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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!We’ve all been to weddings, and when it comes time to tie the knot – you want your wedding to be memorable … and better than the ceremonies you have attended in the past. Admit it, you want your guests to look back to your special day saying “That was an amazing day” – all without breaking the bank.
Here in the I&M Canal Heritage Corridor, you can create the iconic day that everyone will be jealous of. We are going to highlight three locations that will make for spectacular pictures, vivid memories and many jealous friends.
RIALTO SQUARE THEATRE – JOLIET, IL
The Jewel of Joliet. Millions of memories dating back to 1926, with a stage that has hosted Bob Hope, Carol Burnett, Jerry Seinfeld and other starts. Whether you hold your ceremony in the ornate rotunda or on the stage of the historic palace with the sounds of the historic organ playing “Here Comes the Bride,”
You can also hold your reception at the Rialto as well! You can hold your ceremony at a different location and still have the iconic reception. Can you imagine the first dance in the Great Rotunda, underneath the “Duchess” chandelier? This ornate masterpiece has some 200 fixtures, is 20 feet long and features 250 lights.
To find out more about holding your wedding or reception at the Rialto Square Theatre, please visit https://rialtosquare.com/rialto-rental/weddings/.
photo from Rialto Square Theatre
BOLINGBROOK GOLF CLUB – BOLINGBROOK, IL
Multiple ballrooms to choose from, a picturesque view from the outdoor balcony, amazing service and top-notch food. Plus, you can get some pretty amazing pictures on their magnificent golf course. If you’re enticed, then Bolingbrook Golf Club is the perfect place to have your wedding – no matter the size of your reception.
You can also hold your ceremony in their idyllic Rose Garden. Imagine saying “I do” with their overlooking fountains and lake in the background. It’s a perfect, intimate atmosphere.
To find out more about holding your wedding or reception at the Bolingbrook Golf Club, please visit https://www.bolingbrookgolfclub.com/weddings.
STARVED ROCK LODGE AND CONFERENCE CENTER – OGLESBY, IL
If you imagine your ceremony taking place in the beauty of nature, then imagine the splendor of having your wedding at Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center. Towering pines, century old oak trees await your guests in the Lodge’s Sunrise Shelter. Worried about the weather, the beautiful fireplace of the rustic Great Hall gives you a perfect Plan B that will keep everyone smiling.
Just think about some of the unique wedding photos you can get with your wedding party in Starved Rock State Park.
image by Kathy Casstevens
After the ceremony, the Great Hall is a perfect place for a world-class dining experience – followed by kicking up your heels and dancing the night away in the Starved Rock Room
To find out more about holding your wedding or reception at Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center, please visit https://www.starvedrocklodge.com/weddings_meetings/weddings-meetings/weddings/.
GRIZZLY JACK'S GRAND BEAR RESORT – UTICA, IL
From the beginning when you say yes, to the final farewells at the end of the reception, Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Resort is here to make sure you have everything covered while helping you turn your dream wedding into a reality.
Being surrounded by the beauty of nature, this is the perfect destination for your wedding! They want to be able to host not only your ceremony but also the reception, bridal shower, and rehearsal dinner.
Whatever your vision may be, they will pair you with a wedding specialist that will guide you step-by-step through all details for the special day. They offer a formal Grand Ballroom that can accommodate up to 300 with a dance floor.
To find out more about holding your wedding or reception at the Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Resort, please visit www.grizzlyjacksresort.com/meetings/weddings-and-receptions
photo from Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort