Medium Michael Gourley
2025-03-19 11:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Jacob Henry Mansion, 20 S. Eastern, Joliet, IL, 60433, United States
Participate in a group reading by Psychic Medium Michael Gourley, one of the Top 10 Chicago Psychics.
Michael uses his gifts to deliver messages from loved ones in spirit and will deliver messages that come through for our guests. There may even be a message for you!
Lunch Entree: Jake’s Chicken Cordon Bleu – Grilled chicken breast served open with ham, cheese, and bearnaise sauce, served with a chef’s choice potato and steamed vegetable.
Price: $52 per guest

Take a Break with the Warblers (Zoom)
2025-03-20 12:00 - 12:45 | Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 419 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, 60440, United States
Need a break in your day? We are here for you! Grab your lunch and enjoy warblers with a naturalist.
After a long winter, spring is finally here, bringing warblers to our woods. The tricky thing is that most of them look very similar. Learn the subtle differences in appearances and calls of these little yellow birds. This is a beginner’s crash course going over the most likely suspects seen in the preserves.
Fee: Free! Age: Ages 10 and older. Registration required by Wednesday, March 19.
Go to link on reconnectwithnature.org.
The meeting ID and password for the Zoom session will be sent via email after registration.

Where the Wildflowers Are!
2025-03-20 17:30 - 19:00 | Raccoon Grove, 5851 W. Pauling rd., Monee, IL, 60449, United States
You won’t need to sail off through night and day or in and out of weeks. Will County is where the wildflowers are! Anemone, Dutchman’s breeches, trillium, hepatica – our wildflowers have stories to tell! Journey to Raccoon Grove, a top spot to seek wildflowers. Join a naturalist for a hike to find wildflowers and hear stories of how these beauties were named, their uses through time and other lore and legends.
These ephemeral blooms are beautiful but fleeting. Join us each month for more chapters in the everchanging tale of wildflowers as old ones fade and new ones bloom. Look for other preserves in this series or choose your own adventure. We invite you to visit the same preserve each month to see the changes unfold over time or mix it up and enjoy a different preserve for the full story of Will County wildflowers.
Fee: Free! Age: Ages 10 or older. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Registration required by Thursday, April 11, by calling 708-946-2216 or online. Raccoon Grove does not have bathroom facilities; please plan accordingly.
The trail is approximately 0.75 mile in length on natural surfaces with some hills. Spring rains can make the trail muddy; please dress with that in mind. 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.

Karaoke Night
2025-03-20 19:00 - 23:00, 2025-03-27 19:00 - 23:00, 2025-04-03 19:00 - 23:00 | The Twisted Pin, 15610 Joliet Rd., Plainfield, IL, 60544, United States
Join us for Karaoke with Host Joe Son!
Start your weekend on a high note – Food, Fun, Self Serve Beer Wall, Craft Cocktails & Giveaways!

Woodcock Walk
2025-03-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, 60410, United States
Demanding a romantic light, the male woodcock waits until dusk before performing his theatrical display.
The woodcock sky dance is quite a sight to see! We will start the evening learning about the American woodcock, then we’ll take a hike to see if we can catch a glimpse of the male courtship flight.
Fee: Free! Age: Ages 8 or older. Participants younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required by Thursday, March 20, by calling 815-722-9470 or online.
Be sure to dress for the weather as we will stand in place for a bit to listen for the calls and look for the flight of the woodcock. This is an inclusive program, welcoming individuals of all abilities. The hike will take place in low light at dusk. The hike will be 1 mile to 2 miles on paved trails and natural surfaces across uneven terrain. 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.

Early Bird Hike
2025-03-22 08:20 - 10:00 | Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, 27064 Dutton Rd., Beecher, 60401, United States
Spring is here, and it’s time for our early bird migrants to arrive! Join us at Plum Creek Nature Center first thing in the morning to see our visiting flyovers.
This location is a great stop for birds heading home for the nesting season. All birders are welcome, from beginners to seasoned veterans.
Fee: Free! Age: Ages 16 or older. Participants younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required by Thursday, March 20, by calling 708-946-2216 or online. Please dress for the weather.
Plum Creek Nature Center is an accessible facility. The hike will be no more than 1 mile on natural surface 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.

