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.
Sometimes the best things in life come on a bun. For those days when you just want a good burger, the restaurants of the I&M Canal Heritage Corridor will take it a step further. Get a fabulous burger experience with the best meat and creative toppings that will have you snapping photos on social media quicker than the blink of an eye.
Burger Theory
Burger Theory in Joliet focuses on gourmet burgers. Their beef burgers are a special blend of certified angus beef chuck, brisket and short rib, served on a potato bun. Diners can even customize the meal to excite their taste buds to create the perfect meal. Save room for dessert! Signature house made mini-desserts are served in individual mason jars. Burger Theory providers diners with an open and innovative layout that meets a casual and rustic design to create a fun, inviting, ...
Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket is a historic roadhouse on the famous Route 66 specializing in fried chicken and American comfort food. The Chicken Basket is the perfect stopping place if you are traveling to or coming from Chicago. Enjoy a vast array of dining pleasures including the Famous Fried Chicken in a Basket - a half fresh Grade-A chicken cut into four pieces, hand breaded, and deep fried. Grab a bite of some of the best chicken on Mother Road.
Honest Abe’s Tab & Grill is family owned bar and grill in Morris, Illinois. They are famous for their Springfield Shoe sandwich. Much like Abe Lincoln’s political career, the horseshoe sandwich originated in Springfield, Illinois and is considered a favorite among local Illinois cuisine. The tap & grill also features burgers, salads and other local sandwiches. Enjoy a quaint family meal like Abe Lincoln at Honest Abe’s Tap & Grill. Part of the Heritage Corridor Ale Trail and ...
The to-order menu here is the Smash'd Burger (with cheese curds). The burger was featured on Chicago's Best. Either a single or double black angus patty, melted velveeta, spicy banger aioli sauce, and green onion. It comes with homemade white cheddar curds (which almost make you forget about the burger, they are so good).
The clip, courtesy of Chicago's Best, was filmed at Lodi's Maple Park location.
Nelly’s Restaurant on Route 66 is “Home of The Best DAM” burgers, beef, hot dogs, fresh cut fries, onion rings, and pulled pork in the Chicagoland area. Though Nelly’s burgers, Vienna hot dogs, and sandwiches are all amazing, their star dish would be the pulled pork. Nelly’s will never fail to stratify your taste buds and is a great place to eat with the locals.
Nelly's Restaurant on Route 66 is located next to RT 66 Old School Brewing on historic Route 66 in Wilmington and ...
If you ask a local in the Heritage Corridor on where to grab a great burger, they'll say "Nick's Tavern" before you can even finish your question. Nick’s Tavern opened in 1945 and is Lemont’s favorite gathering place for drinks, food, and a welcoming atmosphere. Nick’s Tavern features Lemont’s best burgers and drink specials. In fact, it has been voted as the "Best Burger along the I&M Canal" for 2 straight years now. Not much has changed since the early years, Nick’s Tavern ...
In beautiful Starved Rock Country is Illinois’ finest craft beer experience, Tangled Roots Brewing Company. Tangled Roots Brewing Company is a locally grown farm-to-foam brewery experience and craft beer brand that compliments Starved Rock Country well. You can also eat at the amazing, adjoing The Lone Buffalo restaurant as well. While enjoying a tasty craft brew, schedule your brewery tour to learn how Tangle Roots creates their beer and their history. Every Friday and Saturday ...
The Lone Buffalo has many great burgers, but our personal favorite is the Brewmaster Burger. Aged cheddar cheese, bacon, crispy onion strings, house-made pickles, Brewmaster BBQ sauce, and garlic aioli. You truly can't go wrong with any burger, including the TLB Burger, Spicy Avacado, or Bacon Bleu. A Garlic-herb turkey burger and a Beyond Burger are both on the menu as well.
The Red Dog Grill is Starved Rock Country’s best waterfront dining venue. Located in Heritage Harbor Ottawa, the Midwest’s premier getaway destination and marina resort, you will dive into their splendid menu enjoying gourmet American and seafood cuisine while overlooking a world-class marina. Red Dog Grill is the perfect place to enjoy scrumptious apps, mouthwatering burgers and fresh seafood. Enjoy the beautiful marina views from the outdoor patio during the summer, or warm ...
Due to the COVID-19 virus, organizations may have different hours and services. Events may be rescheduled or cancelled. Please check with the organization/event prior to traveling to ensure hours/status.
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