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.
05/30/2023 by
1 of 20 Sites, Nationwide, Chosen for Community Conservation Initiative
The Leave No Trace organization has selected Starved Rock State Park as a 2023 Spotlight site. As outdoor areas all over the country are being impacted by record use, this new initiati...READ MORE
05/22/2023 by Jared Smith
On Saturday, June 3, 2021, take part in the 37th Annual Cabin Festival at Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area. This day was created to honor the pioneers who moved into the area in the 1830s.
From 10 AM to 3 PM, gather your family and enjoy a full day of fun for free! W...READ MORE
05/19/2023 by Jared Smith
Plan your perfect getaway at Kishauwau Cabins for the weekend. With 17 cabins and over 60 acres of land, this special place is perfect for a romantic escape or family vacation. In addition to being located near Starved Rock, Kishuawau Cabins also offers many packages and spe...READ MORE
03/16/2023 by Jared Smith
The road is calling! Hop in the car and see what Spring in the Heritage Corridor has in store for you. From The First Hundred Miles of Route 66 to the charming towns along the I&M Canal and out to Starved Rock Country, Heritage Corridor Destinations has endless...READ MORE
01/31/2023 by Jared Smith
Valentine’s Day is around the corner! As you’re planning reservations and activities, choosing the right one can sometimes be difficult. The classic dinner on Valentine’s Day is always a good choice, but don’t just limit yourself to one...READ MORE
01/31/2023 by Jared Smith
Calling all artists, enthusiasts, and admirers! The Starved Rock Annual Art Show is back! Whether you’re a novice, casual, or expert artist, this show is the perfect place to view beautiful artwork. Although it might be too late to submit your own nature-inspired artwo...READ MORE
01/20/2023 by Jared Smith
Whether it's warm or cold, Starved Rock State Park has many events and activities to keep you entertained. If you are a lover of nature and animals, then Starved Rock is the perfect place to visit. Mark your calendars now for Sunday, February 5th for ...READ MORE
12/30/2022 by Jared Smith
Illinois is rich in history, espcially when it deals with Honest Abe. On your visit to Illinois, take a journey through all the towns Lincoln once visited in the Looking for Lincoln Scavenger Hunt. On this hunt, you will get first hand experience to Lincoln'...READ MORE
12/29/2022 by Jared Smith
January 31st is National Plan for Vacation Day! Celebrated annually on the last Tuesday of January, NPVD is a day to encourage people to plan their vacation days for the whole year at the beginning of the year. Not only does NPVD inspire us to explore the USA, but it al...READ MORE
11/17/2022 by Dan Mulka and Beth Rosenbaum
November 17 is National Take a Hike day. And in Illinois’ Heritage Corridor, there are plenty of places for you to take that hike.
STARVED ROCK STATE PARK
Picturesque sandstone canyons, lush trees, and the occasional waterfall if you are visiting after a ...READ MORE
07/12/2022 by Mariah Scott
Looking for a reason to get out and explore. Check out what Starved Rock State Park has to offer from the next few months that you can participate solo or in a group. From art in the park to night hikes, these are FREE program for you to enjoy.
July
Live Falcons a...READ MORE
06/28/2022 by Mariah Scott
Your Monday nights just got a whole lot better! Cruise up to the Old Joliet Prison for a spectacular car show at the main prison parking lot with the view of the castellated gothic structure in the background. Stroll through all the awesome cars presented by the Manhatt...READ MORE
06/14/2022 by Mariah Scott
Enjoy the outdoors with beautiful views and live music at The Mount at The Forge all summer long. Their Summer Concert Series has begun, and you do not want to miss out on all the fun this year. Check out the lineup listed below:
Too Hype Crew
The 90’s Hip H...READ MORE
06/06/2022 by Mariah Scott
Enjoy the start of Summer at the Taste of Joliet on June 24-26th. This event gives you a great mix of live music, food, drinks, and fun at the carnival! There will be live performances from:
Friday, June 24
Sugar Ray
Collective Soul
Ann Wilson of Heart...READ MORE
05/18/2022 by Mariah Scott
Make your way down to Morris for their NEW music festival, vendor market and food truck rally on Saturday, June 4, 2022. This new summer fest will provide everything you need all in one area. Explore the one-of-a-kind shopping experience with 200 vendors, enjoy del...READ MORE
04/25/2022 by Mariah Scott
Get ready for a summer filled with excitement and adventure at The Forge: Lemont Quarries where they are back with a jammed packed and inciting summer events line up for 2022.
