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.
A Mess of Things in Ottawa, Illinois is your shopping destination for vintage, shabby chic, recycled, home décor, and clothing items. The store is a real treasure with a variety of unique items. The shop is located in Downtown Ottawa with plenty of free parking and is close to restaurants and assortment of stores.
Amazing Fantasy Comics is your one stop shop for all things pop culture - Purveyors of fine escapist adventure since 1978! Located in Lockport, Illinois, this is the place to find Comic Books, Graphic Novels, CCGs, Board Games, Manga, RPGs, Action Figures, Funko, & More!
Applebee’s Bait Shop is conveniently located right off of I-80 in Utica. The Shop is open 7 days week to provide bait, tackle and fishing licenses to fisherman looking to enjoy a relaxing day on the lakes and streams at Starved Rock State Park. Applebee’s Bait Shop has fishing guides available for Illinois River and LaSalle Lake.
August Hill Winery & Illinois Sparkling Co. in Downtown Utica is Starved Rock Country’s award winning winery. August Hill Winery has been making wine since 2002. The Winery includes caves for aging wine, a tasting room, a sparkling wine program, and a staff that is family. A visit to winery allows you to not only taste the wine but see how the wine is made. Enjoy wine tastings of the August Hill Winery in the tasting room or on the outdoor patio and enjoy live music in the ...
B Dominique Boutique is the newest place to shop! Carrying EVERYTHING in sizes small through 3XL! B Dominique Boutique also gets new arrivals every Thursday, so the store is always new and fresh. Check them out in Ottawa, IL.
Blain’s Farm & Fleet is a specialty discount retailer in the Starved Rock area of Ottawa, Illinois. The chain currently has 38 stores in Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois. The stores sell tires, agricultural supplies and equipment, hunting and fishing equipment and licenses, kitchen appliances, housewares, automotive goods, men's & women's clothing, household hardware, lawn and garden supplies, outdoor power tools, pumps and generators, paint, pet supplies, candy, sporting goods, ...
Blain’s Farm & Fleet is a specialty discount retailer in Romeoville, IL (off Weber Road). The chain currently has 38 stores in Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois. The stores sell tires, agricultural supplies and equipment, hunting and fishing equipment and licenses, kitchen appliances, housewares, automotive goods, men's & women's clothing, household hardware, lawn and garden supplies, outdoor power tools, pumps and generators, paint, pet supplies, candy, sporting goods, tools and ...
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.
Clarks Run Antiques is located in Utica, near Starved Rock State Park. Clarks Run Antiques is Starved Rock Country’s largest antique store with over 70 vendors, and has been voted best in the Midwest. Clarks Run sells rusty, recycled, weathered, refinished, shabby, vintage and trendy antiques. Touch and feel the excitement of a great find as you enjoy the hunt at Clarks Run Antiques. Part of the Heritage Corridor Antique Trail.
Clarks Run Creek Wine & Gifts is located near Starved Rock State Park. Clarks Run Creek is the perfect environment for getting a taste of the local culture and spending time with friends. The wine store features a great selection of wines from all around the world, as well as many Illinois wines such as Spirit Knob, Blue Sky, Kickapoo Creek and Pheasant Hollow. Enjoy a tasting glass in their spacious and comfortable lounge overlooking beautiful Downtown Utica.
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.
Handy Foods is the place to shop in Ottawa and the Starved Rock area if you are looking for the highest level of quality, fresh products and service at affordable prices. The grocer wants to give customers a special feeling when they shop at the store. Each customer will be greeted when they enter and they will carry your groceries out when you are ready to leave. The store is your typical grocery store serving a wide selection of dairy products, a deli, canned goods and meat. ...
Herman’s Package Store offers its customers a wide selection of domestic and imported beers, wines, and spirits, along with sodas, tobacco products, snacks, and bar supplies. Herman’s Package Store has been serving the Ottawa Starved Rock area since 1944. Make sure to pick up some local favorite craft beer, Radium City and Tangled Roots Brewing Company. Part of the Heritage Corridor Ale Trail.
Hollingworth features handcrafted toffees and candies with the finest and freshest natural ingredients. Their toffees are made by hand using the highest quality creamery butter, pure chocolate and fresh nuts. Other product offerings include sea salt caramels, the ever-popular Chesters, caramel apples and other molded chocolates. Share in the tradition and indulge in a box of melt-in-your-mouth Hollingworth Candies.
It starts with the best meats……
We find premium sources of each animal, mostly in the U.S.A – for the really exotic meats, we get it from the most sustainable sources. Our meat goes to state of the art facilities that stay current with the latest trends in flavors and ingredients. Then we focus on the long and slow way of making jerky. Starting with whole slices of top round. Seasoned and marinated to flavorful perfection – never rushed to pack in all the delicious ...
At ItisAmazing, They select the right mix of special pieces and offer affordable pricing for their customers. As a personal shopper, the employees at ItisAmazing will focus on making your shopping experience enjoyable, especially for the thrift conscience individual.
Items change seasonally and if you don’t find what you’re looking for, catalogs are available for custom orders.
An amazing retail store sells women’s apparel, shoes, men & women’s accessories, some children ...
At Jilley’s, we’re focused on finding one-of-a-kind items that you won’t find anywhere else. Specializing in ladies clothing & accessories, we have searched out the latest fashion trends to fit your unique style. Come check out our boutique in downtown Lemont. We hope to see you soon!
