Take it Outside Hike: Wauponsee Walk
2024-09-08 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Sugar Creek Administration Center, 17540 W. Laraway Rd., Joliet, 60433, United States
Join the fun and join the Goosechase! The Take It Outside challenge took Will County by storm in 2023, and all our favorite Goosechasers are welcome back along with new friends for our 2024 challenges! Come out for a seasonal hike for each of this year’s campaigns to connect with your fellow challenge participants while collecting points and some tips and tricks along the way, followed by some time to connect and share stories from the experience. Stay tuned to the event calendar for more Take It Outside hikes this year, one in each season. Fee: Free! Age: All ages. Registration required by Saturday, Sept. 7, by calling 815-727-8700 or online: The Wauponsee Walk meets at Sugar Creek Preserve in Joliet. Parking and the trail are accessible. The hike will be 2 miles over paved and natural 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.

Waterfowl Cruise
2024-09-08 13:00 - 14:00 | Starved Rock Lodge & Convention Center, 2680 E. 875th Rd., Oglesby, 61348, United States
Board a trolley outside of the Great Hall of the Lodge. The Trolley takes you to the Eagle 1 to enjoy an hour long boat ride where you will get to spy the Waterfowl of the Illinois River. The trolley will return you to the Lodge. Reservations required.

Land & Water Cruise
2024-09-09 11:00 - 15:00, 2024-09-11 11:00 - 15:00, 2024-09-13 11:30 - 15:00 | Starved Rock Lodge & Convention Center, 2680 E. 875th Rd., Oglesby, 61348, United States
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 tour and minimal walking is involved. Both the trolley and boat are wheelchair accessible. Please inform us when booking if special accommodations are needed.

A Blast from the Past - Helen Russel
2024-09-09 11:30 - 14:30 | Starved Rock Lodge & Convention Center, 2680 E. 875th Rd., Oglesby, 61348, United States
This new show is a great mix of songs from Country, Rock & Roll and Bluegrass! All songs are very recognizable! Sing along with many of the songs as they bring back great memories and fun times! Audience participation to Shake their Tailfeathers as well as other a few impersonations thrown in with guests like James Brown, Tanya Tucker and more!

Historic Trolley Tour
2024-09-11 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.

Fall Scramble Warbirds & RC Flyers Airshow
2024-09-12 09:00 - 16:00 | Streator RC Flyers Field, 1248 E. 15th Rd., Streatir, IL, 61364, United States
Warbird planes flying across the skies.
Come see what model planes can do in Streator.

The Prison After Dark - Guided Tour
2024-09-12 18:30 - 20:00 | Old Joliet Prison, 1125 Collins St., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
The truth about Old Joliet Prison is scarier than fiction! Learn about the dark history of Old Joliet Prison. Guided night tours take place at 6:30 pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights through the end of September.

Think & Drink: Freedom Seekers and the Underground Railroad in Northeastern Illinois
2024-09-12 19:00 - 20:00 | Gaylord Building, Lockport, 200 W. 8th Street, Lockport, IL, 60441, United States
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 the I&M Canal.

Old Joliet Prison Flashlight Tour
2024-09-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Old Joliet Prison, 1125 Collins St., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Flashlight Tour of Old Joliet Prison!

Old Joliet Prison Flashlight Tours
2024-09-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Old Joliet Prison, 1125 Collins St., Joliet, IL, 60432, United States
Flashlight tours are BACK!
Starting at 7pm, you can explore the site on your own! Each guest will receive a flashlight to guide their way through the prison. Informational signs are stationed throughout the grounds providing historical information and photos. Last entrance 9pm. Book your tickets at https://www.jolietprison.org/about-our-tours/!

