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There’s a saying that our dogs are our best friends for a short while, but to them, we’re their best friend for their entire lives. Today, we’re bringing you some fantastic local area destinations that you can enjoy with your best paw pal, so you can get in a few extra hours of bonding time!  Whether you’re looking for a place to socialize and meet new doggy pals, or you prefer a quiet, leisurely stroll just the two of you, we’ve got something for everyone’s puppy preference.  Let’s take a “paws” in our hectic life to appreciate our furry friends this weekend! more Let us know some of your favorite places to pal around with your pooches!  We’d love to hear all about it, so drop it in the comments below. Robert McClorey Bike Path in Waukegan is a beautiful “rail trail” area spanning 25 miles for hiking, biking, and more.  Looking to get into canicross? Well, this is a great venue to practice. The paths here are asphalt, concrete, and crushed stone and are bike, skate, and cross-country skiing friendly. It’s also a wheelchair accessible area, meaning disabled dog handlers can join in on the fun comfortably. Lakewood Dog Park in Wauconda covers 80 acres and offers swimming areas, walking paths, and large grassy areas where your dogs can roam free. Well-mannered, friendly dogs are more than welcomed here with a permit membership that can be purchased online; daily admission and annual pass options are available.  Your dog can try a little bit of everything nature has to offer, and explore safely in a dog-friendly environment for your peace of mind! Petrifying Springs Park in Kenosha sprawls across 360 acres of land, and includes the Carlisle Family Dog Park!  You and your pup can enjoy some fun in the sun and fresh air with plenty of wooded trails, open picnic areas, and leashed playtime sessions. For the off-leash loving pups, you’ll want to head over to the Carlisle Dog Park where they can have much more freedom to roam without a tether. Equinox Botanical Boutique in Kenosha is perfect for a day of pet-friendly plant shopping. Stroll through the boutique with your leashed, well-mannered dog and enjoy some window shopping or seasonal plant purchasing. It’s a great place to give your dog some healthy socialization to new environments, smells, and sounds in a pet-friendly location. Oak Leaf Trail in Oak Creek is part of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy program, much like the Bike Path in Waukegan. This trail winds along a decommissioned railroad corridor, providing natural enrichment and exercise for dogs and their humans. Please note, there is a 6-ft leash law here, and pets must be tethered at all times; no off-leash dogs permitted and pet waste must be picked up and disposed of immediately. Duck Farm Dog Park in Lake Villa features 48-acres of fenced in area for your off-leash adventure seeking pups!  You and your dogs can enjoy numerous options from open fields to grass trails to water features. Access is granted via daily or annual passes, and includes all 5 off-leash dog areas. Buffalo Creek Brewing in Long Grove is great for a weekend get together with your dog-loving pals. This Bavarian themed brewery welcomes leashed dogs to the taproom, biergarten, patio seating, and the lawn area. It’s a local favorite! McHenry Outdoor Theater in McHenry offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a movie under the stars with your faithful canine companion!  Dog handlers are kindly requested to keep their pup quiet so as not to disturb other movie goers, and to clean up after any potty breaks. It’s a super fun way to spend a few hours with your car-obsessed pal! Pack ‘em up for a car ride and then snuggle up with their favorite snacks and blankie for a screening. Macushla Brewing Co in Glenview offers numerous craft brews and dining with your leashed, well-mannered pup on the patio or in the taproom. No snacks? No problem! Hop over to the next door neighbor restaurants from Hackney’s or Flaco’s Tacos and grab a bite to eat Harbor Brewing Company in Lake Villa welcomes your pawpals both indoors and out at hte brewery and the taproom! Enjoy a weekly rotation of fine craft brews and a BYO-Food and snacks environment. Don’t forget to include your furbaby in your meal plans! Gillson Dog Beach in Wilmette is available to locals and visitors for a fee entry (residents of Wilmette receive a discount, out-of-town residents will pay $200+ for annual access).  Dogs are allowed off-leash in designated areas, but are expected to be well-managed and monitored by handlers, as well as having proof of vaccination. Skokie Lagoons in Winnetka covers an impressive 894 acres, 36 miles of which are dog friendly paved and unpaved hiking, biking, and walking trails.  Leashes are required and there is no off-leash dog park area, and there are recent sightings of coyotes and other animals roaming the area, so please be mindful to obey leash laws for everyone and your dogs’ safety.

We’ve finally reached the “-ber” months! While many of us are out there enjoying the crisp autumnal weather, ever-changing treescape color palettes, and gearing up for ski season, there’s definitely something many of us will miss about the closure of road trip season. Today, we’re giving you some great inspiration for your 2025 trip planner: exploring Alaska! In honor of National Alaska Day, we thought it would be a lot of fun to share some great destinations to visit all over the state in every season. Let’s explore together more Know some friends or family who are planning their getaway to Alaska next year? Consider giving your travel obsessed loved ones a voucher for a future excursion this holiday season, so they have something to look forward to on their 2025 trip! Book a glacier tour day trip through the Kenai Fjords. This excursion is a perfect opportunity to explore the state, especially in the Spring and Summer months!  Whether you’re looking to do some birding, whale watching, photography, or you’d like to step off the boat tour and do some kayaking and hiking, this is certainly going to be an unforgettable experience. Tours follow a few main routes: National Park Tours lasting 6 to 8 hours; Resurrection Bay Tours lasting 4 to 5 hours; Northwestern Fjords Tours around 8 hours in duration; Glacier Dinner Cruises around 6 hours in duration. Tours run from March 10th through September 25th! Take to the skies in a Flightseeing Tour of the Ketchikan area. Choose from a floatplane or helicopter, and receive a personalized guided tour of the region. You’ll learn all about the fjords and  local wildlife (including some bear sightings!), and have opportunities to make a stop off at some remote fishing areas, hiking areas, a visit to a local Native American Reserve, stop at a few lakes for kayaking excursions, and even visit the Misty Fjords National Monument. No matter what option you choose, you’ll get a bird's eye view of the coastal glaciers and surrounding natural cliffs and landscapes. Tour prices vary depending on aircraft and duration of flight, which is anywhere from 1 to 4 hours depending on additional selected excursions. Immerse yourselves in the art of Totem Bight State Historical Park. This 11-acre park is an outstanding example of local Native cultures, and features restored and re-carved Totems and a beautiful Clan House. Learn about the history and culture of the Alaskan Natives by touring the Clan House, then traipsing through the rainforest to view the storytelling totems. Keep your eyes peeled while you hike as you will find some incredible wildlife hidden amidst the old growth rainforest including: brown and black bears, Sitka black tailed deer, bald eagles, harlequin ducks otters, sea lions, whales, and more! There’s a wonderful guided sightseeing tour and canoe tour option in the area that include the park in their excursion itinerary. Go dog sledding on a glacier and through the Tongass National Forest in the Skagway area. Join in on the summer training camps and enjoy an authentic dog sledding experience as you learn about the sport from the pros. Veteran Iditarod Mushers will give you the ins-and-outs of the sport, take you on a husky-powered sled ride, and provide a little bit of local history and sledding stories as you go about the town’s history as a vibrant stop during the Gold Rush era. Embark on a week-long excursion from Anchorage to tour the seasonal landscapes and see the Northern Lights in person. Choose your tour by car, train, or bus and take in some incredible autumnal landscape colors along the way! You’ll stop in areas like Talkeetna which are full of shops and restaurants and historic sites; make your way to Denali National Park to hike and enjoy the wildlife; head over to Fairbanks to explore the University of Alaska Museum of the North and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Hotels in the area will also provide an “aurora wake up call” if you want to rest during the day after some sightseeing and stay up later to catch the lights at night. Book a stay at the Chena Hot Springs Resort and enjoy the Aurora Ice Museum. The museum was crafted from locally harvested ice and snow and is always a cool 25° all year round, even in the summer. The museum is open every single day of the year, and offers several tours a day. The natural mineral water hot springs are a very popular attraction, offering a geothermal fed bathing pool nestled between the granite rocks, as well as indoor pool and hot tub options. It’s also a prime spot to view the Aurora Borealis lights, and you’ll find many guests stay up into the wee hours of the morning to get some of the clearest views around!

