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.
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.
This “highway” allowed for many cities along the Canal to come to life. And today, these cities blend history with a modern sophistication and authnetic charm that will definitely make for a delightful trip. With delightful restaurants like Tallgrass Restaurant (Lockport, IL) and Nick’s Tavern (Lemont, IL), boutique shops like Betty’s (Morris, IL) and Weeta's Boutique (Ottawa, IL), and excitement like The Forge: Lemont Quarries (Lemont, IL) and Chicagoland Speedway (Joliet, IL), a visit to the I&M Canal will be an experience to remember.
Enjoy Starved Rock Country's only guided history tour. Offering eight tours covering different aspects of our past. Features The Radium Girls of Ottawa, Illinois, Ottawa History Bike or Walking, Indian Burial Mounds and Forgotten Graveyards Tour, and Haunted Ottawa Tour.
Buffalo Range Shooting Park is centrally located near the Illinois River and historic Starved Rock State Park. Buffalo Range is Illinois’ largest outdoor public shooting range that includes a 100 yard, 50 yard, trap, pistol and unique plinking pit. Buffalo Range Shooting Park is a family friendly establishment that offers a variety of shooting ranges to meet your needs. The shooting park also offers concealed carry classes and defense training. There is plenty of open green spaces ...
The Carbon Hill School Museum is home to the Carbon Hill Historical Society. This original 1893 schoolhouse displays hundreds of original artifacts depicting immigrant turn-of-the-century life of families, businesses, and coal mines. On display are original items in the Carbon Hill, Illinois history such as jailhouse iron doors, coal mining tools, old store supplies, Illinois coal reports and maps, and plenty of Carbon Hill family history. A significant portion of the museum ...
The Cathedral Area Preservation Association of Joliet was formed in 1981 by concerned neighbors looking to preserve, protect and promote their historic neighborhood. The organization puts on several events throughout the year, including a Beer Walk. In September, they hold a Housewalk that allows the community to explore the interior of 5 historical homes and the LaVerne & Dorothy Brown Science Hall at the University of St. Francis. At each home, you’ll learn about the location’s ...
The Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn has a mission of positively impacting a child's potential in life through play-based education. Children’s museums create playful, interactive learning experiences, and providing a place where all kids can learn through play. It's a place for children to be creative, role play and build. The Children’s Museum is home to numerous exhibits that help children explore their curiosity while discovering something unique about themselves and learning ...
City Folk Urban Décor offers affordable Fine Art, African Art, signed Pottery & Glass and Custom Picture Framing. All items in our store come with information about the designer, age of item and history, if known.
Dayton Bluffs Preserve is a 253-acre nature park along the Fox River, owned by The Conservation Foundation and leased to the City of Ottawa. Walking trails through woods, prairie and along the river, cared for by Friends of Dayton Bluffs.
Dollinger Family Farm is the best place to celebrate fall, it is the family’s favorite season after all. In the early years, the farm served as a place to rest the mules pulling barges down the I&M Canal. Today, the farm comes alive in the fall with pumpkins, hayrides, a corn maze, train rides, farm animals and fall fun for the entire family. Grandma Dollinger's homemade fudge has officially been claimed as one of Chicago's Best Fudge. This little part of the world is full of ...
The Exhibit Gallery and Fine Arts Center in Morris, Illinois offers fine art classes in a contemporary setting. The goal of the Fine Arts Center is to educate kids and inspire adults on how art plays a key role in everyday life. The Exhibit Gallery & Fine Arts Center enriches the Morris community through classes, studio time, and gallery events.
The Forest Preserve District of Will County owns or manages land in 70 forest preserves, including 10 designated as Illinois Nature Preserves for their rare natural features. Many preserves offer amenities such as picnic shelters, campsites, canoe/kayak/boat launches, fishing access, ice skating ponds, playgrounds, and sled hills. The Forest Preserve District offers more than 116 miles of trails for biking, cross-country skiing, hiking, horseback riding, in-line skating, running, ...