A River thru History - School Day
2024-09-13 09:30 - 14:00 | Columbia Woods Forest Preserve, Willow Springs Rd. & Corcoran Rd., Willow Springs, IL, 60480, United States
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 and demonstrators. The students, parents and teachers will be immersed in a rich discussion of history, social customs, and the skills and items that were necessary to survive on the frontier. The time period we encompass with the Rendezvous is from the period of early exploration, through the fur-trade era, to the early colonization of our area, approximately 1660 to 1848. This material is appropriate for most 4th, 5th and 6th grade classes studying American and local history. Our capacity is limited so participation in “Student Day” is by invitation only. We continue to direct our focus toward making this a truly educational event.
All students attending our School Day are free, including chaperones and teachers. We are proud to offer such a rich educational experience at no cost to area schools. Our Rendezvous is run by a non-profit organization and committee of volunteers; a suggested donation of $3 per person would be greatly appreciated from those who are able.
Each student will be given one free “student” pass so that they may return with their families on Saturday or Sunday when the Rendezvous is open to the general public.
If you have questions, please call Mark Bosse at 708-243-8956.

BBQ-N-Blues LaSalle
2024-09-13 16:00 - 22:00 | LaSalle, IL, United States
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 6:00 pm and the winner announced at 8:00 pm. Enjoy some of area’s best blues bands and don’t forget to grab some legendary BBQ! Free admission and free parking on all City streets and lots.

A River thru History
2024-09-14 10:00 - 17:00 | Columbia Woods Forest Preserve, Willow Springs Rd. & Corcoran Rd., Willow Springs, IL, 60480, United States
A River Thru History is an early American party with all the trimmings!
Join this festive gathering of fur trappers, settlers, craftsmen, and entertainers along the banks of the Des Plaines River.
Mission Statement: A River Thru History is a living history reenactment of early American life, as it was on the Illinois frontier prior to 1848, with emphasis on our local history from the fur trade era to the canal era. The goal of this rendezvous is to be the premier event of this type in this area by creating an exciting, entertaining and educational experience for all ages. To this end, we strive to create a better understanding and appreciation of our history by allowing the public and the reenactors to mingle, both as witnesses and participants, in our event. Finally, we seek to have the most authentic and highest quality reenactors and trade goods to represent our vision of the rendezvous. This is consistent with the overall goal of the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor Civic Center Authority, which is to promote and enhance the historic, recreational and economic development of this new style National Park.
Parking at nearby UPS facility 7811 Willow Springs Road, Hodgkins IL
Teachers – bring your 4th, 5th, or 6th grade class to our “School Day“!

Sweets & Savory Crawl
2024-09-15 11:00 - 15:00 | City of Lockport
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 spot at 11+ Lockport restaurants serving menu item samples
Lockport Restaurant Route & Photo Scavenger Hunt Map & lanyard punch card
Activities & entertainment throughout the crawl
2024 Sweets & Savory T-shirt

Note: When selecting tickets, ticket purchasers choose from Route A or Route B. Both Routes contain different restaurants with similar offerings including candy, ice cream, Italian, Mexican, Pub/Grill, baked goods & alcohol. See “Ticket Description” on universe.com for the restaurant listing per route. Restaurants are subject to change without notice.
**Ticket holders must pick up their event packet before Sunday, September 15th. Tickets must be presented to receive your Sweet & Savory Event Packet and T-shirt.**
Packet pick-up dates and times are listed below.
City of Lockport, 222 E. 9th Street, Lockport, 3rd floor
Wednesday, September 11th: 2p-6p
Thursday, September 12th: 9a-4p
Friday, September 13th: 9a-3p
Sunday, September 15th: 10am-11am
*Only one member of your party needs to pick up, but must present the tickets for all included in the party.
Support local businesses! Ticket proceeds go back to participating restaurants.
Questions? Please contact Allison Cann, acann@lockport.org or 815-838-0549 ext. 2101

26th Annual Prairie Day
2024-09-21 10:00 - 15:00 | Goose Lake Prairie Park
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 DiNazo’s Traveling World of Reptiles
Illinois Storm Chasers
Prairie Wagon Rides
Urban Fisheries Clinic
A Raffle for the Insects

Recycle your Bicycle
2024-09-24 08:00 - 19:00, 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.

Indige-Facts Traveling Museum
2024-09-24 10:00 - 16:00 | 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.

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.
