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.
05/14/2025 by
Legends of the Road: The Story of the Muffler Men
Before GPS and glowing billboards, there were giants—towering fiberglass sentinels standing guard over America’s highways. Known as Muffler Men, these 18- to 30-foot-tall figures were originally designed in the...READ MORE
05/14/2025 by Saul Magdaleno
Wilmington’s Gemini Giant
Before GPS and glowing billboards, there were giants—towering fiberglass sentinels standing guard over America’s highways. Known as Muffler Men, these 18- to 30-foot-tall figures were originally designed in the 1960s as eye-catc...READ MORE
05/13/2025 by Saul Magdaleno
We’re running a Buy Two, Get One Free offer all year long at the Starved Rock Country Welcome Center Gift Shoppe—open daily from 12 PM to 6 PM in North Utica, IL.
This special applies to specific products during specific months, so there’s always somethi...READ MORE
05/07/2025 by Saul Magdaleno
Tangled Roots Expands to Washington Square
Tangled Roots Brewing Company, one of our standout regional members, has just opened its newest location in downtown Washington, Illinois. With craft beer, locally sourced food, and a strong commitment to community, this ...READ MORE
03/25/2025 by Saul Magdaleno
In a town known for its small-town charm and Route 66 history, Nelly’s on Route 66 has carved out its place as a go-to stop for great food and friendly service. Opened in 2007, Nelly’s began as a walk-up stand with a simple mission: serve fresh, flavorful food fa...READ MORE
03/20/2025 by Saul Magdaleno
Member Spotlight: Illinois Rock & Roll Museum & Audiophil’s Records –
A Music Lover’s Must-Visit in Joliet
Music has always been a big part of Illinois’ identity. Some of the most influential rock, blues, and jazz artists have roots her...READ MORE
12/12/2024 by Saul Magdaleno
Bob Windy and Jeff Yosowitz, founders of Star Union Spirits, are redefining the craft distilling scene in the Midwest. Their distillery, located in the historic Westclox building in Peru, Illinois, has quickly become a symbol of innovation in the American ...READ MORE
12/03/2024 by Saul Magdaleno
The Heritage Corridor is full of festive activities to make your winter season unforgettable. From markets to tree lightings, here’s your guide to the best events in chronological order:
Holiday in the Park
When: December 6, 2024
Where: Morris-Goold Park, ...READ MORE
11/05/2024 by Saul Magdaleno
On October 7, a ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the grand opening of a trail connection linking the 3.26-mile Centennial Trail with the 11-mile I&M Canal Trail. This new pathway offers the public 14.5 miles of uninterrupted, scenic trail, spanning from Lemont to Joliet an...READ MORE
10/11/2024 by
Starved Rock voted Illinois’ favorite state park!
The Illinois Conservation Foundation recently announced that Starved Rock State Park was voted Illinois' Favorite State Park! Starved Rock beat out 26 other state parks in the 400,000+ visito...READ MORE
09/24/2024 by Mariah Scott
Fall is here, and we want to make sure you are ready for all the fun festivities to come! If you’re wondering what there is to do around the Heritage Corridor in the fall, well here’s a list of things you can do as a family, solo, or with friends.
F...READ MORE
09/17/2024 by Claire Mierzwa
Fall is here, bringing crisp air and vibrant colors! Get ready for a season filled with family fun as exciting fall events are just around the corner. From pumpkin patches to autumn festivals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this cozy time of year.
&nb...READ MORE
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FREE VISITORS GUIDE