Today we’re ramping up the spooky seasonal fun by bringing you a fantastic list of local area haunts and attractions to boost your Halloween spirits.  Choose from alien encounters, haunted carnivals, clown-filled circus tents, classic haunted houses, and multi-attraction escape-room style experiences. (Don’t worry! We didn’t forget the jumpscare-averse, there’s plenty of milder entries on the list along with the more frightening ones. more Buffalo Bill’s Haunted Trail in Franklin WI - Experience 65 Acres of spine-tingling thrills and chills as you wander along their Scary Haunted Trail. Stroll through the cornfields and the woods as you encounter frightening actors along the way popping in and out for more than a few surprises. Soul Reapers Haunted House in Wilmot, WI - The perfect entry point for younger enthusiasts! Take a tour through multiple haunted themed rooms with plenty of jump scares and spooky thrills as the ghouls and goblins trail behind you. This is one of the milder haunts on the list per attendee feedback and reviews. Basement of the Dead, Aurora IL - If you’re looking for fully immersive haunts and scares, this is the place for you! Entirely indoors, this intense 2-for-1 haunted house is reaching #1 rankings with multiple outlets including Time Out Chicago, Cosmopolitan, and Buzzfeed!  Start off with the  Basement of the Dead in an underground laboratory. If you make it out in one piece, it’ll be time to head into the Shattered 3D Haunted House; don your 3D glasses where even the walls and floors will be part of the scares! Disturbia Haunted House Downers Grove, IL - Another fully immersive haunt experience and one of the top ranked in the whole state!  For heart-stopping, adrenaline-pumping, spine-tingling terror, you’ve come to the right place, because these frightening foes are truly no joke! The actors have top-tier costuming, realistic makeup and prosthetics, and a true commitment to the bit with some of the most alarming, show stopping scares you’ll ever find. Hayride of Horror & Curse of the Bayou in Lockport and Dellwood Park - The Haunted Hayride drives you through the heart of Dellwood Park, but the fun begins even in line as you enjoy a 20ft movie screen and bonfire.  Head over to the Bayou after, but beware the Voodoo PRiestess and her many minions offering up magic and mayhem. This is considered another milder entry on the list with Kid Friendly options. Massacre Haunted House in Montgomery, IL - Another contender for one of the scariest haunted house on the list and fast approaching the top rank!  Visitors report some of the best costumes and immersive themed areas they’ve ever experienced, and thoroughly worth what you’re paying for with its longer walkthrough times. There’s also a live DJ playing music and a light show while you’re awaiting your entry.  Definitely worthwhile for folks who are very nervy, as you’ll get your dollars worth of jump scares for sure! Midnight Terror Haunted House in Oak Lawn - Now celebrating 10 years of thrills, chills, laughs, and gasps, this long-standing local favorite is here to prove they’re worthy of the accolades.  Choose from the Black Oak Grove:Mark of Willow, Fear Factory of Malum, or Chainsaw Alley to experience multiple styles of haunts and scares each with their own subgenre horror theme. Plus on October 26th there’s a family friendly “Lights On Trick or Treat” event for all ages and the whole family! 13th Floor Haunted House in Schiller Park - Offering multiple attractions this year including Vector Research: Alien Autopsy and The Lycans Curse you can select your brand of terror: sci-fi horror, or straight up monster-movie style classics!  Ranked by USA Today in the Top 5 Most Terrifying Haunted Houses in the US, but don’t take their word for it – go and see for yourselves! Clinton Haunted House and the Friendly Ghost Tour in Clinton IL - Reanimating every year for the last 30+ years, this regional favorite is back and better than ever. Experience nervewracking thrills and chills, terrifying monster encounters, and more! Be sure to swing by Frankie’s Escape Room for a halloween and movie monster themed experience. The Friendly Ghost Tour is recommended for children, but visitors be warned that even for the smallest guests it might still be a little intense.

