Hayride of Horror & The Curse of the Bayou
2024-10-18 19:00 - 22:00, 2024-10-19 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Chicago) | Dellwood Park, Woods Drive, Lockport, 60441, United States
Explore the most haunted place in Lockport with two thrilling attractions: Hayride of Horror and the Curse of the Bayou!
Fridays & Saturdays | 7 PM – 10 PM | In October (October 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26)
Last 2 Sundays (October 20 & 27) | 6 PM – 9 PM
• Hayride of Horror: Ride through the heart of Dellwood Park while the spirits of the long-forgotten welcome you home. Dark and mysterious forces will play with your imagination as our creatures inspire fear. Eerie movies will air on our 20-foot outdoor movie screen while you await your Hayride of Horror, and our bonfire will warm you while keeping the evil from incinerating your soul.
• Curse of the Bayou: Are you one of the brave souls to seek out the underground of Dellwood Park? We dare you to attempt the Curse of the Bayou. This haunted attraction has been hidden in the canyons below the Hayride of Horror. The veil between the living and the dead has been lifted, and a powerful Voodoo Priestess has been called forth from her home in the swamps. She commands a legion of fiendish monsters to assist her so that she may stay in this realm, wreaking havoc. Do you carry the still beating heart she yearns for? You must navigate the treacherous maze to escape, or risk being her next victim. The Curse of the Bayou is not recommended for young children. Parental guidance is suggested. This is a walking attraction with an uneven trail, tight corners, low ceilings, strobe lighting, fog and loud noises.
Ticket Prices:

$15 for one attraction
$25 for both attractions
$35 Speed Pass for both attractions Last ticket sold at 10 PM.

Cash or Credit.
Line entertainment will keep you both terrified and delighted.
Food and drinks available for purchase.
For more information visit lockportpark.org to Purchase tickets Private rentals and Group Discounts Available. Sponsored by CITGO.

Historical Walk-a-Thon Along the I&M Canal Towpath
2024-10-19 09:00 - 12:00 | 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, grundyhistory@att.net, or at The Grundy County Historical Society. You must register prior to September 19 for a shirt.

Hofmann Dam River Rats Present Their Annual Fall Clean-Up
2024-10-19 09:00 - 12:00 | Hofmann Dam, 3910 Barrypoint Rd., Lyons, IL, 60534, United States
Meet in the forest preserve area east of the Barrypoint Bridge and the Hofmann Tower. Bring your kids, parents, neighbors and friends! We accept AND recycle aluminum cans to raise money for future cleanups and events. Refreshments will be served. Bags and poker sticks will be provided by the Cook County Forest Preserve District. Wear long pants, sleeves and sturdy shoes.
For more information contact:
Steve Marcus (847) 224-5590
Bob Bezouska (872) 239-0323
Ken Sherrier (224) 808-1764
The Hofmann Dam River Rats is a registered 501(c) 3 charitable organization and will sign off on Community Service Hours.

Hemingway Early Adventure Historic Marker Dedication
2024-10-19 14:00 - 15:00 | Hemingway Marker, 100 E. Canal Ave., Ottawa, IL, 61350, United States
In April 1917, during their senior year spring break at Oak Park-River Forest High School, classmates Ernest Hemingway and Ray Ohlsen embarked on a trip mostly by canoe to Starved Rock State Park in La Salle County.
In commemoration of Hemingway’s 125th anniversary, an Illinois State Historical Society metal marker will be unveiled at a dedication ceremony at the spot where he and Ohslon arrived in Ottawa by canoe on the Illinois and Michigan Canal before finishing their journey on foot.
Speakers will include Ohlsen’s grandson Andy Raw and Chet Wold of the Illinois State Historical Society.
The adjacent I&M Canal Collector’s Office will be open for viewing before and after the dedication.
Sponsored by the Ottawa Historic Preservation Commission.