Four Rivers Environmental Education Center is a model of green architecture, featuring a repurposed building site and interior fireplace, geothermal heating and cooling system, recycled and sustainable building materials, and energy saving technology. Four Rivers' name comes from its location, positioned near where the Des Plaines, DuPage and Kankakee Rivers meet to form the Illinois River. No matter which room you are in at the center, you will have a magnificent view of the ...
Gallery Seven is a fine art gallery located in the Historic Gaylord Building in Downtown Lockport, Illinois. Gallery Seven features work from local, national and international artists, as well as from its’ own members. On display are artists photography, paintings, sculpture, pottery, wood work, glass work and jewelry. The Gallery’s co-op artists host event throughout the year.
The Gaylord Building has been a landmark since 1838, and played a vital role in one of the great enterprises of the 19th century: the I&M Canal. This handsome limestone warehouse originally stored canal construction materials and later housed a variety of commercial ventures. Today, the Gaylord Building is a site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and is a gateway to the I&M Canal National Heritage Corridor. Visitors to the Gaylord Building can explore the ...
Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area serves as testimony to the prairies that once covered nearly 60 percent of Illinois. The prairie provides important nesting habitat for endangered or threatened species of birds, such as the upland sandpiper and Henslows sparrow. Prairie View Trail takes you to the highest point in Goose Lake and offers a panoramic view of reclaimed mine areas, prairie and prairie marsh. Cragg Cabin at Goose Lake Prairie stands as a monument to the pioneer ...
A spectacular family getaway just beyond the natural beauty of Starved Rock State Park Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort offers a casual and playful dining scene with a fun restaurant, bar and a convenient snack shop. The Honey Pot offers a convenient place to grab a quick bite to eat. Jack's Place Restaurant & Bar is a casual dining spot serving classic American cuisine, a selection of beverages, and frozen cocktails. The Bear Island Outdoor Bar & Grill is the place to unwind ...
The Corn Festival is the cornerstone event in Grundy County. A county wide celebration - Corn Festival makes its home in the county seat of Morris with an emphasis on events downtown. The festival features not only corn but a grain and flower show, art show, farm fair, live music, carnival, derby, food, and good old fashioned family fun.
The Grundy County Historical Museum in Morris, Illinois is where history is collected, preserved and displayed. History buffs will view objects pertaining to the county’s past including items of a cultural, social, geological, and anthropological nature. The museum has an extensive amount of Mazon fossils on display, a replica of a Grundy County store from 1890, replica of 1900 living room, as well as tools used by pioneers and farmers. The Grundy County Historical Society and ...
Harrah’s Casino & Hotel is your epicenter for fun. Harrah’s is located along the Des Plaines River in picturesque downtown Joliet. Play over 1,000 of the hottest Chicagoland slots where fun, friendly action is always the “reel” deal. Or hit the tables and try your luck on favorites such as blackjack, craps, roulette, three card poker and Mississippi stud poker. Harrah’s Joliet also offers the chance to play Texas Hold’em poker and Omaha in the WSOP Poker Room.
Hungry ...
The Haunted Trails of Joliet is a unique, year-round “Halloween-themed” family entertainment center. Haunted Trails specializes in family fun, birthday parties, group celebrations, company picnics and events for all ages. Fun amenities include two award winning 18-hole mini-golf courses, two go-kart tracks, plus a junior go-kart track for the little ones, laser tag, batting cages and amusement rides. The Monster’s Tomb Game Room is the place for game lovers to congregate, as ...
Heap’s Giant Pumpkin Farm is the place to visit in the fall. Located 8 miles west of I-55 in Minooka, Illinois, Heap’s Farm is the place to challenge yourself in the corn maze or bean maze, catch a hay ride out to the 25 acre pumpkin patch to pick your perfect pumpkin off the vine, or play in Milo’s Castle Playground. Complete your fall décor with a mum, straw bales, corn stalks, pumpkins, gourds and squash. Don’t forget to grab a tasty caramel apple and pumpkin cookie, or try ...
The Hegeler Carus Mansion is a National Historic Landmark in LaSalle, Illinois (just a short drive from Starved Rock State Park). The mansion is open year round, Wednesday through Sunday with one-hour guided tour begins at the top of the hour starting at noon each day. Virtually unaltered since its completion more than a century ago, the 57 room Mansion, built in 1874, is an example of high artistic achievement in architecture and interior design and the site of historic accomplishments ...
The Heritage Harbor Marina offers 32 acres of nearly 8-foot deep harbor, boasts a harbor opening width of 200 feet and hosts 152 boat slips ranging between 35 and 60 feet. Watercraft rentals are also available for you to explore the water at your own pace with options like pontoons, electric boats, jet skis, kayaks, and stand up paddle boards.
Fox River Resort has spacious, condo-style two-bedroom villas from 856 to 1,330 square feet. Condos come complete with living rooms and full kitchens. Washers and dryers are included in select villas, and free laundry facilities are available on-site. Wi-fi and parking are free for guests.
Fox River Resort is much more than a splash-filled water park resort. We offer so many other fun-filled things to do, too, like an 18-hole mini golf course, seven-acre fishing and boating ...
The Hollywood Casino Joliet offers some of the best promotions in all of Chicagoland. Experience exciting action on over 1,100 of the most popular slot and video poker machines, and tables. There is non-stop action on the 50,000 square foot gaming floor; that includes a fantastic selection of table games, including Blackjack, Craps, Roulette. Several dining options are available from the fine dining of a steak house, the plethora of flavors on the buffet, to the casual beer and ...
Come journey back in time aboard the “Volunteer,” a 70-passenger, mule-pulled 1840’s replica canal boat as it coasts gently up and down the I&M Canal. Climb aboard for an hour of peaceful, historical fun! Families of all ages, historians, photographers and nature lovers will love this historic journey into Illinois’ scenic past! Special group tours & boat rides are available.
The I&M Canal Visitor Center presently has visitor information for sites throughout the national heritage area to help you plan your trip. Our map table is especially of interest to many. A story band and an 8 foot by 40 foot mural help tell the canal story. More exhibits are currently being planned for an unveiling for our 35th anniversary in late August 2019. Be sure to pick up brochures and visitor guides.
The Lock 16 Visitor Center offers a combination of history, and ...
Coming in 2023, the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 is an organization created to honor and celebrate the musical contributions of Illinois to the world. Based in Downtown Joliet, Illinois the museum will feature artifacts from musicians and bands as a way to honor all genres of music connected with Illinois. The mission of the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 is to preserve the history of musicians and bands with Illinois ties while educating visitors about the ...
Named for the “deadliest animal on the planet,” the Pistol Shrimp collegiate wood bat baseball team competes in the Prospect League, which spans 7 states and is made up of top college players from across the US hoping to catch the eye of an MLB scout.
Pistol Shrimp games are fun, affordable and family friendly! Enjoy delicious eats from local food vendors, a variety of beverages including our new signature Pistol Shrimp golden ale "Short Hop" by Tangled Roots Brewing Co, ...
This Visitor Center is located across the Illinois River from Starved Rock State Park, offering a great view of Starved Rock. View Starved Rock Lock & Dam and enjoy interacting with towboat Pilot House, while you learn about Illinois River's unique history and watch wildlife. History detectives can discover displays about early users of the Illinois River, the I&M Canal and how water transportation transformed the United States. Throughout the summer the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ...
After living in California for 35 years, the Illinois born Sally, since the fall of 2018 calls the Illinois Valley home. Healer, spiritual teacher – brain tumor survivor at 37 – continues to make a difference in thousands of lives worldwide from the inside, out, since she founded www.intuitiveartsandsciences.com in 1986 at 24 years of age.
Sally facilitates for individuals and organizations personal empowerment, more fulfilling relationships, deeper compassion, ...
The Joliet Area Historical Museum, in downtown Joliet, offers history buffs with a chance to relive history through special exhibits, educational programs and a summer concert series. The museum's main exhibition gallery serves as an introduction to the many stories of the Joliet area and its people. At the Joliet Area Historical Museum you can take a walk through a replica of the I&M Canal, window shop on turn-of-the-century street, live the legend of the ‘Mother Road’ Route ...
The Joliet Slammers are a professional baseball team in the independent Frontier League, who play their home games at Joliet Route 66 Stadium. The "Slammers" name refers to the famous prisons of Joliet and Will County, as well as a common baseball term. The Slammers won the Frontier League Championship in 2011. A Joliet Slammers baseball game is the perfect way to enjoy family time throughout the summer. Not only are you watching baseball but they have plenty of fun activities ...
Kayak Starved Rock Campground has high end kayak rentals, Guided Kayak Tours and riverside camping. Located right on the shores of the Illinois river right across from Starved Rock State Park. Enjoy sweeping views of towering St. Peter's sandstone bluffs, soaring bald eagles and beautiful sandy islands. Experience a weekend hiking the 18 canyons within the park and kayaking this beautiful area.
KidsWork Children's Museum brings children, families and the community together to engage in fun, hands-on interactive play. Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Sunday 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Closed Monday.
The LaSalle County Historical Society campus is located on the banks of the historic I&M Canal and is situated in the quaint village of Utica, Illinois, bordering beautiful Starved Rock State Park. The museum campus features five facilities: the Canal Warehouse, the One-Room School House, the Heritage Center, the Blacksmith Shop and the 1875 Barn. On Sundays in May – September, the historical society is home to the canal market. The LaSalle County Historical Society ...
The Lemont Area Historical Society is a national landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It also contains a rich collection of historical artifacts from Lemont and the surrounding area. The purpose of the Lemont Area Historical Society is to preserve the heritage and folklore of Lemont, and to operate the museum as a repository for memorabilia and artifacts.
Since 2013, Little Mountain Community Theatre has been bringing staff, cast and crew of all ages and abilities together around one idea: to create engaging performances the entire community can enjoy.
In everything we do, LMCT aims to educate individuals of all ages and abilities, to entertain audiences and to enrich our community with the presence of live theatre.
The Lockport Area Genealogical & Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the history of Lockport, Illinois so that future generations can enjoy the heritage of the area. The Lockport Area Genealogical & Historical Society collects, preserves and makes accessible to the public the stories and records of the family history of the Lockport Illinois area.
The Lockport Township Park District provides park areas and recreation programs in order to enrich the quality of life of the community. The Lockport Township Park District maintains 38 parks or approximately 950 acres. The Park District also maintains 19 facilities located within the District’s boundaries. Some of these facilities include: Prairie Bluff Public Golf Club, an 18-hole golf course that exhibits a full-service pro shop and clubhouse complete with a restaurant and ...
Matthiessen State Park is an Illinois state park located a few miles south of the more famous Starved Rock State Park. Matthiessen State Park is a paradise for those interested in geology, as well as recreation. With a visit to this state park, you can expect to see beautiful rock formations in addition to unusual and abundant vegetation and wildlife. An abundance of activities will be found at Matthiessen including, camping, fishing, horseback riding trails, geocaching, and ...
Midwest SOARRING Foundation preserves Mother Earth, and the rich traditions of the ancestors. Midwest SOARRING Foundation works to maintain the traditions of the ancestors and to conserve and restore to health the natural environment. Dance at the Pow-Wows, attend cultural events and support the bison heard, a symbol of hope and survival for all people. Listen, learn and become the spirit of the ancestors of Illinois Country at Midwest SOARRING Foundation.
