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
05/03/2024 by Ale Trail
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Beer Releases & Tap Takeovers
Thursday, May 2
Fabled Orchards Blueberry
Noon Whistle Brewing (Nape...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
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
09/18/2023 by Jared Smith
Celebrate one of Northern Illinois' largest and longest-running festivals on October 7th & 8th in the Village of North Utica. Burgoo Festival is a great event to bring your entire family and friends to celebrate the start of Fall. Established in 1969, the B...READ MORE
09/15/2023 by Ale Trail
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New Releases & Old Favorites
Evil Horse Brewing Company
Crete, IL
Schottenhamel
Oktoberfest style-lager - 6.8%
A rich malty Marzen ...READ MORE
09/15/2023 by Lauren Las
John Mulaney & Pete Davidson will be at Rialto Square Theatre on Sunday, October 8. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, September 19 at 10 AM.
John Mulaney is a two-time Emmy and WGA award-winning writer, actor, and comedian. Mulaney can be seen in his latest Netflix stand up...READ MORE
09/14/2023 by Jared Smith
Get up and dance during the Summer Street Concerts Down on Main in Princeton, IL. Grab your friends, family, and lawn chair for an evening of live music and food trucks beginning at 6:00 PM. The concerts will be located on South Main St, between Peru St & Marion St. Admi...READ MORE
09/11/2023 by Mariah Scott
The state's largest wine festival returns to North Utica this year!
Make plans to travel to Carey Memorial Park in Downtown Utica on Saturday, September 16th, from 11 a.m. - to 6 p.m. and Sunday, September 17th, from noon - to 5 p.m. During this two-day event, s...READ MORE
09/07/2023 by Ale Trail
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New Releases & Old Favorites
Tangled Roots Brewing Company
Lockport, IL & Ottawa, IL
Walk to Remembeer
Blonde Ale - 4.5%
Brewed...READ MORE
09/05/2023 by Jared Smith
Eat sweets and listen to business pitches!
Plan a day in Lockport, IL, on Sunday, September 17th, to tour Lockport's eateries and watch children pitch their startup businesses! Whether you want to taste something new or watch children develop a brand, this is th...READ MORE
09/01/2023 by Ale Trail
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New Releases & Old Favorites
RT66 Old School Brewing Company
Wilmington, IL
Out of the Woods
Pilsner
They named it after a loc...READ MORE
08/28/2023 by Jared Smith
Celebrate Pluto Fest along with some tasty food.
Plan a weekend in Streator to celebrate Pluto Fest and the Streator Walldogs Food Truck Festival on Saturday, September 16th, in Streator's City Park, starting at 11 AM. This event is free and will coincide with the far...READ MORE
08/28/2023 by Jared Smith
For Immediate Release: August 15, 2023
Raise Awareness for Alzheimer's Disease!
The Alzheimer’s Association will partner with Star Union Spirits to raise money for Alzheimer's Awareness by releasing a limited Single Barrel American Brandy. Net proce...READ MORE
08/27/2023 by Lauren Las
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) recognized recipients of the 2023 Outstanding Volunteer of the Year awards, expressing gratitude to individuals and members of outdoor organizations for their volunteer service to IDNR and the people of Illinois.
“...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
08/25/2023 by Ale Trail
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New Releases & Old Favorites
Tangled Roots Brewing Company
Lockport, IL & Ottawa, IL
Blood Orange Wit
Belgian-style Witbier - 5%
...READ MORE
08/21/2023 by Jared Smith
Calling all nature lovers! If you consider yourself an avid nature enthusiast, then the Starved Rock Saplings programs are perfect. These programs are entertaining and engaging to children and families in nature. Whether you travel to Starved Rock State Park or stay at home,...READ MORE
08/21/2023 by Jared Smith
One of the best things about summer is fresh farm food.
Stop by Bronkberry Farms in Plainfield, IL, to try their sweet corn, tomatoes, zucchini, watermelons, and more! Bronkberry is a family-owned garden center, farm stand, apple orchard, and pumpkin farm that opene...READ MORE
08/21/2023 by Jared Smith
Enjoy some mouthwatering BBQ and lively music during La Salle's weekend events on Friday, September 8th, and Saturday, September 9th. Aside from delicious food and music, these events will include wine tastings, craft beers, and fireworks. Both events are family-friendly...READ MORE
08/18/2023 by Ale Trail
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New Releases & Old Favorites
Hickory Creek Brewing Company
New Lenox, IL
Buzzy Beaver
Honey Porter
Honey Porter with coffee and dar...READ MORE
08/14/2023 by Jared Smith
The Forge: Lemont Quarries is the perfect place to explore and stay active with friends and family. With activities like hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, and biking, the Forge Adventure Park offers almost every outdoor activity. Not only is it a destination for adventurers, ...READ MORE
08/14/2023 by Jared Smith
Admire unique vehicles on Saturday, September 2nd, from noon - 10 PM at one of the largest automotive shows in the state. Held in Downtown Streator during Labor Day Weekend, this family-friendly event brings over 600 restored and antique cars along with nearly 15,000 - 20,00...READ MORE
08/10/2023 by Ale Trail
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New Releases & Old Favorites
Mad Hatchet Brewing Company
Shorewood, IL
Venon Vol. 1
Sour Ale
Introducing Venom Series – Small...READ MORE
08/07/2023 by Jared Smith
View beautiful artwork inspired by the I&M Canal and Channahon!
In celebration of the 175th Anniversary of the I&M Canal, the Village of Channahon will host its first annual Art in the Park event on Sunday, August 27th, from noon - 3 PM at Memorial Tree Walk...READ MORE
08/07/2023 by Jared Smith
Release your inner artist!
If you are looking for a place to get your creative juices flowing and express your creativity, Open Space Art Gallery & Studios is the perfect place. Open Space is a contemporary art gallery and community arts center ba...READ MORE
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