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Forest preserve district sponsors 'Discover Mayslake'

Visitors can take a self-guided tour of Mayslake Hall in Oak Brook later this month and enjoy live music and theater, art, nature hikes, archery and fishing.

"Discover Mayslake," sponsored by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, is scheduled for 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, July 21, at the Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St. in Oak Brook.

The free, all-ages open house spotlights programs and events offered throughout the year at the 87-acre estate, which is home to the 1920s Tudor Revival-style Mayslake Hall, a national historic landmark.

Two Mayslake regulars will perform during the event, Sinfonietta Bel Canto at noon and Acappellago at 1 p.m. First Folio Theatre - Mayslake's resident theater company - will give short performances at 12:30 and 1:30 p.m.

Visitors can take in the beauty of Mayslake on naturalist-led hikes through the forest preserve's high-quality prairie, oak savanna and woodland and on garden walks led by volunteers who care for the estate's heritage garden.

They can stop by exploration stations featuring bugs and letterboxing (a type of outdoor treasure hunt), or try archery and fishing with district rangers.

"We are so lucky to have this historic icon right in our backyard," said forest preserve President Joe Cantore. "It's just one of the many cultural attractions that connect people to nature in DuPage County."

Other open house features include historical talks about the forest preserve and the ongoing restoration of Mayslake Hall, tours of the mansion, an art exhibit of Mayslake-inspired works, and art activities, including one where visitors' completed images will be posted on Mayslake's Facebook page.

Throughout the year, Mayslake Hall hosts theater and musical productions, art classes, tours, exhibits, workshops, summer camps, special events and private functions.

For information, call (630) 933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org.

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