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Canal Towns

Canal Towns

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. 

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Canal Towns News Plan Your Season of Road Trips by Getting the Free Travel I&M Canal Towns Guide
Route 66

Route 66

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!

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Route 66 News Meet Jennifer Bronk from Bronkberry Farms in Plainfield, IL
Starved Rock

Starved Rock

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.

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Starved Rock News Starved Rock Country Welcome Center & Illinois Made Gift Shoppe
Events

Events

The Heritage Corridor is filled with events that are waiting just for you.  Live music, fun festivals, learning programs, and active adventures await.

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Events News Fireworks at the Joliet Slammers Stadium
I Want To...

I Want To ...

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.

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I Want To... News 10 Picturesque Winter Images from Around the Heritage Corridor
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Your Summer Adventure in Starved Rock Country Starts Here



Ottawa's Debate Days

101 E. Lafayette St. Ottawa, IL 61350

Dates: Now - Aug. 23, 2026
times: 8am - 5pm
admission: Free
Location: Downtown Ottawa, 101 E. Lafayette St., Ottawa, IL 61350


WEBSITE DIRECTIONS
Ottawa's Debate Days is a celebration of the world-renowned debate between future U.S. President Abraham Lincoln and Senator Stephen Douglas. It was held in the heart of historic Downtown Ottawa, at Washington Park. Come celebrate all things Ottawa with a week full of summer fun in the sun!

Saturday 15th

Puzzle contest 10am and 2pm at the Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum

America at 250! Researching Your Revolutionary Ancestors event at LaSalle County Genealogy Guild 1pm

Ticketed Legacy Gala at Ottawa Center for the Arts 6-10pm

Great Taste Debate

Flag Scavenger Hunt

Reddick Mansion tours 11am & 1pm

Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm

Sunday 16th

Lecture on Black Hawk Wars 11 am Scouting Museum

Ticketed Mrs. Lincoln / Mrs Douglas (Character) tea at Reddick Mansion 2pm with Quilt Trunk Show

Great Taste Debate

Flag Scavenger Hunt

Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm

Monday 17th

Lecture on 7 Debates 6pm at Scouting Museum

Store Deals at select stores

Flag Scavenger Hunt

Great Taste Debate

Reddick Mansion tours 11am & 1pm

Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm

Tuesday 18th

Lecture on Lincoln's in Town 6pm at Scouting Museum

Store Deals at select stores

Flag Scavenger Hunt

Great Taste Debate

Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm

Wednesday 19th

Store Deals at select stores

Flag Scavenger Hunt

Chris Vallillo concert at the Abbey 7pm (free – per special events committee)

Great Taste Debate

Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm

Thursday 20th

Store Deals at select stores

Flag Scavenger Hunt

Tale of Two Bluffs movies at the ROXY 7pm – free

Great Taste Debate

Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm

Friday 21st

Store Deals – sidewalk sales

Third Friday Market

Best Beard Contest 5:30pm

Toast to Lincoln and Douglas @ Valley View 4 - 6 pm

Music by Illinois 33 rdBand 6pm in Washington Park with Lincoln and Douglas Impersonators

Great Taste Debate

Flag Scavenger Hunt

Reddick Mansion tours 11am & 1pm

Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm

Saturday 22nd

Store Deals- sidewalk sales

Old Time Fair in Washington Park from 11am – 4pm (fair is FREE)

YSB Scoops & Smiles 11am-1pm (free)

Farmers & Makers Market on Jackson St from 8am – 4pm

Carriage Rides 1-4pm pick up in front of Reddick Mansion

Re-enactment of Lincoln / Douglas Debate 4-5pm

Ice Cream Social in Washington Park 6pm with Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum ($5 tickets)

American Legion Post 33 cookout 6-9pm

Music in the Park 6-9pm Rosie and the Rivets

Quilt winners announced 6pm

Great Taste Debate

Flag Scavenger Hunt

Reddick Mansion Open House 11-3pm (pay as you go )

Ottawa Historical & Scouting Heritage Museum tours 10am-4pm

I&M Canal Ride with Open Trails

What's Nearby?

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