Junior Naturalist: Birds!
2025-03-22 10:30 - 12:00 | Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
There is a big, beautiful world of birds, and we are going to learn all about them!
Junior naturalists will learn about different species of birds found here in Will County, their calls, their adaptations and some clues to spotting them in the wild. Participants will play some games, get crafty and do some scientific work!
Fee: Free! Age: Ages 8-12. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required by Thursday, March 20, by calling 815-722-9301 or online.
Please note this is not a drop-off program; adults or chaperones do not need to register but must be present for the program. The program may include hiking less than 0.5 mile on preserve trails over uneven terrain. The 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.

Sustainable Gardening
2025-03-22 13:30 - 14:30 | Grundy County Historical Society Museum, 510 W. Illinois Ave., Morris, United States
Discover the joys of sustainable gardening, where you’ll discover easy and affordable methods to transform your home garden!
Learn about techniques for rain collection, composting, saving seeds and so much more!
Pearl will guide you through each step, ensuring you leave with the knowledge and confidence to cultivate a greener future.
Join us and become a part of our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Empower your gardening with eco-friendly practices and make a lasting impact on your world!
Presented by Pearl Carpenter owner of the Farmacy Farmstand, LLC.
Please register by calling 815-220-1848, extensions 1 or 2 or at the I&M Canal Visitors Center ~ Lock 16 Café.

Beach Boys Tribute - Sounds of Summer
2025-03-23 10:45 - 14:00 | Jacob Henry Mansion, 20 S. Eastern, Joliet, IL, 60433, United States
Sounds of Summer tells the story of America’s band – The Beach Boys.
These four incredibly talented performers have shared their love of the Beach Boys’ harmonies since 2015, giving audiences an authentic depiction of the 1960’s.
Lunch Entree: Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken – Chicken breast with with a sweet and tangy pineapple brown sugar sauce, accompanied with rice and green beans.
Price: $60 per guest

REMEMBER THE LADIES Series
2025-03-23 13:00 - 15:00 | I&M Canal Visitors Center, 754 First Street, LaSalle, IL, 61301, United States
Prairie Iron: The Remarkable Life of Pioneer Elsie Armstrong
In this emotionally charged presentation, storyteller Tricia Kelly becomes Elsie Armstrong—a mother and adventurer who relocated to Illinois in 1830 with her sons in tow. Her will knew no limits and her spiritual, physical, and emotional strength surpassed many of even the strongest male pioneers. The tales of her setbacks and triumphs will leave you in awe and a whole new respect for the early settlers of Illinois. Presented by Tricia Kelly, first person interpreter and famed storyteller.
REMEMBER THE LADIES Series Sundays at 1PM during the Month of March
Hosted at the I&M Canal Visitors Center 754 First St., LaSalle, IL 61301

Burton Cummings of the Original "The Guess Who" 60th Anniversary Hits Tour
2025-03-23 20:00 - 22:30 | Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, 60432, United States
As the VOICE of all the classic Guess Who hit songs, Burton has toured with his long-time band, for the past twenty-three years across North America as well as joining Randy Bachman onstage as Bachman Cummings, performing the songs from the original The Guess Who, Bachman-Turner Overdrive and Burton’s solo career.
Described as Canadian rock ‘n’ roll royalty, a national treasure, and a living legend, for Burton Cummings, there has always been one constant: he remains true to himself and his own way to rock…and continuing to perform the songs the way they were originally conceived by the artist who sang and wrote/co-wrote them.

I've Been to Dwight - the Story of the Keeley Cure
2025-03-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Grundy County Historical Society Museum, 510 W. Illinois Ave., Morris, United States
This program tells the story of the Keeley Institute and the Keeley Cure for Alcoholism, otherwise knows as the Double Chloride of Gold Cure for Addictions.
The presentation will tell the story of the Keeley Institute–from its beginnings in Dwight, through growth and franchising around the world, to the final days in Dwight and the lasting impact of the cure on addiction issues today.
Presenter: Dr. Lynn Bertino Neville.

