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

Flashlight Tour of Old Joliet Prison!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.  

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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