Things to Do

After a cancellation due to COVID-19, the Ottawa edition of the acclaimed live show 'Lincoln, the Great Communicator' will be broadcast for free on Facebook Live this Wednesday, August 12th, starting at 7PM. This social distance-friedly concert is a can't miss for history buffs a…

As dusk falls, come out and hear about the ghostly tales of the I&M Canal on the haunted boat tour this weekend from October 25-27. This Halloween adventure is filled with legends, mystery and horror. Let their talented tour guides divulge the many secrets, spirits, and scandals …

One of the most scenic drives in Starved Rock Country can be found on the long winding roads leading up to Starved Rock State Park. This drive is particularly beautiful around sunrise and sunset, plan an early morning trip to see it for yourself! Produced by in partnership with S…

August Hill Winery returns with another amazing series of social distance friendly concerts on their sprawling vineyard lawn, but this time there's a twist: teachers get in for free to Friday's show (while tickets last)!If you're a teacher, you're in luck! August Hill is offering…

Every Summer, the lawn in front of the palatial Hegeler Carus Mansion, conveniently located near I-80 and I-39 in LaSalle, is transformed into a one-of-a-kind outdoor music venue.Here's the Music Schedule for the remainder of the 2020 Season: This gorgeous mansion has remained vi…

While Ottawa's popular Riverfest may not be on the books for 2020, you'll still find a variety of exciting social distance-friendly outdoor activities taking place this weekend, including a series of exciting sidewalk sales!Here's a look at which stores and boutiques will be part…

Located two minutes from the entrance of Starved Rock State Park, and just a short drive from I-80 and I-39, you'll find a true hidden gem, the village of North Utica. This canal town, steeped in rich history and beautiful nature, features some of the best pub-style dining and bo…

For more than 50 years, The Ottawa Art League's Art In The Park has been one of the signature open air art shows in Starved Rock Country! This weekend, Aug. 1-2, the fan-favorite outdoor gallery returns with some familar faces, new artists and added social distancing measures.[6x…

Spring Valley was founded in 1884 in the heart of the coal fields of Northern Illinois primarily for the purpose of mining coal. By 1888, the booming town of Spring Valley already had over 3,000 people and was referred to as the “Magic City”. Produced in partnership with Starved …

There's no question the sunflowers at Matthiessen State Park have become a part of the Starved Rock experience. Visitors from across the state, including the Chicago and Peoria areas, wandered through the 60-acre sunflower field Monday.

Take a quick video hike with Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center's Marketing Director Kathy Casstevens, as she visits one of the State Park's hidden gems: Aurora Canyon! Conveniently located less than 10 minutes from the lodge, you'll be immediately greeted by the sounds of …