We’re celebrating Ada Lovelace day with an ode to this genius Mathematician and world’s first computer programmer!  Each year on the second Tuesday of each OCtober, Ada Lovelace Day is celebrated to help recognize the contributions of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) more Who was Ada Lovelace and what did she contribute to modern computing? Interested in engineering and mechanics from a young age, Lovelace’s passion  for complex geometry, analytics, and intense numerical calculations led her to friendship with Charles Babbage. Together, the pair pioneered both a prototype of a digital computer (Babbage) and its first computer program, “The Analytical Engine” (Lovelace). Lovelace wrote the first algorithm for a machine, and recognized that the computer had capabilities and possible usage beyond just calculations, including such grand ideas as computer-generated music! Many decades later, computers have evolved into a fully ubiquitous part of our culture, right down to the tiny powerful computers we carry around in our pockets each day, our smartphones!  Everything from manufacturing to home appliances to entertainment to transportation relies on the hardwork and calculations of computer algorithms and programs. Today we’re going to dive into that a little bit and expand further on how computers help us get from place to place in our own personal vehicles. What are some notable inventions by Women in STEM that advanced the Automotive Industry? Bertha Benz helped engineer a new brake pad design when her vehicle’s brake pads failed while driving; she commissioned a cobbler to install some leather replacements! Mary Anderson engineered the first hand-operated windshield wiper to remove frost. Margaret Wilcox used her background in mechanical engineering to divert heat from the engine into the vehicle creating the first heating system, and the foundations for today’s modern climate control system. Stephanie Kwolek was a chemist whose work led to the development of synthetic fibers known as Kevlar which are used in modern day tire fabrication. Gladys Mae West was a Mathematician who created a mathematical model of the Earth’s shape which was incorporated into the creation of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) which revolutionized the way we map and travel the world. Helene Rother Ackernecht was one of the first women to work as an automotive designer as part of the interior styling staff at General Motors. Katharine Blodgett developed a specialized liquid detergent that allowed 99% of light to pass through it even with thick layers applied to glass, which is credited to shaping the invention of non-reflective and anti-glare windshields in today’s modern vehicles. Suzanne Vanderbilt led a 6-woman team of designers who helped implement features like the retractable seat belt. Heady Lamarr was not just a famous Hollywood actress, she also helped develop a system that intercepted torpedo signals during WWII and bounced incoming signals from opposing naval ships to “hop” away. This signal hopping feature has been translated into modern tech from everything such as Bluetooth to GPS to Wifi. How are computers and their algorithms used in today’s modern automobiles? The automotive computer regulates the car’s engine to optimize its performance, improve fuel economy, and reduce emissions by monitoring pollution control. The computer is in charge of firing the spark plugs during ignition, monitors each plug individually, and can adjust the timing of each piston to ensure efficiency and reliability in power output. There are many sensors and components which take readings and measurements and transmit them to the computer to improve and maintain performance: Electronic Fuel Injectors electronically monitor measured fuel consumption so the engine only gets the exact amount required and prevents the engine from getting flooded; it pumps the fuel at high pressure through a small valve or nozzle to aid in the combustion process, and by proxy improves efficiency and with less emissions. Rotation Sensors monitor and record the rate at which each component spins Position Sensor detects the position and movement of an object with utmost accuracy Temperature Sensors measure the temperature of liquids and gasses through variations in a circuit’s resistance Airflow Sensors measure the air fed into the engine through the intake manifold Knock Sensor is used to detect uneven fuel burning which can cause irregular engine vibrations. Oxygen Sensor measures how much oxygen is in the exhaust and gauges how well the fuel is burning. Tire Pressure Sensors monitor the air pressure and temperature of your vehicle’s tires, and trigger an alert if it’s too low or too high to improve fuel efficiency, extend the life of the tire, and improve driving safety. Additional sensors throughout the vehicle also tell the computer to do things like deploying airbags, apply assistive braking systems, unlock the vehicle doors, engage the vehicle security systems, apply automatic traction control, etc. These numerous systems work together to provide vital data and information to the car’s computer system when something goes awry through alerts called “Electronic Control Units” or ECUs. These ECUs trigger the Malfunction Indicator Lights (MILs) such as “Chjeck Engine” or “Tire Pressure” etc, and also provide the car’s computer with Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs).  Your trusted service technician and professional mechanic can utilize a special tool and portable code reading devices to pull the data from those sensors and diagnose the issue via the logged codes. Many vehicles also come standard now with state-of-the-art infotainment systems featuring GPS, Radio, smartphone connectivity, onboard wifi, vehicle apps, music and radio features. This also controls things like in-built reversing cameras, proximity sensors, light sensors, feature sensors, camera sensors, parking guidance systems, driver alert systems, heads-up display projections, and even digital instrument clusters and gauges. Hybrid vehicles have even more complicated computer configurations to help manage the change between power sources (fuel to the internal combustion engine versus electric battery) for a seamless transition and smooth ride. In Electric Vehicles, the computers are the central functioning mechanism, governing all vehicle processes to ensure safety and efficiency, making these vehicles essentially a fully functional computer on wheels; examples include computerized speed controls monitoring proper wheel rotation, battery management, charging, regenerative braking, digital cockpit and dashboard features, infotainment, and other safety features.

