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.
05/26/2023 by Ale Trail
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New Releases & Old Favorites
RT66 Old School Brewing
Wilmington, IL
Teacher Off Duty
Toasted Coconut Pear Wheat
RT66 Old Schoo...READ MORE
05/16/2023 by Ale Trail
New Releases - Coming Soon
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New Releases & Old Favorites
Pollyanna Brewing
Lemont, IL
Lemont 150
Euro Pale Lager - 4.8%
Thi...READ MORE
05/12/2023 by Ale Trail
New Releases - Coming Soon
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New Releases & Old Favorites
Tangled Roots Brewing Co.
Lockport, IL & Ottawa, IL
The Last Mile
Tang...READ MORE
05/11/2023 by Lauren Las
Massive congratulations to Noon Whistle Brewing and Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling on their awards at the 2023 World Beer Cup® Awards in Nashville on May 10th!
The World Beer Cup® is “the most prestigious beer competition in the world, hel...READ MORE
05/05/2023 by Ale Trail
New Releases - Coming Soon
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New Releases
Miskatonic Brewing Co.
Darien, IL
Dungeon Master: Mantrap
Strawberry Shortcake Imperial Stout ...READ MORE
04/11/2023 by Lauren Las
The Heritage Corridor Ale Trail is back and in full effect! It’s time to take an adventure through the Corridor and explore our wonderful breweries with some of the best tasting beer! We are excited to get you set up for the 2023 passport so that you can win ...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
12/08/2022 by Jared Smith
PSA to all beer enthusiasts: Joining brewery loyalty clubs can make your beer drinking even more rewarding, all year long! Members get access to apparel, discounts, first-dibs, and invitations to exclusive events. Here are a few for you to consider...
Before you go: sign ...READ MORE
02/18/2022 by Lauren Las
Welcome Back to New Beer Releases!
Don't forget to get your 2022 Heritage Corridor Ale Trail Passport
New Releases - Hot Spot Drops
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Thursday, February 17
...READ MORE
02/16/2022 by Lauren Las
The 2022 Ale Trail Passport is live! Download the Heritage Corridor app on your phone or tablet to get started.
Once you've downloaded the app, select Passports, and on the next screen, tap the Heritage Corridor Ale Trail passport. Yo...READ MORE
02/09/2022 by Mariah Scott
It's Black History Month and around the Corridor, we would like to highlight our Black-owned businesses in the area that you must visit. From one of the very few Black-owned breweries in Illinois to tasty handmade treats and fashionable styles at a lo...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
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
06/11/2021 by Dan Mulka
Two Anniversary Celebrations This Week
Both Miskatonic Brewing Company and Rt66 Old School Brewing are celebrating their anniveraries this weekend.
Miskatonic's 6th Anniversary Bash
There will music all day long, featuring acoustic sets starting ...READ MORE
06/03/2021 by Mariah Scott
Party with Miskatonic Brewing Company this Friday and Saturday, June 11-12, 2021, while they celebrate their 6 year anniversary! Begin the festivities on Friday where you can enjoy all the pop punk and beer you can handle. Take in live music from live performances by Accepto...READ MORE
05/28/2021 by Dan Mulka
Metal Monkey's Artisan Market on June 12
Mark your calendars for Metal Monkey's Artisan Market for June 12. This event is a curated mix of over 30 artists, makers, crafts and creatives.Food from Savory Crust, Music from JD Kostyke, and of cours...READ MORE
05/19/2021 by Dan Mulka
Plainfield's Garage Band Brewing Turns Two
It's a party in Plainfield. Our favorite firehouse brewery, Garage Band Brewing, is celebrating its second anniversary. There's a lot going on too ... check out the schedule below and make sure to atte...READ MORE
05/07/2021 by Dan Mulka
Berwyn's Flapjack Brewery on Chicago's Best TV
Learn more about this great brewery and pizzeria by watching this clip above, which appeared last weekend on Chicago's Best on WGN.
New Releases - Hot Spot Drops - Coming Soon
Want to get thes...READ MORE
04/30/2021 by Dan Mulka
Happy second anniversary, Mad Hatchet Brewing!
Some great releases coming up this weekend, as the Shorewood brewery has a great line-up for this celebration. Make sure to get over to Mad Hatchet and hoist a beer.
