Art in the Park Fine Art Show & Sale

Art In The Park Fine Art Show and Sale is hosted annually by the Ottawa Art League. It is held during Ottawa's Riverfest Celebration in historic Washington Square Park, site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate on August 21, 1858. Art in the Park is a juried fine art show open to all artists and media. Prizes are awarded. This event has no admission fee and is open to the public. For more information check the Ottawa Art League website: www.ottawaartleague.org or email ottawaartleague@yahoo.com or event chairperson Sharon Danielson at dfarmart@msn.com.

CITY: Ottawa

Bald Eagle Trolley Tours

In January and February ride the trolley from Starved Rock Lodge to the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center for bald eagle viewing and an educational program. Includes lunch during the week and brunch on Sunday in the Main Dining Room.

CITY: Oglesby

Canal Boat and Trolley Tours

Start off with a delicious hot lunch at Starved Rock Lodge. Next, board one of our trolleys for a ride through historic downtown Utica and stop at Cattails for shopping. Your trolley will also take you on a relaxing ride to LaSalle where you will board the canal boat. Step back into time with period dressed interpreters on this 1-hour boat ride. There is minimal walking involved in this tour and restrooms are available throughout. For more information or to reserve call 815-220-7386. $39.00 Adult $34.00 children 10 and under. 11:00a.m.

CITY: Oglesby

Dinner & Evening Cruise on the Belle of the Rock

Tour includes a trolley shuttle to and from the boat. The ride is a relaxing, scenic hour and a half cruise on the Belle of the Rock. It concludes with dinner from our special menu and cheesecake for dessert at Starved Rock Lodge. For more information or to reserve call us at 815-220-7386. $38.50 per person. 5:30p.m.-8:00p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, June through September.

CITY: Oglesby

Eagle Watching at Starved Rock State Park

You don’t have to travel north to see these majestic birds of prey. Thousands of eagles migrate south from Canada during the winter and Illinois is one of the homes of the greatest population of wintering bald eagles. The Starved Rock Lodge in Utica offers a “Bald Eagle Trolley Tour” in January and February on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Viewing birds from the Veranda at the Starved Rock Lodge is good as well. Dress warmly though. This great viewing spot is right outside the doors of the Great Room. If you’d like some exercise, take a hike on one of the trails at the Starved Rock State Park. One trail begins right at the Veranda. For a birds eye view, hike to the top of the Rock. Another popular event is "Eagle Watch Weekend" with activites both at the Starved Rock Lodge and the Illinois Waterway Visitors Center.

CITY: Oglesby

Grundy County Corn Festival

65th annual Grundy County Corn Festival will be held September 25-29. This year's theme "Corn Festival- Where Good Friends Meet". The event celebrates the rich agricultural history in Grundy County and offers everything from a farm fair, craft shows, carnival, music and food, food, food.

CITY: Morris

Legacy Girls - Andrew's Sisters

The vocal trio, The Legacy Girls, will entertain you with three-part harmonies, costumes and synchronized dances that are true to the Andrew Sisters style. The Legacy Girls are dedicated to bringing the songs of the past back to life! Matinee (lunch & show) is only $32.00. For more information and to purchase tickets call 815-220-7386.

CITY: Oglesby

Legacy Girls 50's & 60's Show

Take a trip back to the 50's & 60's and get ready to rock to the songs that shaped the decades! From the Supremes to the Chordettes, and the Beatles to Elvis Presley, The Legacy Girls will bring their own sassy style to all your favorites. Matinee (lunch & show) is only $32.00 For more information and to purchase tickets call 815-220-7386. July 15, September 9 & September 15

CITY: Oglesby

Liberty Days

Celebrate the American Independence with concerts, the Liberty 5K Run/Walk, antique autos, children's activities and much more!

CITY: Morris

Music of the River Cuise and Tour

New for 2013! Meet us in the Starved Rock Lodge's Great Hall for check in and to receive your lunch. You will board a trolley to take you to the Belle of the Rock, an authentic paddle wheel boat. Aboard the boat you will hear and enjoy the history of many river songs, such as Proud Mary, Alabama's Tennessee River and Credence Clearwater Revival's Green River. After the 1 1/2 hour lunch cruise, you will re-board the trolley for a historic tour with stops at the State Park Visitor Center and the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center. Admission is $42 per person. Every Tuesday, June through September - call for times!

CITY: Utica

Smallville Superfest

This festival celebrates the spirit of everyone's favorite SuperHero and what he stands for. Warner Brothers and DC Comics chose Plano, IL to represent “Smallville” in the 2013 Superman movie "Man of Steel", a special place where a certain “super hero” came to Earth and spent his childhood days. It was here in Smallville that a “mild-mannered” boy learned the value of Truth, Justice, and the American Way.

CITY: Plano

Take a Hike - And Lunch!

Join us for a guided hike from the Lodge to LaSalle and Tonti Canyons. Participants meet in the Hotel Lobby to pick up a lunch and a Starved Rock backpack. Hikers will stop for lunch once they reach LaSalle Canyon. After lunch, the hike continues to Eagles Cliff and Lovers Leap. The tour concludes at the Lodge about 2:00pm. This hike is classified as strenuous. Please dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear. Hike will be approximately 4 ½ miles round trip. Lunch includes your choice of turkey, ham or peanut butter and jelly; bag of chips; freshly-baked granola bar; piece of fruit; and a bottle of water. Advanced reservations are required. Space is limited.$17 per person. For more information or to book call 815-220-7386. Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00am, June through September.

CITY: Oglesby

The Amazing Race – Starved Rock Style

Fans of reality television are probably familiar with the format of the Amazing Race, but Starved Rock Lodge has taken that format and given it their own touch by integrating the historic charm of Starved Rock State Park, Lodge and the surrounding area. The Amazing Race – Starved Rock Lodge Style will be run on select Sundays from May through September. Choose from May 26, June 2 or 23, July 7 or 21, Aug. 4 or 25, and Sept. 1 or 15 as a race date. Advance reservations are required for the race, and an overnight stay package is also available. Racers should contact the activities department at 815-220-7386 to book a team’s place in the race!

CITY: Oglesby

Vintage Illinois Wine Festival- Starved Rock State Park

Twenty-eight wineries will be participating in the state's largest festival of Illinois wine at the Vintage Illinois Wine Festival at Matthiessen State Park (just minutes south of Starved Rock). The festival runs Saturday from 11am until 6pm and Sunday from noon to 5pm. For festival advanced tickets and information please go to the festival website at: www.vintageillinois.com Vintage Illinois at Starved Rock is located in a flat grassy area at Matthiessen State Park, and will happen, rain or shine! It is best to wear sunscreen. All guests should be prepared with photo identification showing proof of age. The festival does have chairs and tables, but guests should bring blankets and lawn chairs to guarantee seating.

CITY: Utica