Kia’s EV and PHEV models each set new September sales records, increasing 43- and 11-percent, respectively, over the same period last year Sportage, Forte, Carnival and Seltos achieve the best-ever year-to-date September sales Kia America closed September with sales of 58,913 units led by significant gains and record-setting sales performances by the brand’s broad lineup of all-electric (EV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles. Despite fewer selling days compared to last year, Kia’s EVs and PHEVs are up 43-percent and 11-pecent year-over-year. more 2025 Sportage Year-over-year, four Kia models – Sportage (+10-percent); Forte (+6-percent); Carnival (+5-percent); and Seltos (+2-percent) – are up through the third quarter recording the best-ever year-to-date September sales as Kia remains committed to offering customers a variety of electrified and ICE choices. September SUV sales increased over the same period last year and accounted for 74-percent of Kia’s monthly total while electrified models made up 17-percent of the September volume. “Sales of Kia’s electrified offerings continued to grow despite the industry-wide softening in growth for all-electric models,” said Eric Watson, vice president, sales operations, Kia America. “Double digit sales gains for Kia’s EV and PHEV models prove Kia’s leadership position as the industry transitions to electrification. As we enter the fourth quarter, with the all-new K4 compact sedan and the first-ever Carnival Hybrid MPV arriving in showrooms nationwide, we are confident this positive sales momentum will carry us through the remainder of this year and well into next.” In addition to the monthly sales performance, Kia America announced several initiatives, including: Kia America will soon offer North American Charging Standard (NACS) adapters for its award-winning EV6 and EV9 vehicles. Customers who take delivery of a new 2024 or 2025 Kia EV9 or 2024 Kia EV6 after September 4, 2024, will receive an adapter free of charge that will allow them access to more than 16,500 NACS DC fast chargers in the U.S. Customer delivery of the free adapters is anticipated to take place in early 2025. Kia EV6, EV9 and Niro EV customers who took delivery prior to September 4, 2024, will have the opportunity to purchase an adapter from an authorized Kia dealer at a later date. Access to the DC fast chargers is planned for January 15, 2025. The all-electric 2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line has been named a 2024 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems winner. The annual awards evaluate all-new or significantly improved engines and electric propulsion systems, and this latest accolade marks the EV9’s second Wards 10 Best award in its first year on sale, following its recognition as a 2024 Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX winner earlier this year. Kia Corporation and global partner The Ocean Cleanup celebrated a significant milestone in their joint strategy to tackle plastic pollution in the world’s oceans. Symbolically returning to the port of San Francisco from which the first-generation System 001 vessel embarked on its maiden voyage six years ago, The Ocean Cleanup's current System 03 has completed a significant haul. Since the establishment of the partnership in 2022, Kia’s support has helped The Ocean Cleanup remove over one million pounds of plastic from the world’s largest accumulation of floating waste – the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) – which has an estimated surface area of 1.6 million square kilometers. MONTH OF SEPTEMBER YEAR TO DATE Model 2024 2023 2024 2023 EV9 2,096 0 15,970 0 EV6 1,612 2,084 15,985 14,798 Rio 0 2,096 1,917 21,196 Forte 7,400 10,737 101,093 95,135 K4 2,866 0 2,911 0 K5 4,898 6,002 28,476 49,594 Stinger 0 117 0 5,372 Soul 4,016 5,290 40,094 50,071 Niro 1,687 2,752 25,132 29,085 Seltos 3,877 4,736 48,177 47,059 Sportage 11,163 11,562 118,758 107,584 Sorento 6,572 8,103 69,176 67,626 Telluride 8,699 9,147 81,754 83,981 Carnival 4,027 4,638 34,727 33,173 Total 58,913 67,264 584,170 604,674 NACS port count source: U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuel Data Center (AFDC), for U.S. only, September 2024. Based on available supply

Here at Classic, we consider ourselves somewhat of an aficionado in local eats!  Today, we’re thinking about lunching at these incredible restaurants for National Noodle Day, sampling some delicious noodle bowls and stir-fry noodle options.  Whether you’re looking for traditional Japanese Ramen, Chinese Dan Dan Noodles, Drunken Thai Noodles, Korean Japchae, or some other noodle dish that strikes your fancy, we’ve got you covered! Check out our recommendations and celebrate with us. more Thai Noodles Cafe in Libertyville offers a full menu of options including plenty of Vegan and Vegetarian entrees. While it has a rather unassuming atmosphere, folks love the lunch portions and specifically recommend the spicy Pad Thai and Pad See Ew. Amarit Thai and Sushi in Chicago caters to just about everyone including vegan, vegetarian, and even gluten free entree choices.  The menu features a fusion of both modern trendy and traditional Thai dish options, making it a great option for the enthusiastic foodie.  They also have a full bar. Locals recommend the Chicken Pad Thai, Northern Curry Noodles, Singapore Noodles with seafood, and chicken noodle soup. Chicago Ramen in Mundelein offers top-notch options in noodle dishes, with lunchtime hours being the highlight if you’re in the area.  Locals love the vegetarian ramen with egg for a light, savory meal, the classic Chicken Ramen, Tsukemen (a ramen for dipping) and great options for kids ramen bowls. RamenDoBo Noodle Bar in Cary specializes in Yokohama-style ramen, but offers Asian Fusion menu options including Thai, French, Mexican, and Mediterranean crossover dishes for an eclectic experience.  Locals recommend the Chicken and Pork spicy Ramen, Garlic Bomb Ramen, Miso Porky Miso, and Tonkotsu Ramen entrees. Nomu Ramen and Izakaya in Glenview is an Asian Fusion Ramen restaurant and bar for Chicago level eats without the metropolitan price tag.  Reservations are recommended on Friday, Saturday, and Sundays as they’re the most popular days!  Locals recommend the Tori Patian Ramen with creamy broth, Tonkotsu Shio Ramen, Summer Yuzu Udon (a seasonal special), as well as appetizers like Gyoza, Fried Mini Octopus, and Chicken Karaage. Chef Xiong’s Taste of Szechuan in Chicago was once a favorite of celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, and if that’s not enough to sell you? Well, allow the tastes and smells to set you straight when you walk in. Locals recommend the Cold Sesame Noodle appetizer, Chinese Jajangmyeon NOodles, Wontons in Chili Sauce, Mapo Tofu, Chongqing Chicken, and the Spicy Szechuan Skewers. Paik’s Noodle in Glenview has some of the best Korean noodles around! Visitors recommend trying out the Jampong Noodle Soup, Jaengban Jajang (feeds 2), Bokkeummyeon, Spicy Seafood Noodle Soup and Black Bean Noodles. Locals also rave about the Tangsuyuk, a pork dish with special dipping sauce.  We bet you’ll also be raving about those homestyle traditional noodles with their chewy texture and immensely flavorful sauces.. Basu Vietnamese in Northbrook offers a variety of traditional Vietnamese options with reasonable price points. Recommendations include the veggie spring rolls, Steak Pho, Pork Noodle Bowl, Crispy Tofu Pho, Honey Pork Banh Mi, Spicy Wings, and the Ribeye Noodle Bowl. Lao Sze Chuan in Highland Park is serving up some serious spice and flavor in the form of traditional Sichuan Chinese fare. Highlights on the menu include traditional Dan Dan Noodles, Spicy & Sour Crystal Noodles, Szechuan Style Beef Brisket Noodle Soup, Boiled Beef in Spicy Szechuan Sauce, Mongolian Beef Tenderloin, and Three Cups Chicken. Ni’s Kitchen in Wilmette is another favorite Vietnamese hot spot offering traditional Pho and Banh Mi options from a family-owned and operated team.  Locals recommend the Grilled Pork and Egg Roll Vermicelli, Pho Dac Biet, Chicken Pho, Pho Ga. Be on the lookout for plenty of specials, and additional menu items based on customer feedback. Han Bat Restaurant in Chicago is a mom and pop shop that really brings the heat when it comes to traditional Korean food.  Locals recommend the Beef Brisket Noodle Soup, Oxtail Soup, Kimchi side dishes, and the Combination SooYook plate. This is very traditional, homestyle meals without the flashy decor of modern dining, allowing for a truly authentic eating experience. Got a favorite noodle hot spot we’ve left off the list? Give us a shout in the comments on our social media, and we might just include your suggestions in a future update on the blog!

