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Canal Towns

Canal Towns

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. 

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Canal Towns News Plan Your Season of Road Trips by Getting the Free Travel I&M Canal Towns Guide
Route 66

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!

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

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.

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

Events

The Heritage Corridor is filled with events that are waiting just for you.  Live music, fun festivals, learning programs, and active adventures await.

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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.

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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
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Your Spring Adventure in Starved Rock Country Starts Here



History of the I&M Canal

754 1st St. La Salle, Il 61301
815-220-1848
Dates: Now - Sep. 20, 2026
times: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
admission: Free
Location: Canal Corridor Association, 754 1st St., La Salle, Il 61301


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The History of the I&M Canal is a new 18-panel exhibit now on display in the historic Vintage Room at the I&M Canal Visitor Center. It features original illustrations by Tom Willcockson, acclaimed artist and author of Passage to Chicago: A Journey on the Illinois & Michigan Canal in the Year 1860.This engaging exhibit offers a fresh perspective on the people, places and events that made the I&M Canal one of America's most significant historic corridors and achievements.Admission to the exhibit is FREE, making this exhibit, the visitor center and the Lock 16 Caf an enjoyable outing for the whole family.The Visitor Center is open Wednesday through Sunday 8 am to 4 pm.

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