A Victorian Haunting
2024-10-19 16:00 - 20:00 | Saffron Bazaar, 1409 LaSalle St., Ottawa, 61350, United States
Get Your Tickets Now for A Victorian Haunting: A Taste of Ottawa and Its Spirits!
Step into a world of mystery and delight on October 19, 2024, as the Ottawa Downtown Association presents an unforgettable evening with A Victorian Haunting: A Taste of Ottawa and Its Spirits. Secure your tickets today for a night filled with exquisite food, tantalizing drinks, and exclusive experiences that will leave you spellbound.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Event: -5 Chef-Curated Appetizers Indulge in a culinary adventure with five mouth-watering appetizers, crafted by Ottawa’s top chefs. Each bite showcases the finest ingredients and culinary creativity, making this a gourmet experience you won’t forget.
-2 Hand-Crafted Cocktails Savor the artistry of Ottawa’s best mixologists with two exquisite hand-crafted cocktails. These drinks are specially designed to complement the evening’s Victorian theme, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to your night.
Exclusive Access to the Historic Reddick Mansion Gain exclusive entry to the Reddick Mansion, one of Ottawa’s most iconic landmarks. Explore its stunning architecture and rich history while enjoying special presentations and ghostly tales that bring the past to life! Trust us, you’ve never experienced the Mansion like you will during A Victorian Haunting!
Entry into the Costume Contest Put on your best Victorian or Halloween costume and join in the fun! Our costume contest offers a chance to win fantastic prizes while showing off your creativity and style. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the evening’s theme. Dress as your favorite Bridgerton character, Dracula, Dr. Jeckyll, Frankenstein, or whatever your imagination can create.
Victorian Parlor Activities Wander through downtown Ottawa and discover a variety of Victorian parlor activities hosted by local businesses. These engaging activities will transport you back in time and provide endless entertainment throughout the night. Palm reading, reiki, tarot, ghostly tales, and more!
Plus so much more! New events and activities are being added to enhance your immersive experience!
Don’t Miss Out! Tickets are selling fast, so don’t wait! Purchase your tickets now and be part of an extraordinary evening that celebrates the best of Ottawa’s culinary scene, rich history, and vibrant community.
Ticket Information:
Date: October 19, 2024 Time: 4-8 PM
Ticket Pickup: Starting at 4 pm at Saffron Bazaar Location: Various historic sites in downtown Ottawa 21+ Must show ID at check-in.

Hayride of Horror & The Curse of the Bayou
2024-10-20 18:00 - 21:00 | Dellwood Park, Woods Drive, Lockport, 60441, United States
Explore the most haunted place in Lockport with two thrilling attractions: Hayride of Horror and the Curse of the Bayou!
Fridays & Saturdays | 7 PM – 10 PM | In October (October 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26)
Last 2 Sundays (October 20 & 27) | 6 PM – 9 PM

Hayride of Horror: Ride through the heart of Dellwood Park while the spirits of the long-forgotten welcome you home. Dark and mysterious forces will play with your imagination as our creatures inspire fear. Eerie movies will air on our 20-foot outdoor movie screen while you await your Hayride of Horror, and our bonfire will warm you while keeping the evil from incinerating your soul.
Curse of the Bayou: Are you one of the brave souls to seek out the underground of Dellwood Park? We dare you to attempt the Curse of the Bayou. This haunted attraction has been hidden in the canyons below the Hayride of Horror. The veil between the living and the dead has been lifted, and a powerful Voodoo Priestess has been called forth from her home in the swamps. She commands a legion of fiendish monsters to assist her so that she may stay in this realm, wreaking havoc. Do you carry the still beating heart she yearns for? You must navigate the treacherous maze to escape, or risk being her next victim. The Curse of the Bayou is not recommended for young children. Parental guidance is suggested. This is a walking attraction with an uneven trail, tight corners, low ceilings, strobe lighting, fog and loud noises.

Ticket Prices:

$15 for one attraction
$25 for both attractions
$35 Speed Pass for both attractions Last ticket sold at 10 PM.

Cash or Credit.
Line entertainment will keep you both terrified and delighted.
Food and drinks available for purchase.
For more information visit lockportpark.org to Purchase tickets Private rentals and Group Discounts Available. Sponsored by CITGO.

LOST AND FOUND: REMNANTS OF SAVANNAS AND OLD-GROWTH FORESTS
2024-10-22 10:00 - 16:00 | Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, 60410, United States
This ongoing program runs from Tuesday, Oct. 15 to Sunday, Dec. 29.
Hours:

Tuesdays to Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sundays: Noon to 4 p.m..

