Great Lakes Options (18)

From April 17 through May 3, members of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago will bring their blend of jazz, contemporary and ballet steps to the Windy City's Cadillac Palace Theatre in three premiere works. The troupe will perform Ohad Naharin's romantic "Passomezzo," set to melodies from "The Beggar's Opera"; the whimsical and chaotic "Without Walls," choreographed by Ron DeJesus; and an as-yet-untitled work by Harrison McEldowney. The theater is located at 151 W. Randolph St. Ticket prices range from $17 to $50. Visit www.hubbardstreetdance.com or call (312) 977-1700 for more information.

On April 28, the Hamilton, Ohio, campus of Miami University will host a world's worth of customs. The second-annual Multicultural Celebration, which takes place from noon to 6 p.m., is filled with food, music and dance from Latin America and countries including Japan, Italy and Germany. The campus address is 1601 Peck Blvd. Admission is free. Call (513) 785-7395.

The flora in Wisconsin's Olbrich Botanical Gardens is more than pretty. It possesses the power to cure. From April 7 through June 10, the Madison conservatory presents "The Healing Power of Plants," an overview of more than 550 species of medicinal vegetation. Visitors will discover the impact of recent conservation efforts as well as breakthroughs in scientific discovery. Hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The conservatory is located at 3330 Atwood Ave. Admission is free. Click to www.olbrich.org or call (608) 246-4550.

Take a trip to Africa without leaving the United States. Through May 13, Pennsylvania's Carnegie Museum of Natural History presents "Africa: One Continent. Many Worlds," a collection of artifacts reflecting family life, art and society. Highlights include a 4-foot-high bronze snake commissioned in the 1800s by the Royal Palace of Cameroon, tents and beds used by Tuareg nomads, ceremonial flags and musical instruments. The museum is located at 4400 Forbes Road in Pittsburgh. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $4 for children ages 3 to 18. Visit the Carnegie Museum of Natural History or call (412) 622-3131.