Must Do Adventures In and Around the Heritage Corridor

Go on an adventure, while creating new memories with your favorite people! 

Some see adventure as jumping out of a plane or trying a new thrilling ride. Others might see adventure as trying something new on a dinner menu. The word "adventure" invokes different experiences for different people. Around the Heritage Corridor, we have many different adventures for all kinds of thrill-seekers, so take a look and see what else you should add to your bucket list. 

AIR ADVENTURES
The most common adventure that comes to mind is "taking the leap" and skydiving. Skydive Chicago is a great place to cross off your bucket list and be able to say you jumped out of a plane.

If you can imagine, free falling for 60 seconds at up to 120 mph. Then, you get to relax as the chute deploys - giving you a 5 to 7 minute canopy flight to the earth below. Visit skydivechicago.com to find out more.

But maybe, you'd rather keep your feet on the group while dreaming about the skies. The Illinois Aviation Museum at Bolingbrook lets you actively imagine life in the skies through many of their restored aircrafts.

There is 5,000 square feet to explore at the museum, which is located at Bolingbrook's Clow International Airport. More information can be found at illinoisaviationmuseum.org.

WATER ADVENTURES
Kayak Morris gives you the chance to explore Starved Rock State Park like never before - by water.Now with three locations open, you can explore through the calm waters at Kayak Morris, Kayak Starved Rock and Kayak Starved Rock Campgrounds.

The awe-inspiring views of the bluffs are amazing, and one that regular hikers can't see. Visit kayakmorris.com to get more information about this and other kayaking tours.

But, if you're looking for a heart-pounding, jaw-dropping water adventure - take on the mythical beast Wonambi at Raging Waves Waterpark in Yorkville, IL. This is Illinois largest outdoor waterpark!

You start by twisting through a 720-degree turn in complete darkness, than shoot out of the tunnel to climb the giant wave (achieving a near zero-gravity moment). You (with up to three other riders) will come splashing back down to terra firma, wanting to take on the ride once more. Plan your adventure at ragingwaves.com.

No visit along the corridor is complete without a ride on Lock 16 Canal Boat near LaSalle. Your boat will be pulled by mule lead by guides in period costume. Each tour is an hour lone and will begin with a 15-minute "Mule Training 101" presentation. This is the perfect adventure for all ages to enjoy. Book your visit at iandmcanal.org

LAND ADVENTURES

One of our newest attractions which we’re sure you’ve heard of already is The Forge: Lemont Quarries. Talking about thrill-seeking activities, this place has it all! You can put your strength and fear to the test and climb the rock walls that are 90 feet in the air or challenge yourself at the high ropes with 200 plus elements to choose from, freefall as high as 120 feet off the ground and so much more!

This is a thrill-seekers playground, so if that’s you, then you must add this to your list this summer! For more information about the park, visit forgeparks.com

Starved Rock State Park is a widely known must-do adventure in Illinois, but another State Park has breathtaking views as well. Matthiessen State Park brings canyons, streams, prairie and forests together for a fun experience as well, and its only minutes from Starved Rock.

Its main canyon is 45 feet deep and approximately one mile long. Beautifully colored rock walls, flora and fauna will provide you with a unique setting for photos and selfies. The State's DNR web site has more information, which you can see at https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Pages/Matthiessen.aspx.

Biking, hiking or running on the I&M Canal Trail can take you on many adventures, but make sure to stop at the Joliet Iron Works Historic Site. Here, you'll get to explore just over a half-mile of paved trail that takes you through the remains of an iron manufacturing facility that ran from the late 1800's to the early 1900's. You will still be able to see foundations of blast furnaces and other structures from the dismantled factory.

CULINARY ADVENTURES

Utica’s very own Cajun Connection will take your taste buds on an adventure with authentic Cajun styled food made to perfection. These flavors have traveled all the way from Louisiana where Ron himself goes to get the best ingredients to make it taste as great as it is. You will find many authentic dishes including alligator, gumbo, etouffee and more!

PLENTY OF ADVENTURES
No matter your definition of adventure, you can find it here in the Heritage Corridor. Make sure to explore our web site to find your next adventure ... it's surprisingly closer than you think.