This traveling exhibition presents the work of landscape photographer Miles Lowry. Through remarkable photographs, Lowry captures the grace and grandeur in what remains of the vast forests and savannas that once covered the eastern half of the United States. Since 2001, he has searched out and documented restored savannas and pockets of old-growth forests, focusing attention on these now-rare landscapes. His images are often presented as constructed panoramas — several square images combined into one multiple-framed composition.
The Lost and Found exhibition is brought to you through the generous support of The Nature Foundation of Will County.
Fee: Free! Age: All ages. No registration required.
This exhibit is fully inclusive, welcoming individuals of all abilities. Four Rivers 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

Fishing for Trash
2024-10-22 10:00 - 16:00 | Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 419 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook, IL, 60440, United States
Pick up some dirty tricks to earn some treats!
Help Hidden Lakes Trout Farm look its best by picking up litter in the preserve. Fishing line and other debris pose serious threats to our furry and feathered friends. Animals may become entangled in fishing line or swallow hooks or bits of plastic. Check in with the front desk for a bucket and grabbers. Fill the bucket and return it to earn a treat from the Tackle Box.
Fee: Free! Age: All ages. No registration required.
Hidden Lakes Trout Farm has paved accessible trails from the parking lot. 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.

Indige-Facts Traveling Exhibit
2024-10-22 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-10-23 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-10-24 10:00 - 16:00 | Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
This ongoing program runs from Saturday, Sept. 21, to Sunday, Dec. 8.
Museum hours are:

Tuesdays to Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sundays Noon to 4 p.m.

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.

Garden Walk Series: Fall Autumn Walk
2024-10-22 16:30 - 17:30 | Hornbaker Gardens, 22937 County Rd. 1140 N, Princeton, IL, 61356, United States
Join us for a journey through the seasons!
We are excited to offer 4 garden walks to showcase the gardens throughout the year. All Garden Walks are free to attend. Participate in all four walks to be entered to win a $75 gift card to use in 2025!
Here’s your chance to enjoy our fall color at its peak! After we close for the season, Dave will lead an exclusive tour of our favorite fall foliage. Participants will have the chance to purchase remaining trees or make pre-orders for 2025!

Antique Quilts
2024-10-22 19:00 - 20:30 | Grundy County Historical Society Museum, 510 W. Illinois Ave., Morris, United States
Marion Gore, former Board president, will display and provide a brief history about some of the antique quilts at the Museum.
There will also be an appraiser at the program, so if you have an antique quilt that you would like to learn more about, please bring it in. Please let us know in advance if you want to talk to the appraiser so we can ensure enough time is secured with her.

Rec Bike Club: Messenger Marsh
2024-10-23 15:00 - 17:00 | Messenger Woods Nature Preserve, 13800 W. Bruce Rd., Homer Glen, IL, 60491, United States
Join our recreation coordinator on the trail for some bike rides this fall!
Meet at Messenger Marsh in Homer Glen for a 5-mile ride at a comfortable group pace. Register and complete all six Rec Bike Club rides in this series and receive a commemorative shirt.
Fee: Free! Age: Ages 16 and older.
Registration required by Tuesday, Oct. 22, by calling 815-727-8700 or online.
A bicycle and helmet are required for each participant.
The trail is crushed limestone. 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.

Take it Outside Meetup
2024-10-23 17:00 - 18:00 | Hammel Woods, Black Rd. east of Rte 59, Shorewood, IL, 60404, United States
Looking for a way to connect with fellow Goose chasers?
Join us for this meetup to get to know other Take It Outside challenge participants and maybe even complete some missions together. Stop by the shelter to let us know what you’re enjoying about the challenge and meet other Goosechasers then set out on an adventure of your own.
This is not an interpretive hike. Forest Preserve staff will be on hand to answer questions and troubleshoot for challenge participants. Those who attend are welcome to hit the trails with others to complete missions and make plans to meet up for future Take It Outside outings. We will meet up rain or shine; if the meetup must be canceled due to severe weather, a message will be sent to participants via the Goosechase app.
Fee: Free! Age: All ages. No registration required. Meet at Hidden Shelter at Hammel Woods — Route 59 Access.
The parking lot and shelter area are accessible. Preserve trails are on paved surfaces over 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.

