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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!As the weather begins to warm up, it is time to take advantage of the outdoors again. Enjoy every moment by dinning outside on the patio at your favorite restaurants, breweries, or wineries. Summer patios are starting to open back up for the season. Here is a list of restaurants, wineries, and breweries where you can enjoy an outside dining experience around the Heritage Corridor:
Next Mex Lemont, IL
Enjoy creative Mexican fare and the freshest of craft cocktails highlighted by quality ingredients and twists on the originals on the patio right across from the I&M Canal.
Chuck’s Southern Comforts Café Darien, IL
Treat yourself to some of the tastiest eats in the Chicagoland area. Enjoy a blend of Mexican, Cajun-Creole, and best slow cooked smoked BBQ made to perfection.
Jitters Coffee House Joliet, IL
Located just a couple blocks from The Rialto Square Theatre and Harrah’s Casino, you can’t go wrong with Jitter’s freshly made breakfast or lunch.
Uptown Grill LaSalle, IL
Located in the Starved Rock area, this restaurant offers polished American cuisine in a casual environment.
The Public Landing Restaurant and Banquet Center Lockport, IL
Housed in the historic Gaylord Building, this upscale casual eatery overlooks the I&M Canal and Lincoln Landing Park.
Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center Oglesby, IL
Experience The Back Door Lounge and dining on the Veranda while you can sit back and relax, while you enjoy an endless view of Starved Rock State Park.
Red Dog Grill Ottawa, IL
Known as Starved Rock Country’s best waterfront dining venue, dive into their splendid menu, enjoying gourmet American and seafood cuisine overlooking a world-class marina.
Lodi Tap House Utica, IL
Awarded “Best burger” in 2018 by Chicago’s Best, this is a must stop in the Starved Rock Area where you can eat well while enjoying a pint of craft beer.
Wine & Cheese Company Plainfield, IL
Widen your taste palette at this fine wine and artisan cheese shop downtown Plainfield. This is a safe haven for the clueless to the connoisseur looking to sip, nibble, and enjoy.
Clarks Run Antiques & Wine Utica, IL
Explore this multi-dealer shop where you can find lots of antiques, gifts, and home décor. Then walk on over to the other side of the shop to grab a cup a wine and enjoy outside while soaking up the sun in Utica.
MyGrain Brewing Joliet, IL
Located in the historical Joliet Union train station, this brewpub not only serves up tasty beer, but also delicious foods to enjoy every bite.
Pollyanna Brewing Lemont, IL
This brewery experiments with local fruits and spices seasonal lagers, barrel-aging, wild yeast and cider-beers on occasion. Enjoy those cool and refreshing beverages as you sit on their patio and look over the I&M Canal.
These are just a few locations with outside dining and patios around the Heritage Corridor. Be sure to check out our website hcdestinations.com for more restaurants, wineries, and breweries in your area with outside dining.