fees and taxes.*

Halloween Welcome Mat Workshop
2024-10-04 17:30 - 20:30 | Open Space Art Gallery & Studios, 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, 61350, United States
Get ready for a frightfully fun evening of creativity and cocktails!
Join us for our Halloween Coir Run Painting Party, where the spirit of the season meets artistic flair. This event is perfect for adults who enjoy a good sip while unleashing their inner artist. We’ll provide high quality rugs and a variety of paint colors, brushes and stencils to help you create your own ghoulish design. From haunted houses to wicked witches, the designs are endless.
Grab your friends, put on your favorite costume, and come join us for a bewitching night of painting, sipping, and celebrating the spooky season! Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early for this frightfully fun event.
BYOB for ages 21+ Preregistration Required

Trick-or-Treat in the Woods: Isle a la Cache
2024-10-04 18:00 - 20:30, 2024-10-04 19:30 - 20:30 | Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
Experience the woods like never before!
Come dressed in costume and hike along a glowing trail to learn what goes bump in the woods at night. Visit spooky stations, but beware! Will tricks or treats await? Enjoy a crackling fire while roasting marshmallows for s’mores. This program is a night hike, not a parking lot trunk or treat.
Two sessions will be offered:
Session 1: 6-7 p.m.
Session 2: 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Fee: $5 per person. Age: All ages. (Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.)

Trick-or-Treat in the Woods: Goodenow Grove
2024-10-04 19:00 - 20:00 | Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, 27064 Dutton Rd., Beecher, 60401, United States
Experience the woods like never before!
Come dressed in costume and hike along a glowing trail to learn what goes bump in the woods at night. Visit spooky stations, but beware! Will tricks or treats await? Enjoy a crackling fire while roasting marshmallows for s’mores. This program is a night hike, not a parking lot trunk or treat.
Three sessions will be offered:
Session 1: 6-7 p.m.
Session 2: 7-8 p.m.
Session 3: 8-9 p.m.
Fee: $5 per person. Age: All ages. (Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.)

Fall Colors Hike
2024-10-05 10:00 - 11:30 | Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, 27064 Dutton Rd., Beecher, 60401, United States
Fall in the forest is an experience of the senses.
The air feels cool and crisp with hints of earthy smells. The trees are a collage of oranges, yellows and reds until their leaves turn brown, fall and become crunchy under your feet. Embrace these natural wonders as you join a naturalist for a guided hike along the trails of Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve. Engage your senses and mind while viewing the breathtaking colors and discussing the science behind what you’re experiencing.
Fee: Free! Age: All ages. Registration required by Friday, Oct. 4, by calling 708-946-2216. or online.

Lemont Fire District Open House
2024-10-05 11:00 - 14:00 | Lemont Fire Station 1, 15900 New Ave., Lemont, 60439, United States
Ladder Trucks, Fire Engines & Ambulances! Firefighter Paramedic Demonstrations and Displays!
Together with community partners we invite you to a day of safety kicking off Fire Prevention Week. This year’s Fire Prevention WeekTM (FPWTM) campaign, Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!, strives to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.

An Afternoon with Friends of Thorn Creek Woods
2024-10-05 13:00 - 15:00 | Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive, Park Forest, IL, United States
Join us for our annual meeting as we look back at the storied 55-year history of Friends of Thorn Creek Woods.
Naturalist April Richards will narrate a slide show identifying the movers and the shakers, the Herculean efforts and the milestones of this preservation work. President Penny Chamberlain will conduct a brief business meeting regarding current preservation efforts and the organization’s plans for the future. The afternoon will conclude with attendees sharing memories of how they first discovered Thorn Creek Woods and how they came to be a member of Friends. The event is open to the public and will be held at Park Forest Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive. It is sponsored by the Jim Marzuki Memorial Fund, established by Friends of Thorn Creek Woods to enhance public programming. Refreshments will be served. Fee: Free! Age: Ages 12 or older.

Harvest Fest
2024-10-05 15:00 - 18:00 | Centenniel Park – Lemont, 16028 W, 127th St., Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
Join the Lemont Park District for this fun, fall event!
Food vendors, beer tent, hayrides, pony rides and petting zoo, kid’s zone and activities, pie eating contest, band and more!

BYOB Nature Stories Around the Campfire
2024-10-05 18:30 - 20:30 | Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, 60410, United States
Do you have memorable, magical moments in nature that have inspired, amazed or surprised you?
Come celebrate National Storytelling Day with an evening campfire and the camaraderie of fellow nature lovers. Bring a camping chair, beverages (beer and wine only for alcoholic drinks) and a story to tell. You are also welcome to just come and listen. Upon registration, you will be given optional prompts, guidelines and qualifications to share your story. Fee: Free! Age: Ages 21 or older.
