Welcome To The LaSalle County Historical Society

Discover LaSalle County's Rich History

The LaSalle County Historical Society campus is located on the banks of the historic Illinois & Michigan Canal and is situated in the quaint village of Utica, Illinois. Bordering beautiful Starved Rock State Park with an annual attendance of 2.2 to 2.8 million, it sits at the heart of one of Illinois’ top tourism destinations. Utica is easily accessible and conveniently located near where Interstates 80 and 39 meet. The Society’s exhibits and activities include: Canal Warehouse, Heritage Center, Canal Market, Blacksmiths Shop, One-Room Schoolhouse, our Annual Burgoo Festival and Wild Bill Hickok Days and much more.

Plan your visit today!

Membership available here

Canal Warehouse Utica, IL _June 2023_Docha Photography-16.jpg

Hours of Operation

Museum Complex open to the public Friday through Sunday 12-4pm and by appointment Monday-Thursday by emailing office@lasallecountyhistoricalsociety.org (two weeks notice needed for staffing).

Admissions

There is no admission to visit our museum, but we ask that you consider making a donation while enjoying our many exhibits and buildings that house our local history! Those donations are what keeps our museum doors open to the public.

Schedule your trip here!

E.B. Thornton Endowment

The LaSalle County Historical Society announced a $25,000 Endowment has been established in memory of local historian, preservationist and long-time supporter of the Historical Society, Edmund B. Thornton. The Endowment, received from the Edmund B. Thornton Foundation, will be used for reimbursement of compensation paid for interns. The Officers and Board of Directors along with the Staff and Members of the Society are honored to have received this generous gift from Susan and Taylor Thornton, the wife and daughter of Edmund, on behalf of the Thornton Foundation.

Beginning in 2025, the Society will utilize endowment funds to hire interns who will assist in the collection, preservation, and education of LaSalle County history. College students studying history, or a related subject will have priority in filling these part-time or short-term paid positions. Important duties such as assisting with collections research & digitization projects, drafting articles, and helping with Museum events are examples of jobs interns perform.

Intern Application

2024 Events

54th Annual Burgoo Festival
Sat, Oct 12
North Utica
Oct 12, 2024, 11:00 AM – Oct 13, 2024, 5:00 PM
North Utica, 101 E Canal St, North Utica, IL 61373, USA
Oct 12, 2024, 11:00 AM – Oct 13, 2024, 5:00 PM
North Utica, 101 E Canal St, North Utica, IL 61373, USA
Join the LaSalle County Historical Society for our 54th Annual Burgoo Festival. One of Northern Illinois largest and longest running Fall Festivals occurring every Columbus Day weekend. Our famous Burgoo Stew is slow cooked along the I & M Canal and served only on Sunday.
Details

Utica Garden Club Plant and Vendor Faire
Sat, Jun 08
North Utica
Jun 08, 2024, 9:00 AM – Jun 09, 2024, 4:00 PM
North Utica, 208 S Clark St, North Utica, IL 61373, USA
Jun 08, 2024, 9:00 AM – Jun 09, 2024, 4:00 PM
North Utica, 208 S Clark St, North Utica, IL 61373, USA
Join the Utica Garden Club for their annual plant sale and vendor faire! The UGC will have plants, herbs, and flowers available for purchase and the LCHS Canal Market will host vendors with vintage, antique, plants, and garden themed vendors!
Details

Wild Bill Days
Sat, May 25
North Utica
May 25, 2024, 12:00 PM – May 26, 2024, 4:00 PM
North Utica, 101 E Canal St, North Utica, IL 61373, USA
May 25, 2024, 12:00 PM – May 26, 2024, 4:00 PM
North Utica, 101 E Canal St, North Utica, IL 61373, USA
Join the LaSalle County Historical Society as we celebrate the life and times of famous LaSalle County Native, Wild Bill Hickok. A live eight scene re-enactment of Wild Bill Hickok's life will take place 2pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Details

Antiquin' Weekend
Sat, Apr 27
North Utica
Apr 27, 2024, 11:00 AM – Apr 28, 2024, 5:00 PM
North Utica, 210 S Clark St, North Utica, IL 61373, USA
Apr 27, 2024, 11:00 AM – Apr 28, 2024, 5:00 PM
North Utica, 210 S Clark St, North Utica, IL 61373, USA
The LCHS Canal Market will have vintage and antique vendors set up throughout the weekend!
Details