Haunted Objects Live
2024-10-23 19:30 - 21:30 | Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, 60432, United States
Haunted Objects Live! Chilling, True Tales from the Newkirk Museum of the Paranormal
Are you ready to uncover the chilling true stories behind the world’s most haunted objects? Join Greg and Dana Newkirk (Travel Channel’s Kindred Spirits, Amazon Prime’s Hellier) for an interactive presentation that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
As two of the world’s only full-time paranormal investigators, the Newkirks have spent their lives collecting and caring for cursed artifacts, possessed dolls, and other creepy artifacts said to display supernatural activity. Now you can experience their spine-tingling true tales yourself!
During this presentation, the Newkirks will take you on a journey through history, folklore, and true-life accounts of encounters with objects that seem to possess a life of their own. Learn the untold truth about famous cursed objects like the Crying Boy Painting, discover why the Dybbuk Box is scarier than the demon it’s rumored to imprison and tag along as Greg & Dana reveal how they broke the curse of the Catskills Crone! You’ll even have the opportunity to help the Newkirks create a new haunted artifact, live and in person, with just the power of your mind!
This interactive stage presentation is a must-see event for anyone interested in the paranormal, history, or just looking for a good scare!
TERRIFYING TRUE TALES INCLUDE:
• THE CRACKING MAN: a mysterious clown doll behind ghostly sightings of an eyeless, mummified corpse! • THE CRYING BOY: a legendary cursed painting believed to have sparked dozens of mysterious house fires throughout Britain! • THE CRONE: a strange carving that appears to have caused terrible luck for the hikers who stole it from a cave! • THE DYBBUK BOX: blamed for terrible tragedies, this sealed container holds something scarier than a demon! • THE DARK MIRROR: this ritual mirror reflects the darkest fears of those who dare to gaze into its inky depths! • AND MORE SURPRISES!
Tickets: $49, $39, $34, $29 (additional fees may apply).

Trick-or-Treat with Downtown Merchants
2024-10-24 17:00 - 19:00 | Downtown Morris, 111 E. Washington St., Morris, IL, 60450, United States
Business’ that are participating will be staying open late to pass out candy!

Wild Child on the Road: Hammel Woods
2024-10-25 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 your toddler outside with this monthly nature-themed program. 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 Wednesday, Oct. 23, by calling 815-727-8700 or online.
Please register everyone in your group, both children and adults.
Dress accordingly, and be prepared for all outdoor activities as well as experiencing all weather types (rain, shine and even snow). 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.

Lost & Found: Mushroom Wounders
2024-10-25 10:00 - 11:30 | Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 S Walnut Ln., Channahon, IL, 60410, United States
Feeding wildlife, cycling nutrients, reducing pollution and facilitating tree communication.
Those are a few of the amazing contributions fungus gives to its environment. Come to Four River to learn more about the incredible fungus in the forest. Walk the trails in search of these living organisms and join us indoors afterward to experience the Lost & Found traveling exhibit on loan from the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Fee: Free! Age: All ages. Registration required by Thursday, Oct. 24, by calling 815-722-9470 or online.
Please dress for the weather. This is an inclusive program, welcoming individual of all abilities. The hike will be up to 1.5 miles long on paved and natural 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.

Indige-Facts Traveling Exhibit it
2024-10-25 10:00 - 16:00 | Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States

Witches Night Out - Morris
2024-10-25 16:00 - 21:00 | Downtown Morris, 111 E. Washington St., Morris, IL, 60450, United States
Prepare yourselves for a witchy night out in historic downtown Morris.
Our annual costume contest will be bigger and better as Morris transforms with a touch of magic for the perfect night out with potions, treats & shopping.
Start planning those costumes now!
This years costume contest will be held at the Eagles, 120 Liberty Street.
Registration begins at 7:30 and contest starts at 8!

Yarn Wrapped Basket Workshop
2024-10-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Open Space Art Gallery & Studios, 223 W. Madison St., Ottawa, 61350, United States
Join us for an evening of basket making using the yarn wrap technique.
This workshop is for all skill levels age 10 and up.
There will be several color options to choose from and all supplies are included in the cost.

