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!It’s time to get out, explore and create new experiences down the I&M Canal National Heritage Area. Brush the dust off your passport and begin the adventures! August 3rd will mark 90 days left until the end of the 35th Anniversary Passport contest, so it’s time to plan your next stop.
Visit the I&M Canal National Heritage Area Facebook page for suggested schedules to help you maximize your fun as well as summer and fall special events, activities, and festivals to combine with your adventures.
Get your free passport at any of the participating locations or contact the Canal Corridor Association to have it mailed right to you. Once you’ve explored the area, turn in your passport, and claim your prizes.
The Grand Prize Sweepstakes will pick one lucky winner to receive a private party for up to 70 people on “The Volunteer,” the I&M Canal Boat in LaSalle. Other prizes include the illustrated book “Passage to Chicago: A Journey on the Illinois & Michigan Canal in the Year 1860, coupons for the I&M Canal Bike Share, and two entries into the Grand Prize Sweepstakes.
For more information, visit www.iandmcanal.org