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.
READ ON!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!
READ ON!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.
READ ON!The Heritage Corridor is filled with events that are waiting just for you. Live music, fun festivals, learning programs, and active adventures await.
READ ON!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.
READ ON!From big-name retailers like IKEA, Macy's and Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World to smaller boutiques such as Have to Have, Wine and Cheese by TCC, and The Book Mouse, or the I&M Canal Heritage Corridor covers shopping as diverse as the lansdscape. The Promenade Bolingbrook, Louis Joliet Mall, and Peru Mall are your one-stop shopping and dining centers, complete with special events and concerts throughout the year.
When you're looking for something not-quite new, Mill Town Market or Morris Antique Emporium will meet your needs. Plus, there are dozens of small shops like Uniques Antiques and Countryside Village in towns along the Corridor. Montana Charlie's Little America Flea Market is an outdoor extravaganza of new and old items, furniture and food. Open on weekends, treasure hunters will find everything they desire - maybe even some Route 66 collectibles and memorabilia.
Made in Illinois, August Hill and Illinois River wineries offer tastings, gourmet food items and wine accessories, and of course, your favorite wine to take home by the bottle or case.
Whether you're browsing or on a mission, the I&M Canal Heritage Corridor has every item on your list!