A mid-1800’s architectural wonder helped make Chicago the city it is today. The 96-mile Illinois & Michigan Canal (I&M Canal) connected the Great Lakes in Bridgeport, Chicago to the Illinois River at LaSalle-Peru, and amazingly unique towns sprung up that maintain their authentic charm to this date.
READ ON!Freedom. The Open Road. The American Dream. All are still alive on The Mother Road. The nostalgia of diners, museums, tourist stops and neon lights are there for you to visit as you make the drive from Chicago to Santa Monica, CA. You can still get your Kicks on Route 66!
READ ON!A visit to Starved Rock State Park consists of many sights to behold, including breathtaking views of its many canyons and awe-inspiring scenes of eagles flying during the winter month.
READ ON!The Heritage Corridor is filled with events that are waiting just for you. Live music, fun festivals, learning programs, and active adventures await.
READ ON!Are you looking for a specific type of place to visit in the I&M Canal Heritage Corridor? If you're a craft beer fan, you will love the Heritage Corridor Ale Trail? Seeing a thrilling journey or just an escape, check out Adventure Outside Chicago. We've got all the info to unlock your next trip right here.
READ ON!Alive with history, culture and adventure, the I&M Canal Heritage Corridor is the perfect destination to play this weekend. Explore the historical significance of the Illinois & Michigan Canal through museums and park exhibits or take a cruise on a real Canal Boat complete with guides dressed in period clothing. Visit the Aviation Museum or learn about Native American life at Isle a la Cache Museum. Take to the open road and travel Illinois Route 66, the Lincoln Highway or Illinois River Road national scenic byways. Tour an expansive collection of murals, sculptures and mosaics in Joliet or take in the floral city of Ottawa, IL. The majestic Rialto Square Theatre attracts big-name musicians and comedians to its stage or one can attend concerts on the hill at Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Joliet.
Miles of trails along the Illinois & Michigan Canal provide year-round opportunities for biking, hiking, cross country skiing and snowmobiling. Starved Rock, Buffalo Rock, Matthiessen and Channahon State Parks are easily accessible.
The area's golf courses offer a challenge for all skill levels - get a round in at renowned Bolingbrook Golf Club and Pine Hills (Ottawa) or any the other beautifully maintained courses. Experience the heart-pounding thrill of victory at Chicagoland Speedway, Route 66 Raceway and LaSalle Speedway. Harrah's Joliet and Hollywood Joliet Casinos combine the best in gaming, first-class dining, nightlife and entertainment.
Non-stop action and a jam-packed calendar of events and festivals - This is the place to play!