Jobst Monuments & Gifts is two shops in one, housed in an historic 1800’s building. The store carries unique gifts for the home and garden, as well as provide family and civic memorials. When visiting Jobst Monuments & Gifts be sure to stop by the fairy garden corner. A great store to stop at when visiting the Starved Rock area.
Kenwood Liquors tradition and roots in the Chicagoland area reach back six decades. You will find this to be your one stop shop for all your beverage needs. With a selection that is sure to impress, from the vast array of wines to the impressive inventory of craft beer, there is always something new to try. There are plenty of beer, wine and spirit tastings to introduce you to products throughout the year. Part of the Heritage Corridor Ale Trail.
Clothing, shoes, accessories, and giftware are all located at Lady Di's in Downtown Ottawa. Personal service is a priority and you will always find current trends and styles made with quality. Walk out a new person, dressed head to toe.
The Lock 16 Gift Shop is located at the Lock 16 Visitor Center in LaSalle. Gift Shop boasts a wide selection of unique gifts, seasonal décor, cards, books, souvenirs and mementos and exclusive I&M Canal Boat items. No matter the occasion you’re sure to find the perfect I&M Canal themed gifts at the Lock 16 Gift Shop.
Louis Joliet Mall is Joliet’s shopping destination. Louis Joliet Mall offers an unparalleled shopping, dining and entertainment experience. The mall is home to fashionable department stores Carson Pirie Scott and Macy’s, which are surrounded 100 fabulous shops, restaurants and a state of the art Cinemark Theatre. Shop Louis Joliet Mall for the best deals and latest seasonal trends.
Mabel's Market offers treasure seekers and casual shoppers a varied collection of farmhouse, cottage and vintage wares, rustic and re-purposed furniture and home goods, as well as locally hand-crafted accessories.
Be a Mabel!
The Morris Retail Association is made up of 33 unique stores in Downtown Morris. The Morris Retail Association aims to bring you a memorable shopping experience each time you visit. Downtown Morris is an original outdoor shopping destination with unique stores and has been named amount the top 50 shopping day trips by Chicago Magazine. Downtown Morris is located on the historic I&M Canal and offers a quaint old fashioned appeal and a wealth of unique shops that rival that ...
Shop Peaces of Fashion in La Salle, Illinois for shoes, clothes and accessories. Visit us to work with personal shoppers or to get unique gifts for the people in your life. If you are looking for assistance for footwear, come try out our Orthotic Scanner!
Are you looking for freshly popped gourmet popcorn? Well, you have found it! Popus Gourmet Popcorn is a family owned gourmet popcorn shop, with fresh warm cheese, caramel, kettle corn, movie b utter and other delicious flavors.
Prairie Fox Books is an independent bookstore in Ottawa, Illinois. The book store features an English library-style atmosphere and knowledgeable booksellers. Prairie Fox Books hopes to create a community gathering space for book lovers of the area.
Rock Paper Scissors in Downtown Ottawa features a wide array of educational toys, games and school supplies for children of all ages. The includes hands-on experiences for educational learning, and an open space for classes, workshops and events. Rock Paper Scissors is Starved Rock Country’s headquarters for teachers and students.
Since 1979, Sheri Law's passion and love of Art Glass has inspired the studio repertoire to encompass an unlimited range of custom glass designs & techniques including: Beveled, Stained, Fused and Carved Glass
Smokey Row Antique Shop is located in the heart of Historic Downtown Lemont. The Shop features a wide array of antiques and collectibles, artwork, eclectic home decor, exquisite jewelry, and specialty gifts.
The Starved Rock Café is open daily and conveniently located on the west end of the property, just off the Lobby. Stop in for a breakfast sandwich, delicious coffee or a caramel latte. Place your to-go order in the Café for breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks. Try our delicious fudge or Artisan ice cream (we make both right here at the Lodge). We also have craft beer by the can and Illinois-made wines. The Cafe also carries travel supplies.
The Old Wood Store in Lockport, Illinois is a leading lumber store. We carry vintage wood, barn doors, wood materials, wood signs, home decor, gifts and much more.
Visit The Rock and Soul in Utica, Illinois and browse a variety of rock collectors specimen, minerals, gemstones, and crystals. The shop also includes Tibetan tapestries, statues, beads, books, gifts and more. Special events and classes also held on site. Visit our website for more information.
If you are interested in cozy rentals, contact us about the Will Tree Cottage and Bunk house!
Thimbles is one of the top ten quilt shops specializing in Bernina and Baby Lock Sewing Machines. Located in I&M Canal town of Lockport, Thimbles offers a variety of sewing classes from beginning quilting to sewing techniques, tote bags and sewing clubs. Each class, the staff at Thimbles aims to educate the customer further on quilt and fabrics, and different sewing techniques for each project. Thimbles is the sewing and quilting headquarters of the Illinois Valley.
True North was voted Grundy County's Best Antique Store. Located in Morris, True North is the home to an enormous amount of vintage items, antiques, and hand-made gifts. The store features over 70 vendors who work hard to bring the most popular vintage and antique items to the area for customers to purchase. At True North, you're sure to find something that makes you say, "I remember that".
37 years experience for best selection and prices on western boots, hats, clothing, belts, jewelry and accessories. Next to Wendy's in Peru. Open 7 days per week.
FREE VISITORS GUIDE
FREE VISITORS GUIDE
