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.
05/10/2024 by
Travels with Darley
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 episo...READ MORE
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
08/27/2023 by
Travel + Leisure recently picked the best state parks in each state, and it's no surprise that Starved Rock State Park came out on top in Illinois. The park is a perennial favorite, seeing nearly 3,000,000 visitors each year. Earlier this year, Travel Lens ranked it the ...READ MORE
05/30/2023 by
1 of 20 Sites, Nationwide, Chosen for Community Conservation Initiative
The Leave No Trace organization has selected Starved Rock State Park as a 2023 Spotlight site. As outdoor areas all over the country are being impacted by record use, this new initiati...READ MORE
02/06/2023 by
We’ve all been to weddings, and when it comes time to tie the knot – you want your wedding to be memorable (and better than the ceremonies you have attended in the past!). You want your guests to look back on your special day saying “That was an amazin...READ MORE
04/25/2018 by
The City of Joliet is a must visit along your trip down the Mother Road. Gaming, shopping, dining, a beautiful theater and an amazing ... prison. Yes, I said prison ...
If you’re coming into Joliet from the City of Chicago, depending on the time of year, a stop at t...READ MORE
05/26/2017 by
Strap on your helmet and hit these popular paths.
I&M Canal State Trail / LaSalle to Ottawa
This 15-mile stretch of trail along the western branch of the I&M Canal begins in LaSalle, where the canal meets the Illinois River. Heading east, the trail winds bet...READ MORE
09/22/2016 by
Discovering big stories along the canal
My grandfather slowed his walk. He turned to face me, peering over the top of his silver-rimmed glasses.
"Well, Jake, what do you think?"
I gazed up toward the sky from the rocky path we had been walking for the last...READ MORE
09/22/2016 by
Go on an adventure, while creating new memories with your favorite people!
Some see adventure as jumping out of a plane or trying a new thrilling ride. Others might see adventure as trying something new on a dinner menu. The word "adventure" ...READ MORE