Starting June 11, The Forge will be hosting many events which include live concerts, premiere ou...READ MORE
04/06/2022 by Mariah Scott
Here is what’s to come at The Forge: Lemont for the Spring time that you do not want to miss out on:
Easter Saturday Brunch with Live Music
Saturday, April 16
Enjoy a delicious Forgefire Easter Brunch where you can kick bac and relax while the air fills wit...READ MORE
03/14/2022 by Mariah Scott
Make your spring break count this year by taking the fun on the road! There’s so much adventure right here in the Heritage Corridor region for you to enjoy.
Avoid all the crowds by packing up your car, grabbing some friends or family a...READ MORE
02/22/2022 by Mariah Scott
Dress up in green and head on over to The Forge:Lemont Quarries for their special St. Patrick’s Day Celebration. They have planned a full weekend of family fun just for you! From Saturday until Sunday, make sure you buy your tickets to come hang inside The Fo...READ MORE
01/31/2022 by Mariah Scott
Rally up the girls and spend the day just celebrating each other this Galantine’s Day. If you’re needing any ideas, here are some great one that you can do with your friends and have memories to cherish.
Wine Tasting
Girlfriends and wi...READ MORE
01/25/2022 by Mariah Scott
Starved Rock Area – Relaxing
Get warm and cozy with a weekend getaway this Valentine’s Day. Pack your car and road trip down to the Starved Rock Area for something special and unforgettable. We made an itinerary for a relaxed getaway for two so you ...READ MORE
01/19/2022 by Mariah Scott
Don’t let the cold weather and snow stop you from exploring the Heritage Corridor! We make it easy for you to plan a road trip with you and your family to discover new adventures. Experience the many quaint downtowns, hiking along the trails and of course all of the ta...READ MORE
12/16/2021 by Mariah Scott
We know how busy things can get around the holidays and with Christmas coming up this weekend, we wanted to share with you last minute gift ideas for you to pick up today, wrap it up with a bow and place under your Christmas tree just in time for Christmas morning.
These...READ MORE
12/13/2021 by Mariah Scott
Christmas is right around the corner, so it's time to get into a jolly mood! If you’re looking for something fun to do with the entire family, then The Forge: Lemont Quarries has the perfect weekend planned out just for you.
Beginning on Friday, Decemb...READ MORE
11/01/2021 by Mariah Scott
Now that we have wrapped up spooky season, it is time to start planning for a jolly holiday season at the Rialto Square Theatre. Beginning November 20th through December 22nd gather your family and get ready for all the exciting Christmas entertainment.
The lineup this s...READ MORE
09/20/2021 by Mariah Scott
This fall the residents in the Chicago area can explore the towns along the Illinois and Michigan Canal with a new opportunity offered by Metra train. The Metra has created a special Saturday scheduled on its Heritage Corridor Line so that residents can explore the communiti...READ MORE
09/17/2021 by Mariah Scott
Celebrate one of Illinois largest and longest running festivals on October 9-10 in the village of North Utica. This is a great event to bring your entire family to enjoy the start of fall with something to do for everybody.
Established in 1969, the Burgoo Festival is an ...READ MORE
09/17/2021 by Mariah Scott
Fall is almost 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...READ MORE
08/03/2021 by Mariah Scott
Join The Forge: Lemont Quarries for their first Art Walk on August 22, 2021. This event is free and great for the entire family to come out and enjoy. Experience the arts like never before at the world’s largest adventure park. Take a look at the festivities:
Liv...READ MORE
07/16/2021 by Mariah Scott
Summertime around the Heritage Corridor is so much fun because of the many experiences you can engage in whether you are exploring solo, or with a group of people. From peaceful hikes to cold tasty treats and even thrilling adventures, there is something for everyone!
