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!Every person has a story and something going on below the surface. In a world where keyboard warriors think nothing of being hurtful with words, it has always been my belief that it is much more difficult to be unkind to someone you know. When we focus on divisiveness and differences we can sometimes fail to see the commonalities we share. And the differences we do have can be really interesting. When I was a kid I LOVED Sesame Street. My mom and I would sing Who are the people in your neighborhood? As I got older I found out that Bob McGrath from Sesame Street, who would sing that song, is from Ottawa! As I have lived and worked in downtown Ottawa for 20 years I have often had that song pop into my head. They're the people that you meet when you're walking down the street! They're the people that you meet each day! Well, if you know me, you know that I often meet people on the street while out walking my dog Lou. What better way to get to know the people in YOUR neighborhood? I believe in community. It's the people who care for one another, work together and serve the greater good that make our town thrive. When we understand each other a little bit more, even if we don't agree, well, I just think it makes for a better experience. That's my goal with this project - help us understand each other and find some common ground, to realize that we are not alone. And have a laugh. Everyone who has participated so far say they've had fun.
A local treasure right in Naplate, Illinois. Annie’s Hideaway offers som...read on
Casa Mia in Naplate, has been one of the finest restaurants for the past...read on
Fairfield Inn & Suites Ottawa Starved Rock Area offers close proximity t...read on