The mission of NCI ARTWorks is to inspire growth among artists through artistic collaboration, educational outreach and art space development. NCI ARTWorks promotes quality professionalism and diversity in the arts in a positive manner. It is also our mission to create venues which support public and private education, community events, economic development and cultural tourism.
The Vision of North Central Illinois ARTworks is based on three initiatives, Artistic Collaboration, ...
The Old Joliet Prison was built in the 1850's, housing infamous criminals like Leopold, Loeb and Gacy. The prison also housed some famous characters, including "Joliet" Jake Blues (The Blues Brothers) and Michael Scofield and Lincoln Burrons (Prison Break).
The castle-like Prison was built with Joliet limestone, with over 20 buildings inside its four walls. Take the hour-long tour on specific days of the week, and learn more about Joliet Correctional Center ... which is ...
Come. Stay. Escape.Whether you are with your friends, having a night with someone special or just need to re-energize, let us captivate you with a silky Cabernet or crisp Sauvignon Blanc. We serve wine, classic and contemporary martinis and cocktails, and food that pairs with our enchanting libations. Create your own “wine flight” with the WineStation, a self-service wine bar. Signature charcuterie, salads and sweets. Soulful music.
Open Space Art Gallery and Studios aims to inspire and empower the community through the arts. Located in Ottawa (a few minutes from Starved Rock State Park), The Gallery is a space for the artists to show their work in a professional setting and gives them the opportunity to sell their peices. The Communal Studio is a place for artists to create. They hold classes and private parties as well to truly embrace your inner artist.
The Ottawa Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum is dedicated to the preservation of the history of the Ottawa, Illinois area and Boy Scouting, Lone Scouts, and Girl Scouting.
Built in 1927, the Rialto Square Theatre is considered one of the 10 most beautiful theaters in the nation. Located in Joliet, the Rialto ensures you can always find the entertainment you're looking for: concerts, comedy, Broadway, dance, and musicals. The theatre also is an iconic place to host a wedding, reception or other event.
A trip to the Starved Rock State Park area is refreshing, especially when you make a stop at Ottawa's SaltTreeYoga.
Everything at SaltTreeYoga focuses on restoring wellness and balance to the body, mind, and spirit. All services help with pain, detox, and/or relaxation. So many people in today's world are looking for more proactive choices to support their health and well-being. Their goal is to provide some of the latest natural healing methods and educational opportunities ...
The Seattle Sutton Marseilles Museum helps us remember our rich history. That history starts in the 1830's when settlers in built a cabin by the Illinois river. The arrival of the Illinois-Michigan Canal (1848), the railroad (1853), and the Nabisco factory (1902) are also milestones in our city's history.
The purpose of the Seneca Historical Guild is to bring people together interested in history, and especially in the history of Seneca, Illinois. The Guild’s major function is to discover, collect, observe, advance, and disseminate knowledge of the history of Seneca. The Seneca Area Heritage Museum highlights the many layers of history of Seneca, Illinois, including the I&M Canal and the LST Shipyards.
Skydive Chicago is located off of I-80 in Ottawa, Illinois (in Starved Rock Country) and nestled on 230 acres of forested land along the Fox River. Skydive Chicago is home of World VFS Champions SFC Core and National Silver FS Medalists SDC Rhythm XP. In 2016, Skydive Chicago hosted the World Parachuting Championships FAI Mondial. Skydive Chicago is the Midwest’s world class skydiving resort offering skydiving classes for beginners to the more experienced. They also have cabins ...
St. James at Sag Bridge was founded in 1833 and is the sole country parish of the Archdiocese of Chicago serving a growing community of Catholics who come together to worship. St. James at Sag Bridge is the oldest church in Northern Illinois. The church will be celebrating its 185th birthday in the Fall of 2018.