New Releases - Hot Spot Drops - ...READ MORE
04/16/2021 by Dan Mulka
New Releases - Hot Spot Drops - Coming Soon
Want to get these updates in your email? Sign up for a newsletter via this link - hcdestinations.com/request-info. You'll have to scroll down on that link to get to the e-ne...READ MORE
04/09/2021 by Dan Mulka
Things We Don't Say is a beer that will be coming out in May with several breweries throughout the country participating to benefit a very important cause - mental health. I'm going to copy directly from Will County Brewing's Facebook post, because it sums ...READ MORE
04/08/2021 by Dan Mulka
New Releases - Hot Spot Drops - Coming Soon
Things We Don't Say is a beer that will be coming out in May in several beers throughout the country benefiting a very important cause - mental health. Ale Trail breweries that are currently sign...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
03/26/2021 by Dan Mulka
New Releases - Hot Spot Drops - Coming Soon
Want to get these updates in your email? Sign up for a newsletter via this link - hcdestinations.com/request-info. You'll have to scroll down on that link to get to the e-newsletter section. And, pleas...READ MORE
03/18/2021 by Dan Mulka
Pre-order Three Michelin-Starred Alinea in the Corridor
Foodies, you can enjoy a meal from one of the top restaurants in the world right here in the Heritage Corridor. Pre-order and pick up a meal from Pollyanna Brewing Company (Lemont, IL) on 3-26 and 3-27 or an Eas...READ MORE
03/15/2021 by Beth Rosenbaum
Fido wants to explore along with you! Check out our dog-friendly locations around the Heritage Corridor so that you no longer have to leave your four-legged best friend at home. Take them through the trails of Starved Rock State Park, out to eat at the Public Landing Restaur...READ MORE
03/10/2021 by Dan Mulka
It's Will County Brewing Company's Third Anniversary - and they've got some great beers and seltzers for us this weekend. Scroll down to get more info.
New Releases - Hot Spot Drops - Coming Soon
Sunday, March 7
...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
03/04/2021 by Dan Mulka
New Releases - Hot Spot Drops - Coming Soon
Make sure to get in your nominations for this year's Golden Growlers! Last day to nominate is March 10. Visit this link to fill out the form.
Sunday, February 28
...READ MORE
02/25/2021 by Dan Mulka
Tangled Roots Turns Five, a Super Fun Time awaits at Pollyanna, we welcome Two Pints Lounge in Bolingbrook to the Ale Trail, and I Can't Wait to Watch WandaVision. (I know that last part really isn't relevant to craft beer ... I just really am hooked on the show).
...READ MORE
02/18/2021 by Dan Mulka
EDITORS NOTE: If you are seeing this on 2/26 or later ... it means that I screwed up on our email newsletter and sent you to last week's beer releases. CLICK HERE to see the releses from 2/21 to 2/28.
New Releases - Comi...READ MORE
02/11/2021 by Dan Mulka
New Releases - Coming Soon
Trying something a little new with the page for this week. Going to list every date, including if no beers are scheduled. If you see a beer and a photo with no witty description, that means I haven't gotten there yet. ...READ MORE
02/05/2021 by Dan Mulka
New Releases - Coming Soon
Sunday, January 31
The Bear is Back at Ike
Need a warm up? Boubon barrel aged Mauled by Kamchatka is back! Chocolate, caramel, bourbon in this big 11% ABV brew. Make...READ MORE
01/27/2021 by Dan Mulka
We've got the detail on Metal Monkey's celebration, taking place all this weekend. The event starts on Thursday for Backstage Pass Members, and Friday-Sunday for the entire world. Here's the details, copy-pasted right from the source.
...READ MORE
01/27/2021 by Dan Mulka
New Releases - Coming Soon
Metal Monkey Turns Five
The Romeoville-based brewery is celebrating their fifth anniversary this weekend, starting on Thursday for Backstage Pass Members and Friday for the rest of y'all. We've got details on the party...READ MORE
01/26/2021 by Mariah Scott
Join Garage Band Brewing and Wine & Cheese Company in Plainfield, IL as they team up for a unique experience you do not want to miss out on this Sunday, January 31, 2021.
Beer and cheese is a natural duo with so many optio...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
01/22/2021 by Dan Mulka
New Releases - Coming Soon
Say hello to Lock and Mule
We were able to take a trip inside the newest location for Tangled Roots Brewing Company in Lockport, IL. It's the third location for the company, who opened up a location in Glenview a few days ...READ MORE
01/22/2021 by Dan Mulka
We were invited to a sneak peak inside Lockport, IL's newest restaurant, Lock & Mule by Tangled Roots Brewing Company. This is Tangled Roots' third location, joining the family of The Lone Buffalo (Ottawa) and Hangar Two (Glenview).
First, let we're ...READ MORE
01/14/2021 by Dan Mulka
New Releases - Coming Soon
Tuesday, January 12
A Centennial Milestone for Mad Hatchet Brewing
Mad Hatchet has brewed their 100th batch of beer. It's called Batch 100. It has 100 IBU. They ...READ MORE
01/07/2021 by Dan Mulka
New Releases - Coming Soon
Tuesday, January 5
Close Your Eyes, Take a Sip, Enjoy the Goodness
Quiet Contemplation is the newest from Black Horizon Brewing Company in Willowbrook, IL. It's a milk ...READ MORE
12/18/2020 by Dan Mulka
New Releases - Coming Soon
Time for Some Holiday R&R
As 2020 wraps up, we here at the Ale Trail are going to wind things down for a bit and take some rest and relaxation. This page will be updated occasionally throughout the rest of the ye...READ MORE
12/11/2020 by Dan Mulka
New Releases - Coming Soon
We're Extending the 2020 Ale Trail Digital Passport
Yes, so 2020 has sucked. But, we want to give you more time to complete the Ale Trail Digital Passport, support your local breweries, and get some pretty cool swag. ...READ MORE
12/04/2020 by Dan Mulka
Tangled Roots shared some photos from Kevin Miller showing the inside of the new Lock & Mule restaurant and brewery in Lockport, IL. We can't wait to try the new menu and some amazing beers from this location.
