Museum Mondays: Cars and Trucks and Things that Go!
Monday, June 24
MUSEUM MONDAYS: CARS AND TRUCKS AND THINGS THAT GO!
Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
For thousands of years, humans have used wheels to transport themselves and items much faster than the speed of our own two legs. In the past 100 years, all sorts of vehicles have revolutionized our daily lives in more ways than we realize. Speed into the museum for a morning full of historical crafts and activities centered on motorcycles, cars, busses, trucks, trains, and many more vehicles with more than two wheels. Also, participate in “Touch-A-Truck” where we will have unique vehicles that you can look inside! Visit our newest exhibit, Frieda Mumm’s Discovering Home, to learn about a few popular vehicles people used to travel to and from home. FREE. All ages. Drop-in program. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or pcain@ccfpd.org.
Bison Birthday Celebration
Saturday, June 29
BISON BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!
Activity Center, Middle Fork River Forest Preserve, 1-3 p.m.
Last year, a nearly 400 year old bison skull was discovered on CCFPD property and we want to celebrate! Join us for an interactive bison birthday celebration and learn all about these amazing creatures. We will kick off the program with a short presentation on bison zooarchaeology by Steven Kuehn, Zooarchaeologist with the Illinois State Archaeological Survey. Then, participate in engaging activities where you can see the bison skull in person, learn what makes these animals so special, retrace the path of bison on a walk to the Middle Fork River, speak with experts about recent discoveries, and much more! At 2:15 p.m., be sure to join us in singing happy birthday to our new, but very old, friend! Light refreshments will be provided. FREE. All ages. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or pcain@ccfpd.org.
Freedom Fest
Thursday, July 4
Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve 3-10pm Food, Family and Fireworks. $2 admission fee.
Summer in the Schoolhouse: History
Friday, July 12
SUMMER IN THE SCHOOLHOUSE: HISTORY
Jump back in time to 1890 and see if you can keep up with a 19th century history lesson! Class will be taught by our own school marm or master, straight out of the past. Class will be dismissed at 11:30 a.m. for recess in the schoolyard. Costumes welcome; see you at summer school! FREE. All ages. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or pcain@ccfpd.org.
Canoeing for Beginners
Saturday, July 13
CANOEING FOR BEGINNERS
Walnut Hill Boat Launch, Homer Lake Forest Preserve, 9-11 a.m. or 1-3 p.m.
Never been in a canoe before? This program is the place to start! After learning the basics of canoeing and water safety from expert instructors from Kickapoo Adventures, you will be a part of a canoe caravan around Homer Lake. We will explore the animals and plants of Homer Lake while practicing paddling skills. All equipment will be provided; please bring sunscreen, water to drink, and wear close-toed shoes. Minimum age to participate is 8 years old; an adult must accompany children under 18. $8 per person, or $4 if you bring your own canoe. Space is limited. Register by July 12 via phone or email: (217) 896-2455 or jwick@ccfpd.org.
Summer Garden Concert: Corduroy
Sunday, July 14 SUMMER GARDEN CONCERT: CORDUROY Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden, Lake of the Woods Forest PreserveJoin us in welcoming Corduroy! This local folk artist combines acoustic guitar, crisp vocals, on-stage effects, and the occasional thunder of a bass drum to create a unique and unforgettable experience. Drawing his inspiration from folk rock, Americana, indie folk, and even familiar pop/rock artists, Corduroy will create a high energy musical experience without losing the eclectic and soulful feelings you would expect from any great folk performer. With a stunning view of Homer Lake as the backdrop, you will not want to miss this evening of entertainment! FREE. Refreshments will be available for purchase. All ages. For more info: ccfpd.org, (217) 586-2612 or pcain@ccfpd.org.
Museum Mondays: Kites for Kids
Monday, July 15 MUSEUM MONDAYS: KITES FOR KIDS Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Prepare for this Monday’s program to blow you away! Join us to learn all about kites and other flying machines from history. Hope for windy weather as we will be making kites of our own to fly! If weather is not the best for flying, save your kite for a windy day! FREE. All ages. Drop-in program. For more info: ccfpd.org, (217) 586-2612 or pcain@ccfpd.org.
Meet the Monarchs
Thursday, July 18
MEET THE MONARCHS
Interpretive Center, Homer Lake Forest Preserve, 1-2:30 p.m.
Stop by the Interpretive Center to see how our resident monarch caterpillars are doing! Learn more about the monarch life cycle, see caterpillars and chrysalises up close, and maybe even witness the release of some butterflies! Stations will be set up for participants to view specimens through microscopes. You can also pick up some free milkweed seeds, view our exhibit: More Than Migration, and create a craft. FREE. All Ages. For more info: (217) 896-2455 or jwick@ccfpd.org.
Summer in the Schoolhouse: Geography
Friday, July 19
SUMMER IN THE SCHOOLHOUSE: GEOGRAPHY
Jump back in time to 1890 and see if you can keep up with a 19th century geography lesson! Class will be taught by our own school marm or master, straight out of the past. Class will be dismissed at 11:30 a.m. for recess in the schoolyard. Costumes welcome; see you at summer school! FREE. All ages. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or pcain@ccfpd.org.
Homerdoodle in the Woods: A Letterboxing Extravaganza
Saturday, July 20
HOMERDOODLE IN THE WOODS: A LETTERBOXING EXTRAVAGANZA
Lake of the Woods Pavilion, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Join us at Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve for a day of searching for treasure through the woods. Hike the trails and search for special edition Letterboxes, and have the chance to meet letterboxers from around the country! Space is limited. Registration required at AtlasQuest.com. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or pcain@ccfpd.org.
Museum Mondays: I scream, You Scream
Monday, July 22
MUSEUM MONDAYS: I SCREAM, YOU SCREAM… Museum of the Grand Prairie, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Summer in the Schoolhouse: Arithmetic
Friday, July 26
SUMMER IN THE SCHOOLHOUSE: ARITHMETIC
Jump back in time to 1890 and see if you can keep up with a 19th century arithmetic lesson! Class will be taught by our own school marm or master, straight out of the past. Class will be dismissed at 11:30 a.m. for recess in the schoolyard. Costumes welcome; see you at summer school! FREE. All ages. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or pcain@ccfpd.org.
Take Me Fishing
Saturday, July 27
TAKE ME FISHING
Boathouse Peninsula, Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, 9-11 a.m.
Bring your family and friends out to the forest preserves for some free fishing fun! Kids will have the chance to win awards for the Most Fish, the Biggest Fish, and the Good Sport Award! Basic fishing instruction will be available to beginners. Cane poles and bait will be available to use, but you are welcome to bring your own. All event fishing is catch-and-release. Adult supervision of children 15 and under is required. FREE. All ages. For more info: (217) 896-2455 or jwick@ccfpd.org.
Music on the Lake: The Lou DiBello Band
Sunday, July 28
MUSIC ON THE LAKE: THE LOU DIBELLO BAND
Walnut Hill Shelter, Homer Lake Forest Preserve, 5-7 p.m.
Prepare to rock with the Lou Dibello Band – while enjoying a stunning view of Homer Lake! Since the age of 17, Lou has played at over 2,000 paid performances with such acts as the Black Crowes, Quiet Riot, Blue Oyster Cult, and many more! FREE. Refreshments will be available for purchase. All ages. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or pcain@ccfpd.org.
Museum Mondays: Home, Sweet Home
Monday, July 29 MUSEUM MONDAYS: HOME, SWEET HOME