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.
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!
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.
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.
09/25/2023 by Jared Smith
Starting Friday September 22nd, 2023, the Old Joliet Prison will be offering Flashlight Tours 7 days a week from 5pm to 9pm. All tours include a souvenir flashlight!
$30 - Adults
$10 - Children age 3-10
Children under the age of 3 are free.
Reservations are...READ MORE
09/22/2023 by Ale Trail
Want to get these updates in your email? Sign up for the Ale Trail newsletter.
New Releases & Old Favorites
Garage Band Brewing Company
Plainfield, IL
Malibu Bay Breeze
Specialty Cocktail
Crafted with Mali...READ MORE
09/18/2023 by Jared Smith
Celebrate one of Northern Illinois' largest and longest-running festivals on October 7th & 8th in the Village of North Utica. Burgoo Festival is a great event to bring your entire family and friends to celebrate the start of Fall. Established in 1969, the B...READ MORE
09/15/2023 by Ale Trail
Want to get these updates in your email? Sign up for the Ale Trail newsletter.
New Releases & Old Favorites
Evil Horse Brewing Company
Crete, IL
Schottenhamel
Oktoberfest style-lager - 6.8%
A rich malty Marzen ...READ MORE
09/15/2023 by Lauren Las
John Mulaney & Pete Davidson will be at Rialto Square Theatre on Sunday, October 8. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, September 19 at 10 AM.
John Mulaney is a two-time Emmy and WGA award-winning writer, actor, and comedian. Mulaney can be seen in his latest Netflix stand up...READ MORE
09/14/2023 by Jared Smith
Get up and dance during the Summer Street Concerts Down on Main in Princeton, IL. Grab your friends, family, and lawn chair for an evening of live music and food trucks beginning at 6:00 PM. The concerts will be located on South Main St, between Peru St & Marion St. Admi...READ MORE
09/11/2023 by Mariah Scott
The state's largest wine festival returns to North Utica this year!
Make plans to travel to Carey Memorial Park in Downtown Utica on Saturday, September 16th, from 11 a.m. - to 6 p.m. and Sunday, September 17th, from noon - to 5 p.m. During this two-day event, s...READ MORE
09/07/2023 by Ale Trail
Want to get these updates in your email? Sign up for the Ale Trail newsletter.
New Releases & Old Favorites
Tangled Roots Brewing Company
Lockport, IL & Ottawa, IL
Walk to Remembeer
Blonde Ale - 4.5%
Brewed...READ MORE
09/05/2023 by Jared Smith
Eat sweets and listen to business pitches!
Plan a day in Lockport, IL, on Sunday, September 17th, to tour Lockport's eateries and watch children pitch their startup businesses! Whether you want to taste something new or watch children develop a brand, this is th...READ MORE
09/01/2023 by Ale Trail
Want to get these updates in your email? Sign up for the Ale Trail newsletter.
New Releases & Old Favorites
RT66 Old School Brewing Company
Wilmington, IL
Out of the Woods
Pilsner
They named it after a loc...READ MORE
08/28/2023 by Jared Smith
Celebrate Pluto Fest along with some tasty food.
Plan a weekend in Streator to celebrate Pluto Fest and the Streator Walldogs Food Truck Festival on Saturday, September 16th, in Streator's City Park, starting at 11 AM. This event is free and will coincide with the far...READ MORE
08/28/2023 by Jared Smith
For Immediate Release: August 15, 2023
Raise Awareness for Alzheimer's Disease!
The Alzheimer’s Association will partner with Star Union Spirits to raise money for Alzheimer's Awareness by releasing a limited Single Barrel American Brandy. Net proce...READ MORE
08/27/2023 by Lauren Las
Rebuild Illinois Cultural Capital Planning Grants - due 10/25/23
IDNR Open Space Land Acquisition and Development Grants - due 8/31/23
Rebuild Illinois Cultural Capital Planning Grants
The purpose of the Rebuild Illinois Cultural Capital Planning Grants is t...READ MORE
08/27/2023 by Lauren Las
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) recognized recipients of the 2023 Outstanding Volunteer of the Year awards, expressing gratitude to individuals and members of outdoor organizations for their volunteer service to IDNR and the people of Illinois.
“...READ MORE
08/27/2023 by
Travel + Leisure recently picked the best state parks in each state, and it's no surprise that Starved Rock State Park came out on top in Illinois. The park is a perennial favorite, seeing nearly 3,000,000 visitors each year. Earlier this year, Travel Lens ranked it the ...READ MORE
08/25/2023 by Ale Trail
Want to get these updates in your email? Sign up for the Ale Trail newsletter.
New Releases & Old Favorites
Tangled Roots Brewing Company
Lockport, IL & Ottawa, IL
Blood Orange Wit
Belgian-style Witbier - 5%
...READ MORE
08/21/2023 by Jared Smith
Calling all nature lovers! If you consider yourself an avid nature enthusiast, then the Starved Rock Saplings programs are perfect. These programs are entertaining and engaging to children and families in nature. Whether you travel to Starved Rock State Park or stay at home,...READ MORE
08/21/2023 by Jared Smith
One of the best things about summer is fresh farm food.
Stop by Bronkberry Farms in Plainfield, IL, to try their sweet corn, tomatoes, zucchini, watermelons, and more! Bronkberry is a family-owned garden center, farm stand, apple orchard, and pumpkin farm that opene...READ MORE
08/21/2023 by Jared Smith
Enjoy some mouthwatering BBQ and lively music during La Salle's weekend events on Friday, September 8th, and Saturday, September 9th. Aside from delicious food and music, these events will include wine tastings, craft beers, and fireworks. Both events are family-friendly...READ MORE
08/18/2023 by Ale Trail
Want to get these updates in your email? Sign up for the Ale Trail newsletter.
New Releases & Old Favorites
Hickory Creek Brewing Company
New Lenox, IL
Buzzy Beaver
Honey Porter
Honey Porter with coffee and dar...READ MORE
08/14/2023 by Jared Smith
The Forge: Lemont Quarries is the perfect place to explore and stay active with friends and family. With activities like hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, and biking, the Forge Adventure Park offers almost every outdoor activity. Not only is it a destination for adventurers, ...READ MORE
08/14/2023 by Jared Smith
Admire unique vehicles on Saturday, September 2nd, from noon - 10 PM at one of the largest automotive shows in the state. Held in Downtown Streator during Labor Day Weekend, this family-friendly event brings over 600 restored and antique cars along with nearly 15,000 - 20,00...READ MORE
08/10/2023 by Ale Trail
Want to get these updates in your email? Sign up for the Ale Trail newsletter.
New Releases & Old Favorites
Mad Hatchet Brewing Company
Shorewood, IL
Venon Vol. 1
Sour Ale
Introducing Venom Series – Small...READ MORE
08/07/2023 by Jared Smith
View beautiful artwork inspired by the I&M Canal and Channahon!
In celebration of the 175th Anniversary of the I&M Canal, the Village of Channahon will host its first annual Art in the Park event on Sunday, August 27th, from noon - 3 PM at Memorial Tree Walk...READ MORE
FREE VISITORS GUIDE
FREE VISITORS GUIDE