With National Bookshop Day fast approaching, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate some of our wonderful fellow local businesses.  This special day is celebrated each October on the Second Saturday of the month, this year that will be October 12th. Consider checking out some of these incredible bookstores and supporting literacy efforts in our local community! Many bookstores will also be hosting a series of special events on Bookshop Day, so don’t miss out - check the events calendar to catch your favorite authors, special book promos, and more. more We love the opportunity to shop locally for gift-giving season! These bookstores and shops also make a fantastic one-stop shop for some early holiday shopping ideas. Check out their selection of literary themed gifts, curated board games, and locally made artisan goods, too! Amazing Bookstores and Indie Bookshops to Explore in Illinois and Wisconsin to Celebrate National Bookshop Day This Old Book in Grayslake offers preloved books, rare, and out-of-print books Lake Forest Book Store in Lake Forest is an indie bookseller offering a wide array of books as well as writing supplies and journals. The Book Bin in Northbrook prides themselves on being your friendly neighborhood book experts, offering a very strong children and teen section, and extensive personalized inventory. Bookends & Beginnings in Evanston is an independent woman-owned business offering new, used, and bargain options as well as unique literary-themed gifts. Barbara’s Bookstore in Vernon Hills is one of several small chain indie bookstores, a fixture in the community since 1963. Booklady’s Book Attic in Bartlett is a cozy little bookstore on the top floor of a historic home, offering used books for readers of all ages. Myopic Books in Chicago has three levels of book buying bliss featuring more than 80,000 books, live concerts and events, as well as poetry nights. Booked in Evanston offers a carefully curated selection of diverse titles as well as a series of live Art and Poetry events throughout the year, and cozy family story hours. Amaranth Books in Evanston has been a community fixture for more than 30 years, offering unique used and rare book titles plus a wide library of music and films. The Green Read in Crystal Lake offers a cozy shopping experience with puzzles, unique gifts, and 1000s of high quality used books to peruse. Uncharted Books Read Between the Lynes in Woodstock is located in the Historic Woodstock Square and offers a wide selection of books as well as an ice cream shop, coffee bar, and candy counter for an unmatched book shopping experience. The Looking Glass in Oak Park features book-themed gifts, a carefully curated children’s department, and a variety of all-ages and all-categories books. The Book Stall in Winnetka offers a unique range of titles and varying subjects, with a very knowledgeable staff and excellent children’s section. Dust Bunny Books in Lake Geneva (WI) is a small indie seller with a warm, inviting atmosphere which offers new, used, and antique collectible books, and has especially good selection for children/families. Blue House Books in Kenosha (WI) is the area's only full-service indie bookstore, offering a prime selection of curated titles and bestsellers, hosting their very own monthly Banned Book Club and several other book meets and author events. Reads By the River Books and Gifts in Waterford (WI) is an independent bookstore offering current and classic books with a curated selection of staff picks, as well as offering local authors a unique opportunity to apply as a retailer of their work! Feel free to chime in on our social media and let us know your favorite local bookstore in Illinois and Wisconsin!

Are you familiar with trends in technology that are shaping the current and future trajectory of the automotive industry?  Let’s talk about it!  We’ll be taking a look at some of the current features automakers are offering in EVs, Hybrids, and gasoline powered vehicles, as well as ways they’re predicted to improve over the next 5 to 10 years. Here are some interesting features to keep in mind as you shop around for your next car, or plan for your future vehicle! more Self-Driving and Driverless Technology Although some vehicles currently offer an automated or self-driving feature and limited driverless capabilities, the industry doesn’t expect to see a widespread use of fully autonomous vehicles for another 5 to 10 years.  Current technologies exist for parking assistance, recalling a vehicle from a parking space, automatic braking, cruise control and speed assistance, lane change assistance, and more. Some companies are currently testing limited markets with driverless vehicles for public transportation and reimagining the way we utilize and view mass-transit options.  Concept cars in the fully-autonomous categories are exploring features such as a more social oriented interior setup with seats facing one another, extended legroom and reclining seats in place of a driver’s cabin, and even some smaller vehicles for 1 to 2 people to reduce road congestion and road width allowing for more walkability and cycling options. What are some features you’d like to see from automakers with regards to autonomous/driverless technologies?  What autonomous driving features does your vehicle have that you love? Electric Batteries (and EV Charging Stations) It’s no secret that electric and hybrid vehicles are in high demand!  EV options have been increasing their popularity thanks to increased mileage range and access to charging stations.  Automakers are working out the kinks by extending battery storage, combatting issues like range loss due to extreme heat or cold, and partnering with fueling stations and competitors to form a wide network of flexible charging access.  Trend forecasters and automotive experts predict that by 2030, most EVs will hit a 400+ mile range point, putting them on equal ground with current gas-powered vehicles.  The US Government aims to make at least half of all new vehicles sold in the US zero-emission vehicles by the year 2030, and help create a convenient and accessible network of about 500,000 electric charging stations. Automakers expect EVs to make up the majority of vehicle sales by 2050!  Global leaders and automotive manufacturers are joining forces to extend research, design, and production capabilities for Hybrids and EVs as part of the worldwide commitment to reducing emissions, smaller carbon footprint, and reducing the ongoing effects of global warming. What are some features you would love to see in future Hybrid and Electric Vehicles?  What are some of your favorite qualities on your current EV or Hybrid? Connectivity and Infotainment Technologies Over the last several decades, automakers have been increasing accessibility to electronic features such as GPS driving directions, Bluetooth connectivity, DVD and Media players, in-vehicle calling, and mobile phone connections. Some vehicles come equipped with their own 5G Mobile HotSpot and Wi-Fi options, allowing for improved connectivity for phone calls and video chats, accurate navigation, live road and traffic conditions. A plethora of safety features have also been included as standard in most modern vehicle infotainment systems: driver assistance, hazard assistance, backup cameras, over-the-air updates, remote key access, vehicle-to-vehicle communications, repair diagnostics and maintenance reminders, lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, adaptive headlights, electronic stability control, and many more!  Automakers and traffic/roadway officials are hoping that future advancements will allow vehicles and drivers to communicate with each other to reduce congestion, improve roadway safety and reduce collisions, and more. Are there any safety features or modern  connectivity additions you’d like to see added to vehicles in the future? What connectivity and electronic safety features do you find most useful in your current vehicle?