Spring Break Staycation: Wetland Wonders
2025-03-26 10:30 - 12:00 | Plum Creek Nature Center in Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, 27064 Dutton Rd., Beecher, IL, 60401, United States
Include Plum Creek Nature Center in your spring break staycation plans!
Visit each day from Tuesday to Friday to join in a new adventure. Pack a picnic lunch and extend your day. Hidden beneath the surface of the pond is an abundance of life that awaits discovery. On Wednesday, we’ll dive in to learn about water as a resource and the importance of quality fresh water. Armed with nets and buckets, we’ll sample a wetland, identify aquatic invertebrates and draw conclusions from data.
Fee: Free! Age: Ages 5-12. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration required by Monday, March 24, by calling 708-946-2216 or online.
Plum Creek Nature Center is an accessible facility. Outdoor activities may take place on natural surfaces across uneven terrain. 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.

Plant Bingo
2025-03-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Rejuvenate – Plants & Wellness, 2212 Plainfield Rd., Crest Hill, IL, 60403, United States
Join us for Plant Bingo the last Wednesday of each month!
$30 buy in for 10 games, equaling $3.00 a game.
One card per person, per game!
3 FREE games after the initial 10!
Win Rare Plants, Hand-painted pots, Gift Certificates, Home Goods, Workshop Gift Certificates, Cool Stuff & MORE!
Bring your own beverages and snacks to enjoy while you play!
First game starts at 6:00pm each game day!
Limited spots available.
Please pre-register to claim your spot!
Whether you win or lose, everyone will walk out with a little something, something!
Come enjoy a fun night out!
Pre-Registration is required!
All tickets will be checked at the door!
Limited spots are available so please pre-register!

Spring Break Staycation: Pollination Pals
2025-03-27 10:30 - 12:00 | Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, 27064 Dutton Rd., Beecher, 60401, United States
Include Plum Creek Nature Center in your spring break staycation plans!
Visit each day from Tuesday to Friday to join in a new adventure. Pack a picnic lunch and extend your day. On Thursday we fly into the world of flowers and pollinators. Join a naturalist to explore the prairie and forest seeking pollinators and flowers to study. What better way to understand a pollinator than becoming one!
Fee: Free! Age: Ages 5-12. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration required by Tuesday, March 25, by calling 708-946-2216 or online.
Plum Creek Nature Center is an accessible facility. Outdoor activities may take place on natural surfaces across uneven terrain. 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.

The Four C Notes
2025-03-27 10:45 - 14:30 | Jacob Henry Mansion, 20 S. Eastern, Joliet, IL, 60433, United States
The Four C Notes were created by John Michael Coppola, known for his appearance in Chicago’s production of the Broadway hit, the Jersey Boys. The Four C Notes are the Midwest’s only tribute to the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons!
Price: $60 per guest. Lunch is included in the ticket price.

Wild Child on the Road: Hammel Woods
2025-03-28 10:00 - 11:00 | Hammel Woods, Black Rd. east of Rte 59, Shorewood, IL, 60404, United States
We are taking Wild Child on the road this season, visiting different preserves around Will County.
Answer the call of your wild child by getting outside with this monthly nature-themed program geared toward children ages 3 to 5. Join a naturalist for hands-on activities such as games, stories, crafts, hikes and more! The last Friday of each month we will have something new for you and your child to explore while getting a little dirt on those hands and knees.
Fee: Free! Age: Ages 3-5. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration required by Thursday, March 27, by calling 815-722-4121 or online.
Please register everyone in your group, children and adults. Dress accordingly and be prepared for all outdoor activities, as well as experiencing all weather types (rain, shine and even snow). Meet at Hidden Shelter at Hammel Woods — Route 59 Access.
Trails are on natural, uneven surfaces. 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.