Tak...READ MORE
07/08/2021 by Kate Meehan
The Forge, located in Lemont, offers adventure for every age and every ability, including the country's largest ropes challenge courses, outdoor dining, laser tag, six lakes for fishing and kayaking, miles of flat hiking, running, biking trails, races, and special e...READ MORE
07/07/2021 by Mariah Scott
Tis the season of live music and outdoor concerts. Around the Heritage Corridor, we have so many amazing musical performances that take place in our many bars, breweries, wine shops, and restaurants. For the rest of the month, you can enjoy live performances from local artis...READ MORE
07/06/2021 by Mariah Scott
Cruise through the many downtowns around the Heritage Corridor this summer while exploring exotic, classic, one-of-kind cars you don’t normally see. It’s Cruise Night season and several of our towns are hosting fun-filled nights with more than just cars - th...READ MORE
07/02/2021 by Mariah Scott
Explore the towns where Lincoln once traveled on an adventurous and interactive scavenger hunt through LaSalle County and Pontiac, Illinois. Learn about Honest Abe’s formative years where the young lawyer argued many landmark cases and participated in le...READ MORE
07/02/2021 by Mariah Scott
Looking for a way to cool off this summer? Explore one or more of our many water activities around the Heritage Corridor. Glide down a water slide at Raging Waves or sit comfortably on the I & M Canal Boat while you cruise down the river.
No matter what you decid...READ MORE
06/22/2021 by Kate Meehan
Now is the time to get out of the house and explore the great outdoors! The Heritage Corridor Region has plenty of wonderful outdoor activities for everyone in the family, check out some of our ideas below.
Skydive Chicago
Ottawa
Extreme adventur...READ MORE
06/18/2021 by Mariah Scott
Jump into the holiday weekend with Skydive Chicago for their Annual 4th of July Boogie event next Thursday, July 1-4, 2021. Bring your family and friends out for a thrilling experience you can’t find elsewhere.
There will be many organizers in multiple dis...READ MORE
06/16/2021 by Kate Meehan
The season of family/friend reunions are right around the corner and gives us another reason to gather as a group and bond over food and fun activities! One of the best parts is exploring and trying new things with your favorite people. Check out the...READ MORE
05/26/2021 by Kate Meehan
Summer is here, and that means festival season! The Heritage Corridor Region has festivals throughout the season to entertain everyone in the family. Below, we have provided information on just a few of the exciting upcoming events.
Ot...READ MORE
05/21/2021 by Mariah Scott
Spring has so much beauty in its everyday nature. As we come out of the cold winter, we begin to see colorful flowers blossom, the leaves on the trees grow back, and hear all the birds chirping from high above.
Around the Heritage Corridor we have so many Instag...READ MORE
05/04/2021 by Mariah Scott
During the Fall season, there are so many fun things to do around the Heritage Corridor. If you’re looking for something festive, then look no further. The Dollinger Family Farm in Channahon, IL is a great place to go as a family and learn about the rich history t...READ MORE
04/20/2021 by Mariah Scott
The Forge Charitable Adventure is excited to welcome Kyle Maynard for a special screening event, May 2nd, 2021. Sit back and enjoy his new ESPN documentary, A Fighting Chance followed by a question and answer session immediately after.
Kyle was born with a rare condition ...READ MORE
03/30/2021 by Mariah Scott
Ready for the thrill of your life? Skydive Chicago opening day is this Saturday, April 3, 2021, so it’s time to experience that adrenaline rush you’ve been looking for.
For all first-time jumpers, you can experience their Tandem Skydiving. You will step out in...READ MORE
03/30/2021 by Mariah Scott
Nominate the Heritage Corridor Convention & Visitors Bureau as “Best CVB” for the 2021 Daily Herald’s Readers’ Choice. It only takes a minute of your time.
