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.
04/19/2024 by
In 2016, Darley Newman brought her award-winning PBS program, Travels with Darley, to the Heritage Corridor region for two episodes of Season 2, "Illinois: Route 66 & Midewin" and "Illinois: Ottawa & Beyond." Both episodes are available on Am...READ MORE
04/19/2024 by Lauren Las
Sunset Soiree FREE Concert Series
Thursdays, 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Downtown Lemont - Stephen Street
Free concert series! Join us in downtown Lemont on Stephen Street. Bring your blankets & chairs for free open seating. Seating opens at 6:00 p.m.,...READ MORE
03/06/2024 by Lauren Las
Indulge your taste buds during the culinary extravaganza of Lockport Restaurant Week (LRW)! Join us for two weeks of gourmet delight as we celebrate the diverse flavors of Lockport's vibrant restaurant scene. Savor the exquisite creations of Lockport's chefs with spe...READ MORE
02/27/2024 by Claire Mierzwa
St. Patrick's Day is a fantastic time for fun events! From lively parades and street festivals to pub crawls and Irish dance performances, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're exploring cultural exhibitions, trying your luck at themed games and...READ MORE
02/23/2024 by Lauren Las
Millstone Bakery featured on PBS show "You Gotta See This!": Customers come from Chicago and beyond to a lively bakery that is helping revitalize La Salle.
Kent & Erin started Millstone in 2022. They wanted to create a new destination for Downtown La Salle -...READ MORE
01/17/2024 by Blog Article
Eagle Watch Weekend
January 27 & 28, 2024
Events set to take place at the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center have been moved to the GYM at the Utica Village Hall.
Events planned for Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center have been moved to Starved Rock Lodge, except...READ MORE
01/08/2024 by Claire Mierzwa
Event information
Date: Saturday, January 13, 2024
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Fee: Free!
Age: All ages.
Contact: 815-722-9470
Location: Four Rivers Environmental Education Center
Event details
As the rivers freeze ...READ MORE
01/08/2024 by Claire Mierzwa
In a surprising move that has both baseball and comedy fans buzzing with excitement, the legendary Bill Murray, alongside Mike Veeck and Night Train Veeck, has stepped up to the plate – not as an actor, but as the new owner of the Joliet Slammers. Murray, known for his...READ MORE
01/05/2024 by Lauren Las
The Illinois Office of Tourism (Enjoy Illinois) entered a float in the historic Rose Parade for the second straight year in 2024. This year's float highlighted iconic roadside attractions along the 301+ miles of Route 66 in Illinois, including Wilmington's own Gemini...READ MORE
12/15/2023 by Mariah Scott
Downtown Morris has everything you need for a perfect Christmas outing!
2nd Annual Holiday in the Park
December 16, 2023
Save the date for the 2nd Annual Holiday in the Park, hosted by the City of Morris! Enjoy ice skating, visits with Santa, and fare from...READ MORE
12/07/2023 by Claire Mierzwa
McDonald’s Launches CosMc’s
McDonald’s is set to launch the first CosMc’s location in Bolingbrook, Illinois, unveiling its new spinoff brand that aims to revolutionize the fast-food experience. The fast-food giant plans to test 10 Co...READ MORE
11/10/2023 by Ale Trail
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New Releases & Old Favorites
Pollyanna Brewing Company
Lemont, IL
Sure Sure
Hazy IPA - 6.4%
Brewed with a thiol enhancing yeast str...READ MORE
10/27/2023 by Ale Trail
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New Releases & Old Favorites
Noon Whistle Brewing
Naperville, IL & Lombard, IL
Don't Worry, Be Gummy
Hazy IPA
Don't Wor...READ MORE
10/20/2023 by Ale Trail
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New Releases & Old Favorites
Noon Whistle Brewing
Naperville, IL & Lombard, IL
Helles Among Us
Helles Lager
This brand-spanking...READ MORE
10/13/2023 by Ale Trail
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New Releases & Old Favorites
Mad Hatchet Brewing
Shorewood, IL
Fedd Up with the HAZE
Red IPA - 6.3% ~63 IBU
In collaboration with R...READ MORE
10/10/2023 by Lauren Las
Join park staff, volunteers, and park visitors for a fun filled day at Starved Rock State Park’s Falltober Fest 2023 and other events around the park, lodge, and nearby campground!
Starved Rock State Park
Starved Rock Saplings - Going Batty - 9:30am
...READ MORE
10/06/2023 by Blog Article
You're all set for day of hiking through beautiful Starved Rock State Park, but then the skies open up and the rains come down. You check the weather, and it doesn't look like the sun will come back out.
Your day isn't over! There is still a lot of...READ MORE
10/06/2023 by Ale Trail
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New Releases & Old Favorites
RT66 Old School Brewing
Wilmington, IL
Smokey the Beer
Racheier
We are so excited for our “Smoke...READ MORE
10/03/2023 by Lauren Las
SPOOKY SZN is here, and whether you are making plans or wanting to change your plans, there are some great events coming up to celebrate.
October 6th - October 29th
Jack O'Lantern World at The Forge: Lemont Quarries
Jack O’Lantern World is bringing their jaw...READ MORE
10/03/2023 by Blog Article
Starved Rock Lodge and the Sainte Genevieve Riverboat have launched two new tours! Throughout October, enjoy a riverboat cruise and lunch at Stared Rock Lodge. Choose the East-to-West Route that starts with the cruise and ends with lunch, or the West-to-East Route that start...READ MORE
09/29/2023 by Ale Trail
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New Releases & Old Favorites
Evil Horse Brewing Company
Crete, IL
Smokey the Donkey
Indian Pale Ale
Bright golden in color, low in ...READ MORE
09/25/2023 by Jared Smith
Starting Friday September 22nd, 2023, the Old Joliet Prison will be offering Flashlight Tours 7 days a week from 5pm to 9pm. All tours include a souvenir flashlight!
$30 - Adults
$10 - Children age 3-10
Children under the age of 3 are free.
Reservations are...READ MORE
09/22/2023 by Ale Trail
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New Releases & Old Favorites
Garage Band Brewing Company
Plainfield, IL
Malibu Bay Breeze
Specialty Cocktail
Crafted with Mali...READ MORE
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