Posted by Lock & Mule by Tan...READ MORE
12/04/2020 by Dan Mulka
New Releases - Coming Soon
Get a Sneak Peak of Lock & Mule
Earlier this week, Tangeld Roos Brewing Company shared photos that were taken inside the new Lock & Mule in Lockport, IL. Make sure to take a look at this sneak peak by checking out this...READ MORE
12/01/2020 by Mariah Scott
Support some of your local breweries this year with awesome gift ideas for all the beer lovers in your life!
Check out this list to see what you can purchase the next time you are grabbing yourself a can of beer to go!
Skeleton Key B...READ MORE
11/20/2020 by Dan Mulka
New Releases - Coming Soon
Congrats to Whiskey Hill Brewing and all of the FOBAB Medal Winners
The Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beers took place last weekend, and Whiskey Hill took home Runner-Up for Best In Show! Congrats to them, Pollyanna Brewing Com...READ MORE
11/16/2020 by Dan Mulka
The 2020 Festival of Wood & Barrel Aged Beers was one to remember for the Westmont-based Whiskey Hill Brewing Company. The brewery took Runner-up in the overall competition for its Barrel-Aged Seismic Overlay, finishing 2nd to over 300 of the rarest, most exclusive...READ MORE
11/13/2020 by Dan Mulka
New Releases - Coming Soon
Illinois' only Black-owned brewery strives to bring attention to traditionally under-represented causes
Black Horizon Brewing Company was featured on ABC 7 Chicago earlier in the week. We've embedded the video for you to e...READ MORE
11/06/2020 by Dan Mulka
New Releases - Coming Soon
We've got the latest breaking releases, but first, a key election update from Orange & Brew ---
From Earlier in the Week
View our last update
Skeleton Key Brewing
...READ MORE
10/30/2020 by Dan Mulka
New Releases - Coming Soon
Happy Halloween!!! Please have a safe and enjoyable celebration, and make sure to pick up some beer and support your local breweries. Some of the breweries south on the trail are still open for inside drinking - support them as...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
10/23/2020 by Dan Mulka
New Releases - Coming Soon
Unfortunately, many of our breweries are in zones that are being rolled back as COVID numbers rise. Please support these breweries by drinking outside or getting your beer to go.
From Earlier in the We...READ MORE
10/16/2020 by Dan Mulka
New Releases - Coming Soon
As the temps drop, we're actually seeing a higher number of lighter beers. Stout season can wait a little bit longer. Plus, we've got reason to embed a song from the band Kansas which is actually older than me. &nb...READ MORE
10/09/2020 by Dan Mulka
New Releases - Coming Soon
The darker beers are starting to make their way to the forefront, but there is still some beers with some flavorful fruity notes still out there.
From Earlier in the Week
View our last updat...READ MORE
10/06/2020 by Mariah Scott
Come hangout and have a beer or two at Tangled Roots Brewing Company next Wednesday, October 14th from 5pm to 8pm for the Path Mender Benefit Event.
They have created a Path Mender Pale Ale to help support the “For the Love of Starved ...READ MORE
10/02/2020 by Dan Mulka
New Releases - Coming Soon
The Halloween beers are starting to come out, as well as Pollyanna's long-awaited (by me) Nerds-inspired sour ale. Don't sleep on Mad Hatchet's ACID either, I'm a huge fan of that one.
...READ MORE
09/30/2020 by Dan Mulka
New Releases - Coming Soon
From Earlier in the Week
View our last update
Garage Band Brewing
Don't Harsh My Mellow
Metal Monkey Brewing
2018 Bourbon Barrel-Aged Asmoseus
...READ MORE
09/18/2020 by Dan Mulka
New Releases - Coming Soon
Chicken fried, jasmine, hazy, and full of Oktoberfest-goodness. That describes this week on the Heritage Corridor Ale Trail. Keep on reading to find out more about this week's beer releases.
From Earlier...READ MORE
09/15/2020 by Dan Mulka
Skeleton Key Brewery showed off their new site for their future expansion, next door to their current location, today in a Facebook Live video. The site is going to allow for more room, a permanent patio, expanded bathrooms and more. This will also al...READ MORE
09/11/2020 by Dan Mulka
New Releases - Pre-order Now - Coming Soon
Welcome to the new web page! The Heritage Corridor Destinations released its new web site on Tuesday, September 8 - which combined its current site with some sub sites, like the Heritage Corridor Ale Trail. ...READ MORE
07/24/2020 by Dan Mulka
From Earlier This Week
Flapjack Brewery
Vortex City
Skeleton Key Brewery
Paintball Fight with a Zombie
Tangled Roots Brewing Co.
Path Mender
Metal Monkey Brewing
Bikini Bot...READ MORE
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