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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!Heritage Corridor Destinations President & CEO Robert Navarro represented Illinois on the international stage at Brand USA Travel Week U.K. & Europe, held Oct. 20–23, 2025 in London, England.
Navarro joined Catie Sheehan, Deputy Director of the Illinois Office of Tourism, and Cory Jobe, President & CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau, in promoting Illinois travel to European tour operators and media.
Brand USA Travel Week brings together leading U.S. exhibitors, U.K. and European buyers, and global travel media for a week of business-to-business meetings, networking, and industry insights. The event provides an invaluable platform to strengthen international partnerships and showcase the diverse travel experiences available across the United States.
“Increasing international visitation is a key part of Illinois’ tourism strategy,” said Navarro. “European travelers are drawn to authentic experiences, and Illinois has so much to offer— from Route 66 to our rich history, outdoor adventures, and welcoming communities. Events like this help us share that story directly with global partners.”
Throughout the week, participants discussed travel trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the future of tourism, while identifying opportunities to grow international visitation to the United States.
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