Fall is finally here and with it comes spooky season! Today’s local community calendar of events is all about having a scary good time in October. We’re bringing you a selection of fun events all month-long with a special focus on Fall Festivals, Halloween events, and Oktoberfests!  Grab your friends and family and hop in your new car from Classic Auto Group in Waukegan and get ready for a fun-filled month of tricks and treats. more Wauke-Con is bringing all the comic book con fun from 12PM to 6PM at the Three Brothers Theatre in Waukegan! Enter to win a signed Ray Bradbury comic book. First Friday on Mainstreet Libertyville offers a plethora of fun activities, dinner and drink specials, and more throughout town on October 4th. Muppets Haunted Mansion is happening on October 4th for Backyard Movie Under the Stars night at Side lot! On Saturday October 12th at Hawthorn in Vernon Hills, make sure to stop by the Hispanic Heritage Vendor Market and EVent featuring local goods and artisan made items! October 12th through the 18th at Harbor Brewing is the seasonally spooky Beetlejuice themed pop-up event in Lake Villa! The REcycled Art Sale is happening at the Art Center of Highland Park from October 18th through the 26th! Illinois Vintage Fest takes place October 19th and 20th at the Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center in Grayslake from 11AM to 6PM. Goofy film buff and spooky theatrical Svengoolie is doing a special Meet and Greet event at the Volo Museum o n October 26th! The 2024 Lake County Film Festival at College of Lake County is taking place from Thursday October 31st through November 11th. Bonus Fall Festivals, Halloween Fun, and Oktoberfests to enjoy this October in Illinois and Wisconsin Scarecrow Fest at the Central Park Pavilion takes place on October 3rd from 4 to 5:30PM! Come decorate a scarecrow with your friends, local group, or family members. Enjoy complimentary snacks and help decorate the Sullivan Community Center for Halloween. Fall Fest at Brothers’ Field in Long Grove is happening on October 5th starting at 11AM. Entertainment features the DIY Scarecrow Building Activities, halloween pumpkin decorating, live music, tractor rides, food trucks and snacks, and so much more! Oktoberfest at Buffalo Creek Brewing from October 4th through the 6th features family-friendly fun! Step into the Bavarian-themed tap room filled to the brim with seasonal brews and live entertainment from special Bavarian music and open-air performances, free fall festival fun, competitions, and fun Oktoberfest outfits. In Long Grove. Forest of Freaks is running starting October 4th from 7:30 to 11PM, and returns Fridays and Saturdays in October from 7:30PM to 11PM and OCtober 31st and November 1st from 7:30PM to 11PM in JAnesville Wisconsin October 4th, 5th, and 6th at Downtown Highwood, come out for the Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest and Skeleton Invasion events! Nightly lightings of hand carved pumpkin walls, costume contests, trick or treating, live music and entertainment, hayrides, vendors, food and drink, carnival rides and much more! Wisconsin Fear Fest runs October 4th/5th, 11th-13th, 18th-20th, 24th-27th, and Oct 31st through Nov 1st at Elkhart Lake in Wisconsin. The Nekoosa Giant Pumpkin Festival is surely a sight to behold, and you can stop by October 5th and 6th from 9AM-5PM and 9AM-4PM. Enjoy carnival rides and games, children and family activities, raffles, craft vendors, artisans, local market, food, a tractor show, car show, The Giant Pumpkin Drop, and much more. Thorp Pumpkin Festival is happening on October 5th from 9AM to 4PM and features more than 130 vendors, food trucks, and artisans as well as a petting zoo, rides, bouncy houses, live music, and more. There’s also a pumpkin painting contest, pumpkin carving contest, and The Great Pumpkin Weigh-In. Septoberfest at the Beer Garden at Independence Grove features live music, a lakeside fire pit, trivia nights, a guided walk through Independence Grove, and more family-friendly fun! Happening on Wednesday and Thursday nights through the end of October. No Pets are allowed except for task-trained qualified service dogs. It’s DIY Scarecrow Day in Historic Downtown Long Grove on Saturday October 12th f rom 12PM to 4PM in Long Grove. Reserve your time ASAP. The Pumpkin Jubilee of Fox Lake invites local friends and families to join in the pumpkin carving fun and add them to the pumpkin wall! Local artisans and food trucks will be on site as well for shoppable fun and delicious seasonal eats. Happening October 19th from 3PM to 7PM. Scarecrow Fest and Walk at the Lot in Highland Park is happening on October 19th from 12PM to 5PM! Come out for a scarecrow themed family fun day with kids activities and seasonal decor, and then check out the scarecrows decorated by locals and local businesses. The Volo Museum has sponsored the annual Costume Party at Brothers’ Field in Long Grove on Friday October 25th at 5PM. There will be specialty cocktails, live music and dancing, halloween thrills and chills, a ghost walk, and more. Oktoberfest Food Festival, Fright Fest, and Kids Boo Fest happening at Six Flags Great America through November 3rd. Halloween fun for all and plenty of thrills and chills no matter what age you are! The Fox Lake Halloween Howl takes place on October 28th, and offers a full afternoon of family fun with hot chocolate, hay rides, hot dogs, and fun Halloween activities.