Spring Break Staycation: Animal Adaptations
2025-03-28 10:30 - 12:00 | Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, 27064 Dutton Rd., Beecher, 60401, United States
Include Plum Creek Nature Center in your spring break staycation plans!
Visit each day from Tuesday to Friday to join in a new adventure. Pack a picnic lunch and extend your day. On Friday, it’s humans vs. wildlife in the challenge of survival. Led by a naturalist, become a mole, a spider, an opossum and other local wildlife to discover how adaptations help animals survive. Then compare your abilities with those of our wildlife to better understand and appreciate adaptive strengths.
Fee: Free! Age: Ages 5-12. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration required by Wednesday, March 26, by calling 708-946-2216 or online.
Plum Creek Nature Center is an accessible facility. Outdoor activities may take place on natural surfaces across uneven terrain. 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.

Family Fun Hike at Messenger Woods
2025-03-29 13:00 - 14:00 | Messenger Woods Nature Preserve, 13800 W. Bruce Rd., Homer Glen, IL, 60491, United States
Kick off spring break with outdoor family fun! Hike with a naturalist through the trees at Messenger Woods.
At designated stops along the way we’ll pause to try our hand at fun early-spring activities. We might investigate the creek, play animal Simon says, discover the age of a tree, listen to bird calls or play tug of war. We’ll take advantage of this amazing season.
Fee: Free! Age: All ages. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration required by Thursday, March 27, by calling 815-722-9301 or online.
This program is geared toward 6- to 10-year-olds, but the entire family is welcome. Please dress for any type of weather, including reliable hiking shoes. Meet at Hawthorne Grove Shelter. The outdoor hike will take place on natural surfaces across uneven terrain. Be prepared to walk up to 1.5 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.

History Series ~ Submarines Down the Illinois River by Joe Tokarz
2025-03-30 13:00 - 14:30 | I&M Canal Visitors Center, 754 First Street, LaSalle, IL, 61301, United States
I&M Canal Lecture March Series
Submarines Down the Illinois River by Joe Tokarz
Sunday, March 30th at 1PM during the Month of March
During World War 2, twenty-eight submarines were built in Wisconsin. Twenty-five went to war, but tragically, four never returned home. Join us to discover their remarkable journey from the prairie to the Pacific at “Submarines Down the Illinois River.”
Hosted at the I&M Canal Visitors Center 754 First St., LaSalle, IL 61301

Zero Waste Heroes
2025-03-30 14:00 - 15:30 | Sugar Creek Administration Center, 17540 W. Laraway Rd., Joliet, 60433, United States
Celebrate International Day of Zero Waste at the Forest Preserve District of Will County!
Learn how your everyday choices can — and do — make a big impact! See how small changes can make you a zero waste hero! This program will begin with a presentation followed by a gallery of zero waste swaps and conclude with a make-and-take gift for you to make your life a little greener.
Fee: Free! Age: Ages 13 and older. Registration required by Friday, March 28, by calling 815-722-4121 or online.
Sugar Creek Administration Center 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.

Bridges of Will County
2025-04-01 08:00 - 19:30 | Sugar Creek Administration Center, 17540 W. Laraway Rd., Joliet, 60433, United States
Our spring preserve challenge returns with the Bridges of Will County!
This ongoing Forest Preserve District of Will County program runs from Tuesday, April 1, to Monday, June 30.
This spring, adventure out to five select preserves and find your way to each bridge to earn a Forest Preserve canvas tote bag. To participate, download the Goosechase app and join the experience once it begins on April 1 then complete the Bridges of Will County missions between April 1 and June 30.Get in the spirit of the challenge and choose your own adventure by making your own route for a walk, hike, run, skate or ride to each bridge! Check in on the app while at each bridge location. Visit all five and you’ll be contacted via email to pick up your tote bag from one of our visitor centers in July. The five bridge locations are as follows: River bridge at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm at Hidden Oaks Preserve Big bridge at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve Swing bridge at Centennial Trail I&M Canal bridge at Lake Chaminwood Preserve Kankakee River bridge along the Wauponsee Glacial Trail at Forked Creek Preserve.

