The Museum of the Grand Prairie at Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve is set to transport visitors back to 19th-century East Central Illinois on September 13 with the return of its beloved Prairie Stories event alongside the grand opening of a new exhibit showcasing the region’s agricultural heritage.

From 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, families and history enthusiasts can step back in time to experience authentic demonstrations of pioneer life, including blacksmithing and 19th-century schoolhouse lessons. The free, drop-in event welcomes visitors of all backgrounds to explore the craftsmanship and daily routines that defined life on the Illinois prairie two centuries ago.

The event features live American folk music and dancing to provide an authentic soundtrack to the historical experience. Hands-on activities beginning at noon allow visitors to actively participate in traditional crafts like candle making and butter churning that were essential to pioneer households.

This year’s Prairie Stories celebration marks the grand opening of the museum’s newest permanent exhibit, “Changing Landscapes,” which explores the transformation of Champaign County and East Central Illinois through early agriculture. The exhibit tells the personal stories of settlers, farmers, and tradespeople, highlighting how hard work, hardship, and resilience shaped the landscapes and communities that exist today.

The museum’s permanent exhibits include “The Grand Prairie Story,” which presents the region’s history from Native Americans through modern immigrants, and “Champaign County’s Lincoln,” showcasing the area as Abraham Lincoln knew it during his early political career. All museum programming is free to the public year-round.

Prairie Stories requires no advance registration and welcomes visitors to drop in throughout the day. For additional information, contact the museum at (217) 586-2612 or email cprahl@ccfpd.org.