Visit https://dhcontests.secondstreetapp.com/Readers-Choice-2021
...READ MORE
03/09/2021 by Mariah Scott
It’s that time of year again where many shops and restaurants are painting their towns emerald green, in spirit of St. Patrick’s Day. As you begin making plans, we wanted to share a list of places around the Heritage Corridor where you can shop, di...READ MORE
03/01/2021 by Dan Mulka
Corned beef, live Irish music, a few beverages. Get your tickets now for a destinated-to-sell-out dining experience at The Forge: Lemont Quarries.
The special St. Patrick's Forgefire Dining Experience takes place on Friday, March 19. The evnetgives you the...READ MORE
03/01/2021 by Mariah Scott
Although the weather may be getting warmer, most outside activities are still on hold until the spring. That doesn’t mean you can’t create a day of fun in a completely different environment as a family.
Since we still have a few more weeks of winter, why not g...READ MORE
02/23/2021 by Mariah Scott
There’s something so beautiful about winter when a fresh blanket of snow falls from the sky, covering everything in sight.
As we look around, we noticed our leafless trees all covered in white, glistening ice cycles forming, and our winter wild life making...READ MORE
02/22/2021 by Mariah Scott
Are you dreaming of adventure on the open road? Getting out to explore new places while creating new memories, but cold temperatures are making it difficult to leave home?
Winter doesn’t have to stop you from planning your next road trip.
Explore &ldq...READ MORE
02/16/2021 by Mariah Scott
I’m sure we all can’t wait for the days when all the snow is gone, the sun is out, and the weather is warm enough to enjoy being outside again.
Golfing has become more and more popular over the years and easy to involve anyone, whether you are a professional ...READ MORE
01/27/2021 by Dan Mulka
Winter may be in full swing but that doesn’t mean that outside dining needs to end. Our friends at The Forge have a Forgefire Winter Dining starting February 5th and running weekends through February.
This dining experience is 100% outside at their specialized h...READ MORE
01/26/2021 by Mariah Scott
Senator Bernie Sanders has become an internet sensation over the past several days from his infamous picture at the inauguration last Wednesday.
From his causal mittens, to the comfortable pose as he sat patiently during the event, Bernie stole t...READ MORE
01/20/2021 by Dan Mulka
The Forge: Lemont Quarries announced that they will be hosting "Quarry Camps at The Forge" during the summer of 2021. There will be ten, one-week sessions for children aged 7 to 14 during the months of June, July, and August.
The weekly camps w...READ MORE
01/15/2021 by Dan Mulka
You may follow us on Facebook, subscribe to our newsletter, or participate in our digital passport, but do you know what the Heritage Corridor Ale Trail is?
The Heritage Corridor Ale Trail is a collection of breweries and other craft beer hot spots among the cities and to...READ MORE
01/12/2021 by Mariah Scott
Are you looking to get out in the fresh air? Are you ready to explore the beautiful views of nature, all covered in snow?
Head on down to the Starved Rock State Park Area for upcoming winter activities that you can enjoy with family, f...READ MORE
01/05/2021 by Mariah Scott
Put your eyes and observations skills to the test and see how many “unnatural” objects you can find hidden in the Four Rivers Environmental Education Center trails.
Eagles can see at a distance of almost two miles, so challe...READ MORE
01/04/2021 by Beth Rosenbaum
Did you make a New Year’s resolution to exercise more, be healthier, or spend more time outdoors? We want to help you achieve your New Year’s resolutions in the best ways we know how!
Start with an outdoor activity in Starved Rock Country. There are many ways ...READ MORE
01/04/2021 by Mariah Scott
Looking for a little outdoor competition winter style?
Well unpack those ice skates, bundle up, and sign up for The Forge Winter Classic 3 x 3 Shinny Tournament kicking off this weekend, January 9, 2021.
