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!Start with an outdoor activity in Starved Rock Country. There are many ways you can get yourself moving and to exercise off those holiday calories.
There are countless miles of breathtaking trails through Starved Rock Country. Winter can be an especially beautiful time for those willing to brave the elements.
In fact, hikers are invited to Starved Rock State Park's three-hour, 4.5-mile guided winter hikes every weekend December through March. Find out more about the guided winter hikes available
While you are in the area, be sure to check out Matthiessen State Park. There are more than five miles of trails with a pair of waterfalls/icefalls in a mile-long canyon. Take in the gorgeous scenery and a free dose of vitamin D!
Get a full-body workout and improve your endurance with cross-country skiing. Matthiessen State Park is well known for their beautiful cross-country skiing trails. There are 6 miles of cross-country ski trails with ski rental available weekends from December through March. To find out more visit https://www.hcdestinations.com/Attractions/Matthiessen-State-Park
Looking for a more relaxed form of exercising? Give eagle watching a try. It allows you to take a short hike to the top of Starved Rock or Eagle Cliff. Eagles can be seen year-round now at or near Starved Rock State Park, but their numbers increase in the mid-to-late winter months. More info coming soon, so be on the look out for dates for the "Eagle Watch Weekend.” https://www.hcdestinations.com/Event-Details?eventer=12490
photos by: Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center