Love your furry companions so much that you can’t get enough togetherness? We’ve got great news for you! Today’s blog is dedicated to helping you find some new and interesting sports and activities to do with your dog locally, as well as some fun training you can try out together to make car trips a breeze. Before you know it, you and your pup will be on the road to adventure in your new car from Classic Auto Group of Waukegan, and off to making memories in that big beautiful world of ours. more What are dog sports and how do they benefit me and my canine companions? Dog sports are fun activities that hone and test your dog’s athleticism, obedience, agility, scenting abilities, and mental fitness.  They also provide an excellent outlet not only for mental and physical enrichment, but opportunities for handler-canine bonding and relationship strengthening. Some examples of handler-led sports include lure coursing or FastCAT, dock diving, disc throwing, flyball, herding, barn hunt, etc. Sports that require very active hands-on time between handler and pup include canicross, bikejoring, skijoring, canine freestyle dance, dog sledding, and agility coursing. Learn more about these fun dog-and-human centric sports: What fun sports or activities can I do with my dog locally in Northern Illinois or Southern Wisconsin areas? We’re so glad you asked! Check out our list of fun sports, training sessions, and classes you can enjoy for some human-pup bonding time. Dog Obedience Classes held by the Waukegan Park District Justin & Alicia Mentell Dog Agility Playground and Course in Waukegan Indoor Dog Agility at Two Paws Up Dog Training Inc in Waukegan Indoor Dog Park at Riverside Animal Clinic & Holistic Center in Waukegan Urban Pooch Sports & Fitness Academy in Chicago Scent Work Classes at Two Paws Up Dog Training in Waukegan AKC Fast CAT  in Antioch Dock Diving, Barn Hunt, Weight Pulling, Toss and Fetch at Southtown K9 in Rock Falls Flyball, Agility, Tracking, and Advanced Obedience class at Milwaukee Dog Training Club in Milwaukee, WI Scent Work Classes at Think Pawsitive Dog Training in Waukesha, WI Canicross events with Kenosha Running Company in Wisconsin XC Thrillogy Running CaniCross Trail and Road Events in Wisconsin How do I get my dog ready for traveling to new places for road trips and extended travel? Start slowly and consistently introducing your dog to their new method of transportation by creating a positive and reinforcing experience!  Here are some suggestions on ways to go about it: Keep early desensitization training sessions short so as not to overwhelm your pup, and provide a safe and comfortable experience in the car, and use only positive reinforcement training and never leave them unattended in the vehicle for any reason. Do not force your dog into the vehicle; be patient, work with your dog’s comfort level, and gradually build up their tolerance and provide positive methods to peak their curiosity and excitement. Let your dog explore the environment before you embark on your journey!  Facilitate a positive experience of the in the cargo area or backseat of your vehicle with a scavenger hunt for treats, and by placing their favorite toy and/or familiar bed/blanket inside while you sit in the front seat and chaperone. Once your pup is comfortable inside the vehicle, turn on the engine and give them a treat and some more positive verbal reinforcement and praise.  Turn on the radio to some soothing music or upbeat tunes, open the windows a little (not enough for them to put their head out!) and the air vents to get them used to the sounds and smells of the car. Start by slowly backing out of your parking space or driveway, and doing a trip down the block and back. Slowly increase the duration of your trips, and start off with a fun destination like a local park, a local beach, or a drive through with a pup-cup option!  Once your dog is feeling safe, secure, and no motion sickness, you are ready to hit the road comfortably and go just about anywhere! If slow and steady still isn’t helping, it might be time to consult a professional behaviorist and trainer to assist you with interventions and comforting training techniques. Remember to always travel safely: properly secure your pets and do not allow them to free roam or sit on your laps without restraints for everyone’s safety! Distracted driving due to roaming pets is a deadly road hazard!  Make sure that your dog feels comfortable, safe, and secure! Keep the lives of you, your passengers, your pets, and other drivers safe by ensuring your pup is belted/buckled just as you would fellow humans. Here are some tips that can help alleviate their stress, and help them be more comfortable with traveling: Introduce your pup to safety restraints, crates, and other car ride harnesses while indoors, and always while reinforcing positive experiences such as treats, praise, playing with their favorite toys, and physical affection (if your dog appreciates that!)  Your job here is to associate the safety gear with a happy, wonderful, enjoyable experience ahead of time so that when you’re ready to get on the road, they’re excited to use it! Crack the windows no more than a few inches, making sure your pup cannot get any paws, their nose, or any other body part out the window.  Just enough for some fresh air! Use a crate to keep them safe and sound, a grate between the front and back seat or cargo areas, or secure them with a pet-friendly seatbelt, car seat, or click their harness into a seatbelt attachment. Have a friend or family member that your dog is comfortable with sit in the back seat alongside your pal to help them remain calm and seated or lying down. **This post does not constitute or act as a substitute professional training advice. It is meant as a purely informational springboard and for entertainment purposes only.**

What would be more fitting to share on National Ghost Hunting Day than a place of real live haunted places paranormal aficionados have visited in person? That’s right! We’re kicking it into high gear for the approaching “spooky season” with a list of tantalizing presumed paranormal locations. From spectral sightings to devious disappearances to mysterious moans and wails, you’ll surely have goosebumps by the end of the stories and details on this post. Check it out, if you dare, and happy haunting–er, hunting! Note: Please, if you’re itching to visit any of these locations yourself, be mindful of local posted signage for your safety and legal purposes! Do not trespass onto private property or desecrate any of the historic sites. Obey any closed off areas, caution tape, or signs listing environmental risks. Enter at your own risk and ghost hunt responsibly. more Bartonville Insane Asylum in Illinois was in operation as a mental hospital as the Peoria State Hospital from 1902 through 1973, but closed due to lack of government funding, overcrowding issues, and overuse of psychotropic medications on patients.  While considered on the “milder” side of psychiatric hospital sites thanks to Dr. George Zeller’s more humane treatment philosophies and less prison-like housing, the site still saw its fair share of deaths. The expired patients with no families or relatives were given respectful memorial ceremonies and burials on site; the grounds eventually housed 4 different cemeteries where 4,100 patients were interred. After Zeller’s death, the facilities were transferred to new hands who adopted the less than ideal Electro Convulsive Therapy treatment, with several patients dying of mysterious circumstances or being killed. Modern day ghost hunters report ghostly apparitions and strange shadows flitting about the corridors, while others have noted sobs and whispers from patient rooms. McPike Mansion of Alton in Illinois, sometimes referred to as Mount Lookout, is a historic and haunted property on the former 15-acre estate of Henry Guest McPike. In 1994, the home was purchased at auction by Sharyn and George Luedke, with plans to restore the mansion to its former glory!  Sharyn herself has reported ghostly sightings of servants and residents or guests of the mansion while removing items from the home, making repairs, and restoring the house.  She and George have also caught a whiff of lilac perfume wafting through the hallways of the third floor.  Some people claim the house was built on hallowed grounds, still others report the happenings only began after McPike and later owners’ passings. Spooky! Pfister Hotel in Wisconsin is considered one of the most haunted in the state! This historic Milwaukee landmark has housed some of the most famous and notable baseball and basketball players over the years, many of whom have corroborated the stories of paranormal activities. Visiting players have reported objects being moved or dropped, strange shadowy apparitions, electrical anomalies, and mysterious noises!  