Come see the behind-the-scenes workings of agricultural sites in the I&M Canal National Heritage Area while discovering the rich history of our region. Hop in the car for this self-guided driving tour that will enable you to explore our area’s barns, livestock, silos and curiosities in a
Richard Joyce is a retired educator who has been researching northern Illinois coal miners and their communities for decades. He recently published a book on Spring Valley that covers the town's origin and early decades as a mining center. He will speak about the town's labor-management struggles,
I&M Canal Lecture March Series Author and historian Dick Joyce Lecture Series Sundays at 1PM during the Month of March Richard Joyce is a retired educator who has been researching northern Illinois coal miners and their communities for decades. He recently published a book on Spring Valley
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
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
"Irish Need Not Apply" REMEMBER THE LADIES Series Sundays at 1PM during the Month of March Presented by Tricia Kelly, first person interpreter and famed storyteller What was life like for Irish women living in America during the 19th century? What obstacles did they have to face,
Interview with a Victorian Ever wonder what it would be like to live in another time? Wish you could travel back to the ‘good old days’ of the late 19th century? Think you were born in the wrong era? Well, think again! Historian Tricia Kelly dons a
“Nellie Bly: Adventures of a ‘Mad’ Woman” Tricia brings to life one of Victorian America’s true mavericks, New York journalist Nellie Bly. In addition to her famous trip around the world, Bly also took on the role of an inmate at Blackwell’s Asylum, writing of the horrors
New for this year, we’re dedicating the 11:30 am ride each day to providing a fun adventure for our younger passengers aged 5-12. Purchase tickets for the 11:30 am I&M Canal Boat Ride, and children and their guardians will discover what it would have been like to
You can now book your trip for a tour along the I&M Canal on our 1840s-Replica, Mule-Powered I&M Canal Boat. In addition to the leisurely 60-to-90-minute ride, the experience includes the opportunity to meet Moe the Mule as part of our "Mule Tending 101" pre-tour introduction, be