The Forg...READ MORE
12/07/2020 by Mariah Scott
Sometimes, some of the best gifts can’t be wrapped and topped with a bow. This holiday, think outside the gift box and give your loved ones who enjoy creating memories, something they can always look back on and remember.
&nb...READ MORE
11/30/2020 by Beth Rosenbaum
Looking for something fun to do this holiday season with family and friends? The Forge: Lemont Quarries has amazing events and offers that you won’t want to miss out on!
Ice Skating Shelf at The Forge
Ice skating is one of the best winter activities no matter wha...READ MORE
10/27/2020 by Dan Mulka
Halloween Weekend is fast approaching, and whether you are making plans or wanting to change your plans, there are some great events coming up to celebrate. Keep up to date with any changes to the calendar by visiting https://www.hcdestinations.com/...READ MORE
10/27/2020 by Neile Moriarty
Cold weather months are upon us so what better time to get bundled up and try to win some FREE gear! We’ve partnered with the great people over DNA in Plainfield to get this contest going!
Here are the rules to enter:
1. Follow Adventure Outside Chicago&n...READ MORE
10/27/2020 by Beth Rosenbaum
If you have not heard of The Forge: Lemont Quarries Adventure Park you have to visit! They offer year-round outdoor recreational activities that exhilarate, educate, and entertain adventure seekers of all ages and abilities. The Forge has some amazing offerings for every lev...READ MORE
10/21/2020 by Dan Mulka
The holidays are coming quicker than both you and I would like to admit. Thankfully, due to a partnership between The Forge: Lemont Quarries and Motion Inspired Photography, you can get your holiday card photo before its too late.
Book your 30-minute session and hav...READ MORE
10/13/2020 by Beth Rosenbaum
It’s important to find beauty in the simple things in life. Going on a nice peaceful hike and bird watching is one of the many things you can do at Lake Renwick Preserve.
Last weekend I went out to Lake Renwick Preserve-Turtle Lake Access and had the most peac...READ MORE
10/13/2020 by Dan Mulka
The Rialto Square Theatre and Joliet Area Historical Museum are teaming up for a supernaturally spectacular outdoor movie night fundraiser, Fall Flicks in the Yard featuring two seasonally appropriate spooky classics from the 1980s, Beetlejuice (1988) and Ghostbust...READ MORE
09/22/2020 by Dan Mulka
Do you seek adventure?
Whether it's thrill-seeking adventure like skydiving and ziplining or family-based adventure like waterparks and bowling alleys, we created Adventure Outside Chicago just for you. 365 days a year, there is adventure w...READ MORE
09/10/2020 by Mariah Scott
Sit back, relax and have a drink while you enjoy live music and the outdoors. August Hill Winery in Utica, IL is finishing out the summer with their popular outside concerts on the hill at their winery.
This weekend you can experience a new perfor...READ MORE
09/09/2020 by Mariah Scott
As summer slowly comes to an end, I wanted to take a trip to Heap’s Giant Pumpkin Farm located in Minooka, IL for the last weekend of the sunflower harvest.
I remember seeing several of their images on Facebook and couldn’t help but notice how beaut...READ MORE
08/15/2020 by Dan Mulka
Looking for something fun to do as a family with memories to cherish forever? Check out a few ideas that are great to do as a family, a group friends, or even a nice outing with yourself. Everyone's a kid at these family-friendly attractions.
Haunte...READ MORE
08/04/2020 by Jason Berry
Jason Berry, Chairman of the Board for the Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Board, originally published this article on July 23, 2020 for LemontDowntown.com.
The Forge: Lemont Quarries Opening Day!
It’s Here! It’s Open! “Bigge...READ MORE
08/04/2020 by Mariah Scott
Being from the city of Chicago, I am use to seeing tall buildings, crowded highways and people everywhere. The only times I felt like I was surrounding myself with the outdoors were the times I would go to the lakefront to lay in the grass and watch the waves of the water.
...READ MORE
09/22/2016 by
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" ...READ MORE
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