Stage 212, Inc. has been Starved Rock Country's community theater since 1968. It is an all volunteer run organization featuring local talent. Stage 212, in LaSalle, hosts four main stage productions per year, along with a children's production and various off-season productions.
Visiting Starved Rock? Your adventure starts here! Itineraries by local experts, community of avid hikers, focus on must-see hiking destinations, natural features of the park, wildlife viewing areas, and more!
Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast or just enjoy relaxing in the Great Hall, Starved Rock Lodge offers an abundance of activities for everyone. Guided activities include Trolley Tours, River Cruises, and guided hikes. In addition to guided activities, massages can also be scheduled for a little R&R by scheduling your choice of massage in a quiet cabin with soft, calming music and soothing scents. The tranquil, wooded setting takes you away from the troubles ...
Starved Rock State Park is a world apart from anything else in Illinois. From the minute you wind your car through the towering trees, you will feel as if you are away from everyday life. Starved Rock has 13 miles of trails to explore and the Illinois River offers fishing, boating, extraordinary views and great places to relax. Towering canyons are visible all year round with amazing waterfalls that are active in the spring and after heavy rainfall. No matter what the season ...
"A Quiet Surprise on the Prairie"
Known for it's rich history and exciting town events, Streator invites you to explore and interact with their beautiful and welcoming community. The City of Streator has a variety of activities from spring to winter available for everyone to come, participate, and enjoy themselves during their stay.
Delicious food and good times. Every day is a reunion at Tavern in the Glen. Make sure to check out our Facebook page for live entertainment and happenings!
The Forge: Lemont Quarries Adventure Park is an innovative private/public partnership offering year-round outdoor recreational activities that exhilarate, educate, and entertain adventure seekers of all ages and abilities. Stretching across 300-acres of historically significant land, The Forge: Lemont Quarries features the largest aerial challenge course, tallest climbing towers, and longest ziplines in the tri-state area. They offer mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking, ...
The Jacob Henry Mansion, a National Historic Landmark, is well known for its beauty and exceptional culinary offerings, which make the Jacob Henry Mansion the perfect setting for any special occasion. In 1873, the home was the most expensive in the county. The elaborate 40 room mansion is located on Joliet’s prominent Eastern Avenue. Located in Joliet, The Jacob Henry Estate transforms an ordinary celebration into an extraordinary one.
The Westclox Museum in Peru, Illinois presents visitors with a history of the Western Clock Company, better known as Westclox. The museum is located in a portion of the historic Westclox building. On exhibit is a large collection of Tick Talk Magazines that hold all of the wonderful stories of the thousands of employees who worked at the Westclox factory. Learn about the company that began waking up America, and eventually the world in 1885 at the Westclox Museum.
The building was the administrative offices of the waterway for the I&M Canal, in 1972 it was recognized by the National Park Service with a listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Now operated by the Will County Historical Museum and Research Center, it is still part of the I&M Canal Heritage Corridor. The Will County Historical Society exists so that people and organizations can learn about the rich history of Will County. At the museum, you can tour a ...
The Will County Historical Society's Heritage Village is a deep dive into the history of Will County's past. The VIllage features a Visitor center, Calaboose (Mokena), Wells Corner One-Room Schoolhouse (Homer Glen), Greenho Farmhouse (Crest Hill), Wabash Railroad Dept (Symerton), and Smokehouse (Lockport) - preservations of buildings from surrounding towns that keep the history alive to this day.
Historically important and architecturally unique, the Reddick Mansion anchors Washington Square, the site of the first Lincoln-Douglas Debate in Ottawa, Illinois. Finished in 1858, the Reddick Mansion, a lovely 22-room Italianate structure, was possibly the most expensive and ornate pre-Civil War home built in Illinois. Take a step back into the 19th century and visit the Reddick Mansion, where numerous rooms have been restored to their previous grandeur. A $1.4 million exterior ...
FREE VISITORS GUIDE
FREE VISITORS GUIDE