Built in 1893 as a premiere accommodation for the times, the hotel has undergone several renovations and additions since, now housing 82 personal suites including wet bars and sitting room areas. It has been reported that the older wings of the hotel are more haunted, along with the 19th floor of the tower addition and the grand ballroom area. Have a stay and see for yourself! Missouri State Penitentiary was once the oldest continually operating prison west of the Mississippi, open from 1836 through 2004, and functioned as its own little town.  The facility has seen its fair share of injuries, deaths, escape attempts, mistreatment, abuse, experiments, and even a major inmate riot in 1954, and has been dubbed “the bloodiest 47 acres in America” by Time Magazine. Yes, this tumultuous and terrifying history has left this facility with its fair share of ghosts both metaphorical and literal. Today, you can opt for a 2 or 3 hour guided ghost tour and explore the housing units, dungeon cells, death row chamber, and more. For the squeamish and ghost-averse, there are also run of the mill historic tours without all the spooky stuff. Villisca Axe Murder House in Iowa contains stories that will put any Ryan Murphy series plot to shame. This terrifying site of octuple murders in 1912 is home to one of America’s most infamous unsolved murder cases, and some seriously spine-tingling paranormal sightings. (We will spare you the gruesome details, but it’s quite frightening!)  Over the course of 90 years, the home had 7 different owners, all of whom reported unpleasant experiences and unexplained events. In the late 90s, the home was purchased by Darwin and Martha Lin, who have since opened the house to the public for daytime tours and overnight stays, as well as special ghost hunting expeditions. It’s been added to the National Register of Historic Places, and remains a hot spot for those seeking thrills, chills and scares. If you’re feeling brave, you can book the overnight stay and wait until 2AM when the real “fun” begins. Whitefish Point Lighthouse in Michigan is a picturesque maritime setting and the oldest operating lighthouse on Lake Superior, in operation since 1849 and reconstructed in 1861. It was later added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, and the Shipwreck Museum opened in 1897.  Over the years this site has received reports of strange, otherworldly appearances and ethereal figures.  Visitors have reported seeing ghosts of little girls waving from the windows and running around the grounds, a Native American woman wandering through the museum, a woman in a long gown walking around the galley, and a man in a blue uniform.  Even employees of the Museum Gift Shop have reported strange accounts of buttons being pushed and toilets flushing with no one around.  Professional ghost hunters at the UPPRS have caught numerous spikes of spectral activity as well. There’s no telling what you’ll see on your visit, but even if you don’t spot any specters, it’s still quite worth the visit.

Today we're highlighting some incredible places of historical significance in Native American History. These special national historic sites, cultural centers and museums preserve artifacts, artwork, and language of the local tribes in our Midwest region. Historic Native American tribes and Nations found across the midwest in the past and present include: Potawatomi, Menominee, Chippewa, Ojibwe, Ho-Chunk Winnebago, Oneida Nation, Sioux, Odawa, Shawnee, Miami, Wea, Plankashaw, Delaware. more Pipestone National Monument in Minnesota has been a source of red pipestone for Native Americans for centuries, as the clay stone was used to craft both prayer and ceremonial pipes. It’s found only in a few different places in the world, with the top quality stone coming from this region. Native Americans believe the stone is made of the flesh and blood of their ancestors, making the quarry a sacred ground for their people. The Three Maidens (granite boulders) on site are considered the guardians of the quarry and stone. The monument park area includes a beautiful picnic area, trails, the quarries, as well as a special visitor center housing exhibits, documents, photographs, and artifacts of historical significance. Want to learn more about the process of selecting pipestone and building these sacred objects? Consider checking out one of the special events from a local Native artisan on the art of pipemaking! Museum of the Ojibwa Culture in Michigan is a national historic landmark where visitors can learn about the Ojibwa culture and history of Natives, Huron, and French peoples during the 17th century. With both indoor and outdoor exhibits to explore, you’ll receive a well-rounded glimpse into the past featuring artifacts, photography, and permanent as well as special exhibitions.  One particular exhibit of interest is dedicated to shining a light on the brutal history and heartbreaking experiences of students at Native American Boarding Schools, as well as the local Catholic nuns and missionaries who ran the facilities. You can also tour the Longhouse/Healing Lodge area and learn about daily life as well as the spiritual practices of local tribespeople.  The museum's exhibits are a thorough and fascinating look at regional Native American life, and worthy of spending most of your day contemplating their content. The facility also features more than 125 Native American and Native Canadian artists in their gift shop gallery. Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post Minnesota is dedicated to highlighting the life and culture of Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and 300 years of history to present day. You’ll experience special exhibitions throughout the year, such as the recent night sky photography exhibit by Travis Novitsky, as well as a series of permanent exhibits.  Learn about past and contemporary day Ojibwe culture, the preservation of Ojibwe language and lexicon, personal stories and oral histories, as well as plenty of artifacts, documents, and images. There is a large hands-on learning room where you can try your hand at special crafts including beading, basket making, dying, embroidery, and even cooking. The outdoor classroom provides an opportunity to learn traditional dance, canoe making, and even maple sugar processing!  It’s a must-see stop when you’re in the area, putting you in touch with the original peoples here on North American land. Newark Earthworks in Ohio is an incredible architectural site and one of the largest groups of geometric earthen enclosures around the world.  The site features a circular earthwork formed by a tall continuous earthen wall around 30 acres of land; there is no pathway to the interior of the Great Circle, but the Newark Earthworks Museum is located at the top of a slight rise in the ground with a paved path.  The Wright Square is a small square earthwork which demonstrates the impact of local development on these historic structures. There is limited public access to The Octagon area which houses a 20-acre circle and a 50-acre octagon with a small passageway between. The facility offers free tours on the first Friday of the month from April through November with accomplished Archaeologist Brad Lepper, starting at The Great Circle Museum. Regular guided tours are available March through November on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays for a fee. When you’ve finished your visit, we recommend checking out the nearby Flint Ridge Ancient Quarries! Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center in South Dakota is located on the St. Joseph’s Indian School Campus, and aims to honor and preserve the history of the Lakota people.  The facility houses a permanent collection of Native American artifacts of historic and cultural significance, with special focus on items from 1800-1930 and relative to the Northern Plains peoples, with a focus on the Lakota especially. The museum hosts at least two special exhibitions per year, with the current exhibit being “WOYAKE: Language in Lakota Art” on view through October 31st 2024. When you’re done walking through the interior exhibits, we highly recommend making a trek to the Medicine Wheel Garden just west of the museum. This special space is dedicated to cultivating peaceful, inspirational meditation and respite for visitors and students. It pays tribute to the healing and spiritual properties of water through the Mni Wiconi water feature, depicts colors of the elements in the circle of life, as well as inscriptions and artistic panels and plants. B e sure to check out our past blogs on other Native American historical sites throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and the rest of the Midwest!