Cozy up to fire at Durant House in St. Charles

Experience pioneer winter on the prairie during "Fireside Fun" from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday at Durant House Museum and Pioneer Sholes School in St. Charles.

These historic buildings are situated in LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean St.

The Durant House, built in 1843 by pioneer Bryant Durant, serves as an example of what life was like in the 1800s.

The Pioneer Sholes School is an authentically restored and furnished one-room country school that was relocated from its original site in Burlington Township. The school dates to at least 1872, though it may be older.

Admission and parking are free, although donations are appreciated.

Costumed docents prepare foods in the hearth room; play games from the 1800s, like Nine Mans Morris, skittles, and checkers; and find all the items in the Durant House scavenger hunt.

Masks are required.

The two buildings are used today as living history museums for students and their teachers - as well as anyone visiting the forest preserve. The Durant House Museum, as well as the Pioneer Sholes School, are listed on state and national historic registers and managed by Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley. Group tours are available.

For information or group reservations for the Durant House Museum, call Preservation Partners at (630) 377-6424. Visit ppfv.org.