Hocus Pocus at the Old Stone Church
2024-10-25 18:00 - 22:00 | The Old Stone Church, 306 Lemont Street, Lemont, IL, 60439, United States
Get ready to be spellbound and enchanted as we bring you a bewitching movie events at the historic Old Stone Church (306 Lemont St).
It’s a celebration of all things magical, featuring two enchanting screenings that will leave you in awe!
Friday, October 25th – Hocus Pocus 2
Movie Starts at 7:00 PM (Doors Open at 6:30 PM)
Join us for the highly anticipated sequel, Hocus Pocus 2, where the magic continues!
Prepare for more laughs, more mischief, and more Sanderson Sisters.
It’s a night of double, double, toil, and trouble that you won’t want to miss!

Moonlight Masquerade
2024-10-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Plum Creek Nature Center in Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, 27064 Dutton Rd., Beecher, IL, 60401, United States
It’s time for the adults to take back Halloween!
Come dressed in costume and hike along a glowing night trail. Experience the darker side of nature through games and challenges that put the creepy in creepy crawlies. Treats await those who dare to have some fun. Enjoy the beverage of your choice (BYOB) by a fire while roasting hotdogs and marshmallows. For alcoholic beverages, please bring beer and wine only.
Fee: $5 per person. Age: Ages 21 and older.
Registration required by Tuesday, Oct. 22, by calling 708-946-2216 or online.
Be prepared to hike up to 1.5 miles in the dark along a natural surface trail with 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.

Hayride of Horror & Curse of The Bayou
2024-10-25 19:00 - 22:00 | Dellwood Park, Woods Drive, Lockport, 60441, United States
Explore the most haunted place in Lockport with two thrilling attractions: Hayride of Horror and the Curse of the Bayou!
Fridays & Saturdays | 7 PM – 10 PM | In October (October 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26)
Last 2 Sundays (October 20 & 27) | 6 PM – 9 PM
• Hayride of Horror: Ride through the heart of Dellwood Park while the spirits of the long-forgotten welcome you home. Dark and mysterious forces will play with your imagination as our creatures inspire fear. Eerie movies will air on our 20-foot outdoor movie screen while you await your Hayride of Horror, and our bonfire will warm you while keeping the evil from incinerating your soul.
• Curse of the Bayou: Are you one of the brave souls to seek out the underground of Dellwood Park? We dare you to attempt the Curse of the Bayou. This haunted attraction has been hidden in the canyons below the Hayride of Horror. The veil between the living and the dead has been lifted, and a powerful Voodoo Priestess has been called forth from her home in the swamps. She commands a legion of fiendish monsters to assist her so that she may stay in this realm, wreaking havoc. Do you carry the still beating heart she yearns for? You must navigate the treacherous maze to escape, or risk being her next victim. The Curse of the Bayou is not recommended for young children. Parental guidance is suggested. This is a walking attraction with an uneven trail, tight corners, low ceilings, strobe lighting, fog and loud noises.
Ticket Prices:
• $15 for one attraction
• $25 for both attractions
• $35 Speed Pass for both attractions
Last ticket sold at 10 PM. Cash or Credit.
Line entertainment will keep you both terrified and delighted. Food and drinks available for purchase.
For more information visit lockportpark.org to Purchase tickets Private rentals and Group Discounts Available. Sponsored by CITGO.

Downtown Ottawa Halloween Parade & Trick-or-Treating
2024-10-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Downtown Ottawa, 223 W. Madison, Ottawa, 61350, United States
The 2nd annual downtown Ottawa Halloween Parade is coming back on October 26th!
Join us as we haunt our way down LaSalle St. from Washington Park to Jordan Block with the spooky train and its conductor in tow. Anyone can join the parade (businesses, organizations, families) –
just go to Halloween Parade Registration to sign up!
No fee to participate.
We are also bringing back downtown trick or treating!
You can start trick or treating at the stores at 10:00am.
The parade kicks off at 11:30am.
There will also be a Trunk or Treat from Floret Events down at Court Street at noon.
So much to do- a great day to have fun in your costume!

Tully Monster Festival
2024-10-26 10:00 - 16:00 | Downtown Morris, 111 E. Washington St., Morris, IL, 60450, 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.

Museum Campus Day - Isle a la Cache
2024-10-26 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.

Indige-Facts
2024-10-26 10:00 - 16:00 | Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
