Historical holiday open house on tap in Glacial Park

Submitted by McHenry County Conservation District

Celebrate the holiday season with a step back in time to visit not one, but two historical buildings in Glacial Park at McHenry County Conservation District’s Historical Holidays Open House from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood.

Begin at the 1902 Wiedrich Barn to make a gift or an ornament using traditional materials and methods. Try your hand at folded paper stars, Victorian silhouette cut outs, punched tin ornaments or other assorted natural ornaments. You can also enjoy a cup of hot cider while recordings of old fashioned holiday songs fill the air.

Next, experience the nostalgia of a horse-drawn wagon ride to visit the 1854 restored Greek Revival, Powers-Walker house where volunteers in historical attire will be preparing for winter and the holidays in the mid-19th century. Enjoy the scents of cooking on the wood stove and see the fresh tree decorated with homemade and natural trimmings. Listen to traditional stories, string your own cranberry and popcorn garland and immerse yourself in the beauty of the season as it was in simpler times.

For more information call (815) 459-5779.