Smithsonian Gardens' "Pollination Investigation" Exhibit
2025-04-02 10:00 - 16:00 | Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
This ongoing program runs from Wednesday, April 2, to Sunday, June 22.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays. Pollinators are an essential part of the natural world.
One in three bites of food we eat depends on pollinators. From butterflies and bees to beetles and birds, many kinds of pollinators have evolved within their ecosystems by building unique relationships with plants. Smithsonian Gardens Pollination Investigation exhibit takes participants on an exploration of the who, what, when, where, why and how of pollination by interpreting the unique relationship between pollinators and flowers. Pollination Investigation was created by Smithsonian Gardens in collaboration with the National Museum of Natural History and made available by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. It is funded in part by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee.
This exhibit was made possible by The Nature Foundation of Will County.

Ocean's Rat Pack
2025-04-02 10:45 - 14:00 | Jacob Henry Mansion, 20 S. Eastern, Joliet, IL, 60433, United States
Ocean’s Rat Pack is the ultimate tribute to the music of Dean Martin, by Tony Ocean, Frank Sinatra, by Bill Serritella, and Sammy Davis Jr., by Elliot Wimbush. Enjoy their authentic performances that prove that these classics will never go out of style.
Lunch Entree: Pork Chop – BBQ Glazed Pork Chop served with chefs choice potato and vegetable. Price: $60 per guest

Lucille Ball Portrayal
2025-04-03 10:30 - 14:00 | Jacob Henry Mansion, 20 S. Eastern, Joliet, IL, 60433, United States
In the 1950’s, actress and comedienne Lucille Ball captured the hearts of television viewers across the nation, while her production company brought new innovations off screen. You won’t want to miss this portrayal by historian Leslie Goddard.
Lunch Entree: Chicken Apricot – Seasoned breast of chicken dressed with a delicate apricot sauce served on a bed of wild rice and chefs choice vegetable. Price: $50 per guest.

Rough Road 100
2025-04-05 08:00 - 13:00 | Downtown Morris, 111 E. Washington St., Morris, IL, 60450, United States
The Rough Road 100 Spring Classic returns to the region April 5th.
The ride draws hundreds of cycling enthusiasts to Morris, where the race will start and finish Downtown. Morris Retail Association member stores and restaurants are ready to welcome participants with special discounts. The race benefits We Care of Grundy County Inc.

Fishing for Trash
2025-04-05 08:00 - 18:00 | Hidden Lakes Historic Trout Farm, 475 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, 60440, United States
This ongoing event will be held Saturdays and Sundays from April 5 to April 27.
Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. To celebrate Earth Month, do a little bit to help your mother (Earth)!
Staff at The Tackle Box bait shop at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm will provide a bucket and picker to help you do your part. Pick up litter around the forest preserve to contribute to a cleaner environment and earn a gift!
We will have ice cream and other sweet treats on hand for your choosing.
Everyone who participates in the cleanup efforts will receive a treat.
Remember: A clean Hidden Lakes is a happy Hidden Lakes!

IN - Introduction to Lacemaking
2025-04-05 09:00 - 12:00 | Hegeler Carus Mansion, 1307 7th St., LaSalle, 61301, United States
Introduction to Lace Making Workshop
April 5th, 9am-12pm | Open Court Office (Ground Floor) at the Hegeler Carus Mansion
Cost: $65 for new participants; $55 for returning participants. For New Students: What to bring: Bring yourself and your desire to learn this lost art form, and well supply the rest. What is provided: A lacing kit of a 18×20 foam board, bobbins for the project, pins, pincushion, thread, pattern and a handout. For Returning Students: What to bring: Bring back the supplies handed out from first class (lace pillow, bobbins).What is provided: Bobbins needed to catch up with and the pricking and paperwork for it. Learn the lost art of Bobbin Lacemaking with Donna, a seasoned lace artist that has been working in lace for over 20 years providing demos and classes, and a member of the Lacemakers and Collectors Exchange. In this 3-hour class you will learn the fundamentals of lacemaking while creating a small project. At the end of the class, you will have all of the essential supplies and knowledge needed to lace whatever your heart desires!! https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML7ZHXZ6B7FMC/checkout/DKNKMZ33CHCT65YE7BSAT6ZA
