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!

Attractions Shop Food & Drink Events Read the Blog Stay Lodging Packages

Canal Towns News Plan Your Season of Road Trips by Getting the Free Travel I&M Canal Towns Guide

Route 66

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!

Attractions Shop Food & Drink Events Read the Blog Stay Lodging Packages

Route 66 News Meet Jennifer Bronk from Bronkberry Farms in Plainfield, IL

Starved Rock

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!

Attractions Shop Food & Drink Events Read the Blog Stay Lodging Packages

Starved Rock News Starved Rock Country Welcome Center & Illinois Made Gift Shoppe

Events

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!

All Events Submit Your Event Lodging Packages Music / Performing Arts Festivals

Events News Fireworks at the Joliet Slammers Stadium

I Want To...

I Want To ...

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!

Read the Blog Flock to the Rock Grab a Beer Shop Small Find Adventure Sip Some Wine Plan My Wedding Plan a Meeting

I Want To... News 10 Picturesque Winter Images from Around the Heritage Corridor

Mendota, Illinois

Locations | Events | Scenes from the Area

Mendota was founded in 1853. The name "Mendota" is derived from a Lakota word meaning "junction of two trails", which was found appropriate for the city since there was a nearby railroad junction. Make sure to visit the three museums of the Mendota Museum & Historical Society, including the Hume-Carnegie Museum that features an exhibit on Will Bill Hickok (born in nearby Troy Grove, IL).

Mendota, Illinois

First State Bank

Hume-Carnegie Museum

Mendota Museum & Historical Society

Scenes from Around the Corridor